Sundance Travel

TRIP TO IRELAND 

 

May 26th    

Arrive at Shannon airport and pick up the car.

Check-in at Ardsollus

Ardsollus is  spacious Agri Tourism award winning 300 year old farmhouse on 120 acre working farm overlooking Dromoland Estate, with its 18 hole golf course. The house is fully modernized, but retains its old world charm. There are antique furnishings throughout the house which is a fifth generation family home. There are show-jumping horses on farm. Shannon Airport and Bunratty Castles are within a fifteen minute drive. Cliffs of Moher and Burren are nearby.  

 

May 27th

Explore The Burren & The Cliffs of Moher. 

Words simply cannot do justice to this eerie, peculiar 193-square mile area of ancient seabed that suffered glacial activity during its long history . The Burren, is a bare lunar like landscape of a limestone plateau dotted with stone age forts and megalithic tombs.  In the narrow crevices that criss-cross this pavement flourish orchids, gentians and other rare flora, an amazing mix of arctic, alpine, temperate, and tropical vegetation growing side by side. Twenty-two varieties of orchids thrive here, nourished by underground rivers and rich soil. Today we see treeless meadows of limestone karst that forms natural pavement interspersed with lush flora..  Scholars of history can scour the Burren for tombs, chambers, and dolmens (two stones that support a horizontal slab), traces of Stone Age inhabitants. .   To the north the Burren is bounded by Galway Bay with the fishing port of Ballyvaughan, a noted centre for oysters, while to the west the Aran Islands stand out against the broad expanse of the Atlantic Ocean  Visit the Cliffs of Moher, a sheer precipice 8km long and rising to a height of 203m, one of the most impressive stretches of the coast in the West of Ireland, remarkable especially at nesting seasons for the quantity and variety of seabirds there.

 

Cross on the Ferry from Killimer to Tarbert in Co Kerry and head to Killarney for the Night.

 

Gleann Fia Country House (Gaelic for Glen of the Deer) , is a purpose built , Victorian style Country House. Open year round to guests travelling to visit the wonderful sights of County Kerry known to us locals as "The Kingdom". Located 1 mile from the busy town of Killarney and yet idyllically situated at the edge of a wooded river valley known as "The Fairy Glen".  Our natural 3.5 acre garden contains many wild flowers throughout the year and is equally splendid when autumn sets in . The garden is bordered by the river Deenach which eventually flows through Killarney town and National park. A path (lit by night) leads along the riverbank and woodlands of the house.

 

 

May 28th

 

Explore The Ring of Kerry and return to Killarney

 

The Ring of Kerry is a circular route around the Iveragh Peninsula.  It is best to do it in an anti clockwise direction - Killorglin, Glenbeigh, etc.

 

Hightlights are :

 

The Killarney National Park, Muckross, Torc Waterfall and The Lakes
Killorglin situated on a hill overlooking the wide and graceful River Laune, a river offering salmon and trout angling. Dominating the landscape to the south are the MacGillycuddys Reeks. It is the location of the famous "Puck Fair" festival - On the bridge into the town is a salmon smoke house called The Fishery.

 

The Bog Village is situated half way between Killorglin and Glenbeigh on the main Ring of Kerry route. It is a must for you to stop off and enjoy a step back in time to the early 18th century to recapture the way life would have been at that time. Peat, or turf as it is usually called in Ireland, is harvested from bogs and is still used as domestic fuel. The village is here to preserve the past for your enjoyment. This is a most worthwhile and historic visit to see the real Kerry life as it was, in the heart of Kerry's bogland. The Bog Village is adjacent to the Red Fox Inn Bar and Restaurant, which is open seven days a week.

 

Glenbeigh is a popular holiday base nestled at the foot of a well-wooded mountain and close to the head of Dingle Bay.  It is dominated by the strange ruin of Wynn's Folly, or Hedley Towers, once home of the Winns, Barons Headley. The Title dated from 1797. Wynn's Folly was burnt down in 1922. The view from 'Wynn's Folly is superb, and provides a breathtaking view of the village and surrounds of Glenbeigh.  After Glenbeigh you will pass through Kells Bay where a local shepherd gives demonstrations of working sheep dogs

 

From Cahirciveen you can divert to the right and take the car ferrry to Knightstown on Valentia Island.  Be sure to visit The Slate Quarry, Glanleam Gardens and The Tetrapod Trackway -   In 1993 an undergraduate geology student (Iwan Stossel) made the discovery of a lifetime. While examining rocks on the island's coast he came across a rock platform containing a set of ancient animal footprints. The tracks have since been dated to almost 400 million years ago and are regarded as among the earliest footprints known to science, and certainly the oldest known footprints in Europe.

 

Valentia is an island of unique scenic beauty, tropical vegetation, breathtaking cliffs and magnificent seascapes. The island is an excellent centre for sea angling and diving in unpolluted waters. The bridge was built at Portmagee in 1970. The island, about 11km long by 3km wide is one of the most westerly points of Europe. The surface is bold and rocky, two prominent features being Geokaun Mountain 268 meters on the north and Bray head 180 metres on the south, both are splendid vantage points for the sightseer. The Skellig Experience is located here. This is where the story of the Skelligs is told. The themes include the monastic settlement, the lighthouse, the bird and underwater life.

 

Head on to Ballinskelligs via St Finans Bay.  In Ballinskelligs is the Cill Rialaig Centre - once a deserted and almost forgotten pre-famine village of thatched stone cottages situated on the Bolus road near Ballinskelligs, it is now an international artists' retreat .

 

On through Charlie Chaplin's Waterville and Cagerdaniel where, by golden beaches, stands Derrynane House, the ancestral home of Daniel O'Connell, lawyer, politician and statesman. Today some 120 hectares of the lands of Derrynane, together with Derrynane House, make up Derrynane National Historic Park. Plantations and garden walks were laid out in the 18th and 19th centuries, principally north and west of the house. Some features of the demesne are strongly associated with Daniel O'Connell, including the old Summer House. The main area of the gardens, set inland and to the north of the house, can be reached through a tunnel under the road.

 

Between Waterville and Derrynane you will see a Neolithic Stone alignment on the ridge above the LHS of the road.  Outside Caherdaniel is a ruined Iron Age fort on the RHS.

 

Ar Castlecove, some distance to the left off the main road, is Staigue Fort - probably the finest example of a stone fort in Ireland, and is about 2500 years old. It is built of local stone and is almost circular, 27m in diameter. The walls are almost 4m thick at the base, and 2m thick at the top. The north side is still perfect with some of the old coping stones still in position. There are two small chambers in the wall, one on the west side and one on the north side. The stairways are probably the most interesting feature of the fort, and run inside the wall almost to the wall's full height. They lead to narrow platforms on which the fort's defenders stood.

 

Through Sneem and back to Kenmare.

 

Good eating places en route are  The Bianconi in Killorglin, , The Ballinskelligs Inn or The Cill Rialaig Centre, Waterville Golf Course Club House,  The Skellig Inn (but arrive late after the coaches have gone).

Overnight at Gleann fia Country House

 

May 29th

 

Tour to Blarney Castle and Waterford

 

Blarney Castle and Rock Close Blarney, Co. Cork

 

Dermot MacCarthy had the gift of 'plamás', the Irish word for soft-talking flattery. MacCarthy tried to talk his way out of handing over Blarney Castle to an agent of Queen Elizabeth I. He prevaricated until the Queen declared "I will hear no more of this Blarney talk", and gave the English language a new word. The legend persists that anyone who kisses the famous stone high up on the castle parapets will be endowed with the "gift of the gab". Aside from the magic stone, the castle, added in 1446 by Cormac MacCarthy to an earlier tower, is well worth a visit. The massive four storey keep changed hands during the Civil and Williamite Wars and was used at one point as a prison for the Protestants of Cork.  The gardens known as Rock Close were laid out by the Jefferyes family in 1759.  Beside the castle is the Victorian Scottish baronial home of the Colthurst family.  In the village are The Blarney Woolen Mills, one of the largest and best craft shops in Ireland.

 

Blarney Castle was originally a timber hunting lodge built in the 10th century, which was replaced by a stone castle in 1210. The present day construction was completed by Dermot McCarthy, King of Munster in 1446. The Castle remained the ancestral stronghold of the McCarthy family until the arrival of Oliver Cromwell with cannon guns in 1646. Fifteen years later with the arrival of King Charles II on the English throne saw the return of the McCarthys to the Castle.

 

Following the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, all Irish chiefs were stripped of their powers and the McCarthys were again forced to leave Blarney Castle. The Castle was sold to Sir James Jefferyes, Governor of Cork in 1703.

 

The world famous Blarney Stone is situated high up in the battlements of the castle. Follow one of the several long, stone spiral staircases up to the top and enjoy the spectacular views of the lush green Irish countryside, Blarney House and The Village of Blarney.

 

The stone is believed to be half of the Stone of Scone, the other part of which is in Westminster Abbey in London. The stone originally belonged to Scotland. Scottish Kings were crowned over the stone, because it was believed to have special powers. The stone was given to Cormac McCarthy by Robert the Bruce in 1314 in return for his support in the Battle of Bannockburn.

 

Queen Elizabeth I wanted Irish chiefs to agree to occupy their own lands under title from her. Cormac Teige McCarthy, the Lord of Blarney, handled every Royal request with subtle diplomacy, promising loyalty to the Queen without "giving in". Elizabeth proclaimed that McCarthy was giving her "a lot of Blarney", thus giving rise to the legend.  You too can acquire the gift of eloquence by kissing the stone!

 

The Rock Close is laid out on a pre-historic Druids site with the remains of huge boulders, rocks, a dolmen (a megalithic tomb with a large flat stone laid on uprights), a sacrificial altar and a witches kitchen. You will also find Japanese bamboo trees, magnolias, Siberian dogwood and weeping willows and a stream which can be crossed via a small pedestrian bridge.

 

There are numerous woodland walks on the grounds of the Blarney Castle estate, through which winds the River Martin. In the arboretum you will find colorful displays of copper beach, ornamental pear, southern beech, nothafagus and evergreen oaks. Adjacent to the arboretum, one finds the Belgian Beds planted with hybrid azaleas, and a western red cedar tree from British Columbia. 

 

Bypass Cork City but visiting The Cobh Heritage centre which presents a fascinating story of emigration to America and as you rejoin the main road to Cork the gardens of Fota Island and Barryscourt Castle should not be missed.  In Midleton experience the history of Irish Whiskey, see the world's biggest Pot Still and after your tour enjoy a sample of Irish Whiskey.  See  St Mary's Church in Youghal, where Sir Walter Raleigh worshipped. Ahernes in Youghal, on the Waterford edge of the town at the beginning of the one way system,  does excellent Pub food.  Overnight Waterford
 

Overnight at Sion Hill. 

Charming Georgian manor on 4 acres of park and woodland overlooking the River Suir, an oasis of tranquility almost in the city centre. Historic gardens with many rare plants. Antique furnishings. AA 5 diamond. Children welcome. Open 8/1-15/12. Visa/MC. No smoking house. 4 en suite rooms with t.v. & tea/coffee making facility.

 

“Wonderful garden, great place to retreat!”-“A piece of heaven.”-“Inspiring gardens…”-“Very relaxing garden.”-“An extraordinary combination of history, horticulture and hospitality!”-“Terrific views!”

 

 

May 30th  

First visit the Waterford Crystal Factory.    To Kilkenny, full of medieval laneways, inns with tales of witches, a great castle and of course lots of shops.  From Carlow head up into the Wicklow Mountains, a wild and beautiful area to the valley of Glendalough where St Kevin founded his monastery in the 6th Century.  Powerscourt House and gardens, where Barry Lyndon was filmed (now with an excellent shop and restaurant. 

Overnight in Bewleys Hotel, next door to the Four Seasons Hotel .

 

A new stylish concept in a prime location on Merrion Road opposite the Four Seasons Hotel. Accommodating you in style with over 220 deluxe bedrooms and 9 purpose built meeting rooms. Enjoy an exciting dining experience in O'Connell's Restaurant. "
All room offer: Tea & Coffee - making Cable T.V Fax & Modem Point High Speed Internet Access Direct dial Telephone Trouser Press & Iron & Ironing Board Hairdryer Business Desk Sound Insulation Voice Mail Express Check out In Room Safe

May 31th

A Tour of Dublin's Fair City

Bank of Ireland , College Green The prestigious offices of Ireland 's national bank began life as the first purpose-built parliament house in Europe . Completed in 1739 it served as Ireland 's Parliament until the Act Of Union in 1801

Trinity College Founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth. Among many famous students to attend the college were playwrights Oliver Goldsmith and Samuel Beckett. Trinity's lawns and cobbled quads provide a pleasant haven in the hearth of the city. The major attractions are the Old Library and the Book of Kells, housed in the Treasury. Exit form the front of the Trinity complex and walk from College Green to Dame St and Continue west passing:

The Olympia Theatre - Dating back to the 1800s, this Victorian music hall-style theatre has a capacity of 1,300. It presents an eclectic schedule of variety shows, musicals, operettas, concerts, ballet, comedy, and drama. As a variation, for the late-night crowd, live bands are often featured after regular programs.  A brief diversion here will bring you into the trendy Temple Bar area. Across the Street is

City Hall  Erected between 1769 and 1779, and formerly the Royal Exchange. It is a square building in Corinthian style, with three fronts of Portland stone. Since 1852, however it has been the centre of the municipal government. The interior is designed as a circle within a square, with fluted columns supporting a dome shaped roof over the central hall. The building contains many items of interest, including 102 royal charters and the mace and sword of the city. Adjacent to City Hall is:

Dublin Castle Built between 1208 and 1220, this complex represents some of the oldest surviving architecture in the city, and was the centre of English power in Ireland for over seven centuries until it was taken of by the Irish Free State in 1922. Highlights include the 13th-century record tower, the largest visible fragment of the original Norman castle and the State Apartments, once the residence of English viceroys and now the focal point for government ceremonial functions, including the inauguration of Ireland 's presidents. At this point Dame St takes on the name Lord Edward St , and leads to

St. Patrick's Cathedral Ireland 's largest church was founded beside a sacred well where St. Patrick is said to have baptised converts around 450A.D. A stone slab bearing a Celtic cross and covering the well was un-earthed at the turn of the century(20th). It is now preserved in the west end of the cathedral's nave. The original building was just a wooden chapel and remained so until 1192 when Archbishop John Comyn rebuilt the cathedral in stone. Much of the present building dates back to work completed between 1254 and 1270.  Cut back to

Powerscourt Town House Centre The townhouse of a famous Georgian family. Today the building houses one of the cities nicest shopping centres. In the 1960's major restoration turned it into a centre of specialist galleries, antique shops, jewellery stalls, cafés and other shop units. Carry on to Grafton Street down the narrow Johnson Court Alley

Lunch at Davy Byrnes

With your driver  in the afternoon  explore the Great Georgian Squares and Doorways.;  Visit the famous Phoenix Park, Home of our President Mary McAllesse;  See the delights of the city of Roddy Doyle, James Joyce, Brendan Behan, Sean O' Casey, Oscar Wilde and Nobel Prize winners W.B Yeats, George B. Shaw and Samuel Beckett.; See Guinness Brewery, O' Connell Street;  The U2 Wall, The National Museum & Gallery

 

And of course Molly Malone herself "In Dublins fair city, where the girls are so pretty, I first set my eyes on sweet Molly Malone As she wheeled her wheel-barrow, through streets broad and narrow, Crying cockles and mussels, alive, alive o!"

June 1st

Bu way of the National Stud  and Japanese Gardens in Kildare.  Try and get to Limerick in time for an early lunch.    Limerick City is Ireland's 3rd city. There are many antiquities within the city and the following are recommended;

Franciscan Friary,  Adare: finest of Adare's monastic ruins. Dates from 15th century. Nave, choir and south transept of church remains. Graceful tower and well-preserved cloisters.
Desmond Castle,  Adare: erected on the site of an ancient ring fort in the early 13th century. Extensive ruins consist of an inner ward, surrounded by a moat and enclosed by a spacious courtyard.
Church of St. Nicholas and Chantry Chapel,  Adare; the Church is 11th century, the chapel dates from 1460-80.
Trinitarian Abbey,  near Adare: Fitzgerald foundation of c.1230. Suppressed by Henry VIII in 1539. Remains include tower, nave and part of the original choir, incorporated into a 19th century church.
Augustinian Priory,  near Adare: founded in 1315. Remains of tower, nave and part of choir, now restored as a church. Cloisters converted into Quin family mausoleum in 1822.

   

 

Drop off the car rental.