A light house on the Donegal Coast in Northern Ireland

Gems of Northern Ireland

Queen’s University, Belfast, Northern Ireland established 1845. The Gothic facade of the Lanyon Building.

Gems of Northern Ireland

Donegal coastline in Northern Ireland

Gems of Northern Ireland

A Journey Through Dublin, Belfast, and Northern Ireland

Days: 9 | From: $10,055/per person

  • Enjoy accommodations at best-in-class boutique hotels.
  • Curated tours with outstanding private guides: you’ll have an instant local friend with insider access.
  • Journey through Ireland as you discover its history, stunning landscapes, fine food, and culture.

This itinerary begins in Dublin before taking you west to Galway and the Connemara region, where coastal landscapes meet lively cultural traditions. From there, you will journey north to Donegal to hike the soaring Slieve League Cliffs, explore historic towns, and enjoy the rugged beauty of Ireland’s northwest. Along the way you will discover ancient castles, quiet fishing villages, and traditional music sessions, with time to savor the warmth of Irish hospitality in carefully selected accommodations.

Talk to a Vaya Travel Specialist

We tailor itineraries to your dates and interests, adjusting hotels, excursions and length as desired.

5-Star Reviews

We consistently receive 5 star reviews from our discerning clients.

At a Glance

  • Dublin
    2 nights: Irish pub culture, medieval history, and cathedrals
  • Belfast
    2 nights: megalithic art sites and Titanic history
  • Ballycastle
    2 nights: dramatic coastlines, abandoned castles, and the city of Derry
  • Donegal
    2 nights: stunning landscapes and artisan crafts

All itineraries are fully customizable. We will send you a personalized variation that reflects your interests and travel dates at no extra cost. Call to discuss your travel plans with one of our Specialists who know this region firsthand.

5-Star Reviews

Find out why our discerning travelers consistently rate us with 5-stars.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Dublin

Welcome to Ireland! Upon arrival in Dublin, you will be met for a private transfer to your five-star hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or begin exploring the city at your own pace. Dublin is compact and walkable, with highlights such as Merrion Park, the National Gallery of Ireland, the EPIC Immigration Museum, and the Little Museum of Dublin all within easy reach. For something iconic, you might also visit the Guinness Storehouse.

This evening, enjoy dinner at a recommended local restaurant before settling into a cozy pub for a live traditional music session: a warm and lively welcome to Ireland.

Accommodations: The Davenport Hotel , 2 nights

Located near Merrion Square in Dublin’s city center, The Davenport Hotel combines historic architecture with contemporary interiors. The property has 115 rooms and suites, each featuring modern amenities, marble bathrooms, and comfortable lounge spaces. Dining options include an all-day restaurant serving Irish and international cuisine, as well as a bar offering cocktails and afternoon tea. The hotel’s location places the National Gallery of Ireland, Trinity College, and Grafton Street all within easy walking distance.

Alternative lodging options:
The Merrion Hotel

Day 2: Explore and Tour Dublin

Set out on a guided walking tour of The Liberties, one of Dublin’s oldest and most character-filled neighborhoods. With its mix of medieval history, whiskey barons, street art, and indie culture, the area offers a lively and authentic glimpse of the city’s past and present.

Afterward, visit the Teeling Whiskey Distillery. Adults can enjoy a curated tasting, while younger visitors will appreciate the sensory aspects of the tour, from the scent of aging barrels to the café serving excellent coffee and hot chocolate.

In the afternoon, you may choose to visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral or browse vintage shops and bookstores nearby. End the day around Grafton Street, where you’ll find live music and street performances showcasing both traditional and modern Irish talent.

Accommodations: The Davenport Hotel , 2 nights

*Includes: Breakfast

Day 3: Brú na Bóinne and Travel to Belfast

This morning your private driver and guide will meet you at your hotel as you begin the journey north to Belfast. Along the way, stop at Brú na Bóinne, one of Ireland’s most significant prehistoric sites. Here, Newgrange, Knowth, and Dowth together hold the largest concentration of megalithic art in Europe. A guided tour, including access to the chamber at Newgrange, offers remarkable insight into these ancient monuments.

Continue by road, arriving in Belfast by late afternoon. Before checking in to your hotel, explore landmarks connected to Belfast-born author C.S. Lewis, including C.S. Lewis Square with its seven Narnia-inspired sculptures. Enjoy dinner with your guide at one of Belfast’s top restaurants in the evening.

Accommodations: Titanic Hotel Belfast , 2 nights

Located in the former Harland & Wolff headquarters, Titanic Hotel Belfast is a historic property that brings the city’s shipbuilding history to life. The hotel features 119 rooms and suites designed with Art Deco touches, maritime references, and original architectural details from the shipyard era. Guests can dine at the Drawing Office Two, a grand space once used by the designers of the Titanic, or relax in the hotel bar surrounded by historic photographs and memorabilia. Situated in the Titanic Quarter, the property is steps from the Titanic Belfast museum and close to the city’s waterfront attractions.

*Includes: Breakfast

Alternative lodging options:
The Merchant Hotel

Day 4: Titanic Quarter and Belfast History

Begin the day in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter, where the ship was designed and built in the Harland & Wolff shipyards. Arriving early allows you to explore the interactive Titanic Experience before the crowds. The ten galleries trace the story of the ship from its conception and construction through to its final hours. You may also choose to step aboard the SS Nomadic, the last remaining White Star Line vessel, and view the towering Samson and Goliath cranes that dominate the skyline.

After lunch, experience Belfast’s recent history on a black cab tour led by a local guide. As you travel through the city, you’ll see murals, peace walls, and photographs while hearing personal stories of life during the Troubles, offering an insider’s perspective on this turbulent period.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at one of our recommended restaurants, followed by a stop at an iconic 1820s liquor saloon.

Accommodations: Titanic Hotel Belfast , 2 nights

*Includes: Breakfast

Day 5: Causeway Coast

Say goodbye to Belfast and head to the Sperrins, an “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.” Walk along a historic trail once used by emigrants during the famine, as your guide shares stories of hardship, resilience, and community tied to this landscape. Conclude with a hearty lunch at a local pub before continuing your journey north.

In the afternoon, drive the Causeway Coastal Route, one of the most scenic drives in Ireland. Stop at the Giant’s Causeway, where thousands of hexagonal basalt columns form a dramatic natural wonder, and pause at charming villages, beaches, and Game of Thrones filming sites along the way. This evening, check in to your coastal hotel, dine on site, and perhaps end the day with a cocktail in The Cellar.

Accommodations: The Salthouse Hotel , 2 nights

Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean near Ballycastle, The Salthouse Hotel is a contemporary eco-focused retreat on the Causeway Coast. The property has 24 rooms and suites, many with sea views, along with private eco-lodges set on the hillside. Sustainability is central, with on-site wind turbines, solar panels, and locally sourced materials integrated into the design. Facilities include a restaurant showcasing seasonal Northern Irish produce, a spa with outdoor hot tubs and sea views, and easy access to the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, and other coastal landmarks.

*Includes: Breakfast

Alternative lodging options:
The Bushmills Inn Hotel

Day 6: Walking Tour of Derry

Today you will explore Derry with an expert local guide. Stroll along the city’s 17th-century walls, which offer views over the surrounding landscape, and visit key landmarks such as the Tower Museum and the Guildhall. Continue into the Bogside neighborhood, where pivotal events of the Troubles unfolded, and hear first-hand accounts that bring this history to life. As the tour progresses, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for Derry’s resilience and its transformation into a charming, welcoming city.

Accommodations: The Salthouse Hotel , 2 nights

*Includes: Breakfast

Day 7: Glenveagh National Park and Donegal

This morning, drive west to Glenveagh National Park, a landscape of remote mountains and tranquil lakes. Explore Glenveagh Castle, a 19th-century estate set against a dramatic backdrop of forested slopes and open water.

On the way to your hotel, stop to meet a local weaver who has practiced his craft since the age of 16, using hand loom techniques passed down through generations. Later, enjoy time in Donegal town to browse shops for traditional crafts and keepsakes before checking in to your castle hotel for the night.

Accommodations: Lough Eske Castle , 2 nights

Set on a lakeside estate at the foot of the Bluestack Mountains, Lough Eske Castle is a restored 17th-century castle offering five-star accommodations in County Donegal. The property has 97 rooms and suites that combine historic architecture with contemporary comfort. Facilities include a fine-dining restaurant, a casual bar and grill, and a spa with an indoor pool and thermal suite. The estate grounds provide walking trails and access to nearby attractions such as Donegal Town, Slieve League cliffs, and Glenveagh National Park.

*Includes: Breakfast

Day 8: Donegal: Hiking the Slieve League Cliffs

Today you will spend time exploring South Donegal with your guide. Begin with a morning hike along the Pilgrim’s Path, a centuries-old route once used for Christian pilgrimages, leading to the summit of the Slieve League Cliffs. Towering three times higher than the Cliffs of Moher, these are among the highest sea cliffs in Europe. From the edge, you will take in sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, Donegal Bay, and the distant mountains of Sligo.

Afterwards, reward yourself with traditional fish and chips at a local restaurant before continuing into town. This evening you will enjoy a hearty dinner at one of Donegal’s welcoming local establishments.

Accommodations: Lough Eske Castle , 2 nights

*Includes: Breakfast

Day 9: Departure

Bid farewell to Northern Ireland and head to the airport to catch your departing flight.

*Includes: Breakfast

Popular Ways to Customize This Itinerary

  • Add on time in Killarney or the Aran Islands, exploring more of Ireland’s rugged landscapes, Gaelic traditions, and historic castles

  • Add a stopover in London on your way to Ireland

Contact us to learn about more options for designing and customizing your trip.
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