Ireland is an island of many contracts with a deep and rich history. Start your journey in the recently rejuvenated city of Belfast. This is the perfect base to visit the impressive natural phenonema of the Giants causeway and the scenic Antrim coast. Visit the pretty city of Armagh, the ancient capital of Ulster, with its magnificent St Patrick's cathedral. Then stop off to explore Trim castle and the many sites dating from ancient to medieval times. Dublin has the enviable position of being by nestled by the sea and mountains and this makes for a beautiful hinterland that just simply must be explored. Spend some time in County Wicklow - just south of Dublin, in what is known as the Garden of Ireland (due to the many forests, parks and gardens). On top of the beautiful scenery, there are a number of quaint villages to visit and estate homes. Continue your journey to Cork and visit Blarney castle before making your way west to the Bay of Kenmare. This is the perfect spot to base yourself in to see all of the many attractions in the region. Finally, make your way to The Burren in County Clare, a very special place - not just in Ireland, but in the world. This area is a biosphere where a large collection of alpine and Mediterranean species grows together in this limestone area. The Burren is bordered to the west by the Atlantic Ocean and Galway Bay and is tucked in the north-west corner of Clare and is one of the most beautiful locations in the country. Relax in luxurious accommodations throughout your tour and embrace yourselves in the traditional Irish welcome! From pick up to drop off, your Driver will accompany you the length and breadth of the land, ensuring you have a memorable vacation.

Airport transfer to/from Belfast airport in a private chauffeured vehicle. A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, train tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip. Belfast has wonderful dining and entertainment options in the city centre. The two most celebrated chefs in the city are Michael Deane and Paul Rankin. Both chefs have a score of restaurants in the city centre called Deane's and Cayenne respectively. There is also Deane's Deli for a lighter more bistro style ambience. We highly recommend visiting the Crown Bar Saloon and marveling the opulent Victorian Décor of Irelands most beautifully crafted bar. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price).

Ten Square Boutique Hotel is situated in a particularly attractive listed Victorian building just opposite the City Hall and within walking distance of the whole city centre area. Ten Square is Belfast's most interesting and innovative hotel development of the decade. This chic hotel has established itself as a firm favourite with visiting celebrities and discerning locals alike. One of the most innovative and stylish hotels in Belfast, the 23 bedrooms are a luxury showpiece of Asian splendour. The chic and sophisticated interior has promoted a new aesthetic for hospitality in the province for the cosmopolitan and city-hopping visitors.

Belfast has undergone many changes over the years, from a mere village in the 17th century, to a thriving 20th-century metropolis of half a million people. Ringed by high hills, sea lough and river valleys, Northern Ireland's capital has endured a collective suffering during the years of the Troubles. Today, this city offers an irresistible blend of re-energised urbanity and easy access to natural splendour. Compact and easy to explore on foot, what Belfast might lack in world class attractions it makes up for in attitude. There is an international selection of restaurants, bars and cafés to explore and with the rugged natural splendour of coast, lake and moor just outside the city.

South of Belfast City Centre is the historic and preserved town of Hillsborough, the home of visiting dignitaries which has magnificent Georgian Buildings and a well preserved Garrison. The Ulster Folk and Transport Museum is perhaps the finest outdoor museum in Ireland and has excellent exhibitions which include Titanic, de Lorain and the best outdoor theme park in Ireland which houses buildings which have been reconstructed brick for brick from locations all over the north of Ireland. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Experience the beauty of the Giant's Causeway - one of Irelands most beautiful and least visited beauty spots that stretches from Belfast to Derry along the most North Eastern region of Ireland. Touring will encompass the beautiful highlights of this unique coast that includes The Giants Causeway, The Distillery at Bushmills, Dunluce Castle and Carrick A Rede Rope Bridge as it hangs precariously over the North Atlantic Ocean. A stop for food or a drink at the ancient and historic Bushmills Inn in Bushmills is also a highlight. The Giants Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage site not to be missed. It is made up of 40000 interlocking basalt colums up to 12 metres long that strech along the coast and into the ocean. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Overnight at Ten Square (4*).

Enjoy the transfer from Belfast to Dublin stopping off en route at variuos places of interest. From Belfast there is an incredible range of archaeological and architectural treasures as we travel southwards to Dublin. To begin, there is the wonderful Mourne Mountains that sweep majestically down to the sea at Newcastle in Co. Down. An area of major interest is the archaeological region of the Boyne Valley with the prominent sights being Newgrange, The Hill of Tara, Knowth and Dowth, Slane Castle and The Battle of The Boyne site as well as a possible trip to Trim Castle where many scenes from Braveheart the Movie were filmed. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Enjoy an afternoon exploring the main mythological sites west of Dublin city. County Meath is a historical wonderland which has many attractions dating from ancient to medieval times. The Hill of Tara stands in the centre of this facinating county with commanding vies in all directions this was the seat of the ancient Kings of Ireland. Little remains but the outline of their kingdom, a church and a small cafe. Trim Castle to the west however is almost perfectly intact and one of Irelands most interesting castles. Used for many film sets including Braveheart the castle sits proudly on the banks of the Boyne and has many ruins in the area that make an interesting walk. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price).

The Merrion, an exclusive Dublin Hotel comprises 123 rooms and 19 suites. The interior is designed using Irish fabrics and antiques to reflect the architecture and original interiors of the Main House. Throughout this luxurious Dublin hotel guests benefit from the latest technology. There is a choice of two restaurants and two bars. A luxurious Spa and swimming pool, six magnificent meeting and private dining rooms, and a private car park complete The Merrion's impressive list of facilities. Over the last eleven years, The Merrion luxury hotel in Dublin City has established itself as the epitome of relaxed grandeur, welcoming Dubliners and visitors to the city with stunningly appointed rooms, crackling turf fires and a host of facilities. This hotel has received many prestigious awards and accolades over recent years and hope their guests appreciate what they feel is at the cornerstone of its success - excelling in the art of hospitality.

The history, charming Georgian architecture and the host of more earthy entertainment on offer will all entice you to Dublin, but it is the people that will leave the biggest impression on you.

The coastline of Dublin City from North to South is as fascinating as the city centre itself. Enjoy exploring with your chauffeured driven vehicle. Beginning in Malahide you'll get to visit one of Ireland's most beautiful castles located on lush gardens. From Malahide visit Howth Island, a rugged outcrop and the most easterly part of the country. On the south side of the city the scenery takes on a more Mediterranean feel with James Joyce's Tower in Sandymount. The two villages of Dalkey and Killiney nestled overlooking the sea are Ireland most opulent and the homes of the stars. The view across Killiney Bay to the Wicklow Mountains is among the most beautiful in Ireland. At the end of the tour you will be brought back to your hotel. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Overnight at Merrion Hotel (5*).

Spend half the day exploring the beautiful area of County Wicklow - just south of Dublin. Wicklow is rightly known as the Garden of Ireland due to the spectacular natural scenery which couple mountains with lakes and meandering glens and a long coastline. The Sally Gap, a high mountain drive, is akin to being in the Wild West and the lush landscapes of Glendalough, the Glen of the two lakes, is nestled deep in the Wicklow Mountains. There are also the delightful villages of Roundwood and Avoca where picturesque mountains meet pretty hamlets. Powerscourt House and Gardens is a spectacular gem shadowed by the Sugarloaf Mountain and the estate is home to the largest waterfall in the British Isles of the same name. From here we continue south to Glendalough and the monastic ruins of St Kevin. The location is one of stunning natural beauty and you may like to take a short stroll around the lake. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Enjoy an excursion to Blarney Castle and environs. North of Cork City is the famous town of Blarney with its castle and expansive park and the world renowned Blarney Stone. This must be kissed in a feat of acrobatic heroics to achieve the gift of eloquence. Also in the town is the excellent Blarney Woollen Mills superstore which has amongst the finest ranges of Irish goods anywhere in Ireland. The tour can be completed with a nice meal in Christy's pub or in one of the local restaurants in the square of Blarney. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price).

Hayfield Manor Hotel is situated in Cork, near Glucksman Gallery, University College Cork, and St Fin Barre's Cathedral. Additional nearby points of interest include Bells of Shandon. Guestrooms have fax machines, trouser presses, and a turndown service; rooms also include coffee/tea makers, bathrobes, and designer toiletries. This luxury property has recreational amenities such as an indoor pool, a spa tub, and a steam room. The property also provides a restaurant, a bar/lounge, and a business center.

Cork features architecturally notable buildings originating from the medieval to modern periods. St. Patrick's Street, a main street that has been recently remodelled, is known for the architecture of the buildings along its pedestrian-friendly route through a major shopping district.

Enjoy touring the famous West Cork coastline - among the most indented, varied and lush coastlines in Ireland. The highlights of this tour include the ancient Drombeg Stone Circle, the quaint fishing villages of Glandore and Union Hall as well as a possible detour to Ireland's most southerly peninsula, Mizen Head. There are also the pretty seaside towns of Baltimore with its islands and Schull with lots of nice shops. Glengariff is located at the foot of the Caha Mountains that separate Cork from Kerry. It is a dense lush sub tropical valley that is famous for its Bamboo Park, seal colony and Italian Gardens. Bantry Town is Irelands deepest port and has a beautiful town square. Inland from here is the solitary chapel on an island by the lake at Gougane Barra. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Kenmare is renowned as one of Ireland's prettiest towns nestled between the imposing Ring of Kerry and the Ring of Beara on the Kenmare River. The town has numerous shops that specialize in all kinds of fine antiques, laces & linen, gourmet and fine arts. Close to the town is Kenmare Stone Circle, an unusual egg shaped circle and one of the oldest and largest in the South West. In summer boats trips from the pier that tour the magnificent Bay of Kenmare can be arranged. On the outskirts of the town are the pretty waterfalls on the Sheen River, where the Sheen Falls Hotel is located. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price).

A majestic mansion with stunning views of Kenmare Bay, Park Hotel Kenmare is a delightful spa and leisure resort in beautiful parkland grounds. Here, you will find haute cuisine dining, an 18-hole golf course, an all-encompassing spa including 25-metre lap pool, a private cinema and a fine selection of malt whisky.The atmosphere is undeniably elegant but incredibly inviting. Large, light rooms are filled with antiques and objets d art, oil paintings and tasteful furnishings and fabrics. Guest rooms and suites have seating areas, some with verandas, others with views of the bay.Rejuvenate with a trio of spa treatments focusing on three aspects of healing - holistic, heat and relaxation. Take Pilates, Yoga or Tai Chi. Visit the Heritage Centre in Kenmare and watch the traditional lace-making skills that made Kenmare famous. Return to watch a classic film in the Reel Room before savouring a special malt whiskey and retiring to bed.

Kenmare town is located at the head of Kenmare Bay and is the gateway town to the Ring of Kerry and the Ring of Beara, both beautiful peninsulas. Consider adding a day to your trip to see one of these two areas of stunning natural beauty.

See the spectacular natural beauty of the infamous Ring of Kerry in the comfort of your own vehicle with Driver. The Ring of Kerry encompasses lakes, islands, rugged coastline, ancient history and a collection of villages, monuments and vistas that are both picturesque and timeless. The highlights of the tour include the villages of Waterville, Caherdaniel and Sneem which are all small romantic outposts. On a historical level the ancient Staigue Fort and more recent Derrynane House are well worth visiting. The tour can be accomplished clockwise or counter clockwise depending on the starting point and the time of year. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Overnight at Park (5*).

Enjoy a visit to Bunratty Castle - one of the finest medieval castles in Ireland with a wonderful banqueting Hall, Folk Park which relives Ireland in Medieval Times. The castle is immaculately restored and retains many of its original furnishings. There are also clusters of excellent shopping in the area from Avoca and Blarney Woolen Mills. Durty Nelly's on the banks of the River Fergus has been serving Ale since the middle ages and today the dark lighting and sawdust floors retain its air of authenticity. This is a perfect spot for a bite to eat. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Enjoy an excursion to the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare - simply one of Ireland's most beautiful and must see natural attractions. They stretch for 8km & rise up to 214 meters above the Atlantic Ocean where gulls and sea life play below an awe inspiring panorama. The tour includes parking at the cliffs and entrance to the cliffs as well as use of the world class facilities at the visitor centre. There is an optional extra (not included in tour cost) to take in the Atlantic Edge exhibition which illustrates this unique and fragile environment. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price).

Set in its own gardens and amongst the breathtaking scenery of the Burren, the Sheedy's Country House Hotel (4*) is in the centre of Lisdoonvarna. This property is in between Connemara and Killarney, while the Shannon Airport is 64 kilometres away. This hotel offers well-appointed accommodation and each room has been elegantly furnished with an array of in-room amenities to ensure guests a pleasurable stay. Guests can dine at the onsite restaurant, which serves delicious traditional dishes or sip your favourite drink at the in-house cocktail bar.

Lisdoonbvarna - Lios Dúin Bhearna, meaning Enclosure at the Fort by the Gap) is a spa town of 822 people (2002 census) in County Clare in Ireland.Famous for its music and festivals, in September each year one of Europe's largest matchmaking events is held in Lisdonnvarna attracting upward of 40,000 romantic hopefuls, bachelor farmers and accompanying revellers. The month-long event is an important tourist attraction. The current matchmaker is Willie Daly, a fourth-generation matchmaker.

Connemara is one of Ireland most wild and beautiful regions best explored in a full day touring. There are lots of wonderful villages from Clifden, the alpine like Capital to Leenane on the banks of Killary Fjord as well as Roundstone with its beautiful beaces on the Western coast. The jewel of this rugged mountainous region is Kylemore Abbey and Walled Gardens as well as a serene chapel on the banks of the lake adorned with local Connemara marble and stained glass. A hike along the wilds of Killary Harbour as well as the deep valley at Delphi is also an option. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Overnight at Sheedy's Country House (4*).

Your driver will transfer you to Shannon airport this morning in a private vehicle in time for your onward flight. Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

Depart Shannon Airport. End of itinerary.

The wide sweep of the River Shannon both gives its name to and defines this varied region of Western Ireland, running through the counties of Clare and Limerick as well as parts of Tipperary and Offaly. From where the rugged coastal cliffs of Clare and Limerick fend off the Atlantic waves, to the lush meadows, ancient woodland and clear-water lakes of inland, the variety of the region's landscape encapsulates the myths and legends of Eire in just a few hundred miles. Dusk sees prehistoric tombs, castles and sleepy villages merge into a landscape steeped in Gaelic traditions. The heartland of Irish folk music and the Gaelic language (parts of the region are in the Gaeltacht, an area where Gaelic is taught in schools and even spoken day to day), the region also boasts the most blue flag beaches in the country, some of Ireland's best known and best-loved landmarks, and one of Europe's most spectacularly bleak limestone landscapes, the Burren. Wherever you wander here, whether hiring a cruiser and exploring the lake islands of the Shannon, getting lost on the boreens of the Burren or exploring the historical towns of Limerick and Ennis, you'll find a warm welcome in this beautiful corner of the Emerald Isle.