Rated Excellent on Trustpilot
Over 105 Years Experience
Committed to Sustainable Tourism
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot
Over 105 Years Experience
Committed to Sustainable Tourism
11 Days
TBC
From Only £1,749.00
On our captivating adventure, take in a blend of the country's panoramic landscapes of rolling hills, sparkling lakes and lively cities, including the capitals of Dublin and Belfast.
This holiday operates under our Optimum Experience brand.
With elegant space-maximising interior design, our Optimum Experience vehicle offers incredible passenger comfort with a selection of fine tours and destinations to choose from. Our Optimum holiday packages include a wide range of excursions, events and admissions, accommodation in a minimum 3* hotel (unless otherwise stated) and, on all our European Holidays, a Skills Representative too! Why not also book our door-to-door service and make your next holiday stress-free?
We join our coach and travel to south Wales where we set sail for the Ireland, with dinner included onboard. This evening, we'll stay in Waterford for one night.
After breakfast at the hotel this morning our journey takes us via a visit to Blarney Castle & Gardens, famous for it’s Blarney Stone, said to give the gift of eloquence to all who kiss it, before we make our way to our next hotel in Killarney for a 3 night stay.
We enjoy a traditional horse-drawn Jaunting Car ride today - experience Ireland's most traditional mode of transport around Killarney's jaw-dropping National Park before a cruise across Lough Leane, the region's largest and most picturesque lake.
A full day excursion takes us to the Iveragh Peninsula, exploring the scenic loop known famously as the Ring of Kerry, Ireland’s most spectacular mountain road enjoying truly stunning panoramic coastline views. The drive takes us along the banks of the River Laune through Killorglin before enjoying amazing views along Dingle Bay with panoramic photo opportunity stops en route to the village of Waterville – a favourite of Charlie Chaplin, hence the statue in his honour. Continuing via Kells, we also stop in the charming village of Sneem, one of Ireland’s most colourful villages which was a regular holiday choice of Charles de Gaulle. We return via the breathtaking Molls Gap to Killarney National Park, one of the most beautiful and admired national parks in the world, with another photo opportunity stop at the scenic viewpoint of Ladies View named after Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting who were impressed with the vista, en route back to the hotel.
Morning in the charming village of Adare to see the beautiful Cottages - it is widely regarded as one of the prettiest in Ireland. We continue with a visit to the acclaimed 15th Century iconic Bunratty Castle - the most complete and authentic castle in Ireland. Situated within twenty six acres of the castle grounds is the Folk Park, with over thirty buildings bringing to life the 19th Century experience of residents who lived in this are amidst the recreated farmhouses, shops and streets. The last leg of our journey today takes us to our hotel overlooking the the majestic Loughrea lake on County Galway where we stay for the next 2 nights.
Our included excursion today takes us to the Burren Visitor’s Centre for an essential introduction to the world-famous UNESCO Geopark boasting thousands of years of history. We drive through the lunar landscape of the Burren, home to all manner of flora and fauna and internationally recognised as a place with unique geology, landscape and culture. We have a lunchtime stop in the spa town of Lisdoonvarna, famous for its rich heritage and legendary matchmaking festival which dates back to 1857 and still takes place each September, before continuing to the west coast. We visit the renowned Cliffs of Moher Visitors Centre and stand in awe at the sheer might of the Atlantic Ocean, which over hundreds of years has carved the 230-metre-high cliffs which are some of the highest in Europe and the most famous in Ireland, falling steeply into the ocean and populated by hundreds of seabirds whose cries mingle with the sound of the waves. The panorama overlooks the Aran Islands, and in clear weather you can see as far as the mountains in Connemara.
After breakfast this morning our continuing journey takes us through Cong, a small village that is known worldwide as the place where The Quiet Man, which starred John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara, was filmed, and Sligo, know for it’s ruined 13th century abbey and connections with Irish poet WB Yeats, before arriving at our overnight hotel in Donegal.
We cross the border into Northern Ireland and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Giant's Causeway with admission to the Visitor Centre included (a shuttle bus to the Giant's Causeway is available from here at a cost of approximately £3 return). From here we continue via a scenic drive along the Antrim Coast Road past Glens of Antrim with a stop in Ballycastle Town, then onto our hotel in Dunadry for a 2 night stay.
This morning we head into Belfast for a guided tour of this exciting city with a mix of Victorian grandeur, industrial grit and living history. We have also included admission into the city's leading attraction, the Titanic Belfast.
We head to Dublin, the Irish Capital, to enjoy exploring Ireland's first city. With a fascinating past and the perfect pint of Guinness waiting, Dublin never fails to charm its visitors. We also enjoy a guided tour of the city by coach before heading to our hotel a one night stay in Bray.
An early departure this morning, as we return by ferry to North Wales with breakfast included on board and then continue our homeward journey by road.
Dooley's Hotel Waterford 3*, Waterford (1 night bed & breakfast)
In Waterford's centre, Dooley's is a family-run hotel offering spacious rooms and full Irish breakfasts.
Killarney Towers Hotel 4*, Killarney (3 nights half board)
Nestled in the heart of the quaint and beautiful Killarney town, the hotel offers a range of modern and comfortable facilities and friendly and courteous service. Guest rooms are all furnished to high standards and are ideal for those looking to spend a peaceful and relaxing time in this beautiful Co. Kerry town.
Lough Rea Hotel & Spa 4*, Loughrea (2 nights half board)
Set beside the calm, picturesque Loughrea Lake in County Galway. Facilities include an award-winning spa where a full menu of luxurious treatments are available to book locally. There are also two restaurants, a bar and brasserie, as well as a rooftop garden and lounge with a cocktail menu. The spacious rooms at the Lough Rea are decorated in bold patterned wallpapers and bright accents and feature flat-screen TVs.
Central Hotel 3*, Donegal (1 night half board)
Set in the town centre, this polished hotel with views of Donegal Bay is a 2-minute walk from Donegal Castle and a 6-minute walk from the Donegal Railway Heritage Centre. There's a bistro, a fine-dining restaurant, and a bar, whilst other amenities include an indoor pool, gym, plus a hot tub and a steam room.
Dunadry Hotel & Gardens 4*, Dunadry (2 nights half board)
This modern and comfortable hotel offers guests complimentary leisure facilities, including a swimming pool, spa pool, steam room and fitness conditioning suite. The hotel's restaurant is locally renowned, and guests can enjoy various dishes to suit all appetites.
Wilton Hotel 3*, Bray (1 night half board)
With spacious rooms and free Wi-Fi, Wilton Hotel Bray is about 1.2 miles from Bray's seafront promenade and beach. All rooms are en-suite and have a TV, work desk and tea/coffee-making facilities.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Alfreton | Bus Station, Hall Street, Alfreton, DE55 7BT |
| Arnold | High Street Bus Stop, Outside Leisure Centre Car Park, Arnold, NG5 7EE |
| Beeston | Lace Road, behind the Cricketers Pub Beeston, NG9 2LA |
| Bulwell | Aldi (Bus Stop SW12), Sellers Wood Drive, Bulwell, NG6 8GE |
| Chesterfield | Coach Station, Beckingham Way Chesterfield, S40 1TH |
| Derby | Bus Station, Bay 27 & 28, Derby, DE1 2AY |
| Heanor | Market Place, Wilmott Street (Market Square side) Heanor, DE75 7EG |
| Ilkeston | Wharncliffe Rd, Market Place, Ilkeston, DE7 5GF |
| Leicester | St Margarets Bus Station, Stand SA, Gravel Street, Leicester, LE1 3AG |
| Leicester Fosse Park | Leicester Fosse Park, Bus Stop, Fosse Park Avenue Next to ASDA (opposite petrol station), LE3 2LL |
| Long Eaton | The Green, Outside Poundland Long Eaton, Notts, NG10 1HQ |
| Loughborough | Amber Rooms, The Rushes Loughborough, LE11 5BE |
| Lutterworth | George Street, Outside Wycliffe Rooms Lutterworth, LE17 4EG |
| Mansfield | Fire Station Bus Stop, Rosemary Street Mansfield, NG19 6AA |
| Nottingham | Mount Street, Alongside the Grosvenor Casino, Nottingham, NG1 6HE |
| Ripley | Market Place, Express Stand Ripley, DE5 3FJ |
| Rotherham | Interchange Bay C1/ C2, Frederick Street, Rotherham , S60 1QB |
| Sheffield | Pond Hill, Opposite Penny Black Public House Sheffield, S1 2BG |
| Toton | Tram Stop Park and Ride, Toton Lane Notts, NG9 7JA |
Checking availability...
To make a booking firstly select the correct number of passengers that will be travelling. This will perform an availability check to see that there is sufficient space on the tour. If the date you want is available select the Book Now button and you will be guided through the online booking process. If your date is unavailable you can use the Call Back facility to discuss further options.
