Alex Beaton's 2011 Ireland Tour
Day 1 City tour of Dublin. Among the many sights to see are St. Patrick's Cathedral, Trinity College and the Book of Kells, Christchurch Cathedral and the Shrine of St. Valentine, after whom the February 14th holiday is named. See the Georgian Squares, Leinster House (now the seat of Parliament), the Phoenix Park which is the largest enclosed park in Europe, O' Connell Bridge, Guinness Storehouse and the Four Courts.
Day 2 The day starts at the fishing village of Malahide where you will visit Malahide Castle: which was both a fortress and a private home for nearly eight hundred years and is an interesting mix of architectural styles. The Talbot family lived here from 1185 to 1973, when the last Lord Talbot died.
The house is furnished with beautiful period furniture together with an extensive collection of Irish portrait paintings, mainly from the National Gallery. The history of the Talbot family is recorded in the Great Hall, with portraits of generations of the family telling their own story of Ireland's stormy history. One of the more poignant legends concerns the morning of the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, when fourteen members of the family breakfasted together in this room, never to return, as all were dead by nightfall.
In the afternoon transfer to Dublin city for free time or further sightseeing.
Tonight you will visit a Dublin Pub where you can enjoy a four course dinner and an evening of Irish Song and Dance.
Dinner and overnight in Dublin
The house is furnished with beautiful period furniture together with an extensive collection of Irish portrait paintings, mainly from the National Gallery. The history of the Talbot family is recorded in the Great Hall, with portraits of generations of the family telling their own story of Ireland's stormy history. One of the more poignant legends concerns the morning of the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, when fourteen members of the family breakfasted together in this room, never to return, as all were dead by nightfall.
In the afternoon transfer to Dublin city for free time or further sightseeing.
Tonight you will visit a Dublin Pub where you can enjoy a four course dinner and an evening of Irish Song and Dance.
Dinner and overnight in Dublin
Day 3 Full Day Wicklow Tour: You are southwards bound to the garden of Ireland. You journey down through the picturesque town of Enniskerry. The first stop is Powerscourt Gardens. Beautiful formal gardens, steep terraces, flamboyant fountains, statuary and the dramatic backdrop of the Sugar Loaf Mountain make Powerscourt Estate one of the loveliest gardens in Ireland.
You travel further southwards to Glendalough, a beautiful and historic glen with two lakes. One of the most impressive clusters of medieval monastic monuments in Ireland is situated here as well as an interpretive centre. There are lovely walks by the lake shore and in surroundings hills.
See the pretty villages of Laragh/Clara, Rathdrum, Roundwood and Avoca which houses one of the oldest mills in Ireland - Avoca Handweavers before your return to Dublin.
Dinner and overnight in Dublin
You travel further southwards to Glendalough, a beautiful and historic glen with two lakes. One of the most impressive clusters of medieval monastic monuments in Ireland is situated here as well as an interpretive centre. There are lovely walks by the lake shore and in surroundings hills.
See the pretty villages of Laragh/Clara, Rathdrum, Roundwood and Avoca which houses one of the oldest mills in Ireland - Avoca Handweavers before your return to Dublin.
Dinner and overnight in Dublin
Day 4 You will stop in the mediaeval city of Kilkenny to see the wonderful Kilkenny Castle and St. Canices Cathedral. Those who are able, can climb to the top of the tower attached to the Cathedral, to get the best view of this marvelous city.
Travel onwards through the counties of Tipperary and Cork to Ireland's second city of Cork.
Dinner and overnight in Kinsale.
Travel onwards through the counties of Tipperary and Cork to Ireland's second city of Cork.
Dinner and overnight in Kinsale.
Day 5 Cork City Tour: Discover the streets of Ireland's second largest city! Firstly, stop at the English Market: This is an enclosed market with entrances off Grand Parade, Patrick Street and Princes Street. The origin of the English Market may be traced back to James 1st in 1610 but the present building dates from 1786. Long recognised by locals as a place to meet, eat and shop, visitors can savour the atmosphere and choose from the wide range of foods that 42 traders have to offer in this unique market.
Enjoy a panoramic tour where you will pass St. Finbarres Cathedral, University College Cork and the Beamish & Crawford Brewery..
Then travel to Cobh where you will visit the Cobh Heritage Centre: A dramatic exhibition of the origins, history and legacy of Cobh, a unique Irish port town, which recalls the many historic events associated with the town. From 1845 to 1960 over 2.5 million adults and children emigrated from Ireland via Cobh on coffin ships, early steamers and finally on the Great Ocean Liners. Convict ships first sailed from Cobh in 1791 bound for Australia and when Queen Victoria first stepped ashore there on her visit to Ireland in 1849, the town was renamed in her honour. Relive the dramas of the ill-fated Lusitania and the Titantic which called at Queenstown - her last port of call.
Dinner and overnight in Kinsale.
Enjoy a panoramic tour where you will pass St. Finbarres Cathedral, University College Cork and the Beamish & Crawford Brewery..
Then travel to Cobh where you will visit the Cobh Heritage Centre: A dramatic exhibition of the origins, history and legacy of Cobh, a unique Irish port town, which recalls the many historic events associated with the town. From 1845 to 1960 over 2.5 million adults and children emigrated from Ireland via Cobh on coffin ships, early steamers and finally on the Great Ocean Liners. Convict ships first sailed from Cobh in 1791 bound for Australia and when Queen Victoria first stepped ashore there on her visit to Ireland in 1849, the town was renamed in her honour. Relive the dramas of the ill-fated Lusitania and the Titantic which called at Queenstown - her last port of call.
Dinner and overnight in Kinsale.
Day 6 Travel to Blarney and visit Blarney Castle: this historic castle is world famous for the Blarney Stone, which has the traditional power of conferring eloquence on all who kiss it. The word "Blarney" was introduced into the English language by Queen Elizabeth 1 who used it to describe pleasant and entertaining conversation that was possibly not all true. Its then time to transfer to Killarney where you can enjoy some free time in this bustling town.
Day 7 A day of splendid scenery as you tour the Ring of Kerry which is said to contain some of the most magnificent scenery in Ireland. Pass through the small towns and villages of Killorglin, Cahiriciveen, Waterville, Sneem and finally Molls Gap in the heart of the black mountains. In the afternoon free time in Killarney.
Day 8 Today you will travel northwards and take the ferry from Tarbert to Killimer across the mouth of Ireland's longest rivers, the River Shannon.
You will enjoy a lovely tour along the spectacular Clare coastline. You will be treated to a visit at the Cliffs of Moher where on a clear day, you can see to the Aran Islands.
Its then time to travel through the Burren before you reach Galway - 'The city of the Tribes.'
Dinner and overnight in Galway.
You will enjoy a lovely tour along the spectacular Clare coastline. You will be treated to a visit at the Cliffs of Moher where on a clear day, you can see to the Aran Islands.
Its then time to travel through the Burren before you reach Galway - 'The city of the Tribes.'
Dinner and overnight in Galway.
Day 9 Today you make your way to Kylemore Abbey. En route you pass through the charming village of Oughterard. In Kylemore, you visit the convent of the Benedictine Nuns of Ypres, beautifully set on Lake Kylemore. Today you will see the rugged landscape where you can experience the wild and desolate beauty of Connemara - the ancient Gaelic Kingdom where it is still possible, in the present, to "touch" the Irish Past.
Dinner and overnight in Galway.
Day 10 Today you will transfer to Limerick and then travel to Bunratty Castle & Folkpark to spend the afternoon. Bunratty Castle is the most complete and authentic medieval castle in Ireland. Built in 1425, and plundered on many occasions, it was authentically restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendour, with furnishings and tapestries capturing the mood and style of the times. Within its grounds is Bunratty Folk Park where 19th century village and rural life is recreated. Traditional crafts are carried out in their natural setting and during the summer period, visitors can also see characters/animators depicting 19th century life.
Overnight in Limerick. Farewell dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Dinner and overnight in Galway.
Day 10 Today you will transfer to Limerick and then travel to Bunratty Castle & Folkpark to spend the afternoon. Bunratty Castle is the most complete and authentic medieval castle in Ireland. Built in 1425, and plundered on many occasions, it was authentically restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendour, with furnishings and tapestries capturing the mood and style of the times. Within its grounds is Bunratty Folk Park where 19th century village and rural life is recreated. Traditional crafts are carried out in their natural setting and during the summer period, visitors can also see characters/animators depicting 19th century life.
Overnight in Limerick. Farewell dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Day 11 Transfer to Shannon Airport and Depart Ireland.
