8 Day Northern Supreme Tour
Itinerary
Day 1: Shannon Airport & Ashford Castle
Your
tour starts at Shannon Airport with a transfer to the famous Ashford Castle
Hotel, located in Cong. It's a two-hour drive so when you arrive at the hotel,
settle in and enjoy the lakeside location and amenities of this wonderful hotel.
Enjoy a welcome drink before dining in Ashford's lovely restaurant and
afterwards listen to music in the Dungeon Bar. (D)
Day 2: Connemara & “The Quiet Man” Walk
Travel through Connemara to Leenane and embark on a catamaran
cruise around Killary Harbour, Ireland's only fjord. As you sip an Irish coffee,
see remains of houses and potato patches abandoned during the 1840's Famine as
well as stunning scenery. Return to Cong to take a short walking tour to see
movie locations of the 1952 production of “The Quiet Man.” In the evening drive
to the nearby village of Clonbur for an informal dinner with local entertainment
at Eddie's Pub. (B, D)
Day 3: Museum of Country Life & Belleek China
Outside Castlebar visit the Museum of Country Life to view
exhibits of domestic goods showing how country people lived during the 19th and
early 20th centuries. Travel north to County Sligo, associated with the Nobel
prize-winning poet, W. B. Yeats. View his grave, situated near the distinctive
outline of Ben Bulben Mountain. Tour the Belleek Pottery Factory to see how
delicate china is formed and decorated by skilled craftspeople. Harvey's Point
Hotel is set in glorious scenery a few miles outside Donegal town and is noted
for its outstanding cuisine and views. (B, D)
Day 4: Slieve League Cliffs & Donegal
Drive
to the fishing port of Killybegs and on to Teelin to view Slieve League sea
cliffs, the highest in Europe reaching 1,972 feet. The cliffs drop straight down
to the wild Atlantic waves creating breathtaking views. Enjoy coffee or tea with
home-baked scones before driving through the majestic Glengesh Pass to Ardara.
County Donegal is renowned for its majestic and wild countryside as well as its
mountainy sheep which produce wool to make the famous Donegal tweed. Visit
Triona Design to see demonstrations of spinning, weaving and knitting. Spend
some time in Donegal town before returning to your hotel. (B, D)
Day 5: Derry Walk & Giant's Causeway
Take a
walking tour around Derry's medieval walls, which completely encircle the old
city. Learn about the history of the city as you pass the Diamond and St.
Columb's Cathedral. Pause for photos at the ruins of Dunluce Castle before
visiting the Giant's Causeway, enormous hexagonal columns formed by volcanic
activity over 60 million years ago. Experience wonderful views of mountains,
valleys and bays along the “Nine Glens of Antrim” as you head towards Belfast.
Check in to your elegant Victorian hotel, built as the headquarters of the
Ulster Bank with many architectural details. Experience fine dining in the
elegant Great Room Restaurant, once the main Banking Hall. (B, D)
Day 6: Titanic Belfast & Tour
A local guide
will show you the highlights of Belfast, including Victorian buildings, the
imposing City Hall and the shipyards where RMS Titanic was built in 1912. Visit
the newly-opened Titanic Belfast to learn about this ill-fated famous liner
through state-of-the-art displays.Drive south past the gentle slopes of the
Mourne Mountains to Dublin and check in to your hotel. Enjoy a farewell dinner
at the Abbey Tavern's Loft Restaurant in Howth followed by a lively show of
traditional Irish songs and a display of step-dancing. (B, D)
Day 7: Dublin City Tour & Guinness
Visit The
entire day is at leisure so you may schedule sightseeing as you wish. Use your
open-top bus tour voucher to explore Dublin - you may get on and off at any of
the 23 stops along the route, which include Dublin's most popular attractions.
Take a tour around either the Guinness Storehouse or the Old Jameson Distillery
to see stout or whiskey production techniques and enjoy a drink of the finished
product. (B)
Day 8: Tour Ends Dublin Airport
Take a taxi
transfer to Dublin Airport in good time for your flight home. (B)
B:Breakfast; D: Dinner