Overview
Leave the bustle of Dublin for the green landscapes of Ireland’s countryside, and visit Rathbaun Farm. You’ll learn about Ireland’s sheep-farming practices, and try your hand at scone baking in the farmhouse kitchen. You’ll travel on to western Ireland’s colorful harbor city of Galway, with its vibrant shops, cafés, and traditional pubs. On your way to Northern Ireland, pass through Westport, Donegal, and Letterkenny. Then, enjoy a guided walk on Derry’s Old Town walls, and visit the amazing natural formation of the Giant’s Causeway—massive interlocking basalt columns that dramatically extend across the seashore.
Spend two nights in Belfast, with plenty to see in Northern Ireland’s capital city, including the fascinating Titanic Experience. On your way back to Dublin, stop in Carlingford. This Cooley Peninsula town is famous for its oyster farms, medieval buildings, and 12th-century King John’s Castle overlooking the city. Spend the last night of your escorted tour of Ireland where you began, in Dublin. You’ll see why this escape through Ireland’s beauty and history is made even better without the crowds of the high season on your affordable, guided Ireland vacation.
Itinerary
Céad mile fáilte—a hundred-thousand welcomes!
At 3pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for an afternoon orientation drive to see O'Connell Street, Georgian squares, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and Trinity College. (D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CITY SIGHTS: “In Dublin's fair city where girls are so pretty” you'll also find great personality and charm. The charisma of Dubliners and the bounty of pubs here is matched only by the gorgeous Georgian Squares, 12th-century St. Patrick's Cathedral, and legendary library of Trinity College.
Shannon's Shores & Farmer's Chores
ATHLONE: Visit the town on the River Shannon.
RATHBAUN: Try your hand at scone baking, learn about sheep herding, and enjoy coffee and your scones at an Irish farm. (B) 130 mi / 210 km.
LOCAL FAVORITE - LOCAL TASTES: Someone's in the kitchen in Rathbaun Farm, just outside of Galway. You can don an apron and whip up your own delicious home-made scones, served with fresh preserves and whipped cream. Learn about the long-time tradition of sheep farming in this beautiful Irish landscape.
West Is Best
WESTPORT: Visit the elegant holiday resort on Ireland's west coast.
DONEGAL: Visit the Vikings' town. (B/D) 181 mi / 292 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - PICTURE PERFECT: The long Wild Atlantic Way of Ireland stretching to Donegal's Inishowen peninsula encapsulates some of the most dramatic landscapes and charming towns such as Westport, with its Georgian town center and tree-lined promenade, and “The Cathedral Town” of Donegal.
Ancient Walls & Giant Steps
DERRY: Walk on the city walls with a Local Guide.
GIANT'S CAUSEWAY See more than 40,000 interlocking basalt columns formed millions of years ago. (B) 124 mi / 200 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - LEGENDS & LORE: Follow in the legendary footsteps of giants at the foot of the cliffs along the coast of Northern Ireland, where 40,000 massive black basalt columns jut out of the sea. Hear the legendary myth of two battling giants that caused the magnificent geological wonder of Giant's Causeway, which actually evolved through volcanic activity 50–60 million years ago.
A Grand Ship & Great Sights
BELFAST: Orientation drive. Visit Titanic Experience museum. Free time this afternoon. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HISTORIC SPOT: Explore the fascinating Titanic Belfast Experience for an in-depth look at the history and mystery of the legendary ocean liner. See artifacts and amazing accounts of Belfast's boom in shipping and those who built her. Learn about the courage and loss of all involved on a fateful night in April 1912. Get an immersive look at the launch, sinking, and final resting place of the doomed ship, with myths and reality revealed.
Seaside Charm
CARLINGFORD: Stop in the charming village on the Cooley Peninsula.
DUBLIN: Free time in the evening. (B) 105 mi / 169 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT BEAUTY SPOT: Carlingford is one of the best preserved medieval towns in Ireland, known for its oyster farms, quaint buildings and the 12th-century King John's Castle overlooking the harbor. Explore this magical place, full of character, and walk through the narrow lanes and small streets including Tholsel Street, where the remains of the medieval walled town's gates can still be seen.
Safe Travels Until We Meet Again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- We've packed everything you need for the perfect tour—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word), to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world's most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi.
- 6 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners
- Dublin: The Address Connolly (Superior First-Class):
The newly refurbished, The Address Connolly is conveniently located in the heart of Dublin's City Centre. The hotel property boasts 160 exceptionally appointed guest rooms and suites offering every amenity to ensure a comfortable and luxurious stay for all guests. This central Dublin hotel is the ideal location for corporate or leisure stays in Dublin. It is on the doorstep of a host of Dublin tourist attractions within walking distance. - Galway: Galmont Hotel and Spa (Superior First-Class):
You are guaranteed the best of all worlds when you stay at the luxury 4 star Galmont & Spa Galway. One of the finest Galway Hotels with scenic Galway Bay views, luxury city center hotel accommodation, excellent food and world class spirit one spa & leisure facilities. - Letterkenny: Clanree (Superior First-Class):
The 4 Star Clanree Hotel is perfectly located near stunning coastal drives, beaches and signature discovery points of the famous Wild Atlantic Way. The Aileach restaurant in the Clanree offers award winning food and is popular with locals and guests alike. The hotel boasts a fully equipped health and fitness club with a heated indoor 20m pool. - Belfast: Europa (Superior First-Class):
The world-famous Europa hotel Belfast is home to some pretty important people when they visit Belfast. It's no surprise, really, loved for its laid-back look and feel, The Causerie is perfect for lunch or dinner; the Piano Lounge serves traditional Afternoon Tea, cocktails, and hot and cold dishes; and the Lobby Bar offers a casual ambience for relaxing with a drink. Complimentary Wi-Fi access is provided throughout the hotel. - Dublin: Hilton Garden Inn Dublin City Centre (First-Class):
The hotel is walking distance from the Temple Bar neighborhood, Irish Whiskey Museum, Trinity College, O'Connell Street, and EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum. Guests can enjoy all-day restaurant and fitness center. All bedrooms have complimentary WIFI, 40-inch TV, mini-fridge, work desk with ergonomic chair and the Suite Dreams® by Serta bed.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
Don't waste your precious time qeuing up, skip the lines with special VIP access at the must-see sites. Read more
Globus has the recipe for a great vacation. Savour the flavours of the UK & Ireland through its regional cuisine. Read more
Travel with expert Tour Directors and Local Guides who share their vast knowledge of the destination. Read more
Globus picks hotels picked on their centralised location, so you'll stay right in the heart of the destination. Read more
Globus' coaches offer one of the most comfortable, stress-free and eco-friendly ways to travel. Read more
Do as the locals do and enjoy unique experiences that you wouldn't find touring on your own. Read more
Trip Reviews (1) Most Recent 'North of Ireland Escape' Reviews
Brochure
Globus Worldwide (2025-26)
Dates & Pricing
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A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Globus. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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