Ireland's Northern Jaunt

Saturday

Travel from Holyhead to Dublin, arriving in time for dinner and our overnight stay at the Talbot Stillorgan Park Hotel near Dublin.

Sunday

We travel west across Ireland pausing in Athlone before arriving in Westport for our 2-night stay at the Castlecourt Hotel. Westport is a delightful heritage town, attractively located near the sea with the famous Mayo Mountains as its impressive backdrop. Westport is a unique blend of old and new living memories of a bygone era mingling happily with the lively busy town of today.

Monday

Enjoy a full day excursion around 'Magical Mayo'. Following the shores of Lough Cullin and Lough Conn we reach Achill Island - A rugged, unspoilt and spectacular region of Ireland dominated by Slievemore Mountain that rises dramatically to the north. At Achill Sound we join the famous circular 'Atlantic Drive' - a truly stunning journey.

Tuesday

Departing Westport, we drive via Drumcliffe, where we visit the grave of the renowned Irish poet W.B. Yeats. Next, following in the 'lea' of the majestic Benbulben 'flat-topped' mountain, we discover the secrets that have made Belleek Pottery one of the most enduring success stories of Irish craftsmanship during a tour of Belleek Pottery. We pause in Donegal town before reaching the Kees Hotel at Ballybofey (3-Star rated) for our 2-night stay.

Wednesday

Today we make our way to Donegal Town with free time in the morning. Visit Magee's, home of traditional hand-woven Donegal Tweed for a weaving demonstration. Later, we explore the remote Donegal Gaeltacht district, where we visit the Glencolmcille Folk Village. Perched overlooking the idyllic Glen Bay Beach, the village is a replica of a typical Irish rural village. Step back in time on a self-guided tour exploring the replica thatched roof cottages and dwellings of a rural Irish village.

Thursday

Our adventure continues today with a journey over to the north coast and the chance to visit the Giant's Causeway with its impressive Visitors Centre. From here, we follow the Antrim Coast Road with its stunning ocean views arriving in Belfast for a 2-night stay at the Stormont Hotel (4-Star rated)

Friday & Saturday

FRIDAY: This morning a local coach and Belfast guide will meet us at our hotel for a guided tour of Belfast. In the afternoon we visit Titanic Belfast, the world's largest Titanic visitor experience. This iconic six-floor building explores the sights, sounds, smells and stories of the Titanic, which brings history to life in an unforgettable way. SATURDAY: We board the late morning sailing from Belfast to Cairnryan, from here, we return south through the Scottish Borders to Henley, returning home late evening.