Also give a listen to Episode 4 of SlapperCast, where we share stories about our experiences in Ireland.
DAY 1: Oct 24 Thursday – USA-Ireland Depart USA for overnight flight to Ireland. Dinner and in-flight entertainment is served shortly after take-off.
DAY 2: Oct 25 Friday –Dublin Morning arrival at Dublin Airport where after clearing customs you are met by your Professional Irish Driver/Guide. Leaving the airport, we travel to a nearby venue where everyone will have an opportunity for their first Full Irish Breakfast (at own expense). We travel into Dublin Town where we enjoy a panoramic tour of this 1000-year old city. We then see statue filled O’Connell Street, The General Post Office scene of the 1916 Easter Uprising, as well as Georgian Square. Group will be dropped off on Nassau Street for some free browsing time. We will then check into our hotel. Overnight at Camden Court.
DAY 3: Oct 26 Saturday – Dublin-Bundoran After breakfast at our hotel we begin our journey north and make our way to Enniskillen. This pretty spot has got to be one of the nicest towns in Northern Ireland. Its location is set on the shores of Lough Erne. Enniskillen is full of history. The Watergate dates back to the 1600’s. We will also pass by Foothill Park and Coles Monument. Coles Monument is to Cole who was one of Wellingtons Generals at Waterloo. He is Standing looking out towards Florencecourt, his home, and some 10 miles away. The Inniskilling’s Dragoons and Fusiliers fought alongside one another at Waterloo. It was in 1790’s that the Fermanagh Militia was established, to defend against a French Invasion of Ireland. At this time the town grew outside the Island, on what is now known as Old Henry Street. It is onto Bundoran, the gateway to the North. We arrive at our hotel, the Atlantic Apartotel Hotel offers an indoor swimming pool as well as sauna, steam room and jacuzzi. Tonight, we have dinner together at a local restaurant (included). Then it is onto happy hour at a local pub followed by a performance by Blaggards. Overnight at the Atlantic Apartotel Hotel.
DAY 4: Oct 27 Sunday –Bundoran-Donegal-Bundoran Today we first make our way to Donegal, the wild child of Ireland and home to some of its most ravishingly sublime scenery and beautiful beaches. We make a stop at Donegal Castle (included). This afternoon we will have some free time for lunch and shopping in Donegal Town. Later this afternoon we return to Bundoran, time to relax before dinner at a local restaurant (included), followed by happy hour at a local pub. Tonight Blaggards will perform. Overnight at the Atlantic Apartotel Hotel.
DAY 5: Oct 28 Monday – Bundoran Today after breakfast you may enjoy some optional activities like surf lessons or horseback riding (additional cost). This afternoon we will take a tour of the quaint fishing village of Mullaghmore in County Sligo. It is a noted holiday destination, characterized by ocean views and a skyline dominated by Ben Bulben mountain. We will see the fabulous Gleniff Horseshoe, a glacial valley formed during the last ice age. Along the way we will stop at the grave of famed poet, William B. Yeats. Then it is back to our hotel to relax before dinner at a local restaurant (included). Tonight, Blaggards will perform at a local pub. Overnight at the Atlantic Apartotel Hotel.
DAY 6: Oct 29 Tuesday – Bundoran-Sligo After breakfast we travel south heading towards Sligo, the town has pedestrian streets lined with inviting shopfronts, stone bridges spanning the River Garavogue, and céilidh sessions spilling from pubs contrast with contemporary art and glass towers rising from prominent corners of compact Sligo. It makes a fantastic, low-key and easily manageable base for exploring Yeats country, and the countryside is gorgeous. This afternoon enjoy some time exploring this beautiful little town built right on the banks of the Garavogue River. Overnight at the Sligo Southern Hotel.
DAY 7: Oct 30 Wednesday – Sligo–Achill Island–Sligo After breakfast we make our way to Achill island. With five Blue Flag beaches, Ireland’s largest offshore island, Achill, is linked to the mainland by a short bridge. Despite the accessibility, there’s plenty of remote-island feel: soaring cliffs, rocky headlands, sheltered sandy beaches, broad expanses of blanket bog and rolling mountains. Keem Bay on Achill Island is a beach so stunning you would only find something similar in the Caribbean. Kildavnet Castle, located on the south-eastern shore of Achill Island, is best known as the home of the legendary pirate queen, Grace O’Malley. Overnight at the Sligo Southern Hotel.
DAY 8: Oct 31 Thursday – Sligo-Dublin After a full Irish breakfast we travel through the Irish Midlands. Our journey takes us across the broad majestic Shannon at Athlone through Longford & Mullingar with stops along the route. We arrive in time for a full afternoon of shopping and sightseeing. Those who wish can make their way to Kilmainham Jail. Overnight at the Camden Court Hotel.
DAY 9: Nov 1 Friday – Dublin Today is a free day in Dublin. We suggest a Hop On/Hop Off Dublin Bus Pass. You’ll be sure to see St. Patrick’s Cathedral where Jonathan Swift gave his sermons; or the G.P.O. on O’Connell Street, the scene of the 1916 Easter Uprising where bullet-holes remain to this day. Visit Trinity College to view the 8th century manuscripts, or drop by the Guinness Storehouse for a peek at the makings of this world-famous brew. And be sure to visit Dublin’s oldest Pub this afternoon, the Brazen Head. Or enjoy a Literary Pub Crawl this evening after dinner. Overnight at the Camden Court Hotel.
DAY 10: Nov 2 Saturday – Dublin-USA After breakfast we are transferred to nearby Dublin Airport. In the off chance that you missed shopping opportunities, Dublin has a large Duty-Free Shop that you can visit once you are checked in for your flight. In the traditional Irish way we wish you “Safe Home”.
