irelandwithfriends

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irelandwithfriends

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irelandwithfriends

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Personalized small group tours

Get Started

412 886 8020

irelandwithfriends

irelandwithfriendsirelandwithfriendsirelandwithfriends

Personalized small group tours

Get Started

412 886 8020

Why choose irelandwithfriends

Peace of mind - have your trip planned and coordinated by an experienced native.

Janice Vance, a native of Belfast, has been creating and leading both educational and recreational groups from the US to Ireland for 16 years, designing unique trips that highlight history, culture, music and much more. Her extensive experience and knowledge of Ireland allows her to select high-quality accommodation, comfortable and safe transportation and fascinating places to visit. 

Travel with friends

If you've always wanted to visit Ireland but don't relish the idea of traveling with a large group of strangers or hiring a car and navigating the roads and round-abouts yourself, then irelandwithfriends may just be what you are looking for!  There are several options:

Option 1: You can join a small group (6-8 maximum) and enjoy a relaxed, unique experience designed with a core itinerary, but with the possibility of additions or substitutes to meet individual or group interests. Time will be built in for non-scheduled exploration and relaxation. Come with a group of friends or come along and make new friends. Janice will plan and manage all accommodation, activities and transportation on the scheduled itinerary and will be your concierge and guide while on the trip.  

Option 2: If you want to travel with just one or two other folk you know, you can have your own trip designed and coordinated for you. You can select from core itinerary options or have a trip planned for you to include alternative locations and sites. As with option one, Janice will manage all accommodation, activities and transportation and serve as your concierge and guide.

Option 3: With the third option, Janice will not travel with you, but can design an itinerary to meet your interests and needs, and plan and book all accommodation and site visits for you, as well as book and coordinate transportation for major journeys.

Enjoy an interesting and variable itinerary designed with your interests and needs in mind.

The core itinerary is designed to include key locations and sites of interest in Northern Ireland (Belfast and the beautiful Mourne Mountains region), and Dublin, in the Republic of Ireland.   However, where feasible, individual or group interests can be considered and integrated into the itinerary.  Activities for each trip will be designed to take into consideration individual abilities and needs. 

A sample core itinerary

An 8-day tour itinerary *


Days 1-3: Belfast

Hotel accommodation in Belfast is just a few minutes' walk away from Queen's University and the Ulster Museum and within walking distance or a short bus ride to the Titanic Museum, the lovely Lagan River tow-path and the vibrant Belfast city center.   Core sites and activities on the itinerary can include (may vary depending on time of year):

  • Giant's Causeway, a UN World Heritage Site, located on the stunning north coast of Northern Ireland
  • Bushmills Distillery, the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in Europe
  • Hillsborough village - tour Hillsborough Castle, the official Northern Ireland residence of the British Royal family, visit the castle gardens and wander around the nearby lake and fort.
  • The Titanic Museum.

Additional activities that could be substituted include:

  • Walking tours of Belfast - history, food, linen industry
  • Black taxi political history and murals tour 
  • Shortcross Whiskey and Gin distillery tour
  • The Ulster Museum - a treasure house of the past and present
  • The Ulster Folk Museum - experience life and traditions from hundreds of years ago
  • Walking/cycling along the beautiful River Lagan 


Days 4-5: Newcastle, Mourne Mountains

We travel down to Newcastle, County Down to stay in a beautiful lodge close to Tollymore Forest Park and with views of the magnificent Mourne Mountains.  You can relax and wander along the seaside promenade, book a massage at the spa in the majestic Slieve Donard Hotel, walk or cycle in the beautiful Tollymore Forest, or try a more strenuous walk on a trail through the mountains.  Local gastronomical delights await in local cafes and seafood restaurants.


Days 6-8: Dublin

Hotel accommodation is close to the heart of Dublin, within walking distance of famous landmarks including Trinity College, The Book of Kells, St Stephen's Green, many large and small public and private museums, Temple Bar, Kilmainham Gaol, the Guinness Storehouse, Jameson Whiskey Distillery and many more.  Dublin is a vibrant, international city with a unique charm and energy where you can sample both the old and the new in terms of culture and cuisine.


*Janice will communicate with each individual and group to discuss the specifics of the tour and any modifications that might be of interest.  


What would be included in the cost for the core itinerary?

Accommodation:

  • Accommodation (including breakfast) in Belfast, Newcastle and Dublin.  All accommodation is booked in hotels or lodges that have been carefully selected for location, comfort, safety, high staff ratings and cleanliness.  Accommodation is in either twin or double rooms.

Transportation:

  • Transport from Dublin airport to Belfast
  • Transport from Belfast to Newcastle
  • Transport from Newcastle to Dublin
  • Transport from Dublin city to Dublin airport
  • Travel costs to specific locations included in itinerary - by coach, taxi or bus, depending on location and distance.

Entrance and tour fees to the following (or appropriate substitutes):

  • Giant's Causeway
  • Titanic Museum
  • Bushmills or Shortcross Distillery 
  • Hillsborough Castle and Garden
  • Book of Kells and Trinity College tour
  • Guinness Storehouse or Jameson Distillery admission

 

Not included; airfare, meals other than breakfast.

Cost for 8-day tour - for option 1.

Per-person sharing: $3,450 in a group of 6 (twin beds can be arranged at each location)

Per-person private room: add $750.

Trips for smaller or larger groups available - contact Janice for cost at: jvance113@gmail.com

Scheduled tour dates in 2024 and 2025

October 1st - 9th, 2024 (Leave US on Sept 30th)   FULL

 In 2025, trips during May, September/October will be available.  


Email or text with subject 'irelandwithfriends' to discuss : 

jvance113@gmail.com

412 886-8020

Alternative tour dates can be arranged.

Please email Janice with suggested dates

jvance113@gmail.com

Cost for options 2 and 3 will depend on number of travelers, dates and itinerary.

For option 3, make sure to contact Janice as early as possible to secure the best accommodation.

Please email Janice with suggested dates 

jvance113@gmail.com

irelandwithfriends

412 886 8020

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