Day 1 (Monday): Morning departure and travel to Holyhead for the ferry crossing to Dublin Port. Upon arrival we continue our journey through Ireland to the Central Hotel, Donegal for a 4-night stay.
Day 2 (Tuesday): A free day in delightful Donegal. In the centre of town is the Diamond, an open pedestrian area surrounded by shops, cosy pubs, wonderful restaurants and delightful coffee shops. Donegal town centre is also known for a monument dedicated to the four authors of ‘The Annuals of the Four Masters’.
There is plenty to keep you interested on a coach tour to this bustling small town. Donegal Castle, the 15th century seat of the O’Donnell Chieftains and the remains of a Fransciscan Abbey sit in its delightful bay. Alternatively, why not take the waterbus from the harbour and let the captain regale you with exciting stories of times gone by? There is plenty to see and do but above all Donegal has splendid scenery that will delight any visitor!
Today, we’ve included a Wild Atlantic Boat Cruise which offers a breathtaking way to experience the county’s rugged coastline, dramatic sea cliffs, and abundant marine wildlife in one unforgettable journey.
Day 3 (Wednesday): Today we visit the walled city of Derry in Northern Ireland. Prosperity and peace have made this compact city, with its tumultuous history, one of the most fascinating to visit in the British Isles.
Upon arrival, enjoy an hour and a quarter’s tour of Derry by bus with a local guide. The tour begins with a panoramic drive along the river front to the Iskaheen viewing point where you will see many of the city's key landmarks which will be explained in detail by your guide before you disembark the coach for photographs. The tour then proceeds back across the river Foyle into the famous Bogside to view the murals which explain the political conflict and to view the location of Bloody Sunday. Next stop is the 17th century city walls where you will enjoy a short walk on top of the only intact walled city in Ireland.
The tour then finishes at the Guildhall (the city hall) for a short, guided tour of the building including its iconic stained-glass windows and great hall.
During the tour your guide will explain all the key aspects of the city's history including early Christianity, the plantation of Ulster, the siege of Derry, emigration to Britain and the new world, the two World Wars and the modern political conflict/peace process.
Afterwards, enjoy some free time in Derry. Take the opportunity to walk across the Peace Bridge or visit one of the city’s many fascinating museums. We return to our hotel late afternoon, in time for our evening meal.
Day 4 (Thursday): We start the day with a visit to Belleek Pottery, where the entrance and a guided tour is included. Afterwards, we journey to the Mullaghmore Peninsula, see the harbour where Lord Mountbatten was assassinated in 1979. We continue to Drumcliffe Church, where the poet WB Yeats is buried before concluding the day in the coastal town of Sligo.
Day 5 (Friday): We make the journey back to Dublin Port for the return ferry to Holyhead. We will stop in Virginia for tea/coffee enroute.