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Experience Overview
Two nations, one island, and a lifetime of stories to uncover. From the literary haunts of Dublin and the wild shores of Kerry to the ancient walls of Derry and the geometric wonder of the Giant's Causeway, this expedition moves through the full breadth of Ireland's history, landscape, and living culture — guided by the archaeologists, storytellers, and communities who know it best.
Highlights
- Experience the soul of Irish identity through a private cultural introduction and hands-on session with local athletes an Gaelic Games Immersion
- Meet a local archaeologist to discuss a National Geographic-sponsored project preserving Ireland's ancient holy wells in Ballyvourney
- Discover Dublin’s historic streets through the poignant lens and personal stories of a formerly unhoused professional guide
- Hear a local account of historic events during a private talk at the poignant Museum of Free Derry
- Savour the complex notes of Irish spirits during a private whiskey cellar tasting at Lough Eske Castle
- Enjoy a catered lunch at a heritage centre that supports local at-risk communities at Clifton House.
Trip Details
Product Code: 41429
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Luxury
Transport: Private Vehicle, Ferry, Walking
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles: National Geographic Journey, Budget
Tour Operator: G Adventures
Supplier Code: EQDBNS
Starts: Dublin, Ireland
Finishes: Belfast, United Kingdom
Duration: 16 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating: Light
Includes
Activities
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, Dublin Signature Moment: Experience Gaelic Games, Dublin Your Foodie Moment: Ballykeefe Distillery visit, Ballykeefe Your Foodie Moment: Lunch at a Medieval Inn, Kilkenny Signature Moment: Tour of Ballyvourney with a Local Archeologist, County Cork Your Foodie Moment: Visit and Lunch at Burren Farm, County Clare Your Foodie Moment: Traditional Pub Dinner, Westport Your Foodie Moment: Private Whiskey Cellar Tasting, Lough Eske Castle Signature Moment: Specialist Discussion at the Museum of Free Derry, Derry
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Visit to Trinity College (Book of Kells), Dublin
- Community Tourism Walking Tour, Dublin
- Sweny's Pharmacy Visit, Dublin
- EPIC Museum Visit with local guide, Dublin
- Guided Tour of Kilkenny Including Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny
- Visit St
- Canice’s Cathedral, Kilkenny
- Rock of Cashel Visit
- Dingle Town Orientation Walk
- Dingle Peninsula Scenic Drive
- Stop in Adare Village
- Irish Dance Experience in Ennis
- Cliffs of Moher
- Visit Poulnabrone Dolmen Ancient Tombs
- Guided Tour of Inisheer
- Guided Walking Tour of Galway
- Orientation Walk in Westport
- Clew Bay Cruise, Westport
- Visit of Leenane Village
- Orientation Walk in Sligo
- Drumcliff Church and Yeats' Tomb Visit
- Private Tour of Lough Eske Castle
- Visit to Slieve League
- Visit to Donegal Town
- Free Time to Enjoy Lough Eske
- Guided Tour of Derry, Derry
- Visit to Giant's Causeway, Giants Causeway
- Black Cab Tour of Belfast
- Clifton House Visit and Lunch
- Titanic Museum Belfast
- Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expedition Expert Throughout
- Porterage at hotels and when getting on and off of vehicles
- Tips are included for all activities, meals and porterage, except for your Expedition Leader
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodation
- Hotel (15 nights)
- 15 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 10 dinners
Transport
- Private Vehicle, Ferry, Walking
Group Leader
- National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert throughout
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $20599 ($1,287 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Dublin
Welcome to the Fair City. Your expedition begins in Dublin, a capital where medieval history meets a legendary literary spirit. Later, gather with your National Geographic Expedition Leader, National Geographic Expedition Expert and fellow travellers for a welcome presentation that sets the stage for the heritage and history ahead.Enjoy an engaging presentation that sets the stage for your journey through Ireland's ancient east and rugged west, followed by a welcome dinner at the hotel to toast the start of your Irish odyssey.
Meals included: Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.Activity - Your opportunity to meet your Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Accommodation - Hotel Dublin - The Dylan -
Day 2: Dublin
The day opens with an experience unlike any other — a private introduction to the passion and pride of Ireland's national sports. Join local athletes for a hands-on session of hurling and Gaelic football, feeling the raw energy and amateur devotion that has defined Irish identity for centuries. Afterwards, stand before the breathtaking illuminated pages of the Book of Kells at Trinity College, where centuries of craftsmanship unfold in vivid detail. After lunch, step into Dublin's layered past on a walking tour led by a formally unhoused guide from a social enterprise, whose personal perspective brings the city's streets to life in unexpected ways. The afternoon concludes with a stop at Sweny's Pharmacy, immortalised in the pages of James Joyce's Ulysses.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - A visit to Experience Gaelic Games offers a hands-on introduction to Ireland’s national sports at a real community club. Led by passionate local coaches, the session combines interactive history with active training in Hurling, Gaelic Football, and Handball, concluding with fun-filled mini-matches that provide a true taste of Ireland’s sporting soul.Activity - Step into the halls of Trinity College Dublin, founded in 1592, to visit the Book of Kells Exhibition and the historic Long Library. Written in the 9th century, the Book of Kells is a richly illustrated document (inscribed in Latin) of the four Gospels in the New Testament. Widely considered Ireland's greatest cultural treasure, it's one of the world’s most famous medieval manuscripts. Continue to the Long Library, a soaring room filled with over 200,000 books, including the library's oldest collections. A must-visit for book lovers, it's also known for its appearance in Harry Potter movies.Activity - Enjoy a walking tour led by a local social enterprise. Hosted by professional guides who have navigated the challenges of homelessness, the experience weaves personal storytelling with the social history of iconic neighbourhoods like the Liberties. This walk offers an authentic and ultimately hopeful view of Dublin, ensuring your presence leaves a direct, positive impact on the local community.Activity - A visit to Sweny’s Pharmacy is a multisensory journey into Dublin’s literary soul. From the scent of the famous lemon soap to the sound of James Joyce’s prose being read aloud in multiple languages, this volunteer-run Victorian gem offers an intimate, unscripted encounter with history. It’s a place where you don't just learn about Ulysses—you breathe it in.Accommodation - Hotel Dublin - The Dylan -
Day 3: Dublin/Kilkenny
Begin at the EPIC Museum, a vivid digital tribute to the extraordinary global reach of the Irish diaspora — a story of resilience, creativity, and cultural endurance told across continents. Then leave the city behind as the landscape softens into the rolling countryside en route to Kilkenny, one of Ireland's best-preserved medieval towns. After a local lunch, discover the artisanal craft behind Ireland's most celebrated spirit at the Ballykeefe Distillery, where the intricate origins of whiskey-making are revealed in the warmth of a working still. Check into your hotel as the amber light of evening settles over the ancient stone streets, before gathering for dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - A visit to EPIC with a local guide is a journey through the "spirit" of the 70 million people who claim Irish heritage. By combining award-winning digital interactivity with the personal storytelling of a Dublin guide, the experience moves beyond data and dates to reveal the emotional core of the Irish identity—one defined by resilience, creativity, and an enduring connection to the "Old Country."Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Discover the origins of Irish Whiskey at Ballykeefe Distillery. The tour will be a journey through every part of the Ballykeefe operation, which has revived the lost traditions of a family farm distillery, with a unique commitment to environmental protection, carbon neutrality and sustainability.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Lyrath Estate Hotel
Day 4: Kilkenny
This morning, Kilkenny reveals its medieval soul on foot. A local guide leads you through the city's historic lanes — including the atmospheric Butter Slip, a narrow medieval passageway worn smooth by centuries of footfall. Step inside the commanding ramparts of the 12th-century Kilkenny Castle, where grand halls and richly decorated ceilings speak to the ambitions of the Butler dynasty. Visit the former stables, now a design centre alive with contemporary Irish craft. After a traditional lunch at a historic inn once owned by the legendary Dame Alice Kyteler — Ireland's first recorded witch — explore the soaring Gothic heights of St. Canice's Cathedral. The evening is yours, whether spent in a candlelit pub or along the quiet riverside paths that wind through the city.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - A tour of Kilkenny blends the narrow, stepped history of the Butter Slip with the aristocratic grandeur of Kilkenny Castle. From the stables-turned-design-hub to the vibrant, hand-painted ceilings of the Picture Gallery, the experience offers a perfect balance of medieval grit and artistic elegance.Activity - St. Canice’s Cathedral offers a profound sense of continuity, bridging the gap between its 6th-century monastic roots and its current role as a vibrant center of Kilkenny life. Whether you are marvelling at the medieval effigy tombs, listening to the choral echoes in the nave, or conquering the Round Tower, it remains the definitive landmark of the "Medieval Mile."Activity - A lunch at a medieval inn is an immersion into the darker, more atmospheric side of Ireland’s "Marble City." Established in 1324 by the notorious Dame Alice Kyteler (the first person in Ireland to be accused of witchcraft), the building is a labyrinth of stone, shadow, and local lore.Accommodation - Lyrath Estate Hotel
Day 5: Kilkenny/Killarney
The Rock of Cashel rises dramatically from the surrounding plain — a cluster of medieval ruins perched atop a limestone hill that has witnessed the sweep of Irish history from the 4th century onward. Explore the ornate Romanesque chapel and weathered high crosses before lunch. The afternoon in the Gaeltacht town of Ballyvourney, meet a local archaeologist whose National Geographic-sponsored work is preserving Ireland's ancient holy wells for future generations. In the fading light, he connects the threads of modern science and ancient spiritual tradition in a way that stays with you long after you've left. The day concludes in Killarney, the storied gateway to the wild kingdom of Kerry.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - A visit to the Rock of Cashel is a journey through 1,500 years of Irish history. From the pre-Christian legends of the Devil’s Bite to the Gothic grandeur of the cathedral ruins, it offers a visceral connection to Ireland’s royal and ecclesiastical past. The combination of the Cormac’s Chapel frescoes and the panoramic views over the Golden Vale makes it an essential stop in Ireland’s Ancient East.Activity - A tour of Ballyvourney is a rare opportunity to explore the "thin places" of the Irish landscape through the lens of modern archaeological preservation. Guided by a National Geographic sponsored archaeologist, you will move from the ancient stone huts and holy wells to the 13th-century monastic ruins, gaining an insider's understanding of how Ireland’s medieval past is being meticulously saved for the future.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Hotel Killarney - Victoria -
Day 6: Killarney
The rugged Dingle Peninsula unfolds like a painting — a landscape of salt-sprayed cliffs, ancient stone huts, and vast Atlantic skies that stretch beyond the edge of the world. Peer inside the extraordinary clocháns, dry-stone beehive huts clinging to these hillsides for over a thousand years. Walk the wide sands of Inch Beach as the Atlantic breeze rolls in off the water. In Dingle, one of Ireland's last living Gaeltacht towns, the Irish language drifts from doorways and fishing boats bob in the harbour. Browse a local pottery studio before returning to Killarney — where a free evening awaits, perhaps in one of the town's legendary music pubs or along the shimmering lakeshore.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Trace the rugged contours of the Dingle Peninsula on a comprehensive circuit defined by Gaelic culture and Atlantic drama. From ancient dry-stone dwellings to sheer cliffs that plunge into the churning surf, every turn reveals a new layer of Irish history, mythology, and breathtaking coastal geometry.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - A stop at Inch Beach serves as a sensory palate cleanser. Between the roar of the surf, the calls of the red-billed choughs foraging in the dunes, and the panoramic mountain views, it is a place that makes one feel remarkably small in the best possible way. As you scan the horizon, imagine the massive camera crews of 1969; this stretch was a primary location for the Oscar-winning film Ryan’s Daughter. The vastness that once made it perfect for the silver screen is exactly what makes it feel so tranquil today.Activity - The Fahan Beehive Huts can be found on Slea Head, which is part of the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry. Here, there is a fascinating collection of clochans, or beehive huts, some of which are underground and others standing. A visit here is a sensory journey into Ireland’s early Christian past. Located along the spectacular stretch of coast, these stone structures cling to the southern slopes of Mount Eagle, overlooking the vast, churning Atlantic.Activity - A visit to Louis Mulcahy Pottery is often the artistic highlight of the Slea Head Drive. Located at the westernmost tip of the Dingle Peninsula in Ballyferriter, it’s far more than a retail shop—it’s a working studio where the rugged, salt-sprayed landscape of West Kerry is literally baked into the clay.Activity - A Dingle orientation walk is a loop of color and character. From the salty breeze of the harbor to the sloping streets of the town center, it provides an immediate feel for the town’s "bohemian-meets-traditional" spirit. It’s a place where Irish is spoken in the hardware stores and the world’s best seafood is served in cozy, wood-paneled snugs.Accommodation - Hotel Killarney - Victoria -
Day 7: Killarney/Ennis
Depart Killarney continuing through the beautiful countryside, pausing in the postcard-perfect village of Adare — its thatched cottages and manicured gardens offering a gentler side of the Irish landscape. In the historic market town of Ennis, enjoy a hands-on Irish dance experience with local experts introducing you to three distinct styles — from the precise footwork of céilí to the soaring athleticism of sean-nós. Feel the heartbeat of Irish culture through movement and the kind of shared experience that needs no translation. The evening gathers the group for dinner, reflecting on a day that moved between scenic beauty and tradition.
Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - A stop in Adare offers a blend of architectural charm and aristocratic luxury. It is a village designed to be walked, where you can move from a medieval abbey to a fashion boutique in minutes. Whether you are browsing the Irish woollens at the Heritage Centre or enjoying a Sunday Roast in a 200-year-old cottage, Adare provides a refined, picturesque pause on the road to the Southwest.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - An Irish dance experience in Ennis provides an authentic "triple-threat" introduction to Gaelic culture. By mastering the soulful improvisation of Sean-nós, the communal joy of the Céilí, and the disciplined power of Step Dancing, you’ll walk away with more than just a few steps—you’ll have a genuine connection to the rhythm of the West of Ireland while getting hints and tips from a former Riverdance dancerAccommodation - Falls Hotel & Spa
Day 8: Ennis
Stand at the edge of the world. The Cliffs of Moher rise over 700 feet above the churning North Atlantic — a wall of ancient rock that has humbled visitors for centuries. Afterwards, step into the otherworldly silence of Burren National Park, where a limestone landscape unlike anywhere else in Ireland stretches to the horizon. Marvel at the megalithic portal tomb of Poulnabrone Dolmen — a 6,000-year-old monument predating Stonehenge — and attend a presentation on the conservation work that earned this region a National Geographic World Legacy Award. This evening, enjoy a festive farewell dinner, celebrating the legends, landscapes, and connections made throughout this Irish odyssey.
Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - A visit to the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren is a journey through 330 million years of history. You move from the soaring heights and salty spray of the Atlantic cliffs to the quiet, alien beauty of the Burren’s limestone hills. It is an experience of "vastness and detail"—where a massive sea stack is as compelling as a single blue gentian growing in a crack of stone.Activity - A visit to Poulnabrone today is an encounter with Neolithic empathy and celestial timing. Beyond the "big stones," it is the story of a community that cared for a child with special needs, used quartz to bring light to the dead, and built a territorial "billboard" that still hums with the sound of the wind. It is less a cemetery and more a 5,000-year-old anchor for the human spirit.Accommodation - Falls Hotel & Spa
Day 9: Ennis
Before the expedition crosses into new territory, the Burren offers one final, grounding encounter with the Irish landscape. Meet the owners of the working Burren farm for a guided tour of heritage pastures, learning about native cattle breeds and the sustainable farming traditions that have shaped this unique limestone region for generations. Wander the land, see the animals, and settle in for a farm-to-table lunch in a warm, family-owned setting — the kind of unhurried, generous hospitality that defines rural Ireland. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy the grounds of the hotel before dinner, as quiet anticipation builds for the road north ahead.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - A visit to a Burren farm offers a rare "behind the scenes" look at the ancient practice of Winterage farming. Guided by the fifth-generation owners, you will explore the 5,000-year-old stone landscape and meet the livestock before sitting down to a hearty, farm-to-table lunch featuring premium local beef, artisan cheeses, and traditional homemade breads.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Falls Hotel & Spa
Day 10: Ennis/Westport
The jagged Atlantic coastline leads to Doolin, where you board a ferry for a crisp crossing to Inis Oírr. Feel the salt spray on your face as you arrive at this soul-stirring island. Explore the island with a local guide, wandering a labyrinth of dry-stone walls and coastal heritage that has barely changed in centuries. After a relaxed lunch overlooking the sea, a local guide leads you through Galway's vibrant Latin Quarter, where the echoes of maritime history meet a modern hub of art and music. The day concludes on arrival at your majestic manor house-style hotel where a gourmet dinner awaits, surrounded by the quiet grandeur of the estate.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Transport - Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.Activity - A day trip to Inisheer involves trading your coach for a ferry a short ride to the smallest Aran Island, just enough time to feel the salt air and watch the Cliffs of Moher loom in the distance. You’ll pass endless networks of hand-built stone walls, a shipwreck rusting on the shore, and a 10th-century church that has slowly sunk into the sand over the centuries. Everything is quiet. You’ll hear the local Gaelic language being spoken in the shops and the distant sound of the sea against the rocks. After lunch on the island, board the ferry back to the mainland to continue your journey.Transport - Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Explore the vibrant streets of Galway, a city celebrated as the primary center for Irish art, music, and theater. This guided walking tour takes you through the lively Latin Quarter and Eyre Square, stopping at the historic Spanish Arch and the scenic banks of the River Corrib. It is a perfect way to experience the "City of Tribes" and its unique blend of medieval history and modern creativity.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Hotel Abbeyglen
Day 11: Westport
Take in the dramatic glacial corridor of the Inagh Valley, including the Twelve Bens and Maumturks mountains rising like stone sentinels over the moorlands. Today you explore Westport, a Georgian gem where stone bridges frame the Carrowbeg River, and explore the harbour's independent galleries. Board a cruise to navigate the 365 islands of Clew Bay, the holy peak of Croagh Patrick watching from a distance. Enjoy free time to enjoy Westport or the grounds of your hotel. In the evening experience a local style dinner in town.
Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - This short walk takes you from your hotel into the heart of Westport, which is often called one of Ireland’s most beautiful towns. You will start by walking toward the center of town along The Mall. This is a scenic, tree-lined road that runs parallel to the Carrowbeg River. As you leave the river behind, you will walk into The Octagon, the main square of Westport. In the center of the square, you’ll see a large stone pedestal with a statue. This is the traditional meeting point for the town.Activity - The cruise offers a relaxing tour of Clew Bay’s famous drumlin islands and local seal colonies. Enjoy unique views of the Holy Mountain: Croagh Patrick, the historic Inishgort Lighthouse and John Lennon's Island, all from a comfortable, all-weather vessel.Activity - Enjoy dinner in a local pub style establishment tonight. The experience is as much about the "craic" (social atmosphere) as it is about the food. It represents the very best of West Ireland hospitality.Accommodation - Hotel Abbeyglen
Day 12: Westport/Donegal
Head toward the wild northwest, pausing in coastal Sligo before reaching Drumcliffe — where W.B. Yeats rests beneath a simple headstone in a quiet churchyard, the outline of Ben Bulben visible on the horizon. The landscape shifts as you cross into Northern Ireland and arrive at a magnificent lakeside castle tucked deep into ancient forest. A private tour of the estate reveals the architecture and ambitions of the families who once called these halls home. As twilight settles over the water, dinner in the castle is followed by a quiet evening in the library or beside a roaring fire.
Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Walk through Sligo alongside your Expedition Leader to discover 'Yeats Country,' a land where ancient mythology meets wild Atlantic beauty. Nestled between the iconic, flat-topped silhouette of Benbulben mountain and the rhythmic roll of the ocean, Sligo offers a blend of literary history, Neolithic wonders, and a thriving modern food scene.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Take a walk around Drumcliff , known for its early Christian architecture like the ruins of a typical Irish round tower (bell tower), a monastery, and a high cross with intricate carvings. Visit the graveyard of Duncliffe Church to see the humble grave of the famous poet WB Yeats.
Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - A tour of Lough Eske Castle offers a blend of tragic history and triumphant restoration. From the 19th-century sandstone exterior to the world-class photography collection inside, it provides a luxurious but grounded look at Donegal’s aristocratic past and its vibrant, five-star present.Accommodation - Lough Eske Castle
Day 13: Donegal
The Slieve League Cliffs tower nearly 2,000 feet above the crashing Atlantic and are among the most dramatic seascapes in all of Europe. Walk the clifftop trails before traveling to a working hand-weaving mill for a glimpse into Irish heritage as you wander past century-old wooden looms and watch master weavers rhythmically "throw the shuttle" to transform vibrant local wool into world-class tweed. Afterwards, continue to Donegal Town, where the imposing Donegal Castle sits at the banks of the River Eske — a striking blend of Gaelic and English stonecraft that has weathered centuries of history. Browse the local shops before returning to your lakeside retreat for a rare-access whiskey cellar tasting led by a specialist, exploring the nuanced flavours of local spirits. Dinner follows, celebrating the culinary traditions of the rugged northwest.
Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Standing on the viewing platform at Slieve League (Sliabh Liag) is a humbling encounter with the raw edge of Europe. Nearly three times taller than the Cliffs of Moher, a visit to here offers one of the most dramatic coastal vistas in the world. One of the most striking things about the platform is the sound. Because you are so high up, the roar of the massive Atlantic waves hitting the base of the cliff reaches you as a soft, rhythmic hiss.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Explore behind the scenes of the genuine working mill, where all the cloths are hand woven, and all the garments are artisan made. View each step of the process involved in creating our throws, garments and accessories. The traditional craft of hand weaving is an integral part of the intangible cultural heritage of the area. See the passionate people behind preserving the skill of hand weaving, the only method used in producing all these local tweeds.Activity - Enjoy an Expedition Leader led orientation walk of Donegal Town starting at The Diamond, the heart of the town and ending with a view of the historic Donegal Castle. A stroll along the Bank Walk offers a peaceful riverside with lovely views of the Old Abbey ruins across the water and the local fishing boats bobbing in the tide. Enjoy free time to settle into a traditional pub or a cozy cafe for a hearty lunch before returning to the hotel.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - A stay at Lough Eske Castle is defined by "unapologetic relaxation." From exploring the Father Browne photo galleries and walking the lakeside trails to unwinding in the infinity pool, the estate provides a perfect balance of historic discovery and five-star wellness in the heart of Donegal. Perhaps join your Expedition Leader for a short walk to the restaurant at Harvey's Point, it’s a local tradition to "castle hop" for a drink on their pier-side terrace.Activity - Hosted in the atmospheric Father Browne Bar, the experience features curated flights of premium Irish spirits, including the legendary local Silkie Whiskey, paired with expert storytelling by the castle’s passionate bartenders.Accommodation - Lough Eske Castle
Day 14: Donegal/Belfast
A day of powerful contrasts begins in Derry at the Museum of Free Derry, where a member of the Derry Trust shares a deeply personal account of the city's most defining events — a story told with a candour and humanity that no guidebook can replicate. Walk the 17th-century walls before the landscape opens dramatically at the UNESCO-listed Giant's Causeway. Stand among 40,000 interlocking basalt columns that rise like a geometric installation from the sea, as your National Geographic Expedition Expert weaves local folklore into the geology beneath your feet. As evening approaches, Belfast emerges on the horizon — a revitalised maritime city that wears its complex history with remarkable openness.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - A poignant morning begins with pre-opening visit for a solemn and academic deep dive into the story of Free Derry. Guided by a specialist from the Bloody Sunday Trust, you will receive a private lecture that weaves together historical facts with powerful personal narratives, all within the silent, sacred space of the Free Derry museum before it opens to the world.Activity - A walking tour of Derry starts on the 17th-century walls for a panoramic view of the city’s colonial history before descending into the Bogside. In the Bogside, you move through the "People's Gallery" of political murals and visit Free Derry Corner, ending with a message of modern reconciliation at the Peace Bridge.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - A visit to the Giant’s Causeway is a surreal encounter with 60 million years of history. Whether you’re there for the volcanic geology or the tales of Irish giants, the sight of thousands of geometric pillars marching into the ocean is a bucket-list experience that feels truly otherworldly.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast
Day 15: Belfast
Belfast reveals its layered identity this morning on a classic Black Cab tour with a local. — traversing the Falls and Shankill roads where vivid murals and Peace Walls tell a story of division, resilience, and hard-won progress. For lunch, Clifton House offers a catered meal at a heritage centre-your visit directly supports community care and philanthropy across the city. The afternoon immerses you in maritime history at the Titanic Museum, where the story of the world's most famous vessel unfolds in the very shipyard where it was born. This evening enjoy a celebratory farewell dinner, toasting the landscapes, stories, and connections forged across the emerald coasts.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - A Black Cab tour is an immersive masterclass in conflict and reconciliation. It takes you beyond the tourist trail into the Falls and Shankill roads to see the iconic political murals and the Peace Wall. With a local driver as your storyteller, you’ll gain a balanced, personal perspective on the city’s complex history and its remarkable journey toward the vibrant Belfast of today.Activity - A visit to the Heritage Centre at Clifton House, a historic community enterprise, combines an insightful meeting on local impact with a curated tour of the former Poor House. By pairing this exploration with a meal provided by a local social enterprise, you experience the full circle of social value. Your morning visit supports vital elderly care and heritage preservation at Clifton House, while your lunch directly funds employment training for the neurodiverse community in Belfast.Activity - Witness the spot where the iconic Titanic was built and launched. Within the ship liner shaped building, you can find a museum dedicated to the ship's construction, replicas of the passengers accommodation, rare footage documenting the ship's existence, and the history of Belfast.Accommodation - The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast
Day 16: Belfast
Your expedition to Northern Ireland concludes this morning. Enjoy a final breakfast before a private transfer takes you to the airport. As you depart, carry with you the echoes of castle fires, the salt-spray of the Atlantic, and the enduring spirit of the people who call this storied corner of the world home.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - You will be met at your hotel and transferred to Belfast International Airport at the end of your adventure.
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G Adventures
G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.
In Business Since 1990
