Irish Discovery – Dublin, Belfast, Derry and Donegal

Regional departure by coach or Home Connect service, then to Holyhead for the ferry to Ireland. Continue to our overnight hotel on the outskirts of Dublin for a one-night stay.

Today we travel northwards, crossing into Northern Ireland, and onto the vibrant capital city of Belfast. Enjoy free time to explore at your own pace. The Titanic Belfast® museum documents the legacy of the famous ship which set sail from the docks here, the Crumlin Road Gaol gives an interactive insight into past inmates’ lives, and the Ulster Museum boasts diverse exhibitions. Alternatively, you may prefer to stroll through the Botanic Gardens or the colourful Cathedral Quarter with its lively bars and rich history.

We then continue to the Dunadry Hotel and Gardens for a one-night stay.

Our journey continues along Northern Ireland’s Antrim Coast road, which hugs the shore line and offers beautiful sea views to your right and stunning Glens and the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to your left. We follow the route via Portrush, then arrive in Derry for free time to explore – why not join our optional guided tour of the city to uncover more of the rich history or visit some of the areas made famous by the popular TV show, 'Derry Girls'?

Established as a monastery, destroyed by Norse invaders, surrounded by city walls, and marked by conflict, this city has certainly had a turbulent past. However, today, the city promotes peace and unity, symbolised by the Peace Bridge and the colourful murals. Derry is also the perfect place to shop, with the Richmond and Quayside Shopping Centres offering contemporary options and the Craft Village housing an eclectic mix of artisan craft shops.

We then cross the border into the Republic of Ireland and carry on to the Ballyliffin Hotel for a two-night stay.

This morning, take in breathtaking scenery as we travel along Donegal’s coastal route. We drive via the Mamore Gap with its amazing scenery and through the town of Buncrana, where we have beautiful views of Lough Swilly. We then visit the Doagh Famine Village, an outdoor museum which tells the story of an Irish family from the 18th century to the present day. We then continue to Malin Head, the most northerly point on the island of Ireland, to admire the Atlantic Ocean and take in the salt air!

This morning we call in to Donegal for a short stop to see the highlights of this charming town, before continuing to Dublin. Whether you want to embrace history, shopping, art, or simply a pint of Guinness, you’ll find it all in the capital! Why not join our optional guided city tour to learn more about the history and culture of Ireland's capital. We will depart late evening to allow you the chance to enjoy a meal in Dublin at your leisure before continue to our overnight hotel on the outskirts of the city.

We make our way to board our early morning ferry back to Holyhead and then the journey home. Depending on the ferry schedule, breakfast today maybe on the ferry.