Full description
Discover Dublin, Belfast, Derry and the Antrim Coast on a circuit combining guided walks, Game of Thrones filming locations, and the essence of the Republic and Northern Ireland.
This comprehensive route invites you to discover the whole island of Ireland, combining the cultural richness of the Republic with the spectacular landscapes of Northern Ireland. From lively Dublin to historic cities such as Belfast and Derry, the journey reveals the contrast between tradition and modernity. Throughout the itinerary, iconic places such as the Giant's Causeway, the Antrim Coast and the authentic landscapes of Donegal and Sligo are explored. The experience is rounded off with unique visits such as the Game of Thrones Studios and the bohemian atmosphere of Galway. A well-balanced route that combines nature, history and unforgettable experiences.
**Day 1. Dublin. Arrival**
Arrival in Dublin, the capital of the Republic of Ireland. Regular or shared transfer from the airport to the tour hotel. The rest of the day is free to rest, start exploring the city on your own, or enjoy the atmosphere of the Irish capital. Overnight stay with breakfast at the Camden Court Hotel, Hampton by Hilton Dublin, Academy Plaza Hotel, The Croke Park Hotel or similar.
**Day 2. Dublin**
In the morning, after breakfast, we will take an approximately two-hour walking tour, departing directly from the hotel, as our first introduction to the city of Dublin. We will begin the route in the southern part of the historic centre, passing by the surroundings of the two great medieval cathedrals, St. Patrick's Cathedral and Christ Church Cathedral, both visited from the outside, as well as the area around Dublin Castle, a symbol of the city's historic past. We will continue towards the surroundings of Trinity College, Ireland's oldest university, and then make our way into the lively Temple Bar area, known for its cobbled streets, vibrant atmosphere and traditional pubs. The walk then takes us to Moore Street market, a reflection of everyday local life, and we will cross the iconic Ha'penny Bridge, one of the city's most photographed landmarks. Now in the northern part of the centre, we will walk along O'Connell Street, one of the capital's main thoroughfares, home to the General Post Office (GPO), a symbol of the 1916 Easter Rising, the Spire, an emblem of contemporary Dublin, and the nearby Garden of Remembrance. Before finishing, we will admire the elegant Custom House, one of the finest examples of 18th-century neoclassical architecture in Ireland. The visit ends in the city centre, leaving free time to continue exploring Dublin at your own pace. Overnight stay with breakfast at the Camden Court Hotel, Hampton by Hilton Dublin, Academy Plaza Hotel, The Croke Park Hotel or similar.
**Day 3. Dublin – Drogheda – Game of Thrones – Belfast**
After breakfast, departure from Dublin towards Northern Ireland, crossing the characteristic green landscape of the north-east of the island. Along the way we will make a brief stop in Drogheda, a historic town on the banks of the River Boyne and one of the main walled enclaves of medieval Ireland. There we will be able to see some of its most representative remains, such as the imposing St. Laurence Gate, a former entrance to the town, and learn about the surroundings of St. Peter's Church, linked to the country's religious history. This brief stop will allow us to get a feel for the local atmosphere before continuing the route. Next, we will head to the Game of Thrones Studio Tour, where we will enjoy an immersive visit that lets us step into the world of the famous series through original sets, costumes and production elements, offering a detailed look at its creative process. We will have free time to explore the studios at our own pace, as well as to have lunch on-site and enjoy the full experience. In the afternoon, we will continue to Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, where we will take a brief panoramic tour. During the tour we will learn about its industrial and shipbuilding past, represented by the iconic "David and Goliath" cranes, and we will pass by the Titanic Quarter, the area where the famous ocean liner was built, now transformed into a modern cultural space and a symbol of the city. We will also admire the silhouette of Cave Hill, associated with the inspiration for Gulliver's Travels, and drive through some of its most representative neighbourhoods, where the well-known political murals are preserved, reflecting the city's recent history. Overnight stay with breakfast at the Holiday Inn Belfast or similar.
**Day 4. Belfast – Derry**
In the morning, you will have free time in Belfast to continue discovering the city at your own pace or to visit the lively St. George's Market, one of the city's most iconic historic markets. This covered space, with its Victorian structure, offers an interesting showcase of local life, combining traditional stalls, food and craft products that reflect the cultural identity of Northern Ireland. Afterwards, we will meet to begin our coach journey to Derry, crossing the geographical heart of Northern Ireland along one of its most iconic scenic routes. As we leave Belfast behind, the landscape opens into a mosaic of green fields, traditional farms and gentle hills that evoke the rural essence of the island. The route climbs gradually towards the Glenshane Pass, where the surroundings change and give way to a wilder landscape, with wide stretches of peat bog, moorland and impressive open valleys offering panoramic views of great beauty. After crossing this mountainous area, we will begin a descent towards the Roe Valley, with views of Benbradagh mountain, before continuing through small towns and wooded areas that signal the proximity of our destination. Arriving in Derry offers one of the most iconic sights of the tour, with the crossing of the River Foyle and the city's historic walls dominating the skyline. We will take a walking tour of this fascinating city, one of the best-preserved walled cities in Ireland, which combines a rich historical past with a vibrant contemporary cultural life, driven in part by the global success of the series Derry Girls. Overnight stay with breakfast at the Holiday Inn Express Derry City Centre or similar.
**Day 5. Derry – Portrush – Giant's Causeway – Dark Hedges – Derry**
After breakfast, we will leave Derry (Londonderry) to discover one of the most spectacular landscapes in Northern Ireland: the Antrim Coast, famous for its cliffs and beautiful natural formations. Our first stop will be Portrush, an elegant coastal town on the Atlantic, known for its wide beaches, its seafront promenade and its relaxed atmosphere, from where we will begin to enjoy the first views of this impressive coastline. We will continue to Dunluce Castle, where we will make a photo stop. This spectacular ruined fortress, dramatically perched on a cliff overlooking the sea, offers one of the most iconic images of the region; its setting, surrounded by the Atlantic, and its history linked to ancient Irish clans make it one of the most evocative places in the north of the island. The route will then take us to the famous Giant's Causeway, one of Ireland's great natural icons and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This unique landscape, formed by thousands of volcanic basalt columns, has given rise to numerous legends linked to giants and Celtic mythology. Afterwards, we will visit the famous Dark Hedges, an impressive avenue of intertwined beech trees that has become one of the most recognisable settings in Ireland, especially after its appearance in the series Game of Thrones. After this day of unforgettable landscapes, we will return to Derry, where you will have time to continue enjoying the city's atmosphere. Overnight stay with breakfast at the Holiday Inn Express Derry City Centre or similar.
**Day 6. Derry – Donegal – Sligo – Claremorris/Galway**
After breakfast, we will leave Derry heading to the north-west of Ireland, entering County Donegal, one of the country's most authentic and least-travelled regions. Along the way we will enjoy open landscapes, with green hills, lakes and small rural towns that reflect the purest essence of traditional Ireland. Our route will take us to Donegal Town, where we will make a brief stop to stroll through this lively town of medieval origin, located at the mouth of the River Eske on Donegal Bay. The centre of the town revolves around The Diamond, its distinctive triangular square, a meeting point of local life. During the visit we will be able to see Donegal Castle, a 15th-century fortress built by the O'Donnell clan, as well as the surroundings of the ruins of Donegal Abbey, a former 15th-century Franciscan monastery. We will continue to Sligo, a historic coastal town in the province of Connacht, whose Gaelic name Sligeach refers to the abundance of shells in its estuary. Considered the cultural centre of the north-west of Ireland, Sligo is deeply linked to the figure of the poet W. B. Yeats, whose work was inspired by the landscapes of the region. On arrival, we will take a brief walk through the centre, including the surroundings of Sligo Abbey, a 13th-century Dominican monastery located in the heart of the city. Weather permitting, we will continue to Knock Shrine, one of Ireland's main pilgrimage sites, famous for the Marian apparition of 1879 and today recognised as an important spiritual centre. Dinner, overnight stay and breakfast at the McWilliam Park Hotel (Claremorris), The Connacht Hotel (Galway), Nox Hotel Galway (Galway), Maldron Hotel Sandy Road Galway (Galway) or similar.
**Day 7. Claremorris/Galway – Galway – Dublin**
After breakfast, we will head to Galway, where we will spend the morning enjoying this bohemian-spirited port city, located at the mouth of the River Corrib on the Atlantic Ocean. Known as the City of the Tribes and considered the cultural capital of the Connacht region, it stands out for its lively atmosphere and its close connection with music and local tradition. Founded in the 13th century and governed for centuries by powerful merchant families, the city retains an open and creative character today. You will have time to explore the lively Latin Quarter, with its cobbled streets and colourful facades, stroll around the Spanish Arch, a former gateway to the port, or enjoy the atmosphere of its traditional pubs and small shops. You may also visit Eyre Square or admire the impressive Galway Cathedral, located next to the river. After lunch, departure from Galway heading east to begin the journey back to Dublin. Along the way, we will cross the Irish interior landscape, with its wide green meadows, gentle hills and small rural towns that reflect the peaceful essence of the country. Overnight stay with breakfast at the Camden Court Hotel, Hampton by Hilton Dublin, Academy Plaza Hotel, The Croke Park Hotel or similar.
**Day 8. Dublin**
Breakfast and free time in Dublin until the scheduled time for the transfer to the airport for your return flight.
Read more...