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Belfast & Dublin

Exploring the capital cities of the Emerald Isle

  • Northern Ireland

    Ireland

  • 7 nights
  • Half Board
  • Coast & Islands

    Culture

    Wildlife & Nature

  • Apr

    Jul

    Aug

    Sep

  • Average group size: 12-14

Leisurely

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Walking grade

Grade 3

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Adagio Collection

The perfect blend of guided shorter walks, sightseeing trips, and quality accommodation for a more leisurely way to discover the world.

Overview

Holiday Highlights

  • The Titanic Museum. The world's famous ship honoured in Ireland's best Museum
  • Blackhead Lighthouse. Enjoy the views across Belfast Lough
  • Phoenix Park, Dublin. As fine a city park as you will find
  • Howth Head. The view from Baily Lighthouse across Dublin Bay should not be missed
  • Expert guided walking tours of Belfast & Dublin. Enjoy and learn

The island of Ireland is renowned for its culture, music, poetry and love of a good time. These qualities are perhaps best discovered in its two capital cities. Divergent recent history has left obvious contrasts, but the love of good times, music and song remains a constant. This holiday is fascinating discovery of shared and divergent cultures.

We start in Belfast delving into is resurgent glories. The jewel in the crown of cultural icons must surely be the world renown Titanic Museum. Built next to the dock where the world's most famous ship was built, it is a triumph of story telling. We include a visit. We also have a local guide walk us around the city streets. There are huge amounts to take in. On another day we take the train out along the coast to walk to Blackhead Lighthouse. Enjoy the fresh air and sea views!

Belfast's shiny new Grand Central Train Station a short walk from the hotel will be open for business in 2025. We take the train from here south along the east coast into the heart of Dublin city. Although we cross the border there are no immigration formalities on the way. A short tram ride will take us to our central hotel. We have a morning walking around the city with an expert local guide then some free time to explore further. We take the train out to Howth to the north east to enjoy a coastal stroll out to Howth Head. We will walk around Phoenix Park and spend an afternoon on the seafront at Bray.

Come and enjoy a unique a relaxed introduction to two contrasting yet connected capital cities.

  • Bed & breakfast accommodation at our centrally located hotels
  • Dinner in hotels and local restaurants
  • Half day expert local guided tours of Belfast & Dublin city centres
  • All transport to complete the sightseeing and walking programmes in both cities
  • All entrance fees to fulfil the holiday programme including Belfast's Titanic Museum
  • Services of an Adagio Tour Leader
  • Entrance fees (unless otherwise specified)
  • Personal expenses (such as your bar bill)
  • Discretionary tips
  • Optional excursions
  • Travel Insurance

Holiday Information

Click the button below for a detailed Holiday Information Sheet containing all the particulars about this trip.

NOTE: Itineraries and Holiday Information Sheets can vary by a specific date chosen

View Holiday Information Sheet

Tour Codes

50220

Itinerary & Travel

Itinerary Details

Whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the outlined itinerary and advertised programme, local conditions can change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. This may mean that routes and timings need to be amended or the order of days may change, sometimes at short notice.

Your Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival day.

Meals

Dinner

Accommodation

Arrival at the hotel. You will meet your fellow travellers for an initial briefing before dinner. Dinner is taken in the hotel tonight.

Check in at the hotel is from 3pm. Our included airport transfer will be by public transport. There is an airport bus that travels almost door to door. Anyone arriving on their own flights should be assured the airport transport is very straightforward. Please see the Travel section for further details.

Day 2

Belfast City tour and Titanic Museum

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation

Your expert local guide will meet the group in the lobby of the hotel. You then set out on a 3 hour walking tour of downtown Belfast. There is plenty to see and enjoy. Your guide will point out various attractions you might like to revisit later. This afternoon you take the local bus out to Belfast Docks, home of the former Harland & Wolf shipyard, builders of the Titanic. The Titanic Museum has built a well deserved reputation as Belfast's finest tourist attraction. It is well worth an afternoon of anyone's time.

Day 3

Blackhead Lighthouse

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation

After breakfast you take the train from Belfast's brand new Grand Central Station to Whitehead Train station to walk out to Blackhead Lighthouse. the views over Belfast lough are outstanding. The walk is safe and reasonably level. We return from Whitehead station. Some may like to delay their return to visit Whitehead Railway Museum. Its not included in the itinerary but well worth a look.

  • Time

    2 hours

  • Distance

    3.5 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    80m

Day 4

Train ride to Dublin

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation

Today we take the train from Belfast to Dublin. We have the great advantage that the journey is city centre to city centre. It takes just over 2 hours. On arrival in Dublin we can jump on a direct tram to the hotel. We should get to the hotel mid afternoon for check in and perhaps enjoy an introductory stroll around the area before dinner.

Day 5

Dublin City walking tour

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation

Today starts with a walking tour around central Dublin with a expert local guide. The tour will cover the history of the city from its Viking origins, through its Georgian heyday, the Easter uprising and on to the present day. The tour will take about 3 hours up to lunch. A free afternoon is planned to allow you to delve further into museums, gallerys, shops or pubs as taste dictates. it is a compact city centre easily explored on foot. All the highlights are easily reachable from our centrally located hotel.

Day 6

Howth Head

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation

Today we travel out by train to Howth. The train leaves from Tara Street Station, a short walk from the hotel. Howth Head is large rounded peninsula to the north of Dublin Bay. Howth is a lovely seaside fishing village with many cafes and fish restaurants. Today we have a gentle walk around the head talking in great views across the Irish Channel and to the Wicklow Mountains to the south of Dublin. The walk is on good tracks and various longer or shorter options are available.

  • Time

    2.5 hours

  • Distance

    5 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    200m

Day 7

Bray and Phoenix Park

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Today is a day of contrasts. It will start with a morning's exploration of Phoenix Park, Dublin's impressive public park. It's main claim to fame is that its the largest enclosed public park in any capital city in Europe. On our walk look out for the Irish President's House, herds of wild deer and Victorian Gardens. The park is enormous so it will not be possible to cover everything in our morning. This afternoon by way of contrast you head to Bray on the coast to the south of Dublin. This gentile seaside resort has a pleasant promenade. We will walk and explore. On the way out keep an eye out of the left side of the train for sea views and the right on return.

Day 8

Final day

We take the the airport bus which leaves from close by the hotel to the airport just to the north of the city. It is an easy journey.

Departure dates for your selected tour

10th Apr 2025 - 17th Apr 2025 (7 Nights)

10th Jul 2025 - 17th Jul 2025 (7 Nights)

21st Aug 2025 - 28th Aug 2025 (7 Nights)

11th Sep 2025 - 18th Sep 2025 (7 Nights)

Accommodation

Accommodation information

Below is the accommodation featured on this holiday across all departure dates. Please refer to the Itinerary for more detail about each night's accommodation for each departure date.

Leonardo Hotel Belfast

Leonardo Hotel Belfast is located next to Belfast’s City Hall and Opera House. It boasts spacious rooms with flat-screen TVs, a 24-hour reception and a restaurant serving modern cuisine. Wi-Fi is available throughout the entire hotel. The stylish bedrooms feature Dream beds with crisp white linens and a large work space. The spacious bathrooms boast spa toiletries. Buffet Breakfast is available, choose from cereals, hot breakfast items, pastries and healthy breakfast items to start your day the right way. The contemporary restaurant offers an international dinner menu. The bar serves lunch and snacks as well as a variety of coffees and drinks.

Wynns Hotel

The grand 19th-century Wynn’s Hotel is located 5 minutes’ walk from Trinity College, Temple Bar and Henry Street. It offers an elegant restaurant, rooms with free Wi-Fi. Rooms combine a traditional warm décor with modern amenities including flat-screen TVs and safes. They feature tea/coffee-making facilities, a 24-hour room service menu and DVD/CD players on request. The stunning Playwright Restaurant is decorated with period furniture, huge mirrors and large windows overlook Dublin’s vibrant city streets. It serves traditional breakfasts, carvery lunches and an a la carte dinner menu. Guests can relax with a drink in the lounge, which has a beautiful mahogany bar, or in Saint’s & Scholar’s Bar, with its bar menu and comfortable seating. The hotel is 5 minutes’ walk from the historical Ha'Penny Bridge on the River Liffey. The Abbey Theatre, O’Connell Street and Grafton Street are also close by.

Trip Information

All the details you need

Holiday Grade

We class Grade 3 as leisurely; walks are generally a little longer than level 2, with undulations but over a longer distance. Where sightseeing distances are longer, we take a full day with opportunities to stop, rest and refuel. Generally, itineraries involve easy countryside walking with plenty of breaks,   

Usual daily walks - Distance: 4 miles; Ascent/Descent 300m; Terrain: generally good paths and tracks; Walking Time: Half Day or Full Day walks. 

The above statistics are generalisations of a day’s keys walk, it does not include distance covered during general sightseeing or  daily activity. Detailed information of the daily walking requirements are specified in the specific holidays ‘Daily Itinerary" .

Local Costs

Holiday Budgeting

As you plan your holiday budget, it's essential to account for expenses such as drinks, meals not covered in the holiday price, entrance fees not included, optional local excursions, and any souvenirs or additional services like laundry. For a rough estimate, budgeting around £10-£20 per person per day for lunches and drinks is a helpful guideline.

Local Transport Costs

In the holiday cost, we have included all local transport expenses related to the advertised activity program for your convenience. If there are additional visits or excursions to enrich your experience, you can choose to participate and cover the costs locally. Depending on the itinerary, local transport may involve a mix of private hire coaches, taxis, local buses, and ferries.

Tipping

In your holiday price, we've included tipping for our local suppliers, covering hotel and restaurant staff, local guides, and drivers. Should you wish to make an extra contribution for a specific service, this should be given directly to the recipient at your discretion.

Your Group

Your Leader

Your tour leader plays a crucial role in enhancing your holiday experience, and they share your passion for exploring the world on foot. In addition to being resourceful and organized they are also well-travelled and deeply enthusiastic about showing you new destinations. Your tour leader takes care of all the local, ensuring you can fully enjoy your holiday without worrying about the logistics. While leading group holidays, they always keep in mind that each group is composed of individuals. Each tour leader brings their unique style, talents, and professional background to the table. Rest assured, they are all trained, qualified, experienced, and dedicated to making your holiday as enjoyable, interesting, and inspiring as possible. Remember, your leader, while on holiday, is your first port of call for any issues, ensuring a smooth and worry-free experience for you.

Leaders Evening Briefing

Each evening, your tour leader will meet with you to review the programme for the next day. This is your chance to discuss details and ensure that the planned activities align with your walking ability. If you have any concerns about clothing or equipment, feel free to bring them up during this discussion. If, for any reason, you prefer not to participate in the organised group programme, please inform your leader. Your preferences are important, and your leader is there to make sure your experience aligns with your expectations.

Group Size

We believe that the best things come in small packages, and our Adagio holidays prove just that. We limit our groups to a maximum of 18 persons, plus the Adagio Leader, so that everyone has the opportunity to mix, share their love of travel and return home with new friendships. Small groups also have less detrimental local impact, allows us to use public transport on some days, eat at small local restaurants and, we believe, offers a better experience.

Travel Plans

Getting to your Holiday

This holiday can be booked as a flight inclusive package or land only if you wish to arrange your own flights and transfers. We can offer flights from London and various regional airports to Belfast City (George Best) Airports

Belfast International Airport is the next closest to our hotel should you wish to book your own flights from other airports. We will provide transfers on the arrival and departure days to and from Belfast City Airport. Transfers will be by public transport as we have an airport bus that leaves from the airport and drops off outside our hotel. 

All transport is included in the cost of the holiday. 

Anyone making their own travel arrangements into Belfast City or Belfast International Airports can easily travel to the hotel by direct airport bus. 

Route planning to and from UK regional airports: the AA and RAC both offer free and detailed on-line route planning facilities on their websites which may help you find our hotels. Details can be found at: www.theaa.co.uk and www.rac.co.uk

Booking Your Own Travel Arrangements

If you prefer to arrange your own flights from a non-UK or regional airport or travel to your holiday destination by rail or car, you may qualify for 'land only' reductions, and we can provide details upon request. Feel free to reach out to us for more information.

Before finalizing any independent travel arrangements, especially if you're doing so 12 weeks or more before your intended travel date, please check with us first to ensure your holiday has been cleared to operate. If you plan to join your holiday locally, kindly inform us at least 14 weeks in advance.

If you're joining and leaving your holiday overseas, we assume, unless you specify otherwise, that you will join and leave the holiday at your hotel.

Although airport/station transfers are not included for those making independent travel arrangements, you may have the option to join the group at the overseas airport/station, depending on your arrival time. If interested, contact us at least 5 weeks before departure for more details.

Please be aware that you must arrive within 30 minutes of the group flight/train arrival to be eligible for the group transfer. Additionally, we'll need your flight number, arrival time, and departure point or independent travel arrangements to ensure the group leader can meet up with you. If you have a mobile, please ensure we have the number, and it is turned on while you are traveling for effective communication.

Hotel Transfers

When you book a flight or rail inclusive holiday, transfers between the airport/station and hotel (and vv) are included. On some holidays, where we offer various flight options, the transfer vehicle may wait for all flights to land before transferring to the hotel.

Luggage Allowance & Tickets

If you're booking a flight or rail inclusive holiday, rest assured that details of your travel arrangements and baggage allowance will be clearly outlined in your 'Final Travel Documents'. These will be sent to you approximately 10 days before your departure, ensuring you have all the necessary information for a smooth and well-prepared journey.

Personal Details Check

To ensure the accurate administration of your holiday arrangements, kindly verify that the personal details we have for you are current and correct. Confirm that you've given us all the necessary information for securing your travel and accommodation. Please review your passport details, date of birth, and any other pertinent information crucial for the management of your holiday.

Additionally, please make us aware of any dietary allergies or intolerances you may have. Your well-being is important to us, and this information will help us make appropriate arrangements for your meals during the trip.

You can access and update the provided information or add missing details through the "Manage My Booking" feature on our website at www.rambleworldwide.co.uk. Alternatively, reach out to our Sales and Reservations team at +44 (0)1707 331133. Upon receiving your booking confirmation, promptly check the details. Your cooperation ensures a seamless and enjoyable holiday experience.

Passport Information

General Passport Advice

It is a good idea to carry photocopies of the personal details pages of your passport page (with your photo on). Should you lose your passport, this may assist with the issue of replacement documents and your return to your home country. Passport and visa requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you inform yourself from a professionally qualified source on, and comply with, such requirements. 

General travel and destination advice for UK nationals is available from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office at www.fco.gov.uk/travel and at www.gov.uk/travelaware.

Meals

Accommodation is on a bed and breakfast basis, with breakfasts taken in the hotels. In Belfast we have two dinners in the hotel and one dinner in a local restaurant. In Dublin we have two dinners in the hotel and two in local restaurants.

Lunches can be purchased locally and are not included in the holiday charge.

Footwear & Kit List

Footwear

Comfortable, broken in, walking boots or shoes with a good sole are recommended for this holiday. Walking shoes or other comfortable footwear will be suitable for sightseeing days.

General Kit List

Outdoor activities are always safer and more enjoyable if you are prepared.

If you have not travelled with us before the following list might be of use:

  • Waterproof jacket (Goretex or similar) and trousers
  • Fleece or jumper
  • Sun hat, sunglasses, lip salve and sun screen
  • Swimwear & towel (if appropriate)
  • Day sack (this should be able to carry all you would need for the days activity)
  • Water bottle - at least 1 litre capacity
  • Basic first aid kit
  • Reusable Lunchbox
  • Walking poles (should you find them useful)

This list is not exhaustive and every traveller is different and may have their own preference.

Water To Go

Opting for filtered water from a reusable bottle with its built-in water filter, like the Water-to-go bottle available at www.watertogo.eu, is a sustainable alternative to single-use sealed water bottles. Simply refill it from any water source and contribute to saving the environment from disposable plastic bottles.

Exciting news: Water-to-go has introduced two new bottles to their collection. The Active bottle is designed to fit bike water bottle holders, and the Sugarcane bottle is an even more planet-friendly option. Crafted from fibrous cane, a by-product of liquid extraction, it undergoes a process to create plant-based plastic. Explore the details on the Water-to-Go website for this innovative new range.

As a token of appreciation for your commitment to the environment, we've secured an exclusive 15% discount with Water-to-Go for you. Visit www.watertogo.eu and use the code RWH17 during your order.                        

Note: If you're booked on a long-haul holiday, departing after November 1, 2023, you'll receive a complimentary Water-to-Go bottle, sent to your home address 2 or 3 weeks before your holiday. Thank you for being a part of our sustainable journey!

Travel Document Checklist

To ensure your holiday gets off to a good start, please make sure that you bring the following documents and information with you:

  • Passport (make sure it's yours and valid)
  • Your travel tickets or e-ticket itinerary
  • Any visa or electronic travel authorisation (if required)
  • Holiday currency
  • Credit or debit cards (and separate details of who to call if lost)
  • Car parking ticket and car park directions (if prebooked)
  • Coach or rail travel tickets (if prebooked)
  • Your holiday Booking Confirmation document
  • Your travel insurance details
  • Alternative form of identification (such as a driving licence)
  • Photocopy of the personal details pages of your passport
  • A valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if relevant
  • Details of any medical condition or allergy your holiday leader should know about

Maps & Guidebooks

The Map Shop

If you cannot find the maps or books locally we recommend:

The Map Shop
5 High Street
Upton upon Severn, Worcs
WR8 0HJ
England

Tel: 01684 593 146
Website: www.themapshop.co.uk
E-mail: themapshop@btinternet.com

If you key many of the local places mentioned in this holiday fact sheet into YouTube, you will find a vast array of spectacular footage of the area.

Staying Healthy on Holiday

Further Health Advice

For further advice please visit:

You might wish to take a small bottle of antibacterial hand gel with you for times when you're unable to wash your hands.

Travel Insurance

GHIC / EHIC Cards

Starting January 1st, 2021, you, as a UK traveller, can continue using your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) throughout its valid five-year period, granting you access to medical assistance during your holiday until its expiry date. Be aware, though, that this coverage will no longer extend to Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland. In case you don't have a valid EHIC, you can apply for a new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which will replace the EHIC as it gets phased out.

It's essential to emphasize that the EHIC/GHIC, while valuable, should not be regarded as a substitute for comprehensive medical or travel insurance. For your peace of mind and comprehensive coverage, considering additional insurance is highly recommended.

For more information, please visit www.nhs.uk/ehic

Travel Insurance

It’s a condition of booking that you obtain adequate travel insurance, from a reputable provider, to undertake the holiday, including UK trips chiefly due to the cancellation element of cover.

The policy must cover the period from the date of booking to the last day of your trip and should include, as a minimum, cover for: medical expenses (including the consequences of a Covid positive test result), mountain rescue including helicopter rescue, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment and shall not have exclusion clauses limiting cover for the activities you will partake in on your trip, including altitudes reached in the holiday arrangement. It is your responsibility to check that your policy is adequate for the nature and destination of the holiday booked.

Once you have obtained your travel insurance, please provide us with the name of your travel insurer, the policy number and the insurer’s 24 hour emergency assistance number.

In the event that you fail to obtain suitable Travel Insurance we shall not be liable for any costs incurred or claims made against us due to your failure to comply with this term.

If travelling outside the UK you must carry proof of insurance with you and produce it if reasonably requested to do so by RWH Travel staff, tour leaders or suppliers. No refunds will be made should you be excluded from the walking programme through being uninsured or you being unable to demonstrate that you are insured.

Our house broker MPI should be considered for whom we are an affiliate and contact information is on our website and will be referred to in your booking confirmation.

If you are travelling to an EU country or Switzerland please also ensure that you have either an existing valid EU EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card) or a valid UK GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card). You can apply for a UK GHIC free of charge on the NHS website at https://services.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/cra/start.

Our Ethos

Responsible Travel

We are dedicated to promoting responsible travel practices that prioritise the well-being of both the environment and local communities. We believe in the transformative power of travel and aim to minimize our ecological footprint by selecting eco-friendly accommodations, encouraging waste reduction, and supporting sustainable transportation options where possible. Our walking tours are designed to immerse participants in the local culture, fostering meaningful connections with the communities we visit. We strive to leave a positive impact by engaging in responsible tourism activities, respecting local customs, and contributing to the preservation of natural landscapes. Through our commitment to responsible travel, we aim to create enriching experiences for our guests while actively contributing to the conservation of the destinations we explore.

Heart and Sole

We appreciate that we are in a fortunate position to be able to use our profits to help make a difference to people's lives. Heart & Sole is a venture managed by our office staff, whose aim is to reach the heart of the communities in the countries we visit. Through Heart & Sole, we hope to make more of a long term, direct impact to these communities, particularly in less developed countries where even a small amount goes a long way. 

The Ramble Worldwide Outdoor Trust

Unlike many other tour operators, we take pride in our unique approach. Ramble Worldwide channels its surplus profits back into various outdoor, walking-related, or environmental conservation projects in the UK through our own trust. When you choose us, you contribute to this impactful initiative.

The Ramble Worldwide Outdoor Trust is passionate about making the outdoors more accessible for more people from all communities. We grant funds to many organisations and have recently partnered with Mind Over Mountains, Adaptive Grand Slam, and other groups to create an enduring impact on people’s lives and to support them to enjoy the outdoors. In addition, the Trust makes many small grants to local organisations such as Ramblers Groups, Walkers are Welcome, My kind of Books and recently provided a small grant, via his scouting group, to enable a young man whose family had fallen on hard times to complete his DofE Gold award.

Patron of the Trust is the renowned explorer, Mark Wood. Over 20 years Mark has undertaken expeditions to some of the most remote parts of our planet. Our shared values make for an exciting partnership, and we believe that by standing shoulder to shoulder we can encourage people from all communities to enjoy being active outdoors in whatever way suits them best.

For more comprehensive details, please visit the 'About' section on our website and click on the Charitable Trust link. Your choice to travel with us goes beyond a memorable vacation; it contributes to meaningful projects that have a positive impact on our community and environment.

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Useful Information

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Ireland

  • Capital

    Dublin

  • Currency

    Euro

  • Language

    Irish; English

  • Time Difference

    UTC +01:00

  • Flight duration

    1.5hrs from UK

Visas and Passports

No Visa Required

Average weather

  • January

    5°C

    Avg. Rain: 106mm

  • February

    6°C

    Avg. Rain: 82mm

  • March

    7°C

    Avg. Rain: 80mm

  • April

    8°C

    Avg. Rain: 62mm

  • May

    11°C

    Avg. Rain: 64mm

  • June

    13°C

    Avg. Rain: 67mm

  • July

    15°C

    Avg. Rain: 69mm

  • August

    15°C

    Avg. Rain: 88mm

  • September

    13°C

    Avg. Rain: 85mm

  • October

    11°C

    Avg. Rain: 111mm

  • November

    8°C

    Avg. Rain: 103mm

  • December

    6°C

    Avg. Rain: 110mm

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