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THE EMERALD ISLE
Dublin, Killarney, Galway, Sligo & Donegal
Shamrocks and Guinness!
14 day tour inc. arrival/departure days
A traveller's tales are incomplete until you've added an Irish story or two to your repertoire! This is a land of infinite charm and wonderful people. There is a relaxed air, a timelessness and a tranquillity that somehow suggest the country is not quite part of the twentieth century. Yet, in the major cities and cultural centres like Dublin and Cork you feel very much a part of modern Europe.
This is a tour to delight, showing you the very best of the 'Emerald Isle,’ including the breathtaking scenic west coast, the quaint villages of the interior and the picturesque harbours of the coastline, the great historic castles and religious houses, illustrations, old and new, of the strong Celtic culture and identity, the mind boggling pre-history, only now being discovered, and the glories of Dublin's fair city.
As always, we'll have entertaining evenings with local Irish colour.
TENTATIVE ITINERARY
DAY ONE
You arrive in Dublin and the day is free to recover from your flight and to begin your explorations of this atmospheric city. Our accommodation is conveniently situated close to the small city centre, which makes it an ideal base for some gentle, first day explorations. Tonight you're free to dine as you please.
www.visitdublin.com
Nightstop: Dublin
DAY TWO
We drive south from Dublin, visiting both Sandy Cove and James Joyce's famous Martello tower (his writing workshop) and some delightful harbours. The coastal drive is lovely and just a taste of the many scenic delights to come. From the coast we drive inland to the Wicklow hills, visiting en route Powerscourt House and Gardens, which provide a fine view of the Sugarloaf Mountain. Then we move on to the Vale of Glendalough (glen of the two lakes). Here we'll find the remains of a Celtic village, the 6th Century church of St Kevin, the 9th Century cathedral ruin and amazing 33 metre high Round Tower. This is a stop that will suit both the historically minded and those who enjoy walking because there'll be time to take a stroll by the lake.
Nightstop: Glendalough or Dublin
DAY THREE
First on our itinerary is Kilkenny, one of the oldest and most interesting towns of Ireland. It has been called 'the marble city' from the fine and long-quarried limestone in the area. Two of the most impressive local buildings are the ancient castle, dating back to 1192 and having connections with the Norman conqueror, Strongbow, and the magnificent Cathedral of St. Candice which, despite the damage done by Cromwell's troops, is one of the finest unruined churches in the country. Continuing our journey we next reach the awe inspiring Cashel. This was the ancient capital of the Kings of Munster and long famous ecclesiastical centre. The Rock of Cashel, rising above the town, is crowned by the ruins of a cathedral, beside which shelters Cormac's Chapel, an outstanding example of Irish Romanesque architecture. Our guided tour here will be a particular highlight of your memories of Ireland. Leaving Cashel behind us we travel through the county of Tipperary as we make our way to our base for the next two nights in Cork.
Nightstop: Cork
DAY FOUR
We slow the pace down today and begin with a visit to the famous Blarney Castle. And yes, you’ll have the opportunity of kissing the Blarney Stone that endows you with the great gift of communication enjoyed by so many of the Irish! We’ll end our day's explorations at the extravagantly beautiful town of Kinsale, overlooking the Bandon estuary. Kinsale has a strong Spanish flavour. Its narrow, winding streets have been compared to those of Toledo and in 1601-2 a Spanish force took the town and held it against the English armies. Recaptured and anglicised, Kinsale became one of the chief ports of the British navy. It was also off Kinsale that the Lusitania was torpedoed, an action which brought the USA into the world war. There’ll be time to explore at leisure.
Nightstop: Cork
DAY FIVE
Leaving Cork behind us we take the scenic route through West Cork County to Bantry Bay. We'll spend time in this lovely harbour town. One highlight may be our lunch at a fish restaurant where local catch is beautifully prepared. Another option will be a visit to Bantry House, with its Armada exhibition. This afternoon's drive is the first of many unbelievable and unforgettable scenic drives through the West Coast of the country. We pass through the town of Kenmare on our way to Killarney, our base for the next three nights.
Nightstop: Killarney
DAY SIX
A magical day on the Dingle Peninsular. Our route (subject to weather) takes us through some stunning scenery including single track roads that'll take your breath away and be impressed with your driver-guide's skills! An archaeological survey on this peninsular has identified more than 2,000 prehistoric sites – an amazing number for such a small area. We’ll explore at length before returning to Killarney. Alternatively, you can opt for a free day in Killarney with perhaps time for a visit to nearby Muckross House.
Nightstop: Killarney
DAY SEVEN
We explore some of the lesser known parts of the Ring of Kerry, following the breathtaking roads that are squeezed between the wild Atlantic and the mountains of the MacGillycuddy's Reeks. Highlights of the day will include the somewhat mysterious Ogham stone writing and the Kerry Bog Village museum. If you've not yet had the chance of exploring Killarney itself and the local rural museum at Muckross House then there'll be an opportunity today.
Dinner is not included on one evening while in Killarney to allow you to enjoy some free time.
Nightstop: Killarney
DAY EIGHT
As we head north, we cross the River Shannon by ferry and drive to the Cliffs of Moher via the coastal route through Kilkee and Spanish Point, where so many ships of the great Spanish Armada came to grief. The Cliffs of Moher are one of the most impressive stretches of the western coast. Inland, we tour through the curious scenery of 'the Burren' and visit the peaceful Corcomroe Abbey, burial place of King Conor O'Brien. If we have time, we’ll also fit in a visit to the Aillwee Cave, formed 2 million years ago. Our overnight stop is in the pretty Galway Bay harbour of Kinvara.
Nightstop: Galway
DAY NINE
A very special day with a boat trip out to the Aran Isle of Inishmore for half of it and the remainder spent exploring Galway City. The three islands, which make up the Aran Isles, are renowned for a way of life that has changed little for generations. Irish is the traditional language and the islanders have a rich fund of stories and legends. Amongst today’s highlights are the 2000 year old Celtic fort of Dun Aonghus, the early Christian monastic remains of St. Enda, cliffs and sandy beaches and quiet walks to discover local birds, wild flowers and plants. (Please note: sailings can sometimes be disrupted by bad weather, in which case we spend a full day in Galway City).
Nightstop: Galway
DAY TEN
Galway City will be one choice for the focus of today's explorations. Another would be the scenic beauty of Connemara. This will be a day for the group, in consultation with your guide, to decide on how it should be filled.
Nightstop: Galway
DAY ELEVEN
Today we head north through County Mayo. We’ll stop en route at the Roman Catholic shrine at Knock. There’ll be time for contemplation before we continue our journey. Carrowmore, home to the largest group of megalithic remains in Ireland is a highlight on today’s itinerary. We'll also view some of the many sites closely associated with the great poet W B Yeats before we end our day’s explorations at our base for the next two nights in the town of Mullaghmore, to the north of Sligo.
Nightstop: near Sligo
DAY TWELVE
Donegal town will provide one of the day's highlights with visits to see the impressive Donegal castle, and the Diamond Obelisk which commemorates the prescient Four Master's, friars of the local monastery whose annals predicted the decline of the Celtic culture. There will also be a dramatic and awe-inspiring drive along the Donegal coast.
Nightstop: nr Sligo
DAY THIRTEEN
Today, as we drive Southeast across Ireland, we step back into the mists of time, to the time almost at the very start of history. Undoubted highlights of the day will be visits to the most remarkable prehistoric tomb in Europe at Newgrange (entry to the tomb itself conditional on availability), and to the Hills of Tara, the foremost spiritual and political centre of Ireland for 1000 years and the seat of power until the coming of St Patrick. Other of the day's options include visits the site of the Battle of the Boyne, and if there's time the historic Norman coastal town of Drogheda.
Nightstop: Dublin
DAY FOURTEEN
We have a full day to discover the many delights that Dublin has to offer with free time to explore at leisure. Options include Trinity College, the Book of Kells, the Guinness Brewery (where you can take a tour and enjoy a free sample!); St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Grafton Street, Halfpenny Bridge and much, much more. Tonight we’ll enjoy our last dinner together before perhaps enjoying an hour or two in a traditional Irish pub with some of the locals.
Nightstop: Dublin
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