Shades of Ireland featuring Northern Ireland

Shades of Ireland featuring Northern Ireland

Experience Ireland in all its vibrant shades as you travel from the lively city of Dublin to the untamed natural beauty of Northern Ireland. Explore Dublin with a local guide. See Killarney National Park on a boat ride. Experience the world-famous beauty of the Ring of Kerry. Marvel at the stunning 700-foot Cliffs of Moher. Enjoy tea and scones on a traditional family farm. Tour the walled city of Derry. Stand on the awe-inspiring Giant’s Causeway. Uncover the legend of the Titanic at Belfast’s famed Titanic Experience. From breathtaking nature and stunning coasts to a captivating culture and friendly locals – this is Ireland.

Tour Ireland Collette Escorted Ireland Alternative

Experience Ireland in all its vibrant shades as you travel from the lively city of Dublin to the untamed natural beauty of Northern Ireland. Explore Dublin with a local guide. See Killarney National Park on a boat ride. Experience the world-famous beauty of the Ring of Kerry. Marvel at the stunning 700-foot Cliffs of Moher. Enjoy tea and scones on a traditional family farm. Tour the walled city of Derry. Stand on the awe-inspiring Giant’s Causeway. Uncover the legend of the Titanic at Belfast’s famed Titanic Experience. From breathtaking nature and stunning coasts to a captivating culture and friendly locals – this is Ireland.

Highlights

  • Dublin is the capital and the largest city in Ireland. Dublin is located on Ireland’s east coast, and sits at the mouth of the River Liffey. Dublin was founded in 841 by the Vikings. Today, Dublin is the economic center of Ireland and the historical and contemporary center for industry, education and the arts.
  • Raise a pint and dine on classic Irish fair as you and your fellow travelers are treated to a night of traditional Irish entertainment.
  • Kilkenny is a city located in the southeast part of Ireland in the county town of County Kilkenny. It is built on the banks of the River Nore. Killkenny is rich in history as it was the seat for political power in the Middle Ages. Much of the city's architecture dates back to the 17th century.
  • Waterford is Ireland's oldest city with a history that dates back to Viking times. This busy port city on a tidal reach of the River Suir is known as the home of the famous Waterford crystal.
  • Today in Waterford, you have the choice between two activities. First, you may choose a behind-the-scenes tour revealing the century’s old tradition of Waterford Crystal making. Your guide will detail the step-by-step phases of creating this beautiful product, including sculpting, engraving and design inspiration. Meet high-end crystal makers. Visit the Waterford retail store, home to the largest collection of Waterford Crystal found anywhere in the world. Your other option is to enjoy a privately guided tour of Waterford’s Medieval Museum, the only museum of its kind in Ireland. Discover the story of Ireland’s oldest city through the Middle Ages. Your tour will take you down into centuries old vaults, through the 13th century Choristers Hall, past the magnificent Cloth of Gold and High Mass Vestments, and culminate in the 15th century Mayor’s Wine Vault. Here, enjoy a glass of wine. House of Waterford Crystal Factory Tour - NEO Day 3 Activity Level: 1 Guided tour of crystal factory. Leisurely and slow paced. Minimal physical activity, approximately 45 minutes in duration and guests will have time to enjoy the café and gift shop. Waterford Medieval Museum and Wine Vault - NEO Day 3 Activity Level: 2 Leisurely paced. Approximately one hour in duration.
  • Blarney Castle is a medieval castle in Blarney near County Cork, Ireland. The castle was built nearly 600 years ago by Cormac MacCarthy. The castle is very popular with tourists because of the Stone of Eloquence, more commonly referred to as the Blarney Stone. Millions of tourists have flocked to the castle in kiss the Blarney Stone, located at the top of the castle.
  • The Ring of Kerry is a 111-mile-long circular tourist route in County Kerry in southwestern Ireland. It is Ireland’s longest and one of its most diverse big circle driving routes. The route features beautiful beaches, lakes, medieval ruins, mountains and lakes. Driving The Ring is a very popular daytrip for tourists visiting the area, especially in the summer months.
  • The Cliffs of Moher are a series of cliffs located on the Atlantic coast of County Clare in the west of Ireland. They are 5 miles/8 kms long and 702 feet/213 meters tall at their highest point. On a clear day one can see the Aran Islands and Galway Bay. These cliffs are Ireland’s most visited natural attraction with up to 1 million visitors every year.
  • Galway is a city in western Ireland in the province of Connacht. Galway lies on the River Corrib and is surrounded by County Galway. Galway is known as Ireland’s cultural heart and for its numerous festivals, events and celebrations. The area of Galway is famous for its association with the Claddagh ring, a traditional Irish ring featuring two hands, a heart and a crown which represent friendship, loyalty and love.
  • Donegal is a town in Donegal Country in the northern part of Ireland. Donegal is located on the River Eske and Donegal Bay. The center of the town, known as The Diamond, is a hub for music, poetic and cultural gatherings in the town. Donegal and the area surrounding it also features sandy beaches, some with good conditions for surfing.
  • Derry, officially Londonderry, is the second largest city in Northern Ireland. Derry is an old walled city that lies on the banks of the River Foyle. Derry is the only remaining completely intact walled city in all of Ireland. The walls were built between the years 1613 and 1619 by the Honorable Irish Society.
  • At the foot of the basalt cliffs on the coast of Northern Ireland’s County of Antrim lies the stunning Giant’s Causeway. Travelers flock to this UNESCO World Heritage site to experience the 40,000 massive dark columns rising from the sea. The natural phenomena has sparked legends of giants and magic, but its unique geology points to volcanic activity from over 50 million years ago. Walk along the gorgeous sea coast…step on the hexagonal formations of the sea-level Causeway itself…and behold the Giant’s Boot and Chimney Stacks. Just don’t forget your camera. The Giant’s Causeway is one of the most beautiful sights in all of Ireland and the experience of a lifetime.
  • The Glens of Antrim is a region of glens, or valleys, located in Northern Ireland. Known locally as The Glens, this area features nine glens that stretch from the Antrim Plateau to the coast. This area boasts spectacular scenery as well as many stories of its history and magical myths and legends about the area.
  • Belfast is the capital and largest city in Northern Ireland. Belfast is known as the city where the Titanic was built. Due to the ship's construction here, a popular attraction to see in Belfast is the Titanic Belfast, the world’s largest Titanic visitor experience.
  • The Titanic was built in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Due to the ship's construction here, a popular attraction to see in Belfast is the Titanic Belfast, the world’s largest Titanic visitor experience. The experience features full scale reconstructions and innovative interactive features to learn all about the Titanic and its story.

Hotels

  • Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge — Dublin
  • Granville Hotel — Waterford
  • The Heights Hotel — Killarney
  • Old Ground Hotel — Ennis
  • Sligo Park Hotel — Sligo
  • The Ebrington — Derry
  • Europa Hotel — Belfast

Details

Tour Operator
Collette
Start City
Dublin
End City
Belfast
Duration (Days)
13
Activity Level
Level 2

What's Included

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