Celtic Mist Tour of Ireland

Arrive at Dublin airport. If you are tired after your flight, you may decide to stay in the King Sitric in the picturesque fishing village of Howth, just 20 minutes from the airport. The King Sitric also offer a chauffeur service to and from Dublin airport. Another option is to travel north immediately into the heart of the Royal County of Meath to the historic village of Slane, which is approximately an hour’s journey from the airport.

Whilst exploring County Meath, take a tour of the Newgrange Neolithic Tomb, one of Ireland’s best-known attractions, where an image of a life long gone is recreated. The Newgrange Burial Chamber dates back to 3200 B.C – making it older than the pyramids of Giza.

Overnight close by in the opulent Tankardstown House, with its beautifully designed luxury bedrooms it is the perfect start to your vacation.

Drop into Carlingford, a magical village full of character and one of the best-preserved mediaeval villages in Ireland. Its history and narrow mediaeval streets, lanes that lead to the harbour, majestic mountain and lough views all combine to make Carlingford unique in Ireland and a perfect lunch stop. Overnight close by in Ghan House. Built in 1727, Ghan House is a fully restored, family-run Georgian House and Restaurant. It is one of the oldest private houses of its type in Ireland, with 3 acres of walled mature gardens.

Travel north and into Belfast City, See the Victorian buildings of Belfast on foot by joining a walking tour around the city, you should also take some time to visit the Harland and Wolf shipyards where the Titanic was built as well as the site of the impressive Titanic Belfast museum.

Just 30 minutes outside of Belfast city, you can find the charming Newforge House – an intimate country house with just 6 bedrooms, perfect for a cosy stay before you get back on your way.

Drive along the beautiful Northern coast. Test your fear by crossing the famous Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Take time to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Giants Causeway, where myth and legend form rock and stone. A short detour will take you to Dunluce Castle.

Drive on to the village of Bushmills and overnight in the quaint Bushmills Inn, a hive of activity as it is a popular haunt for locals. An absolute must is a visit to the Bushmills Distillery, which is only a stone’s throw from the Bushmills Inn. This is a superb tour and you will even learn how to recognize the various types of whiskeys.

An alternative to Bushmills Inn is Ardtara Country House, convenient to both the Antrim Coastline and Derry City. Ardtara is widely regarded as one of the finest country house accommodations in Northern Ireland.

Driving along the coast take a detour into the historic walled city of Derry-Londonderry, where you will stay overnight in Bishop’s Gate Hotel and eat at Browns Bonds Hill Restaurant.

Bishop’s Gate Hotel is ideally located in the city’s Cathedral Quarter and is easy walking distance from many of the main attractions including the historic walls, St. Columb’s Cathedral, The Guildhall, The Tower Museum and the Peace Bridge.

You should also make sure to leave some time for shopping in the city’s fantastic shopping district, before making your way back to the elegant Bishop’s Gate Hotel, for dinner in the Gown Restaurant and a good night’s sleep before moving west to Donegal the following morning.

Continue along the Inishowen Penninsula and arrive at Rathmullan House in Donegal. Rathmullan is a gateway to the Fanad peninsula, and within minutes you will be enjoying the glorious sights of the Knockalla Coast Road and the descent to Ballymastocker Bay. The long sandy beach there is considered among the world’s finest unspoilt beaches.

In the summertime, a short ferry journey to Buncrana opens up the beautiful Inishowen peninsula and the Inishowen ‘100’ scenic drive, including Ireland’s most northerly point, Malin Head.

The following day visit Glenveagh National Park, walk the glorious hills, spot the golden eagles and red deer before heading south-east to Castle Grove Country House.

Castle Grove is the epitome of old-world luxury. Situated just 10 minutes outside of the Cathedral town of Letterkenny, Castle Grove is the perfect base for exploring the town and the seascapes, rugged landscapes and enchanting offshore islands of Donegal