Ireland: Castles to Pubs

July 4 - 18, 2008

ITINERARY ~ REVISED MAY 1st

Giant Irish Adventure Tour

Finn McCool, the legendary Irish giant, was apparently so tall that you could see all of Ireland between his legs. And like Finn, who could travel the length and breadth of the island in a few easy steps, this epic adventure effortlessly explores more of Ireland than most Irish people will visit in their lifetime. From the Giant's (that would be Finn's) Causeway in the very Northeast to the Blarney Stone in the Southwest the trip packs in loads of great scenery, walks and outdoor activity, historical and legendary sites and lots more. And if the weather is clear, you might even see Finn McCool himself...

Northern Ireland: In 2007 Northern Ireland was named as one of the top ten places in the world to visit by Lonely Planet travel guides. Not surprising really when you consider the great scenery, fascinating history and political situation, the activity options and the genuinely warm welcome. Plus, of course, for many it is a completely new area to be explored as the peace has unfolded over the last ten years. All the highlights such as Belfast, Derry, The Antrim coastline and the Giant's Causeway are covered - plus plenty of secret places of our own.

Northwest and Western Ireland: Heading across to the Northwest-- Imagine a country of wild moorland, rugged mountain ranges, and endless uncoil beaches. Counties Donegal, Sligo and Mayo feature some of Europe's least populated regions - at times we will have the landscape all to ourselves as we walk in the hills of Donegal, explore the megalithic tombs at Carrowkeel or BBQ on silver strand beach in Mayo. There are of course a few well known highlights, like Croagh Patrick, Ireland's holiest mountain (named after St. Patrick of course) and plenty of breathtaking lesser known locations, such as Slieve League cliffs - the highest sea cliffs in Europe. Again too, the range of historical sites and activities is wide ranging, and also we have the option of hot sea-weed baths in county Sligo - an unbelievably relaxing way to unwind.

Western Ireland: The Western section of the tour weaves its way down the coast from county Mayo into counties Galway and Clare and down towards the mighty River Shannon. First we enter Connemara, a favorite area for Irish people to come on holiday due to the rugged scenery, local friendliness and culture. If you asked an Irish person what their favorite place in Ireland was, for many it would be Connemara. Continuing South, either through or around Galway City, we enter the Southerly province of Munster and County Clare to explore the unique landscape of the Burren, enjoy the live traditional Irish music in Doolin and marvel at the Cliffs of Moher. Next stop, County Kerry, once we have taken the ferry over the River Shannon…

South West Ireland: The Southwest is the most popular area of Ireland for visitors, and with good reason. We spend four nights in Counties Kerry and Cork, exploring the three peninsulas of Dingle, Iveragh (the Ring of Kerry) and Beara. Each has its unique scenery and atmosphere, from the green rolling fields and buzzing town of Dingle, to the majestic mountains of the Ring of Kerry and the remote wilderness of the Beara Peninsula. We take trips to islands, optional sea-kayak with seals, visit ancient archeological sites and enjoy first class Cork and Kerry hospitality before heading inland and back through Limerick and Tipperary to Dublin.

This really is a giant Irish adventure!

Day 1

• Arrive at Dublin Airport
• Shuttle to hotel in central Dublin
• Relax or explore
• Walking tour of Dublin
• Gourmet dinner at hotel
• Overnight in Dublin
  

Day 2

• Breakfast at hotel
• Explore Dublin
• Dinner at Jury's Irish Cabaret
• Overnight in Dublin

Day 3

• Meet Vagabond Irish Tour Guide
• Head north out of Dublin toward Belfast
• Cross over Northern Ireland border and walk to summit of Slieve Gullian Mountain for great views over South Armagh
• Drive into Belfast, the capital city of Northern Ireland for lunch
• Black Cab tour of the city
• Depart Belfast late afternoon and head along the coast into the scenic Glens of Antrim
• Overnight in the costal area of the Glens of Antrim
  

Day 4

• Continue North around the coastline including the rugged Torr Head area
• Test your head for heights at the Carrick a Rede rope bridge
• Visit the ancient McDonald Stronghold of Dun Luce Castle
• Experience the natural phenomenon of the Giants Causeway
• Walk a section of the Famous Antrim Coastline
• Visit to Bushmills Whiskey Distillery (the oldest whiskey distillery in the world)
• Overnight in traditional farmhouse B&B adjacent to Giant's Causeway
  

Day 5

• Drive or walk down stunning Downhill Strand Beach
• Take a Vagabond shortcut off-road to find great views down over the Foyle River and across to the Inishowen Peninsula
• Head into Derry a walking tour of the city, including the Bogside area synonymous with the Bloody Sunday massacre
• Stop at the ancient stone fort of Grianan of Aileach
• Cross border back into Donegal and the Republic of Ireland
• Scenic drive through the Glenveigh National Park
• Overnight in the award winning Nesbit Arms Hotel in the cultural village of Adara
  

Day 6

• Optional bike ride or horseback ride among some of the most remote and wildly beautiful scenery in Ireland
• Walk on the amazingly remote Dooey Beach
• Drive through the scenic Glengesh Pass to West Donegal
• Walk to the 2000 ft Slieve League sea cliffs - Optional fishing trip
• Head into Donegal town for a pint
• Overnight in scenic fishing village of Mullaghmore in Sligo, staying in the waterside Pier Head Hotel with health spa (and Jacuzzi on the roof over-looking Donegal Bay)
  

Day 7

• Visit the grave of WB Yeats in Drumcliffe
• Walk to Queen Maeve's tomb atop Knocknaree with amazing views of the Sligo coastline
• Take a fantastically relaxing hot seaweed bath, with mysterious healing properties in Enniscrone
• Detour to Carrowkeel Megalithic Cemetery in the Bricklive Mountains
• Travel through North Mayo - one of Europe's least populated areas
• Shopping stop in the bustling and bright town of Westport, County Mayo
• Visit Croagh Patrick - St Patrick's Reek - from where the snakes were banished - Take a stroll up this epic pilgrimage mountain
• Picnic on the slopes and look down upon the panorama of Clew Bay
• BBQ on the unbelievably remote silver strand beach
• Overnight near Westport, County Mayo
  

Day 8

• Head South through Killadoon into the Connemara region, famous for its wild and rugged landscape and stunning scenery
• Stop at 'The Field Pub', named after the movie which was filmed here, at the head of Killary Harbour, Ireland's only fjord
• Visit Kylemore Abbey, one of Ireland's most beautiful buildings
• Drive into the Mamturk Mountains - Go for a walk in the mountains and follow the footsteps of St Patrick
• Lunch in Galway City
• Stop in the village of Kinvarra to see Dunguire Castle - ancient seat of the High Kings of Munster
• See Hookers, traditional sailing boats
• Visit Corcomroe Abbey and see the Poulnabrone Dolmen - Megalithic tomb
• Stop in Lisdoonvarna, known for its famous Matchmaking Festival
• Overnight: Doolin, County Clare
  

Day 9

• Depart Doolin
• Stop in Lahinch on the ocean
• See the famous Cliffs of Moher - 700 ft sea cliffs
• Stop in Tralee to see the Rose Festival
• Take Conor Pass, Ireland's highest road
• Walk and view over Dingle Bay
• Waterpsort option in Castlegregory - watch the surfers and windsurfers. Optional kayak rental
• Overnight in Dingle Town - a town of 2000 people and 54 pubs

Day 10

• Head out along the Slea Head Drive
• Stop at Europe's most westerly point.
• See Coumeenoule Beach (film set of Ryan's Daughter)
• Stop in Dunchaoin Harbour - real old Ireland
• At Smerwick Head enjoy views of Mount Brandon
• Back into Dingle for shopping or a boat trip to see Funghi the Dolphin
• Walk to waterfalls above Lough Annascaul
• Lunch in Tom Crean's South Pole Inn
• Drive along Inch Strand
• Head for Iveragh Peninsula via Killorglin (Goat Fair) and Castlemaine (Wild Colonial Boy)
• Join Ring of Kerry scenic route on the Iveragh Peninsula
• Optional horseback ride at Rosbeigh Strand Beach
• Overnight in the fishing village of Portmagee

Day 11

• Possible visit to the breathtaking Skellig Islands
• Fabulous views down over Caherdaniel
• Walk in the Macgillycuddy Reeks Mountains
• Visit Staigue Fort (amazing views)
• Views down over Killarney, the lakes and the national park
• Walk the 'Old Kenmare Road' through the ancient oak forest of the Killarney National Park
• Leave Ring of Kerry scenic route on the Iveragh Peninsula
• Lunch/shopping in picturesque Kenmare
• Drive over the Cork and Kerry mountains and down into west Cork
• Overnight in the Glengarriff Park Hotel, Glengarriff
  

Day 12

• Head out onto Beara Peninsula, the undiscovered peninsula: great views of the Caher Mountains and Sheepshead Peninsula
• Visit ancient Ogham Stone in Eyeries or the Uragh Stone Circle
• Quick pint at McCarthy's Bar in Castletownbere
• Possible off-road to the south of Bere Island - possibly the remotest place in Ireland
• Take the Healy Mountain pass, Ireland's "bendiest" road with great scenery north and south
• Special Vagabond shortcut over the mountains and through the old copper mines
• Arrive in the stunningly located village of Allihes for lunch
• Take the cable car to Dursey Island or walk the Beara Way - looking back up the peninsula
• Sea-Kayaking optional activity at the base of Hungry Hill Mountain
• Bantry Bay Seal Spotting in Glengarriff
• Overnight in the stunning Gougane Barra Hotel
  

Day 13

• Follow Lee Valley from the source of River Lee
• Kiss the World Famous Blarney Stone
• Pass through Cork, Ireland's 2nd city
• Walk and picnic on Galtee Mohr (Ireland's fifth highest Mountain) Or Visit the quirky Mitchelstown Caves
• Visit the Magnificent Rock of Cashel
• Pass through Curragh Racecourse - Braveheart film set
• Head home via Kildare
• Arrive in Dublin and check into our hotel, a "castle" outside the city, just five miles from the Dublin Airport
• Enjoy a gourmet farewell dinner
  

Day 14

• After breakfast, take shuttle to the Dublin Airport for departure