Ireland Unrushed : Northern Soul

Fly to Dublin.

Upon arrival, pick up your rental car and begin your escape by heading northwest to Cavan, part of Ireland’s lush and lesser known north of the Hidden Heartlands. You could find yourself enjoying afternoon tea and crafting at Crafts of Ireland, kayaking to Cloughoughter Castle or exploring the ancient tombs and forest trails of Cavan Burren Park. Enjoy live music at Blessings or The Imperial or simply relax and admire the views.

Cross into Northern Ireland and the scenic Fermanagh Lakelands - think caves, castles, museums and glistening lakes. Oh, and there may be a gin distillery or two to sample! Visit Marble Arch Caves and Geopark where you can enjoy exploring vast underground chambers on foot or by boat. Stop at The Shed Distillery, home of the famous Drumshanbo Gunpowder Gin or stroll through the charming island town of Enniskillen nestled between Upper and Lower Lough Erne. Take a tour of Enniskillen Castle or enjoy a bite and pint at the historic Blake of the Hollow pub.

Take today at your own pace. Enjoy a boat trip to the monastic ruins of Devenish Island, or a distillery tour and tasting at the lakeside Boatyard Distillery. Walk or cycle around Castle Coole Estate or see the crafters at work at the renowned Belleek Pottery visitor centre. Wander into County Donegal and explore the rugged coast of Creevy Pier or the splendour of Rossnowlagh Beach on the North Atlantic Ocean.

Wind through the Sperrin Mountains en route to the Walled City of Derry, steeped in culture. Take a relaxing drive through the Gortin Glens and stop for those stunning photo ops. Take a Derry walking tour or explore the Museum of Free Derry, Tower Museum and Bogside Murals. Dine riverside or catch a music session at Peadar O’Donnells.

Stay in Derry or wander into the north of Donegal for wild landscapes and jaw-dropping vistas. Drive the Inishowen Peninsula and see the legendary Grianán of Aileach, Mamore Gap (look out for the Magic Road!) and the unspoiled beauty of Ireland’s most northerly point, Malin Head. Alternatively, visit Wildlife Ireland, an animal sanctuary within a Celtic Rainforest. Take a black cab mural tour, or enjoy local boutique shopping and enjoy dinner in one of the eateries that range from Michelin-rated to gastropub. 

Head southeast and stop at the Ulster American Folkpark, telling the story of Ulster’s migration to America and Canada in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Arrive in Armagh, Ireland’s orchard-scented ecclesiastical capital where saints, scholars, and cider collide in the best possible way! Climb the twin hills to visit both of St. Patrick’s iconic cathedrals, then reach for the stars at the Armagh Planetarium & Observatory. Wander the elegant, tree-lined Mall, soak in the Georgian charm and toast your day with a crisp local cider at Armagh Cider Company.

Step into the ancient seat of kings at Navan Fort and walk the sacred ground of Ulster’s legendary warriors and immerse yourself in Iron Age life with hands-on experiences and archaeological secrets beneath your feet. Discover the unexpected Canadian connection at Brownlow House, a grand Victorian-Gothic mansion that once hosted Canadian troops during WWII. Enjoy a farm tour and tasting at Long Meadow Cider back in Armagh. Finish the evening with local dining or a visit to The Hole in the Wall Bar, a former gaol from 1615.

Wind your way southeast from Armagh to North County Dublin on a drive that blends screen legends, charm and heritage. Step behind the scenes of Westeros at the Game of Thrones Studio Tour. Drive through the stunning scenery of Carlingford Lough and perhaps stop at Warrenpoint, a perfect spot for a seafood lunch. Cap it all off in Malahide, County Dublin—a stylish coastal town where you can tour iconic Malahide Castle, stroll sandy beaches, or toast your journey with dinner in one of its vibrant harbour bistros before settling into your North County Dublin hotel. 

Choose your pace today:seaside rambles or Dublin city’s cultural icons. Take a short trip to Howth Peninsula and follow the cliff walk for panoramic views, enjoy fresh seafood by the fabulous marina or take a boat trip out around the cliffs and Ireland’s Eye for a scenery and wildlife extravaganza. Alternatively, if you are ready for city life again, explore the Fair City of Dublin. Meander around Trinity College, browse stores on Grafton Street or raise a glass at the Guinness Storehouse. End with a sunset stroll on Portmarnock Strand or simply relax over dinner. 

After breakfast, return your car at Dublin airport, before boarding your return flight home to Canada. As most flights depart early, please allow sufficient time to drop off your car rental.