☘️ST PATRICK’S DAY – 8 DAY TOUR OF IRELAND – MARCH 16th – 23rd, 2026

More on DAY 1 -WELCOME TO IRELAND

Arrive at Dublin Airport. Transfer to your Dublin hotel under own arrangements.

Today is a day of leisure in Dublin.

Dublin is a city with a soul. Founded in 841 by the Vikings, it is a city with an interesting past. Its many monuments tell of its history. Today, Dublin is the Cosmopolitan capital of the Irish Republic and a city of over one million people. Despite the many changes the city has witnessed during the last decade, it still remains a city ready to welcome all who wish to visit.

Guinness Storehouse.

The Guinness Brewery in Dublin is Europe’s largest stout producing brewery and home to the Guinness Storehouse. Opened in 1904, the Storehouse was an operational plant for fermenting and storing Guinness.
Today it houses a very fine exhibition dedicated to the Guinness story. Visitors on the Tour will discover what goes into the making a pint of Guinness – the ingredients, the brewing process, the time, the craft and the passion.
The exhibition shows how the brew has been marketed and how it is today sold in over 150 countries. Once a tour has finished the group is invited to the Gravity Bar to enjoy a pint of Guinness. Regular demonstrations on the art of pulling a pint of Guinness also take place in the Storehouse.
Launched on the fifth floor in 2011, “Five” at Guinness Storehouse, includes a small replica authentic Irish Bar, an 18th Century inspired Brewers Dining Hall, and a restaurant named Gilroy’s where guests enjoy a Guinness gastronomical experience driven entirely by the Irish tradition of wholesome local produce. Menus include local foods such as Ardsallagh goat’s cheese, Irish mussels from Carlingford and the Waterford Blaas bread supplied by MD Bakery in Waterford.
This area will host from time to time live cooking demonstrations using Guinness in the recipe and it includes an interactive recipe sharing bank that allows visitors to take Guinness recipe cards home.

Old Jameson Distillery,

in Smithfield Village, located in the heart of Old Dublin. This old barley storehouse, once the center of Distilling in Dublin, was renovated in 1998 and converted into a museum where all the secrets of Irish whiskey’s distillation will be revealed. An audio-visual show will introduce the history of this spirit and it is followed by a guided visit which will take a visitor through the various stages of whiskey distilling from grain intake to malting, mashing, fermentation, distillation, maturation and finally bottling.
The visit culminates in the Jameson bar with an opportunity for all to taste the signature Jameson drink. During the visit a number of volunteers are selected to take part in a tasting session to compare a Jameson whiskey with a Scottish Whisky and American bourbon. Participants will receive a Diploma for their achievement.
If time allows, you may wish to visit some of the other memorable sites listed below.

Christchurch Cathedral

King Sitric Silkenbeard, the 1st Christian Viking King of Dublin, built the city’s first church on this site in 1038.The current building was built in 1172 by the Anglo-Norman Richard de Clare (Strongbow).
Similar to St Patrick’s Cathedral, it is adorned with funeral monuments, including the reputed tomb of Strongbow. Unlike St. Patrick’s however, Christchurch posses a crypt which stretches nearly its entire length & much of the Cathedrals memorabilia is displayed here.
Attached to the Cathedral is Dublinia, an excellent exhibition of medieval Dublin.

EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum.

This is a state-of-the-art interactive experience located in the beautiful vaults of the 1820 Custom House Quarter building in Dublin’s Docklands, the original departure point for so many of Ireland’s emigrants.

It will inspire and guide you on a journey to discover the stories of Irish emigration around the world, from early times to the modern day.
Explore Ireland’s Capital City discovering the north and south side of the River Liffey. Wandering around the Heart of Historic Dublin—the Liberties.
This area offers great striking monuments such as the GPO (General Post Office) on the city main thoroughfare, O’Connell Street, or the Custom House along the quays, as well as the Phoenix Park, the largest public park in Europe.

The south side appears more sophisticated with its vast Georgian squares, such as Merrion Square, where Oscar Wilde’s House can still be found (today owned by an American College), its colorful doors, along with Grafton Street and its quality shops.
Not so far from St. Stephen’s Green, in Kildare St., you will see the house of Bram Stoker, the author of Dracula. This part of the city is also dominated by the students of Trinity College, where the famous Book of Kells is permanently exhibited in its library. The university is facing the medieval district where Dublin Castle and the two Anglican Cathedrals can be found.

Trinity College

Trinity was founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth 1st on grounds confiscated from an Augustinian priory and is the oldest University in Ireland. The Campanile, erected in 1852, was built on what is believed to be the center of the monastery. Built to further the education of the ruling Anglo-Irish families, restrictions were imposed to prevent Catholic from attending courses. These restrictions were not fully lifted until the 1970’s. Trinity however admitted women in 1902, earlier than most British universities.
Most of the main buildings off the main square were built during the Georgian period, some of which replaced older buildings. Within its walls, you will be able to admire Parliament Square and its 18th Century edifices.
Trinity College has had many famous students such as Jonathan Swift and Samuel Beckett who later became a lecturer in French at the university. The Inter-denominational Church is very much worth a visit, should it be open during our visit.

Overnight B&B in your Dublin Hotel

More on DAY 2 -ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE

The St Patrick’s Day Parade

Our national day holds the unique distinction of being celebrated in every country across the world. However, there really is no place like Dublin on St. Patrick’s Day!

Now considered a global bucket-list event, St. Patrick’s Festival, Dublin serves as an unforgettable opportunity for people of all backgrounds, nationalities, ages and interests to come together and celebrate Irishness in all its forms.

The world-famous National St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin takes place annually on March 17th, rain or shine, featuring spectacular pageants, raucous marching bands from all over the globe and community participants from all over Ireland.

The St Patricks Festival

St. Patrick’s Festival is Ireland’s official celebration of our national holiday, St. Patrick’s Day. Its origins lie in honouring Ireland’s patron saint, St. Patrick. Initially, it was a solemn commemorative feast day dedicated to paying tribute to the saint, but over the years, St. Patrick’s Day has evolved into a vibrant celebration encompassing the richness of Irish culture.

Today, it is a joyful occasion marked by parades, performances, and diverse expressions of Irish heritage; a multicultural international event that is committed to displaying contemporary and traditional arts, culture and heritage of the Irish people and the people who call Ireland home.

This March, we invite you to St. Patrick’s Festival in Dublin to help us celebrate our part and our place in our global community.
As well as the Parade, the Festival will host a jam-packed programme of events from 15th–17th March across the city centre.
As the one national holiday that is celebrated in more countries around the world than any other, St. Patrick’s Day is the day when everyone wants to be Irish.

More About The Parade

For two hours you will enjoy an awesome display of creative talent as the national St. Patrick’s Festival arade snakes its way through the city centre. International and Irish marching bands join performers, dancers and street theatre companies to present a wonderfully entertaining parade.

The parade is a piece of moving theatre, complete with its own Creative Director. Colourful costumes flamboyant performances and outstanding musical talent will be on show.
Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure to savour the atmosphere of St. Patrick’s Day.

Overnight: Dublin (Bed & breakfast)

More on DAY 3 -DUBLIN TO BLARNEY CASTLE & KERRY

Blarney Castle

Today, depart Ireland’s capital and journey to the stunning County Kerry. En route, make a memorable stop in the charming town of Blarney, home to the iconic Blarney Castle. Climb to the top to kiss the legendary Stone of Eloquence—it’s said that doing so will grant you the gift of never being lost for words again! Afterwards, enjoy some leisure time to explore and shop at the Blarney Woollen Mills, renowned for its high-quality Irish crafts, woolens, and souvenirs.

Blarney Woolen Mills

The presence of the Woollen Mills during the famine shielded Blarney from the worst effects of the famine, due to its employment of local workers. In 1976 Chris Kelleher, himself a mill worker, bought the old mill property. Within a short period of time Chris & his family transformed the mill into what is perhaps the largest quality craft shop in Ireland.

Killarney

Killarney, located in County Kerry, is a highly sought-after destination due to its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Some of the attractions that you will visit while in Killarney will include Killarney National Park:

Killarney National Park

A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, offering opportunities for walking, hiking, cycling, and exploring its ancient woodlands, lakes (Lough Leane, Muckross Lake, Upper Lake), and wildlife. The park was established in 1932 when the Muckross Estate was donated to the Irish Free State by the Bourn and Vincent families. The land around the lakes has a long history of human occupation, dating back to the Bronze Age with evidence of copper mining on Ross Island. It was also home to monastic settlements, such as the 7th-century Inisfallen Abbey, and served as strongholds for Gaelic chieftains.

Muckross House & Gardens

Built between 1839 and 1843 for Henry Arthur Herbert and his wife, Muckross House & Gardens is a magnificent 19th-century Victorian mansion and its surrounding estate, nestled within the stunning Killarney National Park in County Kerry, Ireland. It’s a testament to the elegant lifestyle of the landed gentry of the past. Here you will also find Muckross Abbey: A beautifully preserved 15th-century Franciscan friary ruin, Muckross Abbey is a peaceful and atmospheric site to explore, with its distinctive central courtyard and ancient yew tree. The surrounding gardens, including the Sunken Garden, Rock Garden, and Stream Garden, are beautifully landscaped and free to explore.

Ross Castle

Ross Castle is a magnificent and historic tower house situated on the shores of Lough Leane, the largest of Killarney’s three lakes, within the breathtaking Killarney National Park in County Kerry. The Castle was originally built in the late 15th century by the O’Donoghue Mór (O’Donoghue the Great) chieftains, who were a powerful ruling family in the region. It served as their ancestral home and a symbol of Gaelic power.

The castle has undergone significant restoration including the great hall, dining room, and bedrooms and is now furnished with 16th and 17th-century period furniture, offering visitors a glimpse into its past. The spiral stone staircase, built with varying heights to break the stride of attackers, is a notable feature. The construction is of a typical tower house with strong defensive features:

Thick Stone Walls and Narrow Windows: Designed for defense, the lower levels have narrow slits for shooting arrows or guns, while upper levels have larger windows for light. Bartizans and Machicolations: These are defensive turrets and openings that allowed defenders to drop stones or boiling liquids on attackers.

Fortified Bawn: The tower was originally surrounded by a square bawn (enclosed courtyard) with corner towers for added protection. It’s an iconic landmark, steeped in history and folklore.

The Ring of Kerry

Killarney is the starting and finishing point for exploring this world-famous scenic driving route.

Overnight: Killarney (Bed & breakfast)

More on DAY 4 -THE RING OF KERRY TOUR

The Ring Of Kerry Tour

Today will bring you on an unforgettable adventure around the famous Ring of Kerry. Depart Killarney heading towards Killorglin.

Killorglin

Pass through Killorglin, the home of the ancient Celtic festival Puck Fair. Dating back to 1613., this is one of the oldest festivals in the world where a goat is crowned king of the village and placed on a pedestal for 3 day in August each year. People come from far and wide to pay homage to the king goat and enjoy the festivities of street stalls, music, and much more. This section of the tour takes you along part of the famous “Ring of Kerry” driving route.

Dingle Bay

Enjoy a scenic drive along some parts of the famous Dingle Peninsula. And stop for photos en route with amazing views of Dingle Bay, Skellig rocks, Inch beach. This ideal setting is perfect for panoramic photographs admits the Wild Atlantic Way.

Waterville

Picturesque little village overlooking Ballinskelligs Bay with its own beautiful beach, famed by the Skellig Rocks with their early Christian monastery. A regular visitor, Charlie Chaplin loved Waterville and hence the statue in his honor, unveiled in 1998. It is also home to one of Ireland’s finest golf clubs and most famed footballer Mick O’Dwyer and Mick O’Connell.

Sneem

Take a stop in the charming village of Sneem. This is one of Ireland’s most colorful and charming villages. With two squares and a beautiful bridge in the middle of the village, this is where the River Sneem meets the currents of Kenmare Bay. It was also the regular holiday choice or Charles de Gaulle.

Killarney National Park

One of the most beautiful and admired national parks in the world, Killarney National Park was the first of its kind established in Ireland in 1932. With magnificent views of the Lakes of Killarney and Black Valley, the park gives you an opportunity to enjoy a walk in this amazing landscape and spend time strolling along the lakes.

Torc Waterfall

Torc Waterfall is a 18m high waterfall which cascades through the wooded Friers Glenn. This is a magnificent natural site of beauty. Enjoy a short walk , and maybe even see the red deer which are well known inhabitants of the Killarney national park . The waterfall has a public hiking path that stretches to the top of Torc Mountain. Return to Killarney for an evening filled with music and, possibly visit a few warm and friendly Pubs!

Overnight B&B in your Killarney Hotel

More on DAY 5 -THE CLIFFS OF MOHER, THE BURREN & GALWAY

Depart Kerry towards Galway via the Cliffs Of Moher and The Burren.

The Cliffs of Moher

Situated on the Atlantic Ocean and bordering the Burren Area, the Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s most spectacular sights. (Admission to the Cliffs and the Visitors Center is included in your Tour price)

Standing 230 metres above the ground at their highest point and 8km long, the Cliffs boast one of the most amazing views in Ireland.
On a clear day, the Aran Islands are visible in Galway Bay as well as the valleys and hills of Connemara.

To the south of the cliffs is Hag’s Head and here was once the site of a castle. Hags Head was the site of an Iron Age fort built in the 1st Century BC.
This fort gives the Cliffs their name as the word “Mothar” in ancient Gaeilge means “ruined fort”. The cliffs reach their highest point just north of O’ Brien’s Tower.
Cornelius O’ Brien, a descendant of Brian Boru (he who defeated the Vikings in battle), built a Tower at the cliffs in order to enjoy some tea with his lady friends.

The Tower is adjacent to the sea stack, Breanan Mór, which stands over 70 metres above the foaming waves and is home to some of the Burren’s wildlife.
Continue onto Doolin for lunch and a session.

Doolin

Doolin is a charming small seaside village on the north-west coast of County Clare ~ set against the rugged Atlantic Ocean and surrounded by the spectacular bare limestone landscape of the Burren. Traditionally a fishing village, Doolin is now renowned world-wide as the traditional music capital of Ireland.
This afternoon we will explore the Burren region.

The Burren

The Burren, part of which forms the 100 square km Burren National Park, is a unique place. It is a Karst limestone region of approximately 300 sq. km, which lies in the North West corner of Co Clare. It is composed of limestone pavements, which have been eroded to a distinctive pattern. This pavement is criss-crossed by cracks known as grykes in which grow a myriad of wild flora and under which are huge caves and rivers which suddenly flood when it rains.

The Burren contains dozens of megalithic tombs and Celtic crosses as well as a ruined Cistercian Abbey dating back to the 12th century. You will discover small villages abandoned during the famine period and green roads on which you can walk for miles without ever seeing a car. The flora on the Burren is a mixture Arctic and Mediterranean and rare flowers such as gentian, orchids and bloody cranesbill are the rule rather than the exception. The Burren is truly an exceptional part of Ireland.
Continue onto Galway for an evening of music in a local pub.

Galway

Galway, a delight with its narrow streets, old stone and wooden shop fronts, good restaurants, and busy pubs. The city has attracted a bohemian crown of musicians and artists which add so much to its character.We recommend to pop by the beautiful Cathedral, built in 1965, the Salmon Weir Bridge and along the trout stream to the Collegiate of St Nicholas of Myra, which was built in 1320.

The Collegiate is close to Nora Barnacle’s house (Mrs. James Joyce) and to the famous Lynch window from which the English language receive the word to Lynch (hang). Continue on along Shop Street to see the splendor of the rich merchants’ houses during the time that they controlled the commercial life of the City, Lynch’s house being an excellent example.

Pass by the Eyre Square, the accepted center of Galway City. On the western side of the square is Browne’s doorway which is all that remains of a mid-17th century merchant’s house. The square also has a statue to Padraig O’Conaire, a noted Irish writer and a curious rusted metal sculpture representing the famous Galway Hooker, a boat which is unique to Galway.
Galway, the largest county in Connaught, is celebrated in song and story throughout the world and takes center stage on Ireland’s western seaboard.

A spectacularly beautiful county, it is a medley of contrasts – the wildest and remotest of countryside teamed with one of Europe’s most vibrant and popular cities. Drawn as if by a magnet, visitors come again and again, captivated by this most special of Irish counties. Galway City at the mouth of Galway Bay is both a picturesque and lively city with a wonderful avant-garde culture and a fascinating mixture of locally owned specialty shops, often featuring locally made crafts. Indeed local handcrafts are a feature of the entire region including hand knits, pottery, glass, jewelry and woodwork.

The city has many relics of its medieval past and is worth taking time to explore. It has changed considerably over the last number of years and features a fascinating juxtaposition of new and ancient architecture. The center of the city is conveniently compact enough to ramble around comfortably. Anyone who knows the song ‘Galway Bay’ will be familiar with the Claddagh, previously a fishing village of thatched cottages, now an area just outside the city center. Here is the birthplace of the world famous Claddagh ring, a souvenir many bring home, just to keep a little piece of Galway with them always.
Enjoy an evening of traditional music and craic in this vibrant city!

Overnight B&B in your Galway Hotel

More on DAY 6 -THE CONNEMARA NATIONAL PARK

The Connemara Region including the coastal route of the Sky Road & into Galway

This morning you will explore the Connemara region. Connemara is a land of lakes and rivers, bogs and mountains. A land of small villages where Gaelic is still the spoken language and where little has changed little since the beginning of time. It is without a doubt the wildest and the most romantic part of Ireland.

Connemara is a vast peninsula bordered by the arid and rocky coastline of Galway Bay in the south ~ a land characteristic for its stone walls and thatched cottages. On its northern shore the land is harsher and more secret, with spectacular views of the Ocean and the beautiful fjord of Killary Harbour, as well as the steep mountains overlooking numerous lakes and large bog areas. Connemara is a real paradise for Nature lovers and those in search of strong emotions.

Kylemore Abbey

Kylemore Abbey is located in the Kylemore Pass in Connemara. A Mitchell Henry built the House in 1868, after having spent his honeymoon in the area. The architecture is best described as neo-gothic and the house still displays all the characteristics of that period. One of Kylemore Abbey’s most famous features is its miniature cathedral, built in 1870 and known locally as the Gothic church.

Today, the abbey is home to the Irish order of Benedictine nuns. They bought the house in 1920, having fled their convent in war-torn Belgium in 1914. They established a private school for young girls, which today is the renowned Kylemore Abbey International School for young girls. Facilities at Kylemore include a visitor center, an exhibition housed in the main reception rooms of the house and a video which takes the visitor through the history of the house and its occupants.

The Sky Road

Sky Road is one of the most scenic drives in Ireland, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, coastal cliffs, islands, and rolling green hills. It’s located just outside Clifden, in County Galway, along the famous Wild Atlantic Way.

Clifden

Called the “Capital of Connemara,”, Clifden is a gem on Ireland’s west coast and a perfect destination for travelers seeking natural beauty, culture, and authentic Irish charm. Surrounded by some of Ireland’s most stunning landscapes—rolling hills, rugged coastlines, boglands, and the majestic Twelve Bens mountain range. With colorful shopfronts, friendly locals, artisan stores, and a relaxed pace, Clifden is an excellent place to unwind with a perfect blend of natural wonders, history, music, food, and friendly culture!

Roundstone

Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and framed by the majestic Errisbeg Mountains, Roundstone was established in the 1820s by Scottish engineer Alexander Nimmo. The village’s name, derived from the Irish “Cloch na Rón” meaning “Rock of the Seals,” reflects its maritime heritage and is nestled in the heart of Connemara, County Galway. A picturesque fishing village renowned for its natural beauty, artistic heritage, and vibrant local culture.
Nearby historical sites include the ruins of a 15th-century Dominican Priory.

An Spidéal, Spiddle West, Co. Galway

Offering visitors an authentic experience of Ireland’s rich heritage…An Spidéal (Spiddal) is a charming seaside village in County Galway, nestled along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.
As part of the Gaeltacht area, it’s a vibrant hub for Irish language and culture.
Traditional Irish music thrives in An Spidéal, with local pubs hosting regular live sessions.

Galway

Galway City at the mouth of Galway Bay is both a picturesque and lively city with a wonderful avant-garde culture and a fascinating mixture of locally owned specialty shops, often featuring locally made crafts. Indeed local handcrafts are a feature of the entire region including hand knits, pottery, glass, jewelry and woodwork.

The city has many relics of its medieval past and is worth taking time to explore. It has changed considerably over the last number of years and features a fascinating juxtaposition of new and ancient architecture.

The center of the city is conveniently compact enough to ramble around comfortably. Anyone who knows the song ‘Galway Bay’ will be familiar with the Claddagh, previously a fishing village of thatched cottages, now an area just outside the city center. Here is the birthplace of the world famous Claddagh ring, a souvenir many bring home, just to keep a little piece of Galway with them always. Enjoy an evening of traditional music and craic in this vibrant city!

Overnight B&B in your Galway Hotel

More on DAY 7 -GALWAY TO DUBLIN

It’s time to head off to Dublin, our final stop of the tour.

Ensure to catch some breakfast downstairs from 07:00 a.m. onwards, leave your bag for porterage, and get ready to drive on to Dublin.

Today is a day of leisure in Dublin.

Dublin is a city with a soul. Founded in 841 by the Vikings, it is a city with an interesting past. Its many monuments tell of its history.
Today, Dublin is the Cosmopolitan capital of the Irish Republic and a city of over one million people. Despite the many changes the city has witnessed during the last decade, it still remains a city ready to welcome all who wish to visit.

Guinness Storehouse

The Guinness Brewery in Dublin is Europe’s largest stout producing brewery and home to the Guinness Storehouse. Opened in 1904, the Storehouse was an operational plant for fermenting and storing Guinness.
Today it houses a very fine exhibition dedicated to the Guinness story. Visitors on the Tour will discover what goes into the making a pint of Guinness – the ingredients, the brewing process, the time, the craft and the passion.

The exhibition shows how the brew has been marketed and how it is today sold in over 150 countries. Once a tour has finished the group is invited to the Gravity Bar to enjoy a pint of Guinness. Regular demonstrations on the art of pulling a pint of Guinness also take place in the Storehouse.

Launched on the fifth floor in 2011, “Five” at Guinness Storehouse, includes a small replica authentic Irish Bar, an 18th Century inspired Brewers Dining Hall, and a restaurant named Gilroy’s where guests enjoy a Guinness gastronomical experience driven entirely by the Irish tradition of wholesome local produce. Menus include local foods such as Ardsallagh goat’s cheese, Irish mussels from Carlingford and the Waterford Blaas bread supplied by MD Bakery in Waterford.
This area will host from time to time live cooking demonstrations using Guinness in the recipe and it includes an interactive recipe sharing bank that allows visitors to take Guinness recipe cards home.

Old Jameson Distillery

Old Jameson Distillery in Smithfield Village, located in the heart of Old Dublin. This old barley storehouse, once the center of Distilling in Dublin, was renovated in 1998 and converted into a museum where all the secrets of Irish whiskey’s distillation will be revealed. An audio-visual show will introduce the history of this spirit and it is followed by a guided visit which will take a visitor through the various stages of whiskey distilling from grain intake to malting, mashing, fermentation, distillation, maturation and finally bottling.

The visit culminates in the Jameson bar with an opportunity for all to taste the signature Jameson drink. During the visit a number of volunteers are selected to take part in a tasting session to compare a Jameson whiskey with a Scottish Whisky and American bourbon. Participants will receive a Diploma for their achievement. If time allows, you may wish to visit some of the other memorable sites listed below.

Christchurch Cathedral

King Sitric Silkenbeard, the 1st Christian Viking King of Dublin, built the city’s first church on this site in 1038.The current building was built in 1172 by the Anglo-Norman Richard de Clare (Strongbow).
Similar to St Patrick’s Cathedral, it is adorned with funeral monuments, including the reputed tomb of Strongbow. Unlike St. Patrick’s however, Christchurch posses a crypt which stretches nearly its entire length & much of the Cathedrals memorabilia is displayed here.  Attached to the Cathedral is Dublinia, an excellent exhibition of medieval Dublin.

EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum.

This is a state-of-the-art interactive experience located in the beautiful vaults of the 1820 Custom House Quarter building in Dublin’s Docklands, the original departure point for so many of Ireland’s emigrants.  It will inspire and guide you on a journey to discover the stories of Irish emigration around the world, from early times to the modern day.
Explore Ireland’s Capital City discovering the north and south side of the River Liffey. Wandering around the Heart of Historic Dublin—the Liberties. This area offers great striking monuments such as the GPO (General Post Office) on the city main thoroughfare, O’Connell Street, or the Custom House along the quays, as well as the Phoenix Park, the largest public park in Europe.

The south side appears more sophisticated with its vast Georgian squares, such as Merrion Square, where Oscar Wilde’s House can still be found (today owned by an American College), its colorful doors, along with Grafton Street and its quality shops. Not so far from St. Stephen’s Green, in Kildare St., you will see the house of Bram Stoker, the author of Dracula. This part of the city is also dominated by the students of Trinity College, where the famous Book of Kells is permanently exhibited in its library. The university is facing the medieval district where Dublin Castle and the two Anglican Cathedrals can be found.

Trinity College

Trinity was founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth 1st on grounds confiscated from an Augustinian priory and is the oldest University in Ireland. The Campanile, erected in 1852, was built on what is believed to be the center of the monastery. Built to further the education of the ruling Anglo-Irish families, restrictions were imposed to prevent Catholic from attending courses. These restrictions were not fully lifted until the 1970’s. Trinity however admitted women in 1902, earlier than most British universities.

Most of the main buildings off the main square were built during the Georgian period, some of which replaced older buildings. Within its walls, you will be able to admire Parliament Square and its 18th Century edifices. Trinity College has had many famous students such as Jonathan Swift and Samuel Beckett who later became a lecturer in French at the university. The Inter-denominational Church is very much worth a visit, should it be open during our visit.

Enjoy a final evening of music and local culture in this exciting city!

Overnight B&B in your Dublin Hotel

More on DAY 8 -FAREWELL

After a final full Irish breakfast, depart for Dublin Airport for our group’s departure flight home.