A Journey Around Ireland

12th June - 6th July(25 nights)pdfdownload

 




Relaxed touring, Natural beauty and the Wild Atlantic Coast

The Emerald Isle. Before you’ve travelled far in this country you’ll be enchanted and captivated by the land, its people and its wonderful laid-back atmosphere. Enjoy Spring-Early Summer as we tour around almost the entire coastline of both the North and the Republic, all in a relaxed manner.

The major population centres tend toward the east coast. Whilst there will be an opportunity for visits into Belfast and Dublin, this tour really focuses on the much more rural areas of the south and west coasts. It is here that Blarney, Bantry, The Ring of Kerry, The Dingle Peninsular, The Cliffs of Moher, Connemara and Ballina are all found, as we travel leisurely along the Wild Atlantic Way of the Republic.

We start in the North for some touring, firstly near Belfast, and then onto Bushmills on the North Coast. Here is home to the famous Bushmills Distillery and the natural phenomenon of the Giants Causeway. We then make the leisurely journey all around Ireland, returning to the North again at the end, having competed a full circle.

This tour offers wonderful travel in your own motorhome, in lovely locations whilst remaining socially distanced as required at the time of travel.

Day One – Saturday 12th June
We meet at a well-appointed campsite near Stranraer. Late afternoon the Tour Directors will host a welcome get together. A chance to meet fellow travelling companions and to learn a little more about the adventure ahead.

Day Two – Sunday 13th June
Free day – Time to relax or take a leisurely stroll into Stranraer and along the sea front.

Day Three – Monday 14th June
Today we take the ferry from Cairnryan to Larne (Northern Ireland). The crossing is around 2 hours. Upon departing we have 30 miles to our campsite located on the southern edge of Belfast. This evening the Tour Directors will host a welcome to Ireland drinks reception at their motorhome. 5 miles to Cairnryan port then 30 to campsite

Day Four – Tuesday 15th June
Before heading north to the well-appointed campsite at Bushmills (64 miles) you have the opportunity to visit the Titanic Quarter which is located just 5 miles from our campsite. Alternatively, travel up on the very scenic A2 Coastal Road. 80 miles

Day Five – Wednesday 16th June
The Giants Causeway is likely to be your destination for today. This can be reached by a coastal walk of around 5 miles, bicycle or by local small gauge railway. The famous Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge is also within reach, but only for the more adventurous to cross.

Day Six – Thursday 17th June
Free day to relax, or you could take the local bus to Portrush which is a small seaside resort town or explore the local area further including seeing the distillery of the world-renowned Bushmills whiskey.

Day Seven – Friday 18th June
Our destination today is a former estate on the shores of Lough Erne Lower, the key feature of which today is Castle Archdale Country Park. 85 miles.

Day Eight – Saturday 19th June
Free day – Tucked away on the shores of Lough Erne, Co. Fermanagh is just 10 miles from the bustling border town of Enniskillen, you have the opportunity to roam around the 20-acre site.

Day Nine – Sunday 20th June
Slightly longer mileage today as we move onto the island of Achill. With Tramore Strand to the south, Slievemore mountain to the north, the Minaun cliffs to the west and Keel village to the east, the location simply cannot be beaten. The park facilities are always maintained to a high standard. 145 miles.

Day Ten – Monday 21st June
Our campsite is alongside Keel Beach which stretches for 5km and is one of the finest Blue Flag beaches in Ireland.

Day Eleven – Tuesday 22nd June
Leaving the island today we travel south to Doolin and onto the Wild Atlantic Way. Take the scenic route and stop off to see Kylemore Abbey & the Victorian Walled Garden. 137 miles.

Day Twelve – Wednesday 23rd June
The next two days have been left free to enjoy the stunning area around our coastal campsite. Doolin is reputed to be the heart of traditional music and is situated overlooking the Cliffs of Moher from where you can see and witness the Atlantic rollers crashing into the cliffs.

Day Thirteen – Thursday 24th June
Why not enjoy a coffee whilst looking out to sea towards the Aran Islands and maybe take a boat trip to view the cliffs from the sea.

Day Fourteen – Friday 25th June
Today we continue south to our next campsite on the outskirts of Killarney where we stay for four nights. On route take time to visit Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. 119 miles.

Day Fifteen – Saturday 26th June
Plenty of opportunities today. Take a walk into Killarney town centre (1 mile), make a visit to the Killarney National park by bicycle/motorhome. Muckross House is just 3 miles down the road with easy motorhome parking.

Day Sixteen – Sunday 27th June
Relaxing day or you could drive up to the Gap of Dunloe, 10 miles, and take a jaunting car (pony and trap) ride through the gap.

Day Seventeen – Monday 28th June
There is still time to explore a little more of this wonderful area.

Day Eighteen – Tuesday 29th June
Our next campsite is only 37 miles away on the top of the Beara Peninsula, so leaving plenty of time for you to make the “Ring of Kerry” loop on route. 110 miles.

Day Nineteen – Wednesday 30th June
A free day. You can drive down to the end of Beara Peninsula, passing Bere Island on your left, to see the Dursey Cable Car passing over to the island. 70 miles. Alternately, the picturesque village of Glengarriff is only 2km away from our campsite.

Day Twenty – Thursday 1st July
Heading to the East coast and Dublin today. Our campsite is situated outside of the city within the grounds of Camac Valley Park. You may wish to stop at Blarney Castle on the way. 207 miles.

Day Twenty-one – Friday 2nd July
An opportunity to visit Dublin. From outside our campsite runs the bus directly into the city, home to Molly Malone and Guinness. For those not wishing to go into the city the campsite and local park are a peaceful place to be.

Day Twenty-two – Saturday 3rd July
A return visit to Dublin or take a relaxing walk to enjoy the park or visit the local shops. Alternately a drive to Glendalough, Powerscourt Gardens with the backdrop of the Wicklow Panorama makes for a good day out.

Day Twenty-three – Sunday 4th July
Heading north today we re-enter Northern Ireland and stay for two nights at a family run campsite. 95 miles

Day Twenty-four – Monday 5th July
The park is situated within walking distance of the seaside resort of Newcastle. Located at the base of Slieve Donard, one the Mourne Mountains and known for its sandy beaches, Newcastle is rightfully a popular place.

Day Twenty-five – Tuesday 6th July
We have an easy drive to Larne for our return ferry to Cairnryan (2-hour crossing) 55 miles. Our last night will be in Stranraer Scotland, which allows for a relaxed start to your onward journey tomorrow. 5 miles.

Day Twenty-six – Wednesday 7th July
The tour ends this morning.

VISITS TO PLACES OF INTEREST

  • All visits are left for individuals to decide which they would like to make and are not arranged/included in the tour. Throughout the time away the Tour Directors will be on hand to assist with any bookings. Note some attractions may require online pre-booking/paying.

GROUP MEALS

  • 5 group meals with wine are included in the tour *

PRICE

Motorhome with 2 people = £0000 per person
Motorhome with 1 person = £0000

INCLUDED IN PRICE

  • Return Cairnryan to Larne ferry crossing
  • 25 Campsite nights with electric hook-ups
  • Welcome to Ireland drinks reception
  • 5 group meals with wine *
  • Tour information pack with suggested routes & GPS co-ordinates
  • Services of Tour Directors travelling in their own motorhome

*Meals will be arranged throughout the tour. Locations will be chosen whilst on the tour to aim for the correct weather with ideally meals being planned outdoors. If meals are moved inside, they will proceed to social distancing guidelines.