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O'callaghan Coach Holidays

New 2024 holidays now open for bookings.

We provide a jam-packed schedule of quality, all-inclusive scheduled coach tours all over Ireland, the UK and Europe. A coach holiday gives you the opportunity to travel to all your favourite places without the stress of organising a thing; and without the hassle of luggage restrictions and airports.

Fancy a luxury day tour in Ireland or a short getaway to look forward to? How about a longer holiday in Ireland ? All this and more from O’Callaghan Coach Holidays. Click on your favourite holiday type below to see what we have on offer for 2024.

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Exploring Britain & Ireland

About this tour.

Travel to some of the world’s most magnificent cities and through the magical countryside of Britain and Ireland. This comprehensive journey takes you through rolling farmland and across the Irish Sea, through England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Marvel at the mystery of Stonehenge. Experience a traditional afternoon tea in London. Be mesmerized by the breathtaking landscapes of Ireland’s Ring of Kerry, the rolling hills of the Scottish Borders, and the medieval “shambles” of York. Admire the ancient Roman ruins in elegant Bath. Get acquainted with Britain’s pageantry in the royal cities of Edinburgh and London.

Your Tour Includes

• 7 Handpicked Accommodations
• 6 Choice on Tour Options

Included Highlights

• High Speed Train

Your Tour at a Glance

13 Breakfasts

Travel Style

Best time for travel, customize your tour.

Optional Excursions

Starting at $65.00

Activity Level

• Level This Tour

For specific details about this tour's activity level and other info to know before you book your trip, click here.

Extension Style

Best time for travel exploring britain & ireland featuring england, ireland, scotland and wales.

While just about any month is great to visit Great Britain and Ireland, there are a few prime times of the year for the Exploring Britain & Ireland tour. Here are some recommendations from our destination experts.

Spring: Visiting Britain and Ireland in the spring promises fewer crowds and comfortable temperatures. The countryside comes alive with flowers and shades of green.

Summer: Summer is a wonderful time to visit the region. You’ll find the countries bustling with summer activity and very welcoming.

Fall: Enjoy the turn of the season as crowds thin and the beautiful colors of fall start to appear.

Travel Styles

Highlights and inclusions.

Must-See Inclusions:

Ponder ancient mysteries at Stonehenge.

Experience the Ring of Kerry, one of the world’s great coastal roads.

• Explore the Roman Bath Museum's 2,000-year-old elaborate spas.

Tour York’s incredible Minster, the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe.

Cultural Experiences:

Behold the sights of Killarney on a traditional jaunting car.

Enjoy an evening of traditional Irish song and dance in Dublin.

Culinary Inclusions:

Delve into Scottish culture with a whiskey inspired dinner.

Explore Wales’ rich cultural heritage at an evening of Welsh music, poetry and cuisine.

Experience a traditional afternoon tea in London.

Enjoy Yorkshire’s famous ales during an interactive tasting.

• Afternoon Tea
• Cardiff Castle
• Welsh Evening
• Blarney Castle
• Ring of Kerry
• Jaunting Car Ride
• Traditional Irish Night

Book with Confidence

* With Insurance Purchased

• *No Hassle Refunds
• Traveling Well Safety
• No booking fee, *no change fees
• Top Rated Travel Protection

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Getting Prepared

Know before you go, travel tips, enhance your tour.

• Choice On Tour

Pre and Post Night Stay

Unique Experience

Cultural Experiences

Enhance Your Trip

• Tour Extensions

Today in Dublin, you have the choice between two activities. First you may choose to join a local expert and familiarize yourself with the “Fair City” of Dublin during a coach tour highlighting the top sights! Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, O’Connell Street, Grafton Street and Phoenix Park, and see the city's trademark – magnificent rows of stately Georgian town homes. Your other option is to join a local guide on an intimate walking tour of Dublin’s historic center. Explore O’Connell Street and the Grand Central Post Office, site of the 1916 Uprising. Walk along the River Liffey and learn about the important role this river played in Dublin’s history. Explore Grafton Street before discovering the rich history of St. Stephen’s Green.

This afternoon in Cardiff you have the choice between two activities. First, you can choose to visit St Fagan's National Museum of History, an open-air museum chronicling the history, culture and the architecture of the Welsh people. Located on the edge of the city, this museum contains over 40 original buildings from different historical times, including workers' terraced cottages, farmhouses, shops, a chapel and old schoolhouse. In addition, there is a re-created Celtic village, and the 16th century manor houses and gardens to explore. Or, you can choose to have time at leisure to explore Cardiff's historical center further, including its shops and restaurants.

While in Waterford you have the choice between two activities. First, you can choose to visit Waterford Crystal’s impressive new factory and see first-hand the centuries-old tradition of Irish crystal making. Feel the heat of the furnace and marvel at the skills of the craftsmen on a guided tour of the facility. After the tour, perhaps you’ll indulge your passion for the world’s most famous crystal in the factory’s lavish retail store, which houses the largest collection of Waterford Crystal found anywhere in the world! Or, you can choose to join a local guide and explore 1,100 years of Waterford's history. From the Vikings to the Victorians, discover why Ireland’s oldest city is also one of its most important in terms of history, culture, and trade.

Hotel-Apex Grassmarket Hotel

Hotel-Aloft Dublin City

Step into the formal world of the British Monarchy when you visit the stately and expansive Windsor Castle. His Majesty King Charles III uses Windsor as both a private home and as a Royal residence where formal duties of state are performed. Windsor’s 1,000 rooms comprise the largest inhabited castle in the world. It dates back to the 1070s, when William the Conqueror built the original wooden structure, now replaced by the grand stone edifices. Explore one of Britain’s most visited historic buildings, its precincts, and the State Apartments, which house a delightful collection of Royal art treasures. Enjoy time for lunch in the quaint town of Windsor before heading back to London. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit the castle that houses so much British history and lore is not to be missed!

Join us for a rollicking evening of tastes, sights and sounds that are classically Scottish. Feast on a banquet prepared from a selection of local recipes. Your taste buds will savor the true flavor and goodness of this distinctive country. Tonight will be filled with entertainment including Highland pipers and dancers who deliver the very best in Scottish music, song and dance. Be prepared for a Scottish night of food, fun and many fond memories!

Explore the Roman Bath Museum's 2,000-year-old elaborate spas.

Accommodations

Arrive earlier.

Pre Night: Apex Grassmarket Hotel From $125 per night

Apex Grassmarket Hotel

Doubletree by hilton york, leonardo royal hotel london tower bridge, hilton cardiff, granville hotel, scotts hotel killarney.

Nights 10-11

Aloft Dublin City

Nights 12-13

Stay Longer

Post Night: Aloft Dublin City From $130 per night

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Exploring Scotland & Ireland

British Landscapes featuring England, Scotland and Wales

Shades of Ireland

Shades of ireland featuring northern ireland.

London & Paris

Discover Scotland

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Welcome Onboard Elite Coach Tours

It’s an exciting time for Elite Travel NI as we launch our new fully escorted coach programme to the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Take a look below where we offer a great mix of Elite Coach Holidays.

We are excited to bring this new Elite Coach Tours product and look forward to welcoming new customers, allowing us to showcase our tours.

We look forward to welcoming you onboard our new elite coach tours

Dublin Zoo Day Trip

• Departs 28th May, 2nd July & 19th August 2023
• Adult – £49
• Children – £39 ( Under 3’s Go Free!) Click and follow Elite Coach Tours
• Return Luxury Coach
• Reserved Seat
• Admission to Dublin Zoo
• Comfort stop en-route
• Services of a Tour Manager for Comfort & Safety

Galway, Westport & Connemara “The Riviera of The Wild Atlantic Way”

Departs on the :

• 28th May 2023 x 4 Days – £395pp
• 27th August 2023 x 4 Days – £419pp
• Deposit £50 per person Click and follow Elite Coach Tours
• Return Coach Travel from Coleraine, Ballymoney, Ballymena, Dunsilly, Belfast, Cookstown & Enniskillen
• 3 Nights – 4* McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris
• Breakfast and Evening Meals
• Visit and Tour Westport House & Gardens
• Visit & Free Time in Westport
• Visit & Free Time in Galway
• Visit & Free Time in Clifden, the largest town in Connemara
• Optional Extra: Single Room Supplement – £89

Stratford, Shakespeare & Warwick

• Departs 1st June 2023
• From £549 Per Person
• Deposit £50 per person
• Click and follow Elite Coach Tours
• Return Coach Travel from Cookstown, Coleraine, Ballymoney, Cloughmills, Ballymena, Dunsilly, Belfast & Stena Line
• Return Ferry Crossing
• 4 Nights – Walton Hall Hotel
• Entrance to Shakespeare Birthplace Trust
• Admission to Anne Hathaway’s Cottage
• Free Time in Stratford
• 1 Hour River Avon Cruise
• Admission to Warwick Castle
• Optional Extra: Single Room Supplement – £119

Bord Bia – Bloom Flower Festival – Dublin Day Trip (SOLD OUT)

• Departs 2nd June 2023
• From £55 per person
• Deposit: £25 per person
• Luxury Coach Pick Up from Cookstown, Dunsilly, Ballymena, Ballymoney, Coleraine & Newry
• Entry into Bord Bia Bloom
• Comfort Stop en route

The Irish Hooley Portlaoise

Discover the Scenic Lake District

• Departs 19th June 2023
• From £619 Per Person
• Deposit £50 Per Person
• Luxury Coach Travel from Cookstown, Coleraine, Ballymoney, Cloughmills, Ballymena, Dunsilly, Belfast & Stena Line Port
• Return Ferry Crossings with Stena Line Belfast – Cairnryan
• 4 Nights – Shaps Wells Hotel
• Breakfast & Evening Meals
• Cruise Ullswater Steamer
• Rail Journey Havertwaite to Lakeside
• Entry to Dove Cottage Museum
• Cruise on Lake Windermere
• Free Time in Kendal
• Visit & Free Time Sizergh Castle
• Free Time in Keswick
• Free Time at Gretna Gateway Outlet Village
• Optional Extra: Single Room Supplement – £120

The Royal Highland Show

• Departs 22nd June 2023 (Sold Out)
• From £419 per person
• Luxury coach travel from L/Derry, Coleraine, Ballymoney, Ballymena, Cookstown, Dunsilly, Belfast & Stena Line
• Return ferry crossing Belfast to Cairnryan
• 3 Nights – 3* Carin Hotel, Bathgate
• 2 Days Entrance to the Royal Highland Show
• Free Time to Enjoy Edinburgh & Glasgow
• Optional Extra: Single Room Supplement – £99

Discover Strangford Lough & the Ards Peninsula

• Departs Sunday 25th June & Sunday 10th September 2023 (Day Tour)
• From £60 per person
• Deposit £25 per person
• Luxury Coach pick ups from Cookstown, Coleraine, Ballymoney, Cloughmills, Ballymena, Dunsilly, Belfast.
• Free time in Donaghadee
• Coast Drive
• Discover Strangford Lough
• Free time in Portaferry
• Evening Meal Included
• Comfort stop on route
• Tour Manager

Galway, Sligo & Kilmore Abbey

• Departs 26th June 2023
• From £429 Per Person
• Luxury coach travel from Coleraine, Ballymoney, Ballymena, Dunsilly, Belfast, Cookstown & Enniskillen
• 3 Nights – Shearwater Hotel
• Visit & Free Time in Galway, Enniskillen, Ennis & Sligo
• Visit to Kilmore Abbey
• Stop off at Foxford Wollen Mills

A Donegal Music Day Out – With Curtis Magee & Gary Wilson

Departs on the: 

• Sunday 2nd July 2023 (Limited Availability)
• Sunday 20th August 2023
• From £65 per person
• Luxury Coach Pick Ups from Cookstown, Dunsilly, Ballymena, Ballymoney, Coleraine, Limavady & Londonderry
• Free Time in Glenveagh National Park
• Scenic Coastal Drive
• Afternoon Entertainment by Curtis Magee & Gary Wilson in the Harbour Bar, Donegal
• Evening Meals Included

Emmerdale – The Village Tour & Yorkshire

• Departs 7th July 2023
• From £389 per person
• Luxury coach travel from Cookstown, Coleraine, Ballymoney, Cloughmills, Ballymena, Dunsilly, Belfast & Stena Line
• 3 Nights – Holiday Inn Leeds
• English Breakfast & Evening Meals
• The Emmerdale Village Tour
• Visit and Free Time in Leeds & Skipton
• Visit to the Victorian Spa Town of Harrogate
• Free Time Trafford Centre
• Free Time Gretna Outlet
• Optional Extra: Single Room Supplement – £100

Wild Ireland & Tropical World Day Tour

• Departs 9th July 2023 & 6th August 2023
• Adult – £50 Per Person
• Child – £45 Per Person (Under 2’s Go Free!)
• Admission to Wild Ireland & Tropical World
• Comfort Stop en-route
• Tour Manager for Comfort & Safety

Newcastle Silent Valley & Kilkeel Day Tour

• Departs 26th May (Limited Availability) & 16th July 2023
• From £50 per person
• Admission to Silent Valley Tour
• 3 Course Carvery
• Morning Tea or Coffee
• Visit Newcastle & Kilkeel

Portaferry Aquarium & Pixie Fun Park Day Tour

• Departs 30th July 2023
• Adult – £40 Per Adult
• Child – £32 Per Child (Under 2’s Go Free!)
• Comfort Stop En-Route
• Admission to Portaferry Aquarium
• Visit Pixie Fun Park

Blackpool “Powered by Magic”

• Departs on the:
• 7th August 2023 x 7 Nights – £579 per person
• 21st August 2023 x 4 Nights – £389 per person
• Deposit: £50 per person
• Luxury Coach Travel from L/Derry, Coleraine, Ballymoney, Ballymena, Cookstown, Omagh, Dunsilly, Belfast Stena Line Port
• Return Ferry From Belfast
• Adelaide Hotel
• Visit Fleetwood
• Visit the Lake District and Cruise on Lake Windermere
• Free Time to Explore Blackpool
• Optional Extra: Single Room Supplement – (7 Nights = £70), (4 Nights = £50)

Harrogate, York & Skipton

• Departs 20th August 2023
• From £429 per person
• Luxury Coach Travel from Cookstown, Coleraine, Ballymoney, Cloughmills, Ballymena, Dunsilly, Belfast & Stena Line
• 3 Nights – Cairn Hotel, Harrogate
• Breakfast & Dinner
• Entrance to RHS Harlow Carr
• Visit & Free Time in Harrogate & York
• Skipton Canal Cruise
• Visit to Bolton Abbey
• Free Time in Gretna Village
• Optional Extra: Single Room Supplement – £80

WW1 Battlefields – ‘In Flanders Fields The Poppies Blow’

• Departs 24th September 2023
• From £749 per person
• Deposit : £100 per person
• Return Coach Transfers from various pick up points
• Return ferry crossing
• 1 Night stay in a UK based hotel
• 5 nights – New Regina Hotel, Ypres
• Bed and Breakfast
• Entrance to ‘In Flanders Fields’ Museum, Ypres
• Half day Battlefields tour guide of the 14-18 Route (3 hours)
• Full day tour guide of the Somme Battlefields (8 hours)
• Entrance to Wellington Quarries
• Visits to Grandcourt Cemetery, The Ulster Tower, Theipval Memorial, Lochnagar Crater and Commonwealth War Graves
• Full day tour including The Irish Peace Tower, Tyne Cot Cemetery, Essex Farm
• Visit Ypres and the Passchendaele Memorial Museum
• Attend The Last Post Ceremony
• Free time in Arras
• Services of a tour manager for comfort and safety
• Optional Extra: Single Room Supplement – £150

Welsh Heritage & Whisky Trail

• Departs 28th September 2023
• From £469 per person
• Luxury coach from Cookstown, Coleraine, Ballymoney, Ballymena, Cookstown, Newry & Dublin Port (Stena Line)
• Return ferry Crossing with Stena Line
• 4 nights at the Holiday Inn Newport
• Breakfast & evening meals included
• Visit to Caerleon Roman Baths & National Roman Legion Museum
• Entrance & Guided tour of the Big Pitt
• Penderyn Whisky Tour
• Visit & Free time in Cardiff
• Services of an experienced tour manager
• Optional Extra: Single Room Supplement – £129

Wild West of Ireland

• Departs 9th October 2023
• Luxury coach travel from L’Derry, Coleraine, Ballymoney, Ballymena, Cookstown, Ballygawley, & Enniskillen
• 3 nights – 4* McWilliam Park Hotel
• Visit & Free time Galway
• Visit & Free time In Cong
• Visit Ballintuber Abbey & Cruise on Lake Corrib
• Entertainment

Country Music Festival in Gleneagle Hotel with Visits to Dingle & Ring of Kerry

• Departs 23rd October 2023

• From £499 per person
• Luxury coach from Cookstown, Coleraine, Ballymoney, Ballymena, Cookstown, & Belfast, Sprucefield, Newry.
• 4 nights at the 4* Gleneagle Hotel Killarney
• Visits to Killarney, Dingle, Tralee & the Ring of Kerry
• Nightly entertainment
• Optional extra: Single room supplement £125

Coronation Street – Walk The Cobbles

• 28th October 2023
• From £329 per person
• Luxury coach travel from L/Derry, Coleraine, Ballymoney, Ballymena, Cookstown, Omagh, Dunsilly, Belfast & Stena Line-Return ferry crossing Dublin to Holyhead
• 2 nights – Best Western Cresta Court Hotel
• Breakfast and evening meals included
• Entrance to Coronation Street The Tour
• Free Time in Manchester
• Visit the Trafford Centre & Cheshire Oaks
• Optional Extra: Single Room Supplement – £60

Kilkenny, Waterford & Wexford

• Departs 6th November 2023 
• From £319 per person
• Luxury Coach Travel from various pick up points: Coleraine, Ballymoney, Ballymena, Dunsilly, Belfast, Cookstown & Enniskillen
• 3 Nights at the 4* Woodford Dolmen Hotel, Carlow
• Visit Kilkenny & Entrance to Kilkenny Castle
• Visit Waterford and Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience
• Visit & Free Time in Wexford

Irish Country Music Weekend in Blackpool

Harrogate Fizz & Fayre

• Departs 27th November 2023 
• From £399 per person
• Luxury Coach Travel from Cookstown, Coleraine, Ballymoney, Cloughmills, Ballymena, Dunsilly, Belfast & Belfast Stena Line Port
• 4 Nights – 3* Cairn Hotel Harrogate
• 3 Course Carvery-Style Dinner & Breakfast 
• Mulled Wine Reception
• Nightly Live Entertainment
• Mini- Afternoon Tea with Fizz Drinks Reception
• Visit York, Harrogate & Leeds Christmas Market
• Optional Extra: Single Room Supplement – £95

Galway Christmas Country Weekend

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Address: Unit 5, 9 William Street, Cookstown, BT80 8AX Phone: 028 8678 8005 Email: [email protected]

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Britain and Ireland Grandeur

1410 reviews

England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland

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20 Day UK and Ireland Tour of England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland

20 days, 5 countries and 35 cities

Accommodation

19 Breakfasts, 1 Welcome Reception, 7 Dinners

View day-by-day trip itinerary

There’s more to most UK and Ireland trips than the iconic sights. On this journey, you’ll trace the footsteps of giants and feel the salty spray of the Cliffs of Moher, smell the mossy walls of medieval castles and enjoy a toe-tapping, heart-stirring Gaelic song along the way.

Looking to book in a group of 15 or more?

Deals, savings and exclusive private touring options available plus if you need a different date or itinerary change we can create a custom trip. Contact us for more details

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Day by day itinerary

20 days itinerary trip from London to London visiting 5 countries and 35 cities

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England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales

20 Day UK and Ireland Tour of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales

About this trip

Sightseeing highlights.

Explore Londonderry, Belfast, Dublin and Edinburgh with a Local Specialist

Discover  Plymouth, Bath, Cardiff, Limerick, Galway, Sligo, Chester, Glasgow and York

Visit the ancient stone circle at Stonehenge, the Roman Baths in Bath, Waterford Crystal Showroom, Blarney Castle, the magnificent Cliffs of Moher, the Giant's Causeway, Guinness Storehouse, Falkirk Wheel, Isle of Skye, Edinburgh Castle, Alnwick and Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon

View the Mayflower Steps in Plymouth, the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, St. Mary's Cathedral and King John's Castle in Limerick, the scenic Lake District, the 18th hole at St. Andrews, Eilean Donan Castle, Culloden Battlefield and York Minster

See Galway Cathedral

Scenic Drive on a Cornish Excursion, experience the Ring of Kerry

Tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates

See Glencoe

Drive through this Highland village on Loch Leven.

Travel highlights

Specific transfer information can be found here:

Airport Transfers

An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

The services of a Trafalgar Local Host when you stay at Trafalgar's recommended London hotel

Pick-up and drop-off when you stay at the Trafalgar recommended London hotel, booked through Trafalgar

Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

All porterage and restaurant gratuities

All hotel tips, charges and local taxes

Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras

Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

Return ferry across the Irish Sea between Wales and Ireland

Optional Experiences and free time

On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences

Every one of our tours includes at least one conscious travel experience that supports one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS). Look out for yours within the day-by-day trip itinerary.

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Net-zero by 2050

Travel knowing our 4-point climate action plan will ensure net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Support Local

Your tour directly supports local communities by visiting family-run businesses, UNESCO sites and places of cultural significance.

Sustainable Practices

Every part of our business, from trip design to how we run our offices, aligns to our 5-year sustainability strategy which ensures a positive impact on people, the planet and wildlife.

Philanthropic Efforts

Our not-for-profit, the TreadRight Foundation, invests in nature-based solutions to address climate change.

You’ll make a positive impact to people, planet and wildlife on this tour

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Coach / Bus Tours in UK and Great Britain 2024/2025

Take in the picturesque landscapes and remarkable sights on a guided Coach / Bus adventure of UK And Great Britain. There are 362 vacation packages to choose from, that range in length from 2 days up to 24 days. The most popular month for these tours is July.

250+ Coach / Bus trips around UK And Great Britain with 15,246 reviews

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus

Essential Britain & Ireland

Everything was planned and organised professionally. Absolutely hassle free travelling. Our guide was friendly, funny and incredibly knowledgeable.

Britain and Ireland Delight (Summer, 8 Days)

Motels not too good...no air conditioning, no fridges Bus had problems with air con too..changed buses , but not as comfortable

Britain and Ireland Experience (12 Days)

' Great Holiday ' We really enjoyed the many sites of the UK. It really was a great 'taste' of the UK. We appreciated our tour guide and his respectful, knowledgeable and professional manner. The coach was comfortable and 'hats off' to our driver for driving safely on some very tricky roads.We also appreciated our cases being delivered and picked up from our room daily. Hotels were better than we expected and breakfast and other meals always delicious! We had a fantastic trip.

Best of UK & Ireland

The bus seats were miserably uncomfortable & the bathroom had not been properly maintained for 4 weeks. Most of the hotel rooms/beds/lifts/electrical outlets were inadequate. Tony, our driver, was absolutely top notch. Aaron was very knowledgeable, but oftentimes gave directions/talks before we were all assembled.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Wonders of Britain and Ireland (12 Days)

Emma was amazing. Most of the accommodation was excellent especially Apex. Most places were great dealing with my dietary requirements.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Britain & Ireland Explorer (Classic, 13 Days)

We had a great holiday and highly recommend insight tours . We had lovely hotels and a fantastic tour guide who was very knowledgeable with places and the history.

Britain and Ireland Panorama (16 Days)

Anna was amazing. I really enjoyed the trip it actually was more than I expected. Our guide ANNA really made the trip.

• Sightseeing
• Christmas & New Year

United Kingdom and Ireland ( 10 days )

Grand Tour of Britain & Ireland

We felt there was too many places and not enough time Plymouth was a waste of time and Cardiff.we didnt see any thing of Fort William or Inverness and as for Hadrians wall what a joke !! Group photos at Anne Hathaway cottage but no time to see cottage or gardens .then dropped off at shakespeares birthplace for shops !! Long way to Culloden not to have time to go into the museum. Too many hours at Blarney on a wet day in the woolen mill. But apart from that Rosemary was fantastic Julian great driver took a while to warm... enjoyed our holiday but not one of our better cosmos experiences.

The Best of Britain & Ireland

Our tour guide was excellent. She has an amazing grasp of the history, customs, and sites we visited. Our only criticism is that we were rushed through the best sites because of the bus/coach schedule and there was not enough time to visit the site, grab lunch, and/or visit souvenir shops or local vendors. We had barely enough time to quickly hit the highlights and skip some of the more interesting aspects of the location before having to board the coach.

Leisurely United Kingdom ( 13 days )

Best of Ireland & Scotland (Classic, 14 Days)

I went on this tour with my moms as a delayed graduation trip to me. This tour was so much fun! The daily journeys and adventures were always so interesting and beautiful and made each day more exciting then the last! The highlight of the tour was our tour guide and driver, Greg and Gerry! Gerry, our driver, was so careful and smooth driver that I honestly fell asleep a few times with how smooth the drive was. We were able to also do a few extra fun little stops due to his driving expertise. Greg, our tour guide, was so much fun! He always had a smile and great suggestions for local pubs we would like. He also got to meet each of us and would tell us about the places we would like based on little things we would say and he just remembered. One example is someone on our tour sad they had not seen any hairy coos so Greg found a place nearby and we made a side trip to go see some! 10/10 music taste as well. This trip was one of the best due to the places and adventures and every day was amazing, but Greg and Gerry really made it the best with their kindness and amazing expertise!

Celtic Highlights

Comfortable, interesting, great guide and driver.

3 Day Loch Ness & Skye

Had an absolute blast and would totally recommend! The guide, Tim, was brilliant. He was super knowledgeable, funny and very friendly. He did a great job of tailoring the tour to what the group was interested in, and we all had a blast. He also took us to many lesser known spots which I would have certainly missed if I did it on my own. The group was a little smaller (6 people) than I would've expected or hoped, but it was still nice. Accommodation was superb. The first night at the hostel on the shores of Loch Ness was really lovely and the staff were great. The second was a house all to ourselves, which was very fun. I'd totally recommend this tour!

Highland Experience's Scottish Choice

My only complaint is that some of the lodgings were more than four or five minutes walking distance from eateries and thus difficult to access for elderly people.

UK And Great Britain Coach / Bus Tour Reviews

Very nice itinerary ... jam packed days and evenings. I chose not to do any of the extra evening excursions that were offered so I was able to use the time to explore every overnight stop on my own. The tour guide was amazing... so full of knowledge about all the countries/areas we visited.

I really enjoyed the trip

Excellent service and planning to maximize our time to see everything

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Coach travel to Dublin

Visit this incredible irish city with national express today.

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Children under 14 years of age are not permitted to travel without being accompanied throughout the journey by a responsible person aged 16 years or over. Children aged 14 - 15 years old may travel unaccompanied, as from 5am, arriving at their booked destination no later than 10pm. Unaccompanied children will be asked for proof of age or a signed letter of permission from their parent/guardian. (sms or chat based messages are not permissible)

One infant aged 0-2 travels free when accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket. Additional infants aged 0-2 must be paid for. If you are travelling with more than 1 infant aged 0-2, please book the additional infant as 'Children (3-15).

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Getting cheap tickets to Dublin

With a range of fare types on our coaches, getting yourself or your friends to Dublin has never been easier, or cheaper. If you're flexible on travel times and are willing to book at least three days in advance, you can get even more discounts.

Things to do in Dublin

As the capital of Ireland, Dublin has a huge amount of things to do, no matter if you’re a solo traveller or large group.

Guinness Storehouse

The iconic Dublin stout has been made on the riverfront of the Liffey since its inception, touting the kind of rich history few brands can match.

The storehouse tour takes you through the processes through which the beverage gets made, all the way from farm to glass. From there it takes you through some of the history of Guinness as a brand, including the legendary advertising that has led to the famous phrases of “my goodness, my Guinness!” and “a woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle”.

Once the tour has given you a sufficient appreciation for Guinness as a brand, you’ll finally get to taste the black stuff. No ordinary tasting session, this multi-sensory experience includes a series of smell tests and even a room with the perfect décor for tasting the world-famous drink. As you’d expect, this pint lives up to its reputation as the best pint of Guinness in the world.

The tour ends in the famous Storehouse bar, which has spectacular views overlooking Dublin, coupled with helpful markings on the windows to help you identify the landmarks and get your bearings around the city.

A fantastic way to start your journey in Dublin, the Guinness Storehouse tour gives you a chance to taste an integral part of the city, as well as see it spread out in front of you from a beautiful vantage point.

Trinity Tour

Located right at the heart of the city, a tour of Trinity College’s beautiful campus can be nestled perfectly between any other activities you may want to do. Boasting gorgeous architecture and the picturesque archway, Trinity College really is one of the most stunning places to wander around in Dublin.

The tour guides are usually students, so their knowledge of the campus and its secrets are unparalleled. Included in some of the tour packages is the amazing Long Library, on which the library in Star Wars is based. It also holds the amazing Book of Kells – with calligraphy, illustrations, and an odd poem about a cat in the margin, this is one of the oldest and most beautiful editions of the New Testament in existence.

A bonus feature, if you can find it, is the amazing display of deer and doe skeletons in the Museum Building. The bones of these massive animals are displayed right through the main doors to the building.

A little slice of classical beauty in the urban sprawl, Trinity College is one of the most beautiful colleges in Dublin, and shares in the city’s rich history.

Viking Splash Tour

Viking Splash tours provide a unique and fun way to get a tour of the city. Unlike your traditional city tours, Viking Splash Tours show you the sites and scenes of the beautiful city in the back of a World War Two amphibious vehicle.

Starting out over land, the tour takes you all around the city, allowing you to give your best Viking roar to unsuspecting passers-by, before plunging into the River Liffey. 

Dublin’s national museums & galleries

Dublin has a great collection of Galleries and Museums: at least some of which you should definitely try and see. Indeed, one of the best features about Dublin’s national galleries and museums is that most are free for general entry.

Our recommendations is the Natural History Museum, where you can see the eerily well preserved bog bodies and the National Gallery of Ireland, featuring a newly refurbished gallery and one of the best classical art collections in Europe.

Find a great local pub

Dublin (and Ireland in general) is stereotypically famous for its pubs. James Joyce famously said that it would be a great puzzle to try and “cross Dublin without passing a pub” and the challenge only gets harder and harder. There are enough pubs in Dublin to satisfy any and all features you could want in a pub.

Our recommendation is P Macs, off George’s Street. Featuring a cosy environment where you can sink into an amazingly comfy couch or, just as easily, be using a piano as your table, P Macs has a wide variety of craft beers from all over the world for you to sample and enjoy. If you are stuck you could ask the very knowledgeable and friendly staff and they will provide you with a personalised recommendation based on what other drinks you like.

As if that wasn’t enough to keep you entertained, there are a good number of classic board games to keep you and your friends happy and competitive all night long.

Need an airport transfer? Travel between Dublin and Dublin Airport with our partner Dublin Express.

Popular routes to dublin.

• London to Dublin

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Open Return Information

Book your return

Your Open Dated Return is valid for 3 months from your outbound journey. To guarantee your seat on your return you need to confirm your ticket before you travel on www.nationalexpress.com/en/help/tickets/open-returns or call 0371 781 8181.

Open Dated Return Information

If your return date is not yet known, open return tickets provide flexibility. When travelling within the UK, the return journey can be made within 3 months of the outward date of travel. To guarantee your seat on your return journey you need to confirm your ticket before you travel by visiting www.nationalexpress.com/en/help/tickets/open-returns or call us on 03717 81 81 81. Lines open 7 days a week, 8am - 8pm (calls to this number are charged at local rate). Valid on any day throughout the year.

Open returns are not available on European journeys.

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Accessible coaches.

The majority of stops along the routes listed below are accessible to wheelchair users but are subject to change. Please call us to check the latest situation before booking and at least 36 hours in advance of when you would like to travel.

To see a list of accessible coach routes please visit our Accessibility page.

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If you are travelling in a wheelchair or require assistance, please call our helpline before booking and at least 36 hours in advance of when you would like to travel.

03717 81 81 81 - ( option 3)  (lines open 8am - 8pm 7 days a week). Calls to this number are charged at local rate.

For more information please visit our Disabled travellers page.

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Adult (16+) and Children (3-15)

Children under 14 cannot travel alone unless accompanied by an adult (16+). Please note, you may be required to show proof of age at any point during your journey. Failure to do so, may result in the full adult fare being charged.

Children (3-15)

Children under 14 cannot travel alone unless accompanied by a responsible adult (16+).

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Should be booked as Children. If they are travelling in a wheelchair or require assistance, please call our Assisted Travel Helpline.

We strongly recommend that you bring a car seat appropriate to your child's age, but ask you to take responsibility to fit the seat.

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Children aged between approximately 4-11 years old, or up to 150cm tall, may use booster seats. We carry a limited number onboard most coaches.

If travelling with a child, you may be required to show proof of age when buying tickets or at any point during your journey. Failure to do so may result in the child being required to pay the full fare for the journey on that day.

Booster seats

Children aged between approximately 4 years and 11 years or up to 150cm tall may use booster seats, we carry a limited number onboard most coaches along with our comfort fit seat belts.

Disabled children should be booked as children rather than 'Disabled'. If they are travelling in a wheelchair or you wish to book assistance with travel please call our Assisted Travel Helpline before booking and at least 36 hours in advance of when you would like to travel.

You can find a list of accessible coach stops on our Accessibility page .

Please call us 36 hours prior to travelling to check the latest status.

If you are travelling in a wheelchair or require assistance we recommend that you contact us on the following local rate telephone number: 03717 81 81 81 (lines open 8am - 8pm 7 days a week) 36 hours in advance of when you would like to travel.

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Adult fares are applicable to all passengers aged between of 26 and 59 inclusive.

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Children aged 12 or under travelling on any European service must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.

Unaccompanied children will not be carried

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Children under the age of 16 are not permitted to travel on any European service unless accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.

Young persons aged 16 or 17 years can travel alone on European services but only if they have a letter of authority from a parent or guardian.

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Passengers aged 60 and over are entitled to receive a small discount on European journeys. On European journeys a 50% discount is given to carers, please call us on 08717 818177 to book.

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Adult fares are applicable to all passengers aged 2+. Adults under the age of 16 are not permitted to travel alone on any European service unless accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over or they have a letter of authority from a parent or guardian.

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Children aged under the age of 2, must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over. Unaccompanied children will not be carried.

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0330 440 3999, monday - friday 9am to 5pm, coach holidays to ireland, ireland by coach.

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Coach trips to Ireland from £169.99*

Language: English and Irish Gaelic Currency: Pound Sterling in Northern Ireland and Euro in Republic of Ireland Time Zone: Western  European Standard Time = GMT, Western  European Summer Time = GMT+1 Tipping: 10 to 12% is usual for hotels with 10 to 15% being usual for restaurants. In each case, it is not necessarily added to the bill. If a service charge has already been added, no further tip is required.

Ireland - an introduction

Ireland's friendly natives and Irish craic are known the world over, but another surface of the Emerald Isle's shimmering stone is that it's the perfect destination for those wanting to get away from it all for a few days. This is definitely one place in the world where spending time getting lost can be a worthwhile experience in itself – and what's more, you don't need a passport .  Taking coach holidays to Ireland offers the chance to uncover all manner of secrets, from the country's ancient myths and legends to its rugged landscape and friendly locals that are itching to share their tales over a pint of that infamous Guinness. Coach trips to Ireland are a relaxing way to experience the natural side of the Emerald Isle and discover its many shades of 'green', from labyrinthine caves and coastal harbours to the astounding beauty of the  Giant's Causeway . Dublin is a popular choice on holidays to Ireland with its wash of low key bars and endearing supply of restaurants, art galleries, chic boutiques, beautiful architecture and traditional Irish pubs where laughter, dancing and music ring from Temple Bar .

Belfast ,  Cork (for kissing the Blarney Stone),  Galway and Limerick  are also deserved destinations on the tourist trail, but it's the Ring of Kerry that steals the limelight outside of Dublin; a 179km route through unrivalled scenery with popular landmarks (like Kerry Bog Village, Moll's Gap and Ladies View Torc) along the way. Unless you're taking a car, going by coach offers the best ( and most cost-effective ) way of travelling along the Ring of Kerry in all its glory, savouring 100 miles of beautiful golden beaches and stunning vistas as you go.

Tourist offices To find out more about visiting Ireland, check out the official tourism website at discoverireland.ie

The Emerald Isle really is a gem of a place to visit, with a wealth of places and attractions. Here are just a few must-sees when in Ireland:

Dublin This cosmopolitan and vibrant city is an eclectic mix of historic sights and modern architecture and buildings. With traditional pubs and a lively nightlife Dublin offers a true taste of the Emerald Isle. Dublin's fascinating history can be discovered at various attractions National Museum of Ireland, the National Gallery and Kilmainham Gaol.

Belfast This buzzing and compact city has so much to offer with its skyline dominated by Samson and Goliath, two large cranes from the Harland and Wolff Shipyards. Belfast has strong ties to the Titanic which was built in the city, and more recently the Titanic Belfast Experience has opened allowing visitors an insight into her construction, launch and tragic end.

Killarney Home to some of the most friendly people, Killarney is a great town to visit in Southern Ireland. With Killarney National Park on its doorstep, why not explore some highlights whilst travelling in a jaunting car – a traditional horse-drawn carriage. It's in the park that you can tour the Ring of Kerry, which arguably offers Ireland's most stunning scenery. Don't miss the chance to take in its glorious 100 mile stretch featuring beaches and waterfalls. There is also a great range of shops to browse or you could even sit back, relax and take a cruise on the lake. 

Galway One of Ireland's largest and busiest cities, Galway offers plenty of things to see and do. Why not explore Eyre Square or the city's historic Cathedral, take a look Lynch's Castle (a 14 th  Century townhouse) or take a stroll around the medieval walls of the city. Galway has a reputation for outstanding seafood, so be sure to try some!

To help you have an enjoyable holiday in Ireland take a look at these useful tips and advice provided by the  Foreign and Commonwealth Office  (FCO):

Health and Travel Insurance Should you fall ill or be involved in an accident and you are from any country in the European Economic Area or Switzerland, you are able to obtain free or reduced cost medical treatment by possessing a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended for all other nationals planning to visit Ireland.

Entry Requirements Ireland is a member of the Common Travel Area, which therefore allows British Citizens to visit Ireland without needing a passport. However, Irish immigration officers will check all passenger's ID upon arrival when travelling by air from the UK. In addition to this most airlines won't carry passengers to and from Ireland without having seen any satisfactory photographic ID. It is therefore recommended that you take your British passport with you. Some carriers might accept other types of photographic ID - please check with your tour operator prior to travelling.

Any other nationality looking to visit Ireland must contact the local embassy to check visa requirements.

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Ireland Coach Holidays

Visit Ireland today. Take a look at our Ireland Coach Holidays here.

Why should you visit Ireland?

Ireland is renowned for being home to some of the most breathtakingly beautiful vistas the British Isles have to offer. Ireland is a fantastic destination for your next coach trip or coach holiday. You will be enthralled by the abundant natural beauty whisking past your window and charmed by the bustling culture at stop off points. With urban destinations like Dublin and Belfast or more serene spots like Killarney, on our luxury coach trips to Ireland could be the key to your future best holiday memories.  

Beautiful landscapes

Ireland offers many fantastic landscapes, making travel by coach a delight and brilliant choice for seeing as much as you can as you travel. You can sit back and relax as you soak up the views from the comfort of your coach seat

Why should you visit Ireland by coach? 

Travelling to and around Ireland by coach is hands down the best way to see the delights of it’s vast, green lands. With all of its gorgeous greenery at eye level you are sure to experience Ireland in a whole new way when you travel by coach with Johnsons coaches.

Why you can trust Johnsons coaches

A coach holiday to Ireland from England will involve you joining the Johnsons team and fellow passengers onboard one of our contemporary coaches. Depending on the package holiday or daytime coach excursion to Ireland you choose, you will be guided through an expertly designed itinerary with minimum effort and maximum enjoyment.

Our coach trips to Ireland have something to offer you, whatever you preferred pace. From the roaring cities of Belfast and Dublin, briming with character and culture to the whimsically romantic and wild coast lines and countryside’s of County Clare and The Ring of Kerry. Our expert team at Johnsons thoroughly research all our destinations so our Irish coach holidays offer the very best experience to each passenger.

With our decades of experience we offer the very best coach holiday experience to all our customers from the moment you book to the last time you disembark. We prioritise a smooth and efficient service, running our coach holidays to Ireland on time and with every step of your holiday journey being handled with professional flourish. Our friendly customer service time are on hand to make your booking experience as seam free as possible and our fabulous onboard staff and drivers are there to look after you, mile after mile.

A touch of luxury

Our longer Irish coach holidays offer a luxurious edge with our executive coaches. Our top of the range executive coaches have onboard entertainment and toilet facilities for your comfort and our bookings team arrange fantastic and suitable accommodation for any overnight stays on your Irish coach adventure. Travelling by coach is a more social and environmentally way to travel to Ireland. You can enjoy both the company of like-minded travellers and the knowledge that you have made a greener choice without having to compromise on luxury.

To find out more about our coach holidays to Ireland and Irish coach holiday destinations, you can speak to a member of our bookings team on  01564 797 000 or by emailing [email protected] .

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Take a look at our coach holidays to Ireland including County Clare, Carlow, Belfast, Killarney and The Ring of Kerry

Mon 22 - Fri 26 Apr 2024: A 5 Day Escourted Coach Holiday to Ireland in Springtime with Johnsons Coaches

Sat 11-Sat 18 May 2024: A 8 Day Escorted Coach Holiday to Ireland's Northern Jaunt with Johnsons Coaches

Sun 2 - Sat 8 Jun 2024: A 7 Day Escorted Coach Holiday to Cork Coast & The Ring of Kerry with Johnsons Coaches

Sun 23-Thu 27 Jun 2024: A 5 Day Escorted Coach Holiday to Ireland By 'Hook or by Crook' with Johnsons Coaches

Sat 24 Aug - Sun 1 Sep 2024: A 9 Day Escorted Cruise to Explore Ireland's Coastal Scenery with Johnsons Coaches

Sun 25 - Sat 31 Aug 24: A 7 Day Escourted Coach Holiday to Belfast - Outstanding Northern Ireland with Johnsons Coaches

Sun 1 - Sat 7 Sep 24: A 5 Day Escourted Coach Holiday to Connemara - Galway & Westport with Johnsons Coaches

Sun 22 - Sat 28 Sep 2024: A 7 Day Escorted Coach Holiday to An Epic Escape to The Wild Atlantic Way with Johnsons Coaches

Sat 28 Sep - Fri 4 Oct 2024: A 5 Day Escourted Coach Holiday to Irland - Hidden Treasures with Johnsons Coaches

Fri 4 - Fri 11 Oct 2024: A 8 Day Escourted Coach Holiday to Killarney - The Ring of Kerry with Johnsons Coaches

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Established for over 96 years, Whittles Coaches is a small coach operator based in Kidderminster, specialising in coach hire, holidays and day trips. We pride ourselves on offering excellent value for money and have a reputation for high quality coach travel – with a smile! Travel with Whittles – Travel with Friends!

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Take a look at our coach holidays to Ireland including County Clare, Carlow, Belfast, Killarney and The Ring of Kerry

Monday 19th-Saturday 24th August 2024, 6 Day Tour In Killarney and the Ring of Kerry with Whittle Coaches

Thursday 29th- Monday 2nd September 2024, 5 Day Tour in Titanic Belfast and the Causeway Coast, the Best of Northern Ireland with Whittle Coaches

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Latest data shows UK and Ireland cruise industry continues to engage, entice and innovate

Press Release | April 17, 2024

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has revealed that holidaymakers from the UK and Ireland took 2.3 million cruise holidays last year, surpassing the highest previous annual number.

In data published today (April 17, 2024), CLIA revealed that:

• The 2.3 million total is up from 1.7 million in 2022.
• The Mediterranean remains the number one destination for cruise travellers from the UK and Ireland. Of the top three destinations in 2023, 35% of passengers travelled to the Mediterranean, 29% to Northern Europe and 12% to the Caribbean.
• Exploration destinations have seen a 53% increase in passenger numbers year-on-year.
• The average age of UK and Ireland cruisers is decreasing: at 55.1 years old in 2023 it is down from 56.1 in 2022.
• The average cruise length increased to 10.1 days, up from 9.8 the previous year.
• 28% of cruisers are part of a wider multigenerational group, comprising three or more age groups.
• 65% of passengers enjoyed a pre-cruise stay in their departure destination, while 52% stayed on after their sailing.

In terms of sentiment, perception and intent, a corresponding survey of 4500 international holidaymakers revealed:

• 82% of cruise passengers say they intend to take a holiday at sea again, a 3% increase from 2019.
• 71% of those who have never cruised before would consider doing so.

Meanwhile, over 300 ships are set to sail this year, the first time the global CLIA member fleet has surpassed this number. Overall capacity will increase by 3.6% as a result.

Andy Harmer, Managing Director CLIA UK & Ireland, said: “Cruise continues to lead the way in travel and we can clearly see that from these encouraging latest figures. A holiday at sea offers something to suit all tastes and budgets, both on and off the ship, which makes for an ideal combination. With so many holidaymakers returning to the water, and many more eager to dip their toe for the first time, these figures reflect all the advantages a sea escape has to offer.”

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Kingsmill massacre an ‘overtly sectarian attack by IRA’, coroner rules

Inquest delivers findings 48 years after 10 Protestant workers were shot dead when their minibus was ambushed in County Armagh

The shooting dead of 10 Protestant workers at Kingsmill in Northern Ireland in 1976 was an “overtly sectarian attack by the IRA”, a coroner has ruled.

Nearly eight years after the inquest opened , Brian Sherrard delivered his findings in Belfast on Friday into the Troubles killings in County Armagh.

The inquest heard the workers’ minibus was ambushed outside the village of Kingsmill on their way home.

Those onboard were asked their religion and the only Catholic was ordered to run away. The killers forced the 11 remaining men to line up outside the van before opening fire. Alan Black, who was shot a number of times, was the sole survivor.

The shootings were claimed by a little-known republican paramilitary group, used as a front for the on-ceasefire IRA . No one has ever been convicted.

Sherrard said the “glaring omission” in the proceedings had been the absence of any evidence from those who caused the attack. He said: “Unlike other legacy inquests which have examined the actions of the state in directly causing death, those responsible for the deaths at Kingsmill have not given an account either personally or through any organisation or any political party.

“Numerous calls to assist and provide answers were met with silence.

“Accordingly the inquest did not receive disclosure from any individual concerned in the attack, nor their organisation, nor their political representatives although expert evidence was given that records may well exist.”

He said there had been no recognition from the perpetrators of the “utter wrongness” of the Kingsmill attack.

Decades after the shooting, police found a match between a palm print discovered on the suspected Kingsmill getaway vehicle and a suspect in the attack. One man was questioned by detectives in 2016 but not charged.

Sherrard said Ireland’s Garda Síochána was in possession of the palm print in 1976 but the police in Northern Ireland never asked for it.

The coroner said if the suspect had been questioned in the immediate aftermath of the attack and confronted with the fingerprint link to the van, it might have helped progress the investigation.

He outlined various errors and omissions in the police investigation after the shooting, but said those should be viewed in the context of the time and there should be no attempt to shift the blame away from those responsible for the murders.

He said there could be “little doubt” that the likely suspects were known to the security forces at the time.

In his conclusions, the coroner described the attack as “sophisticated and complex” and involving at least 12 IRA men. Sherrard also dismissed any suggestion that perpetrators were not pursued in order to protect an IRA informant, describing it as “unhelpful conspiracy theorising”.

Two individuals identified as suspects in the Kingsmill attack were later given “comfort letters” issued by the UK government to “on the run” republican suspects during the peace process.

Sherrard said the “OTR letters” had not impeded the inquest as no firm evidence connecting the individuals to the shootings had ever emerged.

The attack at Kingsmill was claimed by a group calling itself the South Armagh Republican Action Force.

Sherrard outlined extensive ballistics evidence to Belfast coroner’s court linking the weapons used at Kingsmill to a series of attacks carried out by the IRA. He said the “unassailable” evidence showed that the guns fired at Kingsmill were the “exclusive property” of the IRA.

The families of a victim of the Kingsmill massacre and the only survivor said the inquest into the killings had not answered their questions and called for a public inquiry.

John McConville died in the attack on 5 January 1976, while Black was seriously injured.

A joint statement from the McConville and Black families said: “At the start of the inquest eight years ago we were full of hope that the many difficult questions that have burdened us surrounding John’s murder and that of his colleagues and the attempted murder of Alan Black would be answered.

“However, as we progressed through the inquest our questions have not been answered and our concerns have grown.”

Speaking outside Belfast coroner’s court, Black described the inquest as a “Band-Aid”. He said: “I am so disappointed with this inquest.”

• Northern Ireland
• UK security and counter-terrorism

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