Explore the Emerald Isle

Dublin – Belfast – Derry/Londonderry – Westport – Bunratty

Explore the Emerald Isle

Welcome to Ireland

Highlights

Scout the northern coastal side of Ireland, including Downpatrick and Derry where you can overlook the Giants Causeway, stop by the Titanic Belfast, and travel down to the Cliffs of Moher. Be taken back to the middle ages and explore Bunratty Castle.

Overnight stays in Belfast, Derry, Westport, and Bunratty. It’s a great pick if you’re looking to go slightly off the beaten path.

Above all, consult with your Destination Specialist. We will ensure that the highlights of your trip are booked in advance so you won’t miss out on the fun! Lots of time at leisure will be built in so you can explore on your own, and at your own pace. Let the journey guide you.

Read more about why we love the Explore the Emerald Isle tour.

Make it Yours

Accommodation – Ireland offers a wide range of accommodation styles including boutique hotels, charming B&B’s, and luxurious castle hotels. Juniper will select where you stay based on your preferences.
Transportation – All of the dots will be connected based on your preferences and budget. Airport transfers, car rentals, train passes, even private chauffeurs!
Day tours and entrance tickets – pre-scheduled tours and experiences for a seamless and enriching travel experience!

Emerald Isle Day-by-day Itinerary

Day 1: Dublin Independent Sightseeing

Your day is free to explore Dublin with your included vouchers. Take a Hop On Hop Off bus tour, and see all the city’s highlights with the freedom to stop off to explore further as you please. You Hop On Hop Off ticket also gives you admission to the Little Museum of Dublin, an old Georgian townhouse with a fantastic collection of 5,000 objects telling the story of the city. Plus, you will have a voucher to admit you to one of Dublin’s top attractions. Choose from the Guinness Storehouse, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, or the GPO Museum. Dine independently in your choice of Dublin’s restaurants or pubs.

Overnight in Dublin

Day 2: Down Cathedral | St. Patrick’s Centre | Crumlin Road Gaol | Belfast

Pick up your Hertz rental car and begin your driving journey. Drive north to the medieval town of Downpatrick and see the ancient burial site of St Patrick at Down Cathedral. Visit the St Patrick’s Centre to explore the life and legacy of the Welsh born patron saint and discover his profound impact on Ireland. Next head to Belfast and visit Victorian era Crumlin Road Gaol, for a fascinating look at 150 years of history, and learn about the lives of the 25,000 men, women and children who were imprisoned there. Dine at your hotel in central Belfast this evening and perhaps enjoy some of the city’s lively nightlife. (B, D)

Overnight in Belfast

Day 3: Titanic Belfast | Belfast

Visit Titanic Belfast to learn about the ill-fated liner, which was built in the city in 1912. Spend the rest of the day exploring Belfast as you wish. There is so much to see, Victorian buildings, Queen’s University, the imposing City Hall in Donegall Square, and many sites associated with the city’s often turbulent history including the Peace Wall. Your afternoon is free so you might spend some time exploring the sights outside the city. Dine independently this evening. (B)

Overnight in Belfast

Day 4: Giant’s Causeway | Walled City Brewery

Drive north along the Nine Glens of Antrim for views of mountains, valleys, and coastline. This scenic region is one of the locations for “Game of Thrones.” Stop for photos at the ruins of Dunluce Castle. Explore the Giant’s Causeway, enormous hexagonal columns formed by volcanic activity 60 million years ago, though legend says they were built by local giant Finn MacCool. In historic Derry, walk around the medieval defensive walls that encircle the compact old city, and cross the Peace Bridge, built to unite two communities that were long in conflict. Then visit the Walled City Brewery for dinner and a flight of their craft beers. (B, D)

Overnight in Derry

Day 5: Donegal | Westport

Travel through the rugged countryside of Donegal, renowned for heathery hills, sheep and the many tweeds made from their wool. You may choose to visit Triona Design in Ardara or Donegal town, and you might even catch a demonstration of hand weaving. Continue on towards County Mayo and take a stroll through historic Westport before dinner in your hotel this evening. (B, D)

Overnight in Westport

Day 6: County Mayo Sightseeing

You might take a drive to the beautiful town of Leenane and Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord. Or visit Achill Island and be charmed by its dramatic scenery, long a source of inspiration to writers and painters. See the haunting Deserted Village, the remains of stone cottages abandoned in 1845. Achill is easily accessible via a scenic bridge. Along the way, enjoy views of the pilgrimage mountain of Croagh Patrick; near the base of the mountain sits the National Famine Monument, commemorating the suffering of the Famine and emigration of the 19th century. Return to the lively town of Westport to spend the evening at your leisure. (B)

Overnight in Westport

Day 7: Galway | Cliffs of Moher | Medieval Castle Banquet

Travel to Galway for some time soaking in the energy of this bustling, creative city. Check out its medieval streetscape, its charming shops and many cafes and restaurants. Head out to visit the majestic Cliffs of Moher which soar 700 feet above the Atlantic. Walk along the cliffs to see stunning views and miles of cliffside. Check into your hotel in Bunratty, where you will enjoy an evening at a medieval-style banquet in an authentic castle. (B, D)

Overnight in Bunratty

Day 8: Depart for Home

Your tour ends after breakfast. Drop your rental car at Shannon Airport. Prepare to say “Farewell!” to the Emerald Isle.

Explore the Emerald Isle