8
8
Evergreen Ireland North: A Celtic Fantasy Group Journey with Flights & Fables
Mar 14 - 20, 2027
Before Tolkien wrote the Shire, before George R.R. Martin dreamed up Westeros, before every fantasy map was drawn, there was Ireland. The island where ancient magic wasn't invented. It was remembered.
In March 2027, I'm leading a Flights & Fables group on a 7-day journey through the north of Ireland, the most mythic, the most cinematic, and the most wildly beautiful stretch of the island. This isn't a standard sightseeing tour. It's a nerd's tour. Every stop means something to fantasy fans, and I'll be there as your guide to make sure you feel it.
We begin in Dublin, Ireland's literary, historic capital, with a panoramic tour taking in Trinity College, St. Stephen's Green, and the Georgian streets that inspired generations of storytellers. Then we're off through the heart of the island to Athlone, where we raise a glass at Sean's Bar, Ireland's oldest pub dating back to 900 AD. This is the real thing, a pint or an Irish coffee in a building that was ancient when the Vikings were still around.
We continue west to Galway, one of Ireland's most beloved cities, where a local guide walks us through medieval streets, past the Spanish Arch and Eyre Square. Then north through the rugged landscape of County Sligo for a sheepdog demonstration, one of those authentic rural Irish experiences that sticks with you, before arriving in Donegal, a town born from a Viking harbor.
Day 4 is the one that fantasy nerds came for. We walk the ancient walls of Derry, fortifications dating to the 17th century still standing intact, before heading to the Giant's Causeway, those extraordinary hexagonal basalt columns rising from the Atlantic that folklore says were built by the giant Finn MacCool himself. That evening we dine at the Crosskeys Inn, a CIE Tours exclusive venue dating to 1654, Ireland's oldest thatched pub, with stone walls, open fires, and traditional music. You cannot fabricate an atmosphere like this.
Day 5 delivers the Game of Thrones Studio Tour in Belfast, and if you're a GoT fan, this is the one. Walk through authentic sets including Winterfell's Great Hall and the Throne Room of King's Landing, see original props and costumes, and try your hand at White Walker target practice. This is one of the most immersive fantasy studio experiences in the world, and it's sitting right here in Northern Ireland where so much of the show was filmed.
We close our journey in Belfast with the Titanic Museum, a world-class tribute to the ship that was born in this city, before returning to Dublin for a festive farewell evening of traditional Irish song, dance, and dinner at the Merry Ploughboy. The perfect ending to a week of genuine Irish magic.
This trip is operated by CIE Tours, Ireland's premier tour operator since 1932, which means the quality, the access, and the local expertise are unmatched. I'm joining as your group leader and fellow fantasy nerd, to add context, connection, and a Flights & Fables lens to every stop along the way.
This is a small group departure. Spaces in the Flights & Fables block are limited. Once they're gone, they're gone.
* All prices are in USD. Price is land only and does not include international airfare. *
Itinerary
Sun, Mar 14: Dublin
Mon, Mar 15: Galway
Tue, Mar 16: Donegal
Wed, Mar 17: Derry
Thu, Mar 18: Belfast
Fri, Mar 19: Dublin
Sat, Mar 20: Dublin
Full Itinerary
PRICING
PRICE: From $1,645 USD per person (land only, twin/double occupancy)
Price is based on double room occupancy, excluding international airfare and taxes. Price is subject to change.
Single Room Supplement: $2,140 single
What's Included in the CIE Tours Price:
- 6 nights hotel accommodation (twin share)
- Full daily breakfast, every day except Day 1
- 3 included dinners (Days 3, 4, and 6)
- Welcome get-together drink with your group on Day 1
- All on-tour transportation including luxury coach, shuttles, and ferries
- Game of Thrones Studio Tour (Day 5)
- Titanic Belfast (Day 6)
- Giant's Causeway (Day 4)
- All local taxes, hotel service charges, and handling of one suitcase per person
- Free Wi-Fi on coaches
- CIE Tours documents wallet and backpack
Payment Schedule:
- Deposit: $250 per person (non-refundable)
- January 8, 2027 — Final payment due
Early Commitment Discount: Book and deposit by June 5, 2026 and save 5% on the land tour cost. This is a real savings, don't wait.
FLIGHTS & AIRFARE OPTIONS
International airfare is NOT included in the land-only price.
The tour begins and ends in Dublin, Ireland. Here are your options:
Option 1: Book Through Flights & Fables
I can source and book your international flights as part of your overall travel package. Aer Lingus offers direct flights from several US cities to Dublin, which is what I typically recommend for this routing, no layovers in Europe, and you land rested and ready. Contact me to discuss options from your home city.
Option 2: Book Your Own Flights
If you prefer to arrange your own flights:
- Fly INTO Dublin Airport (DUB) to arrive the day before the tour start date (March 13, 2027)
- The tour begins at 2:00 PM on March 14 from your Dublin hotel, you must be checked in and ready
- The tour ends in Dublin on March 20, 2027 after breakfast
- Plan your return flight from Dublin on March 20 or later
Tip from Rocky: I recommend arriving a day early (March 13) to recover from the transatlantic journey and enjoy Dublin on your own before the tour begins. Dublin is absolutely worth an extra day.
OPTIONAL ADD-ONS
All major LOTR experiences are included in the land package. The following optional upgrades are available for those who want to go even deeper
Note: Weta Workshop Unleashed (Day 1) is included in the base package.
Additional independent options in Queenstown on your own time include bungee jumping, jet boating, wine tours, and more. Rocky will provide a full recommendations list before departure.
MEALS
This 7-day tour includes 9 meals:
- 6 Full Hot Breakfasts (Days 2–7, included at hotel each morning)
- 3 Dinners: Day 3 (hotel dinner, Letterkenny), Day 4 (Crosskeys Inn, Ireland's oldest thatched pub, traditional music), Day 6 (Merry Ploughboy, Dublin, traditional Irish music, song & dance evening)
Meals not included: Day 1 dinner (free time in Dublin), Day 2 dinner (free time in Galway), Day 5 dinner (free time in Belfast), Day 7 breakfast is the final included meal before tour ends.
The Crosskeys Inn dinner on Day 4 is a genuine highlight, a CIE Tours exclusive venue that dates to 1654, with stone walls, thatched roof, open peat fire, and live traditional Irish music. This is not a tourist-trap dinner. It is the real thing.
LODGING
All accommodations are based on twin share (double occupancy). Hotels are carefully selected by CIE Tours for quality, location, and character.
Hotel Lineup:
- The Croke Park Hotel — Dublin (Night 1): Located near Croke Park stadium, excellent city-centre base
- Galway Bay Hotel — Galway (Night 2): Seafront location on Galway Bay
- Station House Hotel — Letterkenny, Co. Donegal (Night 3)
- AC Hotel by Marriott — Belfast (Nights 4–5): Contemporary 4-star in Belfast city centre
- The Croke Park Hotel — Dublin (Night 6): Return to Dublin for the farewell evening
In some cases, a hotel of similar quality may be substituted by CIE Tours. CIE Tours maintains high accommodation standards and their guest satisfaction rating of 95% reflects that consistency.
Single Occupancy:
Single room supplement available, please contact Rocky for current pricing. Subject to availability.
NOT INCLUDED IN PRICING
The following are not included in the land-only tour price:
- International airfare to and from Dublin (see Flights section)
- Airline baggage fees
- Dinners on Days 1, 2, and 5 (free time, dine independently)
- Personal spending money, souvenirs, and items of a personal nature
- Gratuities for your Tour Director, driver, and restaurant staff (tipping is customary in Ireland)
- Alcohol and beverages beyond what is included at specific meals and the welcome drink
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended, see Travel Protection section)
- Passport and visa fees
- Optional excursions and activities beyond the included itinerary
- Any items not specifically listed as inclusions
TRAVEL PROTECTION / TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel insurance is not included in the tour price but is strongly recommended for any international journey.
At minimum, your policy should cover: trip cancellation and interruption, emergency medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and baggage loss or delay.
Ireland is a safe destination with excellent healthcare infrastructure, but unexpected events can happen anywhere. A missed connection, a family emergency at home, or a sudden illness before departure can cost you the full price of the trip without insurance protection.
You are not required to purchase insurance through CIE Tours or Flights & Fables, the choice of insurer is yours. Contact Rocky for recommendations on travel insurance providers that offer strong coverage for European group travel.
Rocky's note: March in Ireland means unpredictable weather and the tail end of winter travel. Flights can be disrupted. Bring a rain jacket, pack layers, and buy travel insurance. You'll thank yourself either way.
Your Advisor
Rocky Dimico
Flights and Fables LLC
Washington State Seller of Travel Number: UBI #602 864166
Florida Seller of Travel Registration Number: #ST36257
California Seller of Travel Registration Number: # 2073234-00
rocky@flightsandfables.com
984-837-1009