Experience Irish culinary delights and traditions in Dublin and Belfast
Ireland’s cuisine is one of the country’s best-kept secrets. Our produce has always been world class, but in recent years our thriving economy has allowed chefs from all over the world to relocate to the two capitals. In doing so, they have nurtured a new breed of dining experiences.
It’s not just about the food though. Our expert guides will share the highlights of Irish culture with you, and develop your understanding of how contemporary Ireland came to be.
These two cities hold the secrets of Ireland’s reinvention in their museums, galleries and libraries. Behind the impressive facades of these buildings you’ll find the compelling story of the international influences who have helped forge a new Irish economy.
Your tour, your way.
· Choose between internationally renowned restaurants or local haunts
· Enjoy the thrill of crossing the Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge
· Meet local food producers on the North Antrim coast
Day One - on arrival, you will be met by your driver and taken to the Merrion Hotel. Freshen up in your luxurious surroundings before heading out to experience the city’s charms. A private walking tour of the National Museum of Ireland and the National Gallery of Ireland will develop your understanding of how Irish history been shaped by internal and external forces. The story you hear in this engaging and accessible tour will set you up for the rest of your stay. You’ll have dinner in one of the excellent nearby restaurants.
Day Two - take the coastal route through Dublin’s leafy suburbs with its grand residences. Arriving in the Wicklow hills, stop off at the magnificent Powerscourt House and Estate for a stroll around the stunning Italian Gardens. A visit to a family-run restaurant with a unique collection of rare books makes a memorable lunch-stop. Continue onto Glendalough. You’ll visit an early Christian monastic city nestling in one of Ireland’s most serene mountain valleys.
Day Three - departing for the north of Ireland you will visit the Boyne Valley National Park, an innovation developed by The Irish Government to protect one of Europe’s most historic sites. The park’s central structure, Newgrange, is a passage tomb which is over 5,000 years old – a must-see for any visitor to Ireland. Have lunch locally in the medieval town of Drogheda or Carlingford before continuing to Belfast, where you will check into the five-star Merchant Hotel.
Day Four - let a local guide help you uncover the delights of bright and bustling Belfast. Having left its troubled past far behind, the city is experiencing a renaissance, and you’ll see signs all around you that Belfast is booming. An afternoon tour by limousine can take you on an optional trip to west Belfast for a tour of the history of ‘The Troubles’ and their aftermath. Round off a memorable day with a trip to Queen’s University Belfast and the Titanic Quarter.
Day Five - explore the stunning scenery and small idyllic villages of the north Antrim coast and the Causeway Coastal Route. You’ll see that Scotland is so close you could almost touch it! The highlight of the day will be your visit to that mysterious natural wonder, Giant’s Causeway. A visit to a young family practising sustainable farming makes for a special lunch stop with delicious local produce. And, if time permits, Bushmills Distillery and the Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge could also be on the agenda before returning to Belfast for dinner.
Day Six - you will drive back to Dublin via the coastal roads, passing through Dundrum with its historic castle. Crossing over onto the Cooley Peninsula you will hear about Queen Maeve and the greatest story of all Irish stories – The Cattle Raid of Cooley. Coming down the east coast why not savour a final pint of the black stuff in the Man O’ War pub with its open fire and friendly patrons? Arrive back in Clontarf Castle and spend your final evening there reflecting on your Irish odyssey.
Day Seven - depart via Dublin airport.
This six-night tour gives you the opportunity to meet the people at the vanguard of Ireland’s cultural renaissance. You’ll leave Ireland with a head full of the country’s stories and a heart full of hope for her future.
Cultural heritage, unforgettable landscapes, inspiring people and cutting-edge cuisine: this tour has it all.