21 Day Private Tour of Ireland Itinerary

★★★★★
5 Star Rated Private Tours on Google & TripAdvisor

Flexible Cancellation & Rescheduling

Up to 14 days before tour start date

Award Winning & Family-run

With 30+ years experience providing Irish tours

Luxury Tour Vehicles

Travel in luxury with our driver-guides

Customizable Tour Plans

Build a private tour itinerary tailored to you

21 Day Irish Tour Itinerary Summary

Have a taste of everything that makes Ireland so special on our grand 21-day driver-guided tour itinerary.

This tour has been designed for guests who have never been to Ireland before and would like to enjoy most of our most iconic regions, attractions, and landscapes, whilst also discovering some of the lesser-known gems that give you a valuable insight into both the historic and modern face of the Emerald Isle.

All of our private tours are completely customizable, so if you have been inspired by something you have read on our grand 21-day itinerary but would like us to tailor it to your tastes or preferences, simply complete our online contact form, and we will get started crafting a completely complimentary custom tour of Ireland just for you!

What’s Included?

Risk-free booking guarantee: Full refunds up to 7 days before the start date

Certified driver-guides with 15+ years of experience, passionate about sharing their love of Ireland

Discover the historic legends, stunning natural beauty, and fascinating tales woven into Irish culture with your private guide

Exclusive experiences that others without our local insight will not provide

Travel in style in our luxury air-conditioned Mercedes vehicles

Fully customizable bespoke and complimentary itinerary for your vacation

Day 1: Glendalough Valley – Powerscourt Distillery – Powerscourt House & Gardens – Vale of Avoca – Wicklow

View over Powerscourt gardens towards Sugarloaf mountain in Ireland
Powerscourt House & Gardens

Your private tour of Ireland begins as your driver-guide collects you from the airport, your hotel, or any other location of your choosing. Your private guide will greet you in a luxury Mercedes-Benz vehicle to begin the tour as you set off on the journey of a lifetime.

Our first destination, Glendalough valley, meaning “The Valley of the two lakes” in County Wicklow, is an ideal location to acquaint yourself with the type of quiet yet spectacularly powerful scenery, rich history, archaeology, and abundant wildlife you will encounter in Ireland.

Home to an Early Medieval monastic settlement founded in the 6th century by St Kevin, it is a remarkable place that will still your mind, inspire your heart, and fill your soul, with remnants and ruins strewn throughout, including the 100-foot-tall granite round tower.

You will also have the opportunity to enjoy watching a real sheepdog responding to his shepherd’s calls and rounding the herd across the fields, across corrals, and eventually joining you for a spell!

Powerscourt Distillery

Hovering at the foot of the Wicklow Mountains and set in The Old Mill House, this distinctive distillery is the home of Fercullen Irish Whiskey. Three custom Copper Pot stills form the centerpiece of this tour, made by skilled craftsmen. The stills are made in the same way they were in the 1800s when the Milhouse was in use.

Powerscourt House & Gardens

Continuing on our journey, you will visit Powerscourt House, Garden, and Waterfall. Powerscourt was voted one of the Top Ten Houses and Mansions Worldwide by the Lonely Planet Guide. The house offers you some of the best views in Ireland, including overlooking the breathtaking Sugarloaf Mountain.

Vale of Avoca

The next stop for you will be The Vale of Avoca. One of the most scenic spots in County Wicklow, and perhaps best known for being the inspiration behind the “Meeting of the Waters” poem by Thomas Moore, who, in the 19th century, wrote, “There is not in the wide world a valley so sweet / As the vale in whose bosom the bright waters meet . . .” You can judge this for yourself as we visit the River Avoca at the junction of the Avonberg and Avonmore Rivers.

On the banks of the river, you’ll find the Avoca Village, dating from 1723, where Avoca Handweavers was formed, and features the oldest working woolen mill in Ireland.

We’ll finish the day by dropping you at the door of your Wicklow accommodation for your first evening in Ireland.

Merrie and I thoroughly enjoyed our fabulous three-day-tour experience! Ray was a wealth of information and is truly passionate about his calling. Neither of us had ever been to your beautiful country before and felt as if we received a crash course in Irish history, architecture, culture and politics in our short time there. Beginning with Dublin helped to set the stage and then we branched out on days two and three. Ray made adjustments in real time to our itinerary and showed us some places we would have never known to look for (such as the Dublinia museum and Kilmainham jail). We had a special entrance to view the tops of the Cliffs of Moher, visited the Irish National Stud Farm and thoroughly enjoyed our trip to Blarney Castle and the Rock of Cashell. We even got our shopping in and had fantastic meal recommendations along the way. Thank you so much for your attentiveness and providing an excellent service!

Day 2: Kilkenny Castle – St. Mary’s Medieval Mile Museum – Cathedral Church of St Canice & Round Tower – Kilkenny

Tourists relaxing on the green lawn in front of historic Kilkenny Castle under a sunny blue sky in Kilkenny, Ireland
Kilkenny Castle, Ireland

With so much more to discover, we set off from Wicklow in the morning to the undisputed heart and soul of Viking and Medieval Ireland, Kilkenny. Here you will have the chance to visit:

Kilkenny Castle

Kilkenny Castle was built in 1195. The castle was featured in Oliver Cromwell’s re-conquest of Ireland in 1650 and was besieged during the Irish Civil War in 1922.

St. Mary’s Medieval Mile Museum

St. Mary’s Medieval Mile Museum brings to life Kilkenny’s history as a medieval city. Displays of Kilkenny’s civic treasures and replicas of some of the High Crosses of Ossory illustrate the local Gaelic monastic heritage and the ancient city’s historic role in Ireland.

Cathedral Church of St Canice & Round Tower

St. Canice’s has been a Christian site since the sixth century. It was built between 1202 and 1285 and is the second-longest cathedral in Ireland. Most of the cathedral is preserved in its original style.

After your visit, your driver-guide will drop you at your accommodation for the evening, where you can enjoy a relaxing evening meal and some local entertainment.

Day 3: Rock of Cashel – Cahir Castle – Waterford – Kilkenny

Aerial view of the Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary, Ireland, showcasing historic medieval ruins, stone walls, and green countryside scenery popular with tourists.
The Rock of Cashel, Ireland

Today, your driver-guide will collect you after breakfast and take you for a tour of the sights in the surrounding areas, starting at the Rock of Cashel: 

Rock of Cashel

Contrary to its name, this isn’t actually a rock at all; instead, it’s a remarkable and historically significant group of ancient chapels and medieval fortifications situated on prominent limestone outcrops. Climbing to the top of the Rock offers glorious views across the Golden Vale (so known because of the quality of the land) in County Tipperary. The Rock was the seat of ancient Irish Kings for over seven centuries, and the patron saint of Ireland, St Patrick (you may have heard of him, there is a little celebration in his honor every year!) chose to make this the head of his church in Ireland. 

One of the country’s most visited attractions, Most of the buildings on the current site date from the 12th and 13th centuries when the rock was gifted to the Church. Rock of Cashel offers you the chance to experience a simply astounding collection of Celtic art and ancient architecture, and we are sure you will be fascinated by the tales and legends you will hear on your visit.

Cahir Castle

Cahir Castle, originally built in 1142, is one of the largest and most beautiful castles in Ireland, and is sited on an island in the River Suir. The castle has seen its fair share of sieges, battles, and wars over the centuries, and you can learn all about them on a guided tour and through the audiovisual displays throughout.

Following your visit to Cahir Castle, your tour will now take you to discover the most interesting attractions in the city of Waterford, the oldest in Ireland, having been founded by the Vikings all the way back in 914 A.D

Some of the locations you can visit include:

Waterford Distillery

Formerly a brewery of Ireland’s other famous tipple, Guinness, Waterford Distillery is where the first Irish whiskey to have been certified as organic by the Organic Trust was produced.

Waterford County Museum

An excellent choice to discover more about the history of the city.

Waterford County Museum

Enjoy an up-close insight into the centuries-old tradition of Waterford Crystal making. Feel the heat of the furnace and marvel at the skills of the master craftsmen.

Finally, after you’ve had a taste of our famous Irish spirit, we’ll bring the day to a close as your driver-guide delivers you to your accommodation for the evening in Kilkenny.

Day 4: Kilkenny – Clonmel – Dungarvan – Jameson Distillery Midleton – Cork

Exterior view of Jameson Distillery Midleton in County Cork, Ireland, showing historic stone buildings with red doors, a popular Irish whiskey tourist attraction and landmark in Midleton, Ireland
Midleton, Ireland

Today, your driver-guide will collect you after breakfast, and you will make your way to Cork.

Our first stop on the way will be for a spot of lunch in Clonmel, the largest town in County Tipperary. Here, the residents are fiercely proud of the settlement’s role in resisting the Cromwellian army, which overran other local towns.

We will then make our way to the coastal town of Dungarvan, where, after enjoying a harbor view, you can choose to view the lavish Curraghmore Estate and Gardens – home of the Marquis of Waterford and his ancestors since 1170.

Jameson Distillery Midleton

Next, we’ll head to the world-famous Jameson Midleton Distillery, where you will come face to face with the world’s largest Pot Still, and some of the finest whiskey distilled anywhere. 

You will take a deep dive into this Irish icon with their Behind-the-Scenes tour, a two-hour extended tour where you’ll come out the other side knowing everything worth knowing about Jameson.

Once you’ve explored the distillery, your driver-guide will drop you at your accommodation for the evening in Cork. 

We had a great experience with Prestige Tours Ireland on our tour through the west of Ireland. Our tour guide was knowledgeable, professional, and personable. Prestige Tours was helpful in planning the trip, efficient, and responsive, and I would not hesitate to use the company on future trips.

Day 5: Cork – Blarney Castle – Kinsale – Cobh – Cork

Blarney Castle surrounded by lush green gardens and trees under a blue sky in County Cork, Ireland, a famous historic landmark and popular tourist attraction
Blarney Castle, Ireland

Today, your driver-guide will collect you after breakfast, and you will visit the beautiful sights of Co Cork:

Blarney Castle

Built nearly six hundred years ago by one of Ireland’s greatest chieftains, Cormac MacCarthy, the castle has been attracting attention ever since. 

Home to the famous ‘Blarney Stone,’ legend has it that those brave enough to lean over the edge and kiss the stone will be granted the gift of eloquence and verbal dexterity. I’m sure you’ll agree that would be a better souvenir of your trip than anything you could find in a gift shop!

Kinsale

Originally a medieval fishing port, the coastal enclave of Kinsale meaning ‘Head of the Sea’ is one of Ireland’s most beautiful towns. Kinsale will captivate you with its spectacular waterfront setting, its medieval influences, and the rows of brightly colored buildings vying for attention with the glorious harbor that sustains the town.

Kinsale is internationally renowned for the number and quality of its famous eateries. It has been hailed as ‘The Gourmet Capital of Ireland’, with no shortage of cafés, pubs, and restaurants to suit every taste and budget.

Cobh Museum

In Cobh, you will visit the Cobh Museum, situated overlooking Cork Harbor, with exhibitions that reflect the cultural, social, and maritime history of Cobh and the Great Island. Cobh has a long maritime history and is known throughout the world as the last port of call for the RMS Titanic. Cobh was also the departure point for over 2.5 million Irish emigrants, the single largest departure point in the country.

Cobh Heritage Center

The “Queenstown Experience”, located at the center, provides information on life in Ireland through the 18th and 19th centuries, the mass emigration, the Great Famine, and how criminals were transported to Australia for petty crimes.

Once you’ve finished exploring Cobh, your driver-guide will drop you at your accommodation for the evening in Cork. 

Day 6: Cork – Muckross House – Torc Waterfall – Killarney National Park – Killarney

Muckross House in Killarney National Park, Ireland, historic Victorian mansion surrounded by lush greenery and trees under a bright blue sky, popular tourist attraction in County Kerry
Muckross House, Ireland

Today, your driver-guide will collect you after breakfast, and you will make your way to the famously beautiful Co. Kerry. There are many stops along the way, and when you arrive in Killarney, you can enjoy taking a stroll through the streets of this quaint town to enjoy the great pubs, restaurants, and traditional Irish music on offer.

Muckross House

First is Muckross House. This nineteenth-century Victorian mansion bearing all the necessary furnishings and artifacts of the period is set against the outstanding beauty of Killarney National Park. As a focal point within Killarney National Park, Muckross House is the ideal base from which to explore this landscape.

Torc Waterfall

You will visit the famous Torc Waterfall which is located close to the entrance to Muckross House. From the viewing point, you will have a view over the Middle Lake as well as the falls themselves.

You will marvel at the falls that are a 20-meter-high, 110-meter-long cascade waterfall formed by the Owengarriff River as it drains from the Devil’s Punchbowl corrie lake at Mangerton Mountain and sits at the base of Torc Mountain.

Killarney National Park

Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1981, Killarney National Park is known for its diverse nature and amazing scenery. 

The distinctive combination of oak woodlands, native red deer, mountain ranges, soothing lakes, and magnificent waterfalls makes this a nature lover’s dream.

Finally, your driver-guide will drop you at your Killarney hotel for the evening.

Day 7: Ring of Kerry – Killarney

Luxury tour van driving along the scenic Ring of Kerry coastline in Ireland with green fields and ocean views
Ring of Kerry, Ireland

The incredible scenery of the Ring of Kerry beckons you today, and as you travel along the road, better known as the Ring of Kerry.

One of Ireland’s most renowned driving routes, the Ring of Kerry, is a circular route that forms part of The Wild Atlantic Way. Within this 179km route, you’ll find that each turn brings a new treat to the eye, from lakes, rivers, and waterfalls to grand houses and castles.

We will move on to explore the rugged scenery and astonishing views offered on the Dingle peninsula, and if you’re looking for a beautiful escape, then the Slea Head drive will definitely be one of the highlights on this tour. It has been voted in the top 100 most beautiful places in the world. 

From here, we will take the mountain pass up through Molls Gap, where you will see the staggering views of stunning Skellig Island.

After your Ring of Kerry tour, your driver-guide will return you to your hotel in Killarney.

Day 8: Killarney – Bunratty Castle & Folk Park – Cliffs of Moher – The Burren – Galway

Tourists sitting on green cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean at the Cliffs of Moher, a famous coastal attraction in County Clare, Ireland
Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

This morning, after breakfast, your driver-guide will collect you from your hotel and drive you north towards the Limerick Clare border to your first stop:

Bunratty Castle & Folk Park

You will take a tour of this iconic fortress; hear and see how the lords and ladies of this castle lived; hear stories of battles and bravery, and enjoy stunning views across the idyllic Clare countryside.

The Folk Park features over 30 buildings in a ‘living’ village in a rural setting. Farmhouses, village shops, and streets are recreated and furnished as they would have been at “that time” according to their social standing, from the poorest one-roomed dwelling to Bunratty House, a fine example of a Georgian residence that was home to the Stoddarts, the last family to occupy the Castle.

Cliffs of Moher

A UNESCO World Heritage Site towering 200 meters over the ocean and spanning over 8km of coastline, the cliffs are truly a testament to the power and grace of nature. The views are simply sublime, not just as you look along the cliffs themselves, but stretching out over the Aran Islands and all the while with the waves of the Atlantic crashing below. Your chauffeur will be able to inform you of all the folklore and myths that surround the cliffs, while the wildlife lovers amongst you should keep an eye out for the Puffins, razorbills, Kittiwakes, and Peregrine Falcons that call the area home.

The Burren

Next on your tour is The Burren, a region famous internationally for its landscape and flora. Most of the Burren is designated a Special Area of Conservation to protect this extremely unusual habitat of Limestone Pavement, Calcareous Grassland, Hazel scrub, Ash/Hazel Woodland, Turloughs, Lakes, Petrifying Springs, Cliffs, and Fen.

After exploring The Burren, your driver-guide will drop you at your Galway accommodation for the evening for a well-earned rest!

We just returned from a 15-day trip to Ireland, 11 days of which were arranged with Prestige Tours. We could not have been happier. Working with Michelle initially, we were able to plan our itinerary to include activities and stops that interested us and were somewhat off the beaten tourist track. For example, we wanted to spend time in harbor towns such as Kinsale and wilder outdoor settings such as Connemara for a different kind of experience. We also did several Greenway bike rides: one from Dungarvan toward Waterford and the other from Achill Sound near Westport. We enjoyed our accommodations, several of which were in unique countryside locations. None of this, however, would have been as wonderful without the pleasure of being with our fantastic driver/guide, Damien Heaney, who made every day special, lively, and interesting. He regaled us with his well-versed knowledge of Irish history and had a story about every stop and point of interest along the way that you will not find in any guide book. He was fun, and flexible, and a delight to spend time with (and, we should add, a very competent driver). We appreciated him every day. All in all, we would highly recommend Prestige Tours.

Day 9: Galway Day Tour

Colorful street with hanging flags and traditional Irish buildings in Galway City, Ireland, showcasing vibrant architecture and a popular tourist attraction
Galway City, Ireland

Today, your driver-guide will be with you as you explore Galway itself – known as the “Cultural Heart of Ireland.”

We will begin at the central square and head down the High Street, where you might want to stop for a taste of the local cuisine in one of the many nearby cafes and restaurants (a traditional Irish stew for lunch perhaps!) 

With many street performers, singers and dancers you can enjoy walking and listening to the sights and sounds of the town as you head down to the Latin Quarter.

Here you will encounter Cobblestone and brick pedestrian-only streets, outdoor dining, interesting shops, street vendors, and colorful historic buildings as you approach the Spanish Arch – originally constructed in 1584. Standing where the River Corrib churns wildly into the Atlantic Ocean, there is no better place to get a sense of the port town that Galway once was. 

From here you can enjoy the sunset over Galway Bay. With a beautiful walk near the seaside, you can enjoy the tranquility of the seagulls, swans, and old boats along the harbor.

You might want to spend the evening in the ‘Crane Bar’. A pub whose traditional music sessions will transport you to another age before departing back to your accommodation for the night.

Day 10: Connemara National Park – Kylemore Abbey – Galway

Kylemore Abbey reflected in Pollacapall Lough surrounded by lush green hills under a bright blue sky in Connemara, County Galway, Ireland
Kylemore Abbey, Ireland

Today we’ll leave Galway and head to the stunning Connemara for the morning:

Connemara National Park

Connemara is breathtakingly beautiful… There are so many areas to explore… Sky Road, Roundstone, Dogs Bay, Omey Island, Inishbofin Island, Killary Harbor, Doolough Valley… I could go on & on. Along with its vast expanse of mountains, heathland, and lakes, Connemara is also known for its traditional Irish culture and contains a major part of the Connacht Irish-speaking Gaeltacht – a key part of the identity of the region.

The National Park itself covers 3,000 hectares of scenic mountains, expansive bogs, glorious grasslands, and enchanting woodlands, a place where you will have the chance to see Connemara ponies, red deer, and birds including peregrine falcons.

Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden

Next, it’s the iconic Kylemore Abbey. Built-in the late 1800s, Kylemore is now owned and run by a community of Benedictine Nuns who have been in residence here since 1920.

You will end your day with a drive back to your accommodation in Galway.

Day 11: Galway – Sligo Abbey – Donegal

Historic Sligo Abbey in Ireland showcasing medieval stone architecture, ancient cloisters, and central courtyard under a blue sky
Sligo Abbey, Ireland

This morning we’ll leave Galway behind and drive north to Co. Donegal. First making a stop at Drumcliffe Church and the grave of one of Ireland’s most famous poets, W. B Yeats, we will then make a stop in Sligo town for some lunch and visit Sligo Abbey.

Sligo Abbey

Sligo Abbey is known for its literary heritage and rugged countryside, and features carved tombs and a 15th-century altar. Sligo County Museum, close by, displays memorabilia of local poet W.B. Yeats, paintings, and Stone Age artifacts.

Donegal Castle

You will visit Donegal Castle. In the 15th century Red Hugh O’Donnell, an Irish nobleman, ruler of Tyrconnell, and head of the O’Donnell dynasty, built this castle as his personal fortress after escaping five-year imprisonment in Dublin Castle where he had been held by the English.

We’ll then bring the day to a close and drop you at your accommodation in Donegal.

Day 12: Glencolmcille – Killybegs – Slieve League

Tourist admiring the dramatic sea cliffs at Slieve League, County Donegal, Ireland, with panoramic coastal views and rugged mountain scenery
Slieve League, Ireland

Today you will visit the unspoiled village of Glencolmcille,  a place of tremendous natural beauty and changing colors… mountains, lakes, sea cliffs, and beaches. Resplendent with stone walls and Fuschia-bordered lanes. It is an ancient corner of Ireland witnessed by the sites of dwellings and the tombs of the Megalithic period and by the cross-inscribed stones of early Christianity. If you were hoping to discover an unspoiled environment on your Irish vacation, then we think you will love Glencolmcille.

Then you will move on to Ireland’s largest fishing port, Killybegs, before arriving at Slieve League – nearly 3 times higher than the Cliffs of Moher and said to be one of the highest and finest cliffs in Europe.

After you’ve had a chance to explore Slieve League, we’ll head back to your accommodation in Donegal. 

Day 13: Donegal – Derry Tour

Peace Bridge over the River Foyle with the Guildhall and city skyline in Derry, Northern Ireland, popular tourist attraction
Derry, Ireland

This morning, after breakfast, we will head for Derry in Northern Ireland, first visiting the Guildhall, the heart of Derry since 1887:

Guildhall

Whilst the building itself is a joy to view with its Neo-Gothic style and Tudor sensibilities, you will find that the magnificent stained glass windows tell a tale of city life, representing everything from fishmongers to musicians, and its clock, which was modeled on London’s Big Ben.

Museum of Free Derry

If you are visiting Ireland, then the likelihood is that you at least have a general idea about the conflict that came to be known as “The Troubles”. The Museum of Free Derry is an excellent resource for delving deeper into this topic, focusing as it does on the fight for civil rights in the 1960s and the Free Derry Irish nationalist movement in the early 1970s.

The Derry Walls

Originally built between 1613 and 1619, the famous walls of Derry are fully accessible on foot.

From the walls, you will enjoy views of the spired St. Columb’s Cathedral, see artifacts from the 1688 Siege of Derry, the Peace Bridge, the Tower Museum, the Free Derry Wall, and, of course, the 22 cannons that line the circumference of the walls.

Once you’ve explored the walls, your driver-guide will drop you at your accommodation for the evening in Derry.

Day 14: Derry – The Causeway Coast – Belfast

Tourists walking along the basalt columns at the Giant’s Causeway, a famous UNESCO World Heritage Site on the coast of Northern Ireland with scenic cliffs and ocean views
Giants Causeway, Northern Ireland

This morning, after breakfast, your driver-guide will collect you and head towards the North Coast, first stopping at: 

Portstewart Strand

Enjoy a relaxing stroll through the 6,000-year-old sand dunes at Portstewart Strand, known as one of Northern Ireland’s finest beaches, and take in the views of Inishowen headland and Mussenden Temple perched atop the cliffs.

The Strand will also be familiar to fans of the TV series “Game of Thrones” as it stood in for the coast of Dorne.

Giant’s Causeway

Discover Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage site, the incomparable Giant’s Causeway, and hear the legend about the Giant Finn MacCool and how the unique standing stones came into existence.

The Causeway comprises around 40,000 mostly hexagonal basalt columns descending gently into the sea. Truly one of the most spectacular sites in all of Ireland, you will want to make sure your camera has plenty of space to accommodate the number of pictures you will want to capture of this incredible natural formation and breathtaking scenic views from the Causeway.

Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge

The first rope bridge between the mainland and Carrick-a-Rede Island was erected in 1755 and was mainly used by fishermen. The current bridge may be a lot safer, but with the view of the Ocean below, you can still get the blood pumping!

Old Bushmills Distillery

Your driver-guide will take you north to probably the best-known whiskey distiller in the world, Bushmills, which incidentally is the home to the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery, with records dating back to 1608!

Your guided tour will let you take in the best the distillery has to offer and learn about the copper pot stills and the production process of their triple-distilled whiskeys before enjoying a premium whiskey tasting experience.

Your driver-guide will then drop you at your accommodation for the evening in Belfast.

Our experience was great! Our driver-guide Denis O’Sullivan was amazing and the group had a phenomenal time with him. Not only was his driving absolutely impeccable and impressive given the very very tight and windy roads going to the Cliffs of Moher, but his commentary was wonderful. He had the right balance of informational approach, to cultural, to anecdotal, all with an amazing sense of humour that really suited our lighthearted group. I can’t recommend Denis enough to future groups.

Day 15: St George’s Market – Belfast City Hall – Belfast Castle

Belfast Castle in Northern Ireland surrounded by landscaped gardens, trees, and blue sky, showcasing historic architecture and a popular tourist attraction near Belfast
Belfast Castle, Northern Ireland

This morning, after breakfast, your driver-guide will collect you and take you on a tour of Belfast.

St George’s Market

Your driver-guide will first take you to St George’s Market, named the UK’s best large indoor market, it is a mecca for foodies, artists, and artisan works. Relax and enjoy a snack while you take in the history of this amazing building.

Belfast City Hall

Your next stop on this guided day tour will be Belfast City Hall. In 1888, Queen Victoria granted Belfast City Status, and it was agreed that a grand and magnificent building should be erected to reflect this new status. City Hall opened its doors on the first of August 1906, at a time of unprecedented prosperity and industrial might within the city.

Belfast Castle

Your next port of call on today’s tour is the beautiful Belfast Castle. Sitting in a prominent position in Cave Hill Country Park, the castle, built in 1862, is situated in what was the third Marquis of Donegall’s deer park. The castle is Scottish baronial in style, and the balconies and gardens afford the most spectacular views across the lough and city. 

Finally, after a long day touring, your driver-guide will drop you off at your Belfast accommodation for a well-earned rest.

Day 16: Titanic Quarter – Gaeltacht Quarter – Political Mural Tour

Titanic Belfast museum exterior at sunset, iconic tourist attraction and maritime heritage site in Northern Ireland showcasing RMS Titanic history
Titanic Belfast, Northern Ireland

This morning, your driver-guide will collect you from your hotel and see more of the sights on offer in Belfast. They say you can never run out of things to do in Belfast; however, seeing as we are limited in how long this itinerary can be, we would recommend:

Titanic Quarter

Visit the world-class interactive museum on the site where the fateful ship was built back in 1911. 

The Gaeltacht Quarter

Here you will hear the locals speaking in their traditional Gaelic Irish language and in many traditional pubs.

A Political mural tour

Learn the complicated history of the troubles explored through a series of famous murals throughout the city, and eventually arrive at the Peacewall, where you can even write your own message.

We’ll then return to your accommodation for the evening in Belfast.

Day 17: Belfast – Newgrange – Hill of Tara – Dublin

Newgrange passage tomb in County Meath, Ireland, with tourists exploring the ancient Neolithic monument under a bright blue sky and green landscape
Newgrange, Ireland

This morning, your driver-guide will collect you from your hotel and make our way towards Trim, Co Meath.

Newgrange

Your first stop on this tour will be the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre: Starting from here, your first visit will be Newgrange which contains prehistoric monuments constructed 5,200 years ago, making them older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids. Described as an Ancient Temple, Newgrange is a place of astrological, spiritual, religious, and ceremonial importance.

Hill of Tara

Your next call is Tara, the inauguration place and seat of the High Kings of Ireland in the first millennium A.D. The Hill of Tara is an ancient ceremonial site dating to around 2,500 BC, with stories about it appearing in Irish mythology. And just a few miles along the road is your last visit of the day, the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Center. The center is in the recently restored 18th century Oldbridge House on the banks of the River Boyne, here you will get an in-depth insight into the battle between King William III and his father-in-law King James II that took place in 1690, a long time ago, and yet still has ramifications in Ireland today. Learn the story of one of the most important battles in Irish history.

Your day will come to a close as your driver-guide will drop you at your accommodation in Dublin.

Prestige customized our tour for 10 days. It was beyond our expectations. Damien, our driver, was very informative and funny to make our journey more enjoyable. I would highly recommend them for a great experience.

Day 18, 19 & 20: Dublin

Interior of the Long Room at Trinity College Library in Dublin, Ireland, featuring wooden arches, historic bookshelves, marble busts, and tourists exploring this famous Irish attraction
Trinity College Library in Dublin, Ireland

For the remainder of your holiday, you will spend the time with your guide getting to know the capital of Ireland, Dublin. Famous for the friendly locals, captivating historical past, and the hugely important figures who have come from the city such as James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, and Bram Stoker – so much so that it has been recognized by UNESCO as being a world city of literature, unfortunately, you won’t have time to read any books on this tour as your driver-guide has so many fascinating and interesting spots to show you!

O’Connell Street & the General Post Office (GPO)

A must-see for anyone with an interest in Irish history or the Easter uprising. The GPO was the spot where the Proclamation was read in 1916, for the very first time.

Trinity College

The oldest and perhaps most architecturally beautiful university in Ireland, founded in 1546 by King Henry VIII you will also find the hallowed ‘Book of Kells’ from 384 AD within its walls.

The Doors of Dublin

You’ll never see two identical doors as you wander through Dublin city, and their unique and colorful charm gives the city an unmistakable character.

Guinness Storehouse

The homeland of Ireland’s national drink. We don’t believe that Guinness tastes the same anywhere else in the world, and you find out if you agree or not by pouring your own pint in the factory where it all started.

Whitefriar Street Church

Romantics will wish to visit the place of rest for the patron saint of lovers, St Valentine himself at Whitefriar Street Church.

Temple Bar district

Enjoy the traditional bars and music in the city’s Temple Bar district.

Irish Immigration Museum

See if you can trace your roots back to Ireland at the Irish Immigration Museum.

Kilmainham Gaol

Built in 1796, it served as a prison in former times, where many Irish revolutionaries were imprisoned and executed by the British.

Dublin Castle

Commissioned by King John all the way back in 1204, the Record Tower is still intact, although the majority of what you can see now was actually constructed in the 18th century.

The castle is still used by the Irish government for formal occasions and functions today, and tours of the grounds are available at regular intervals.

Day 21: Airport Transfer

Ha’penny Bridge over the River Liffey at sunset in Dublin, Ireland with people walking along the riverside and reflections of city buildings in the water
Dublin, Ireland

Alas, all good things must come to an end, and on the final day of your journey, we will collect you from your accommodation and deliver you to the airport. 

Depending on what time your flight departs, we would be happy to arrange a final authentic Irish breakfast/lunch/dinner/whiskey-at-any-old-time for you to enjoy before you depart our shores at the end of an extraordinary journey that has seen you travel the length and breadth of our beautiful little island country.

Call +44 287 051 4460

Free for US, Canada & UK

Get A Bespoke 21 Day Ireland Itinerary

If there is any aspect of this 21-day tour that you would like to change or tailor to your group’s specific needs, simply complete the form below, and our travel designers will be delighted to reach out to you with a complimentary, updated, bespoke version.

Tour Request

Talk To Our Team +44 287 051 4460

Free for US, Canada & UK

Email Us

Let us know your questions!

Other Ireland Tour Itineraries

If this itinerary hasn’t quite done it for you, check out other Ireland Tour Itineraries below, or get in touch with one of our friendly Travel Designers to request your own personalized itinerary.  

Message our team

Chat
Privacy Overview
Ireland Prestige Tours logo featuring a green Irish harp blended with a scenic road symbolizing travel and tourism in Ireland

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

3rd Party Cookies

This website uses Google Analytics to collect anonymous information such as the number of visitors to the site, and the most popular pages.

Keeping this cookie enabled helps us to improve our website.