Céad míle fáilte! Welcome to Ireland!

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Today, land at Dublin Airport, complete customs and immigration formalities before meeting our driver/guide who will welcome us to Ireland. Next, head to Tracey’s Farmhouse Kitchen to enjoy a soda bread making workshop with our group. We'll continue our journey into Belfast, where we'll check into our hotel and spend the balance of the day at leisure. In the evening, you might like to dine in one of the many fine dinner venues located within the city. 

This morning, we'll embark on a guided tour of Belfast to see the Albert Memorial, the Opera House, and the Crown Liquor Saloon. We'll visit Titanic Belfast to learn about the evolution of the Titanic from concept until her ill-fated end in 1912.

Next, we'll drive along Shankill and Falls Road, the main Protestant and Catholic areas, to see the battle grounds of the "Troubles." Today these areas are commemorated with murals and a high wall/fence with gates that shut the one side off from the other at night. We'll head back to our nearby hotel to freshen up before tonight’s festivities: The Crosskeys Inn for an authentic Irish dinner

Today, we'll travel to visit Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, which spans a chasm of 80' deep. This swinging rope bridge is not for the faint-hearted, but the coastal views are wonderful, even without crossing the bridge. Then, we'll continue on to visit Giant’s Causeway, an impressive area of hexagonal columns formed over 60 million years ago by cooling lava, which has given rise to many legends. Next, we'll transfer to our hotel in Derry, check-in, and spend some time at leisure before a festive evening!

Tonight, we'll walk a short distance to the Walled City Brewery, which has offered locally flavored craft and artisan beers for over a decade. After an informative guided tour, enjoy an authentic Irish dinner, and a flight of beer.

After breakfast, we will meet our local guide for a walking tour of Derry to see Guildhall, St. Columb’s Cathedral, the Diamond, and the 16th century walls.

Return to our nearby hotel and spend the rest of the day free to sightsee, shop, and dine on our own.

Today, we'll depart Derry and set off on a panoramic tour of County Donegal, which is renowned for wool production. Along the way, take in stunning views as we travel through the towns of Letterkenny and Glenties into Ardara. Upon arrival, we'll stop to visit the Sliabh Liag Distillery, where we'll learn the history of Donegal’s immense distilling heritage before enjoying a sample of the finished product with your group. Then, we'll continue on to visit the Slieve League Sea Cliffs, where the highest point reaches 1,972 feet making them the highest in Europe. The cliffs drop straight down to the wild Atlantic waves below, and you will see marvelous vistas. Transfer to our hotel in Donegal town, check in and settle into your room. This evening, we'll enjoy a delicious dinner at the hotel restaurant.

Today, we will visit the Donegal Craft Village, a showcase for contemporary arts and crafts in the county. Meet the artists in their workshops, which are clustered around a central courtyard. We'll visit Donegal Castle, which incorporates the gabled tower of a 15th century house built by the O’Donnell family. Partially restored, the castle reflects a long, turbulent history.

This evening, we'll enjoy a group dinner at the hotel restaurant.

Leaving Donegal, take in stunning panoramic views as you drive through the Irish countryside into Recess, where you will check into the beautiful Ballynahinch Castle Hotel. Upon arrival, enjoy full afternoon tea (subject to availability) along with a fine assortment of sandwiches and pastries. We will be able to go on an exclusive boat trip to the ancient island on Ballynahinch Lake. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure to relax and enjoy the many wonderful amenities that Ballynahinch Castle has to offer. You may wish to stroll through the many trails that surround the lovely castle. Perhaps you would like to set off on a guided walk, embark on a bike ride or enjoy a fishing tutorial. This evening, you can dine independently in Ballynahinch’s hotel restaurant or try a local venue.

After breakfast, we'll set off on a short ferry ride from Rossaveal to Inis Mor, the largest of the three Aran Islands. These rocky islands are renowned for the hardy islanders who maintained traditional fishing and farming. The Irish language is still spoken widely. Next, we'll take a minibus ride to Dun Aengus, a huge pre-historic fortress perched on sheer cliffs, which fall away to the Atlantic Ocean below. Have a look around Kilronan before heading back to our castle hotel.

This evening, we'll meet for a group dinner in Ballynahinch Castle’s hotel restaurant.

Leaving Recess, drive into Galway and embark on a panoramic tour to see the principal sights of the city. See the Spanish Arch in the Claddagh area, the City Museum, and the Cathedral of Our Lady, which is built on the site of the former county jail. Then, travel into Athlone and stop at Sean’s Bar, Ireland’s oldest Pub, to enjoy a drink with your fellow travelers. Transfer to your hotel in Dublin, check in and enjoy some free time to freshen up before this evening’s farewell festivities.

Tonight, our farewell dinner will feature tasteful cuisine prepared with the finest ingredients at Fallon and Byrne Restaurant.

Sadly, our small group escape has come to its final day. After breakfast, we'll transfer to Dublin Airport in enough time for everyone to check-in for our international flights. We'll have time to do some last minute shopping at duty-free before boarding flying across the Atlantic Ocean back to the United States.

Pineapple7 Small Group Escape (10-14 adults)*
 

Includes:

• 2-Nights, Hotel, Belfast

• 2-Nights, Hotel, Derry

• 2-Nights, Hotel, Donegal

• 2-Nights, Ballynahinch Castle Hotel, Recess

• 1-Night, Hotel, Dublin 

• Soda Bread cooking class 

• Guided Tour of Belfast

• Guided Tour of Galway

• Guided Walking Tour of Derry

• Visit Titanic Belfast

• Dinner at Crosskeys Inn

• Afternoon Tea at Ballynahinch

• Exclusive Boat Trip to the ancient island on Ballynahinch Lake

• Visit Aran Islands and Dun Aengus

• Drink at Sean's Bar

• Visit Giant's Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

• Walled City Brewery Tour and Beer Tasting

• Dinner at Walled City Brewery

• Sliabh Liag Distillery Tour and Tasting

• Visit Donegal Castle

• Visit Slieve League Sea Cliffs

• 2 Dinners at the hotel restaurant in Donegal

• Visit Donegal Craft Village

• Dinner at Ballynahinch Castle's hotel restaurant

• Farewell Dinner at Fallon and Byrne, Dublin

• Daily Breakfast at each hotel

• Group Airport Transfer

• Private Shuttle Vehicle with Driver 

• Taxes and Fees

• On-site Host for duration of tour

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​Investment:

$5,300 per person for a shared room (2 adults per room)

Single Occupancy available for $1,370 more
*If group has less than 10 passengers, rate per person will increase. Guaranteed departure. Gratuities for driver and guides and hotel are not included

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Travel Insurance Add-On:

Travel Insurance is strongly recommended for this international trip. The price quote is $509 per person for this specific itinerary. Travel Policy through Trip Mate

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$750 deposit required to reserve space + $200 per person for insurance.  

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Reserve your space today by filling out the secure credit card authorization form or contact Grace for more details.

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Cancellation Policy per person:
No refunds will be made for unused services or pre purchased events. Prepaid theater/event tickets are forfeit and non-refundable.
99 – 66 days Forfeiture of deposit
65 - 16 days 30% per person
15 - 8 days 50% per person
7 - 1 days 90% per person
On day of departure 100% per person

Additional Options available:

• International Airfare

• Pre- and Post- tour Accommodations or Land Extensions from Dublin

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See you in Ireland!

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