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Wales and Ireland: Coasts & Rivers
Sometimes called ‘The Celtic Fringe,’ the east coast of Ireland and the west coast of Wales have much to offer visitors. The areas share a beautiful, rugged coastline and amazing natural sites where we can explore the remains of the ancient peoples that settled here. There is a rich religious legacy to discover, both Celtic and Christian. Separated by the Irish Sea, each maintains its own unique culture and heritage. We can compare, contrast and enjoy the hospitality of the gracious local people. We’ll see waterfalls, rivers, national parks, glorious gardens, fairy tale castles, iconic Waterford crystal, St Davids Cathedral, several lovely towns, villages and the wonderful city of Dublin. Something for everyone!
Tour Date:
21 - 29 July, 2012
Tour Rate: $3099 USD per person; $3799 single occupancy
What your tour price includes: Your accommodation for 8 nights while on the tour including both full breakfasts and dinners as listed. Your price also includes all entrance fees to attractions, transportation, roundtrip ferry, services of driver/guide-companion and all taxes and tips other than those you may wish to give your guide.
Airport transfers and accommodation pre and post tour are not included but can be added to your package as you wish. Ask us for details.
We have regional Wales tours and custom designed itineraries available throughout the year.
Contact us for availability: specialgrouptours@yahoo.com
This tour begins and ends in Dublin, Ireland
TENTATIVE ITINERARY
DAY 1 Saturday
Arrival Dublin
Today is “D-Day” - your day to discover the fine city of Dublin, a place that means so many things to different people. Dublin is a city of writers, a city of talkers, of pubs, of music, of churches and of Georgian architecture. There’s the Writers Museum, The Book of Kells at Trinity College, the Guinness brewery tour, shopping on Grafton Street, meandering the river and live music in the pubs of Temple Bar all as possibilities. Whatever your choice of activity, Dublin always has a wonderful ambience and the good vibes of the locals.
Dinner is not included tonight for flexibility’s sake and the opportunity to recover from your international journey.
NIGHTSTOP: Dublin, Stauntons on the Green Hotel or similar
DAY 2 Sunday
The Wicklow Mountains National Park is the beautiful ‘backyard’ of Dublin’s fair city. An area that has long exercised an attraction on those seeking solitude and contemplation. Monks settled here as early as 545 AD. Passing through the Wicklow Gap, we’ll enter into the secluded and seductive valley of Glendalough. Remains of an 11th century cathedral, several churches and a 110ft (33m) round tower are all that’s left of the monastic settlement that called this area home. Given Ireland’s bounty of natural beauty, Glendalough must surely be one of its loveliest retreats. We’ll enjoy a stop at Powerscourt Estate, with its splendid landscaped gardens and see Powerscourt Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in Ireland.
Later, we’ll travel down the coast to our overnight stop in Wexford.
NIGHTSTOP: Wexford area, Wexford Hotel or similar
DAY 3 Monday
Kilkenny is 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 the magnificent Cathedral of St. Candice, considered one of the finest churches in the country.
Waterford is another port of call today, famed the world over for its magnificent crystal ware. The town itself contains a few items of interest such as the 12th Century Reginald Tower but it is the Waterford Glass Factory that is the town’s main draw. Sure it’s a bit touristy but certainly on our ‘must-see’ list.
En-route back to Wexford, a bit of time along the Atlantic portion of this Irish Sea coast, meandering the pretty little harbour villages such as Dunmore East, enjoying some lovely sea views and perhaps some freshly caught snacks.
NIGHTSTOP: Wexford area, as above
DAY 4 Tuesday
Rosslare – Pembroke FERRY: 08.45/12.46 (based on current schedules)
An early start today as we take to the sea, from the Emerald Isle across The Irish Sea to Pembrokeshire, West Wales.
Our introduction to Wales will be a scenic drive around the coast of St Brides Bay, from Pembroke Port to Britain's smallest city of St Davids. Set in a valley below the tiny city, the splendid Cathedral and Bishops Palace have an inspiring atmosphere. Pilgrims have been welcomed here for centuries. We can also see the nearby chapel of St David at St Nons.
NIGHTSTOP: Pembrokeshire
DAY 5 Wednesday
Through the Preseli Hills, reputedly the source of the stones for Stonehenge, is the famed site of Pentre Ifan burial chamber. This is Pembrokeshire's flagship ancient site and is deservedly famous. The chamber is set on the side of Carn Ingli and overlooks sweeping Newport Bay.
Nevern is another important sacred destination and we’ll spend some time in the church, with its ‘bleeding’ Yew tree and Celtic cross. We will also see some very important inscribed Ogham stones.
The rest of today will be spent in the lovely wonders of the Pembrokeshire National Park. Our touring options include Neolithic remains, ancient burial chambers, Celtic and Christian heritage sites, a working woolen mill and some lovely towns and villages along rugged coastlines with stunning sea views. A great opportunity to sample the fresh local seafood for lunch! For those that wish, a walk along the coastal path is possible too.
NIGHTSTOP: Pembrokeshire, as above
DAY 6 Thursday
We'll be exploring more of the mystical West Wales coastline as we make our way north today. This is an area full of tales of legendary Welsh heroes such as King Arthur and Prince Owain Glyndŵr, an area alternatively rugged and pretty with its quaint harbours and towns such as the Victorian resort of Aberystwyth, now known for its university.
This afternoon, a bit of time through the amazing scenery of Snowdonia National Park. The park is home to dominating peaks, the highest in England and Wales, featuring narrow mountain passes, flowing streams, cascading waterfalls, sheep-covered uplands and verdant, hidden valleys. We can enjoy a stop in the former ‘slate mining capitol of Wales,’ the charming town of Blaenau Ffestiniog. Certainly, an ancient Welsh culture and language still thrives in this area, waiting for you to discover!
NIGHTSTOP: Llandudno/Conwy, Can-Y-Bae Hotel or similar
DAY 7 Friday
Today, you will have the whole day to relax and explore your surroundings at your leisure. Your guide will be on hand for an optional walking tour and advice for the day’s options but what you do today is totally up to you!
Llandudno is an elegant Victorian seaside resort. The pier is a lovely place for a walk, dotted with cafes and a nice place to watch the boats go by. There’s a pier-side theatre, the wide, flower-filled promenade featuring the imposing Victorian buildings that face the sea and the covered shopping streets reminiscent of a bygone age. The town also boasts a funicular railway that you may choose to ride to the top of the Great Orme, where you'll get splendid views of the Snowdonia countryside.
It’s just a short distance to the charming town of Conwy. Conwy’s wall was erected in the 12th century by Norman conquerors and, with the massive castle dominating one corner, it makes this harbour town one of the most interesting in the UK. There is a local sightseeing bus that travels around both towns for easy transport.
Alternatively, you can hop on a train and spend time in the English town of Chester, another walled city, founded by the Romans along the River Dee. There’s plenty to enjoy here such as a fine cathedral, Roman remains including part of an amphitheatre and shopping opportunities in the unique mediaeval ‘rows.’
Dinner is not included tonight for flexibility’s sake.
NIGHTSTOP: Llandudno/Conwy, as above
DAY 8 Saturday
The iconic castle of Caernarfon, a fairy tale like structure built as part of Edward I’s domination program of the 13th Century, is our first port of call today. Caernarfon is possibly the most famous of Wales's 641 castles. Its sheer scale and commanding presence easily set it apart from the rest, and to this day, still trumpet in no uncertain terms the intention of its builder. The castle's majestic persona is no architectural accident, it was designed as the dream castle, 'the fairest that ever man saw' of Welsh myth and legend. History comes alive at Caernarfon in so many ways - along the lofty wall walks, beneath the twin-towered gatehouse and within imaginative exhibitions located within the towers. The castle also houses the Regimental Museum of the Royal Welch Fusiliers, Wales's oldest regiment.
This ancient and mystic island of Angelsey offers an astounding wealth of attractions including prehistoric burial chambers and monuments, Celtic and Viking settlements, fabulous flora and fauna, and the village with the World's longest name - Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerchwyrndrobwllllandysilliogogogoch. The island's geography is a natural haven for birds, with its wildly contrasting variety of sheer cliffs, sheltered coves, estuaries, dunes, heaths, wetlands, lakes and woodlands. We have most of the day to explore before setting sail on the Swift ferry back to Ireland.
Holyhead – Dublin FERRY: 17.15/19.05
This evening is free for you to enjoy your final night as you wish back in Dublin. Your guide will be on hand for a Literary Pub Crawl for those that wish it!
NIGHTSTOP: Dublin, Stauntons on the Green Hotel or similar
DAY 9 Sunday
Fly home from Dublin or extend your stay to enjoy even more of the Emerald Isle. Alternatively, we have regional Wales tours and custom designed itineraries available throughout the year including Sacred Places, South Wales and Pembroke.
Please Note: All attraction opening times are correct at time of printing this website. While we do our utmost to include all properties, we reserve the right to change an attraction should it become impossible to visit due to change in opening times, days. Ferry times based on current times and specific sailing times are subject to change at the discretion of the ferry company and weather conditions on the day.
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