Killybegs

This three-day tour through Ireland's heartland offers a blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty. Begin with a visit to Florence Court and an overnight stay at the historic Castle Leslie Estate, where you'll enjoy a variety of estate activities including falconry, a horse-drawn carriage ride, and afternoon tea. The journey concludes with a guided tour of Navan Fort, delving into the rich myths and legends of Ulster, before rejoining your ship in Belfast.

DAY 1

Disembark your ship in Killybegs and set off on your journey through the heartland of Ireland. Throughout the day you will be surrounded by magnificent views, charming towns and beautiful scenery.

Leaving the pier behind, your journey takes you to Florence Court. Surrounded by lush parkland and thick woodland with Benaughlin mountain rising in the background, Florence Court enjoys a majestic countryside setting in West Fermanagh. There is something for everyone to enjoy at this extensive and welcoming place.

On a guided tour of the Georgian mansion, you can hear stories about the Cole family and their staff, who lived here for over 250 years. The gardens are home to the mother of all Irish yew trees, as well as the kitchen garden which is being restored to its 1930s character. Following your visit here continue on to a local venue for lunch before travelling on to the majestic Castle Leslie for overnight stay.

Nestled on 1,000 acres of undulating Irish countryside, dotted with ancient woodlands and glittering lakes, Castle Leslie Estate is one of the last great Irish estates still in the hands of its founding family. The Leslie Family arrived in Ireland in the 16th Century and bought the Estate at that time. Today, this Irish estate is led and managed by Sammy Leslie and governed by the Castle Leslie Preservation Trust.

Following extensive restoration over the past two decades, the family has transformed the Estate to its original glory. Today, this beautiful Irish estate boasts a variety of accommodation, dining options and a diverse range of on and off-site activities.

Rooms for the group are located in the Lodge at Castle Leslie Estate which has been lovingly restored and imaginatively decorated retaining its period features and original character. Each bedroom has been decorated in keeping with the building’s period features and designed with comfort in mind. They are each beautifully furnished and generously proportioned rooms.

Dinner is included this evening.

DAY 2

After a leisurely breakfast, you will have the opportunity to enjoy some of the Castle estate’s activities. Experience a unique insight into the noble and ancient art of Falconry which offers a stimulating, unique, and memorable experience. The majestic, beautiful birds are captive bred both in Ireland and abroad. They include different species of falcons, hawks, owls, and the magnificent golden eagle. Enjoy a flying display with a selection of golden eagle, falcons, hawks and owls an informational talk and photo opportunities.

You will also enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride which is a wonderful way to experience the beauty of Castle Leslie Estate. Journey back in time on an enchanting ride through the tree-lined avenues and bridleways. Sit back and be charmed by what awaits you on your personal tour of the most beautiful areas of the Estate. Your stately horse and experienced driver make this jaunt a perfect way to enhance a visit to the Estate.

This afternoon you will indulge in a delightful afternoon tea. Relish in a selection of elegant savories and homemade sweet treats.

Dinner is on your own this evening.

DAY 3

Enjoy breakfast and then all too soon it’s time to check out and depart or the awaiting ship.

A stop will be made en-route to visit the Navan Centre and Fort. Here you will enjoy a fully guided tour with one of the experienced guides, exploring the archaeology and history of the great temple at Navan Fort (Emain Macha).

There will also be an opportunity to enjoy the audio-visual show bringing the myths and legends of the Ulster Cycle to life and exhibition space housing some of the artefacts found within the Navan complex of sites.

Following your overland exploration rejoin the ship in Belfast Port.

Land Program Step by Step:

Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program details including timings indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.

DAY 1

8:15am Disembark the ship in Killybegs

8:30am Meet driver guide and depart pier

10:00am Stop at Florence Court for visit

12:00noon Depart and travel on to local venue for lunch

12:30pm Stop for lunch

2:00pm Depart for onward journey to Castle Leslie

3:30pm Arrive at Castle Leslie for check in

7:30pm Dinner in Snaffles Restaurant

Overnight at the Lodge at Castle Leslie

DAY 2

AM Enjoy breakfast at the Lodge

11:00am After breakfast enjoy a Falconry display and a carriage ride through the estate

Lunch on own

2:30pm Enjoy Champagne and afternoon tea at The Lodge

4:15pm Evening at leisure

Dinner on own

Overnight at the Lodge at Castle Leslie

DAY 3

AM Enjoy breakfast before check-out

9:45am Depart for Belfast

10:00am Stop at Navan Centre and Fort for guided tour and visit

12:00pm Depart for Belfast

1:30pm Arrive at the port and re-board the ship

Expected Weather:

Weather in Ireland is very unpredictable. The average high in Belfast from June through August is approximately 18°C (65°F) and the average low is approximately 12°C (51°F).

What to Bring:

Prepare for moderately mild weather at all times and be able to supplement basic dress with a warm sweater and/or a rainproof top. Pack sensible footwear, as most rural attractions and even some urban areas are best described as “rugged terrain,” and the ground is wet occasionally. Also bring hats and sunglasses.

Local Currency:

British Pounds. Credit cards are widely accepted.

Electricity

230v / 50hz (plugs are 3 square pins). An adjacent switch typically controls outlets. Some hotels will have adaptors available, although this cannot be guarantee; therefore, we recommend bringing your own universal travel adaptor.

Documents and Visa Requirements:

A passport that is valid at least 6 months after travel is required.

Please check with your local embassy for any visa requirements for your nationality

Accommodations:

The Lodge at Castle Leslie Estate

Glaslough, County Monaghan, Ireland

*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards, and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotels listed in this program.

Program Includes for guests:

•Two nights at The Lodge at Castle Leslie – Superior Room

•Private group vehicle for travel as per itinerary

•Services of professional English-speaking tour guide for duration

•Porterage on luggage – in and out

•3 course dinner + half bottle of wine per person on Day 1

•2 course lunch (main + dessert) plus tea/coffee and 1 drink of choice in local restaurant on Day 1

•Guided tour of Florence Court House

•Falconry Experience on Castle Leslie Estate

•Horse drawn carriage ride through the estate

•Champagne afternoon tea on Day 2

Program Excludes for guests:

•Gratuities for drivers and guides

•Personal expenses

•Hotel incidentals

Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.

All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations.

Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.

Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.

Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program. Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.