Holidays 2024

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Depart Local Area

After boarding your luxury coach, we make our way to Wales and the port of Holyhead and our ferry to Dublin Port. On arrival we make our way to our overnight hotel, which is on the outskirts of Dublin, where we will spend one night with dinner, bed & breakfast.

Day 2: Depart for Fermanagh Lakelands

Departing our hotel after breakfast, we make our way to Drogheda and the Battle of the Boyne Museum. The Visitor Centre is located in the recently restored 18th century Oldbridge House, the site of a famous historic battle in the 17th century. The battle is brought to life using a laser battle site model, audio visual film, real and replica weaponry and interactive guided tours.

There is a Victorian walled garden with unique sunken Octagonal Garden, herbaceous borders and Peach House. There is also the Pavilion Tearoom which overlooks the Victorian garden. An ideal place for lunch.

We then head further west to our hotel in Killadeas, the Manor House Country Hotel where we will spend the next 4 nights with dinner and full Irish breakfast.

Day 3: Derry

Derry, officially Londonderry is the second-largest city in Northern Ireland and the fourth-largest city on the island of Ireland. In 1613, the city was granted a Royal Charter by King James I, and gained the 'London' prefix to reflect the funding of its construction by the London guilds. The city is more usually known colloquially as Derry. The old walled city lies on the west bank of the River Foyle, which is spanned by two road bridges and one footbridge. The city now covers both banks (Cityside on the west and Waterside on the east). The district administered by Derry City and Strabane District Council contains both Londonderry Port and City of Derry Airport. Derry is close to the border with County Donegal, with which it has had a close link for many centuries. Here we will have a local guide to take us on a tour of its walls and historical buildings.

Day 4: Blessingbourne Country Estate

The Lowry family home, a beautiful historic 550-acre country estate, nestled in the heart of woodlands, lakes and wildlife on the edge of the Clogher Valley, Blessingbourne Estate is one of north west Ireland's most tranquil and unique destinations. Blessingbourne Estate offers guests a unique experience complimented by a warm welcome from estate owners Colleen and Nicholas Lowry. Captain Robert Lowry the father of our current estate owner Nicholas inherited the estate from Peter Montgomery. Over his many years living on the estate, Captain Robert Lowry's hobby of collecting vintage style horse drawn carriages, coaches, buggies and a wide variety of other vintage transport has grown into a Costume and Carriage museum. This unique collection is always a fascination amongst guests who are always thrilled to hear the stories attached to these interesting antiques. At Blessingbourne country estate, visitors will be met by 'Lady Mary' the head maid, she will welcome you and will tell a brief story of the history of Blessingbourne. There will be refreshments and home baked cakes.

Day 5: Belleek Pottery & Ulster American Folk Park

After breakfast, we head to the Belleek Pottery for a tour of this amazing factory. Established in 1857, Belleek Pottery holds a very special place in Ireland's cultural and commercial heritage. The guided tour allows you full access behind the scenes of the manufacturing and creative process that goes into every piece of Belleek fine china, produced on site since 1857. Their craftspeople will demonstrate moulding, flowering, painting and basket weaving.

After a break, we head to the Ulster American Folk Park which is an open-air museum just outside Omagh, in County Tyrone. Immerse yourself in the story of the brave emigrants who made the journey across the Atlantic to America hundreds of years ago. Enter thatched cottages and meet costumed characters who will show you traditional crafts, tell you a few stories and maybe even share a bit of their good food. Board a full-scale emigrant ship to experience the conditions faced by many as they set sail for a new life in America. With 30 buildings and exhibits to explore, the Ulster American Folk Park is a wonderfully unique experience.

Day 6: Depart for Dublin & Hotel

After breakfast and our cases have been loaded on the coach, we say farewell to our hosts at the Manor House Country Hotel and head for Dublin. Free time can be had in Dublin for shopping and sightseeing before we head for our last overnight hotel, The Wilton Hotel in Bray.

Day 7: Depart for Home

After an early start, and a Grab & Go breakfast, and cases have been loaded into the coach, we say farewell to our hosts at the Wilton Hotel, and head for the port of Dublin for our morning ferry back to Holyhead at 8.05am. Breakfast will be on board (included). Arriving in Holyhead we make our way back through Wales with stops en-route. Arriving home early evening.