Day 1: Travel to Holyhead for the 9.00am ferry crossing to Dublin. We continue to Belfast, where upon arrival we will be met by a local guide for a panoramic coach tour of the city. See the original narrow streets of 17th century Belfast and landmarks such as the City Hall, the Albert Clock and the Ulster Hall. The tour will also include photo stops at the Stormont parliament buildings, the iconic Queens University, the famous International Wall political murals on the Falls Road and the peace wall, which divides the Republican and Unionist populations of west Belfast. There you will have the unique opportunity to write a message of hope to the people of Belfast! Afterwards, we continue to our hotel for check-in and our evening meal.
Day 2: Titanic Belfast and Crumlin Road Goal
After breakfast, we visit the award-winning Titanic Belfast. Over one hundred years on from the launch of the world’s most famous ship, experience the amazing Titanic story in the city of her birth – Belfast. Take a thrilling ride through Titanic’s construction in the shipyards, re-live the drama of her sinking and visit her wreck on the ocean floor all during your time at the Titanic Belfast Centre. In the afternoon, we visit to Crumlin Road Gaol. Here you will enjoy an educational guided tour of the Gaol which housed well known IRA members among other criminals from 1845, right up until the gates were closed one final time as a working prison in 1996. After a fun day, we return to our hotel for dinner.
Day 3: City of Derry
After an enjoyable Irish breakfast, visit the enchanting city of Derry and learn the fascinating history behind the 2013 UK City of Culture and the setting of the popular TV show ‘Derry Girls’. First, we embark on a walking tour. The specialised local guide will take you on an educational and emotional journey above and beyond Derry’s historical City walls. Afterwards spend free time within this historical City. Be sure to visit Guildhall; home to the City Council’s chamber and Mayor’s Parlour. You could also wander over the Peace Bridge, built over the River Foyle to unite the City.
Day 4: Giants Causeway, Portrush and Bushmills Distillery
After an Irish breakfast, take in the beautiful scenery en-route to the Giants Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the 40,000 interlocking hexagonal columns, standing up to 12 metres high. Learn the exciting tale of Finn McCool and discover the on-site exhibition centre. Next, we take the behind-the-scenes tour of the world famous Bushmill’s Distillery and taste one of whiskeys. Afterwards, travel along the coast to the picturesque harbour town of Portrush with time to explore before returning to the hotel for dinner.
Day 5: After a hearty Irish breakfast, we depart Belfast and travel to Dublin, enjoy some free time before our 2.45pm return sailing from Dublin to Holyhead.