Signature: Northern Ireland's Emerald Coast & Giant's Causeway

Welcome to the Emerald Isle. Your expedition begins in the Ennis area, where the air is often thick with the scent of woodsmoke and the promise of Atlantic mist. You will be met and transferred to your hotel to settle into the rhythmic pace of Irish life. 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. Share stories over a dinner of traditional fare, raising a glass to the start of your exploration through a region defined by its rugged beauty and enduring heritage before resting for the adventures that lie ahead on the western coast.

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. There will be an included group welcome dinner after the meeting.Accommodation - Falls Hotel & Spa

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.