Ireland, The Northern “Classic” Tour
Overview
This self-drive itinerary is ideal for exploring the scenic and cultural wonders of Northern Ireland. You’ll begin in Dublin and head northbound to Belfast, then onwards via the Giant’s Causeway to Glenveagh National Park, County Mayo and Connemara before heading back to Dublin.
Format
Locations
- Belfast
- Londonderry
- Donegal
- Mayo
- Dublin
Inclusions
- Round-trip flights to Dublin (if Flight & Hotel package option is chosen)
- 8 nights of comfort accommodation including breakfast (a combination of 4*, 3* hotels and traditional B&Bs)
- 8-day car rental in the chosen category
- Collision Damage Waiver / Theft Protection / Third Party Liability
- Earn 4,000 extra Aeroplan® points per member on this tour for travel completed by December 31, 2025.
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart Canada
Fly to Dublin.
Day 2
Dublin – County Louth 60KM
Upon your arrival in Dublin, you’ll pick up your car at the airport and make your way to your hotel in the County Louth area. You can take the day to discover County Louth, known as the “wee county,” as it’s the smallest county in all of Ireland. Enjoy exploring the River Boyne, the historic Boyne Valley, the Carlingford Lough glacial fjord and the Cooley Peninsula.
Spend an overnight in County Louth.
Day 3
Belfast 90KM
After breakfast, you’ll depart for Belfast. Today, you’ll discover Belfast and its rich and layered history. You’ll stroll past the Albert Memorial Clock, The Grand Opera House, City Hall, The Crown Liquor Saloon, Queen’s University Belfast and the Botanic Gardens. You’ll also get the chance to visit the Titanic Experience, which recreates the story of the world’s most famous and ill-fated ship ($).
Spend an overnight in Belfast.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 4
Giant’s Causeway 125 KM
After breakfast, you’ll depart on a drive along the Antrim Coast, curving around steep headlands and glens. You’ll visit the awe-inspiring Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll continue through the seaside town of Portrush and Portstewart to arrive in County Derry. You’ll have the chance to discover County Derry’s historical past and its peaceful atmosphere.
Spend an overnight in County Derry.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 5
Glenveagh National Park 80KM
Discover one of Ireland’s wild regions by exploring Glenveagh National Park, formerly a private estate of over 9,500 hectares, now expanded to over 16,500 hectares ($).
Spend an overnight in County Donegal.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 6
County Mayo 200KM
Today, you’ll join the Wild Atlantic Way and enjoy the Surf Coast scenery. You’ll stop at the spectacular Sliabh Liag, one of Europe’s highest accessible sea cliffs, and marvel at the stunning views. You’ll then continue towards County Mayo, stopping at Downpatrick Head.
Spend an overnight in County Mayo.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 7
Connemara / Sightseeing
Today, you’ll travel to County Galway and visit Connemara, a land of Gaelic-speaking villages with unchanged, wild landscapes. Enjoy the rugged beauty and views of Killary Harbour. You’ll then return to your accommodation in the County Mayo area.
Spend an overnight in County Mayo.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 8
Meath 200KM
Today, you’ll head back towards Dublin. Along the way, discover Lough Key Forest Park, with its woodlands, lake and islands, then continue to County Meath and the Boyne Valley.
Spend an overnight in County Meath.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 9
Dublin 60KM
Today, you’ll head towards Dublin and spend your last evening in the Irish Capital. You can take in some traditional music and enjoy the lively atmosphere in one of the many local pubs.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 10
Return Home
After breakfast, you’ll return your car to the Dublin Airport before boarding your return flight home.
*Due to early flights back to Canada, we recommend returning your car the day prior to avoid delays.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Accomodations
Where you'll stay
Location
Hotel
Room details
Type of bed(s): 1 double bed or 2 twin beds
Room occupancy: Maximum 2 people
Unless otherwise specified, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.
Important Information
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January 2, 2025 – December 31, 2025
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Not Included
- Meals and beverages, unless noted
- GPS, Fuel, Parking fees, traffic violation tickets, car upgrades, inter-city toll fees, additional insurance coverage, child car seats, luggage racks, additional rental nights, late drop-off fees, cross-border fees
- Damage to tires, damage to wheels, lost keys
- Gratuities
- Local City Taxes (payable in Euros at the destination)
- Porterage
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Car – Self Drive
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Check in: 3:00 p.m.
Check out: 12:00 p.m. -
If applicable, payable in the destination in the local currency
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The order of the itinerary may be altered, including the sequence and consecutive overnights per city / town. Accommodations are located within each county or within close parameters in neighbouring counties. The itinerary above is for reference only. Kilometres are estimated depending on the route taken.