ITINERARY

Day 1 We travel via Oxford and the Cotswolds, making the usual stops for refreshments and lunch. We arrive in North Wales where we will make our way to our overnight hotel.

Day 2 After an early breakfast we travel to Holyhead for the morning Stena HSS sailing to Dun Laoghaire. We head north via Navan and Cavan to admire the great lakes which dominate the County Fermanagh landscape, scattered with islands and adorned with breathtaking forest parks. At Enniskillen we visit the famous castle, home of the Royal Fusiliers. Travel along the shores of Lough Erne, where nestling on the banks of the lough is Belleek, home of Ireland’s oldest pottery where we are able to observe how this legendary basketweave china is handcrafted. We complete the journey via Ballyshannon to Donegal our base for the next four nights.

Day 3 A free day to enjoy Donegal. You might like to visit the impressive recently restored castle, built on a rocky outcrop over the River Eske, or the ruins of the ancient Franciscan monastery situated in the mouth of the bay. The Diamond, at Donegal’s centre is where you will find the world famous ‘Magees of Donegal’, with the country’s finest selection of tailor-made tweed jackets and suits. Watch a demonstration of the traditional handlooms and maybe commission a piece for yourself. In the afternoon, why not enjoy a cruise around Donegal Bay?

Day 4 Full day guided excursion through the jewel of County Donegal, the Glenveagh National Park, where the plants and trees of a formal manor meet with the wilder side of nature to spectacular effect. Travel to Glenties and pass through the Blue Stack Mountains, across the Gweebarra Bridge to Dungloe, famous for the Mary of Dungloe Festival held at the end of July. We are close to Kincasslagh – a small Gaeltacht village in the heart of the Rosses and the birthplace of Daniel O’Donnell. We travel beneath the Derryveagh Mountains to Dunlewy, beautifully situated at the foot of Mount Errigal overlooking the lake. Ionad Cois Locha Visitor Centre provides a fascinating insight into the area before continuing through the Glenveagh National Park. We return to Donegal via Letterkenny and Ballybofey.

Day 5 We leave our hotel after breakfast and travel via Strabane and Derry to the mighty Giants Causeway, created by volcanic activity although a more romantic legend is that the giant Finn MacCool laid a path across the sea to his lady-love in Scotland. A regular shuttle bus escorts visitors from the visitor centre down to the shore. After lunch return via Londonderry to Donegal.

Day 6 Following breakfast we retrace our steps to Dublin, calling at Carrick-on Shannon and Mullingar. We have a little free time in Dublin before making your way the short distance to the last overnight stay just south of the city.

Day 7 Following an early breakfast, we travel to Dublin port for the return morning sailing to Holyhead. We then make our way south and our local area.