☘️UNFORGETTABLE IRELAND – GUIDED 8 DAY TOUR OF IRELAND

More on DAY 1 -WELCOME TO IRELAND

Welcome to Ireland!

Make your own way to your city centre hotel.
The remainder of the day is free to enjoy all that Dublin’s city has to offer. Your hotel will be within walking distance of the city centre.

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, a city ready to welcome all who wish to visit.
Sightseeing on your own, you may wish to visit some of the sites listed below.

Guinness Storehouse

You may wish to visit the world famous 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

Or you may want to visit the Old Jameson Distillery in Smithfield Village, located in the heart of Old Dublin.
This old barley storehouse, once the centre 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.

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.

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 centre 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.

Meet back at your hotel in the evening for a meet and greet with your Driver and your group as you have a drink before you dine.

Overnight Dinner, B&B in your Dublin Hotel

Overnight: Dublin (Dinner and bed & breakfast)

More on DAY 2 -BLARNEY CASTLE & KERRY

Today meet with your coach & English speaking driver/guide & depart Ireland’s Capital traveling to County Kerry.

Blarney Castle

En route, stop in the town of Blarney to visit Blarney Castle & Estate. Here you will find the legendary Stone of Eloquence. Kiss it & you’ll never again be lost for words.

Blarney Castle is set in over 60 acres of stunning parkland, filled with rare and unusual plants and trees and steeped in history. Visitors, too, can possess the gift of the gab by kissing the mythical Blarney Stone (or stone of eloquence).

Blarney Woolen Mills

Enjoy some time for shopping at Blarney Woolen Mills.
The presence of the Woolen 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.

Overnight B&B in your Killarney Hotel

More on DAY 3 -THE RING OF KERRY

The Ring Of Kerry

Today you can enjoy a superb tour of the Iveragh Peninsula, which will give you the opportunity to Discover the Ring of Kerry, taking in spectacular scenery – mountains, peat bogs, lakes & magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean.
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!

Sheepdog Demonstration

Along the Ring of Kerry stop at a local farm for a sheepdog demonstration. Your visit starts with an overview of the different breeds of sheep, followed by an introduction to the farmer’s most important tools, his border collies. Next you will see a superb demonstration of sheep herding as the farmer with his dogs demonstrate how, by working together, he can take a flock of sheep from the mountain top to the sheep pen close to the farmyard.

OPTIONAL:

Jaunting Car Ride in Killarney National Park

Supplement of € 30:00 p.p.
Enjoy transportation of a different kind! A pony and trap (also known as a Jaunting Car) helps you discover areas of Killarney National Park that you might not otherwise visit.
Relax aboard a jaunting car as your Jarvey [driver] takes you through the magnificent scenery of the National Park.

Today enjoy dinner on your own in one of the many restaurants or pubs in Killarney town.

Overnight B&B in your Killarney Hotel

More on DAY 4 -THE BURREN & THE CLIFFS OF MOHER

Today, we travel northwards to Tarbert & take a short boat ride across the mouth of the river Shannon to land on Clare’s shore at Killimer.

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. 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 was once the site of a castle.

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.

Tour the Burren Region

The Burren is a high plateau of porous limestone situated in Northern Clare. The limestone is bare with no trees growing here or land covering the stone.

But the Burren is not as deserted as we believe: the cracks allow different types of flowers to grow all year round. The rocks hide many caves such as the Ailwee Caves.

OPTIONAL:

Medieval Banquet at Bunratty Castle

Bunratty Castle, built in the 15th century by the Earl of Thomond, stands on the banks of the Raite River in County Clare. The Earl was known for his generosity and his lavish entertainment and banquets.
The entertainment during the Banquet is provided by the superb Bunratty Singers & is a compliment to the lively mead reception, a four-course meal & of course good wine. Guests are invited to enjoy an unforgettable evening & take a true step back in time to Medieval Ireland.

Overnight B&B in your Limerick Hotel

More on DAY 5 -GALWAY CITY & RIVER CRUISE WITH IRISH SCONES & IRISH COFFEE

Today, we travel to Galway City, renowned for its vibrant lifestyle and numerous festivals, celebrations, and events. Stroll down Shop Street – a charming pedestrianized street which is the cultural heartbeat of Galway City.

Galway

Galway is known as “the city of tribes” ( Cathair na dTreabh) and was once home to Christopher Columbus.
The city is western Ireland’s traditional capital and home to some of our finest traditional musicians.
You can explore highlights like the Spanish Arch, St. Nicholas Cathedral, the colourful Shop Street and maybe even sample some world famous Galway Bay oysters.

Galway 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 centre 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 centre 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. It has changed considerably over the last number of years and features a fascinating juxtaposition of new and ancient architecture. The centre 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 centre.
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.

Galway Cathedral

The largest catholic church in Galway, the Cathedral is located on Nun’s Island, on the west bank of the River Corrib near Salmon Weir Bridge. It was the last large church in Ireland to be made from stone, and features a huge octagonal dome that complements the skyline of the City of Galway.
Erected on the site of an old jail, the parking lot of the cathedral contains a white cross in the pavement. It marks the site of the prison graveyard.
The cathedral combines many features from different styles and periods of architecture. There are many treasures of art inside and outside.

River Cruise with Irish Scones and an Irish Coffee

Later, enjoy a Cruise along the Corrib River to Lough Corrib. including scones and an Irish coffee.

This journey on the Corrib Princess takes passengers along the majestic River Corrib and onto the lake. Visitors will see unsurpassed views of the historic monuments & natural amenities that make this one of the most spectacular waterways in Ireland.

Overnight: Galway (Dinner & bed & breakfast)

More on DAY 6 -CONNEMARA

Today travel through the beautiful Connemara Region filled with lakes, rivers, bogs & mountains.
A land of small villages where Gaelic is still the spoken language, and little has changed since the beginning of time. It is undoubtedly the wildest and the most romantic part of Ireland.

Visit Kylemore Abbey

Built in 1868 by Mitchell Henry, inspired by his love for his wife Margaret.  Its most famous feature is miniature Cathedral. It has been home to the Irish order of Benedictine nuns since 1920. Kylemore Abbey is stunningly located in the Kylemore Pass in Connemara. Mitchell Henry built the House 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 established a private school for young girls, which was the renowned Kylemore Abbey international School. The school eventually closed in 2010.

Facilities at Kylemore include a visitor centre, 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 Gothic church is available to visit and as a venue for choir groups to sing in.

Connemara Heritage & History Centre and the Dan O’Hara’s Homestead

Next, you will visit Dan O’Hara’s homestead and The Connemara Heritage & History Centre.
The Centre offers a unique insight into the history and heritage of this most beautiful part of Connemara and the West of Ireland.
Here you will enjoy tea and Irish scones.

Overnight: Galway (Bed & breakfast)

More on DAY 7 -DUBLIN’S FAIR CITY

Galway To Dublin

This Morning, Depart Galway for Dublin & En route Visit Clonmacnoise on the banks of the Shannon. Explore the visitors centre and take a tour to see the high towers, the 11th century cathedral & the wonderful high crosses

On arrival in Dublin, you will first explore the north side of the city which offers striking monuments such as the GPO (General Post Office) on O’Connell Street & Phoenix Park, Europe’s largest city-based public park. The city’s south side appears more sophisticated with its vast Georgian squares & is home to Trinity College, Dublin Castle & two Anglican Cathedrals.

EPIC

Visit EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum.
Over the centuries, over 10 million people emigrated from Ireland. This state-of-the-art interactive experience is 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.

OPTIONAL: 

Entertainment at Taylor’s Three Rock

Evening Entertainment at Taylor’s Three Rock. Visit this lively pub in Rathfarnham for an excellent night of music and dance. A ballad group will regale visitors with ballads both happy & sad and will (after a few pints) have visitors singing along with them. Enjoy the best of Irish Dancing guaranteed to get feet tapping. Visitors will later be sent into the night with fond memories of a memorable night in a Dublin Pub.

Overnight – Dublin (Bed & breakfast)

More on DAY 8 -FAREWELL

FAREWELL

After a final Irish breakfast transfer to Dublin Airport for your departure flight home under own arrangements.