Arrive

Your driver will meet you and give you an overview of the city. Unless you book your rooms the night before you will have to wait till at least 12 am to check in, so take a Viking Splash tour of the city in a vintage amphibious DUK

Dublin has long been a centre of art and culture. Stroll through the elegant Georgian streets of Merrion and Fitzwilliam Squares, shop in the elegant emporiums of Grafton Street and Powerscourt Townhouse, explore the collections of the National Museum and National Gallery, the Irish Museum of Modern Art, and many fine small private collections. The range of art and artefacts is enormous, and you will have no problem spending many hours enthralled.. The city is over a thousand years old, and many of the towns and settlements that surround it are equally ancient. Successive centuries have left their distinctive overlays of character and architecture which means that Dublin has a wealth of historically significant and fascinating sights to explore such as Dublin Castle, where the Normans ruled from the 12th Century, St Patrick's Cathedral, of which Jonathan Swift was Dean, and Trinity College, famous for The Book of Kells and for its alumni who include Oscar Wilde and Oliver Goldsmith. And no visit to Dublin could be complete without visiting either the Old Whiskey Distillery or the Guinness Storehouse!

Our guide will bring you on a walking tour this morning. He will bring the history of the city alive with tales of bygone dastardly deeds and romantic heroines. In the afternoon you could go "completely off the beaten track" . Discover remote Film locations – Braveheart, Excalibur, Michael Collins, Reign of Fire, Ballykissangel, King Arthur (2003) . County Wicklow , known as the Garden of Ireland , is 750 square miles of rolling hills, mountains, and waterfalls, there is only one way to see the real County Wicklow .

Leave the city behind for the east coast, travel along Dublin Bay to Dun Laoghaire visiting The James Joyce Tower, passing through Dalkey home to Bono of U2, Enya, Van Morrison, Maeve Binchey, Dalkey is also a heritage town complete with its very own historical castles.

Discover A mysterious rugged land of doomed granite, purple glens with silvery streams rushing cool and clear from Mountain and bog land to swell the rivers or dash headlong towards the sea "The Garden of Ireland"

Visit Powerscourt House and Gardens, located in a stunning natural setting at Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow, approximately 45 minutes from Dublin city centre. A magnificent period home dating from mid 18th century, overlooking wonderful terraced gardens and an ornamental lake, Powerscourt House was partially destroyed by fire in 1974. A long restoration project ensued during which the ballroom and the garden rooms were rebuilt. On site at Powerscourt is also

Ireland

's premier shopping emporium "Avoca Hand Weavers".

This evening try out a ghost tour of the city! Let us introduce you to the dark romance of a city of gaslight ghosts and chilling legends.

The bus itself is a unique attraction, it is a mobile theatre decorated in the gothic style and features a live storyteller who takes you on a spellbinding trip through Dublin . Once onboard, we take advantage of this atmospheric setting to spirit you away to a world of felons, fiends and phantoms and put you in the mood for being both charmed and spooked at the same time.

En route you learn the real origins of Dracula and his Dublin born inventor, Bram Stoker. We stop at the College of Physicians to recreate the strange activities of Dr. Clossy, whose spirit is still seen walking the corridors carrying a bucket of human entrails. We visit the site where Walking Gallows, the notorious judge, jury and hangman dispatched his victims in a most gruesome fashion.

Leave the city behind rand travel north into County Meath . Travel from the Neolithic ritual passage tombs at Newgrange, through the Boyne valley, and onto the Hill of Tara, where St.Patrick lit the Pascal fire.

Drive to Malahide, which means "on the brow of the sea”, a village nine miles north of Dublin . The castle is close to the village and is built on a small rise, which commands a view of the bay. There are many magnificent oaks, chestnuts and sycamores dating to the days of the Tudors

Malahide is a 12th century castle; one of

Ireland

’s oldest and most historic with excellent collection of period furniture, oil portraits. The castle belonged to the Talbot family from 1185 to 1976 when it was sold to Dublin County Council. The castle itself is a combination of styles and periods; the medieval Great Hall (which is of course haunted!) is the only one in

Ireland

that is preserved in its original form while the National Portrait Gallery features many fine portraits of the Talbot family and 18th and 19th Irish Notables. In the stables there are two exhibitions of interest to children of all ages – Dolls Houses including the exceptional Tara ’s Palace, one of the world's most significant Dolls Houses. Meticulously constructed, it has taken over a decade to complete and work is still ongoing. Designed and built to one-twelfth scale, it encapsulates the grandeur and elegance of

Ireland

's three great 18th Century Mansions; Castletown House, Leinster House and Carton, and has a floor area of nearly 300 sq ft! Next door the Fry Model Railway is a unique collection of handmade models of Irish trains, from the beginning of rail travel to modern times. One of the world’s largest miniature railway, the exhibition is unique in that it is a working railway covering an area of 2,500 sq. feet.

On to Newgrange. The passage tomb of Newgrange, built over 5000 years ago, is one of the most famous prehistoric monuments in Western Europe and is unquestionably one of

Ireland

's most important archaeological sites. It is neighboured by the passage graves of Knowth and Dowth, all of which were erected before the Pyramids of Egypt. The heritage centre superbly evokes everyday life 5,000 years ago.

Return to Dublin by way of the Hill of Tara, seat of

Ireland

’s High Kings in days gone by.

Athassel Abbey

Cahir Castle

The Rock of Cashel

Lismore Castle

Visit the Japanese Gardens and Irish National Stud, home of horse racing, in Kildare On to the Rock of Cashel, one of the most spectacular archaeological sites in

Ireland

. It sits on the outskirts of Cashel on a large mound of limestone bristling with ancient fortifications. Mighty stone walls encircle a complete round tower, a roofless abbey, a 12th century Romanesque chapel, and numerous other buildings and high crosses. The Rock of Cashel is composed four structures which are the Hall of the Vicars Choral, the cathedral, the round tower, and Cormac's Chapel. Hore Abbey is to the north at the base of the rock. Sheltering at its foot is Bru Boru, a entertainment of Irish music and dance From Cashel to Cahir via Athassel - near Golden. Augustinian, the largest mediaeval priory in

Ireland

, dating from the 12th century, very extensive outbuilding in a riverside setting.. Once the stronghold of the powerful Butler family, Cahir Castle retains its impressive keep, tower and much of its original defensive structure. It is one of

Ireland

's largest and best preserved castles. It is situated on a rocky island on the River Suir. The castle's attractions include an excellent audio-visual show which informs visitors of all the main sites of the area. If you have time vist the Swiss Cottage at Cahir, a delightful "cottage orne'" built in the early 1800s by Richard Butler, 1st Earl of Glengall, to a design by the famous Regency architect John Nash. Its interior contains a graceful spiral staircase and some elegantly decorated rooms. The wallpaper in the salon manufactured by the Dufour factory is one of the first commercially produced Parisian wallpapers. Carry on over the Knockmealdown Mountains past the haunted lake, to Lismore on the River Blackwater. From there carry on to Cork City to the Hayfield Manor Hotel.

Start the day by heading down to Kinsale and maybe, if it is of interest, visiting the old fort there. An ancient seaside town, Kinsale is full of style and character. It is also a winner of the National Tidy Towns Competition. In the 17th and 18th centuries it was an important English naval base, and it still has a distinct Georgian flavour. With its yacht-filled harbour, brightly painted cottages, bow-winded houses and displays of flowers in pots, tub and handing baskets, it marks the beginning of scenic West Cork , and well deserves it's booming tourist industry. Only 18 miles from Cork , it is ideally placed as a deep-sea angling and yachting centre. In 1601 Kinsale was the scene of a battle in which English troops defeated a mixed Irish-Spanish force. It was followed by the 'Flight of the Earls', when many of the Irish aristocracy surrendered their lands and fled to mainland Europe . In 1960, after his defeat at the Battle of the Boyne , James II escaped from Kinsale to exile in France . Not long after, in 1703, the 90 tonne Cinque Ports sailed from the port with Alexander Selkirk on board. Selkirk's survival, after being marooned on the Pacific Island of Juan Fernandez, gave Daniel Defoe the idea for his novel Robinson Crusoe. The town's Dutch-gabled 18th century courthouse is now the Kinsale Regional Museum . Among its fascinating exhibits is a toll-board giving the sums levied on food and other goods passing through the town gates. It includes the waiver 'No fee is to be taken out of a smaller quantity of potatoes than three weights brought to town on women's or children's backs.' Other notable buildings include the 13th century St. Multose Church with its massive west tower. The north transept and font are probably original and both are noteworthy. The 16th-century Desmond Castle, a tower house used in Napoleonic times to house French prisoners of war, is also worth a visit. Two miles outside the town, at Summer Cove , are the 40ft walls of Charles Fort, dating from 1677. It is one of Europe 's best -preserved star forts, so called from their star shaped ground plan. The barracks inside were occupied by British troops until 1922. Not only dose this town lay claim to being the oldest town in Ireland , but it is also renowned internationally for the number and quality of restaurants in the town. It is hailed as the gourmet capital of Ireland . An early luch here and then on to Clonakilty and the stone circle at Drombeg, returning via the town of Bandon . Tonight dine in Cobh . Before dinner follow The Titanic Trail around the streets and environs of Cobh , revealing locations and incidents directly connected to the Titanic and many other aspects of the port's history. Visit the actual building that was the White Star Line Cobh Oark

Office, the very pier where Titanic passengers departed, St. Colmans Cathedral, the Holy Ground, and the site of the landing of Lusitania victims. The trail brings the whole era of Sailing Ships, departing emigrants (almost 3 million left from Cobh ) and great military fleets to life. After dinner take the Ghost walk of Cobh which offers a unique insight into a world where the strange and mysterious are brought to life (or put to death) as the case may be. Authentic reports of paranormal activity are related. All stories are told against a historically accurate background. Walk the dark streets and alleys of Cobh . Share your strange encounters. The walk concludes in Pillars Bar, the most haunted building in Cobh .

First to Fota, where there is so much to see - the Wildlife Park is not like an ordinary zoo. They have chosen animals that thrive in a free-range environment, which allows them to roam free, while mixed with other species and with human visitors! Fota House is fine Regency building surrounded by internationally renowned gardens and an arboretum. The House is a celebration of fine craftsmanship and has a particularly well appointed kitchen. It reflects the life-style of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries of the Earls of Barrymore, whose descendants lived there till the 1980s.

On to Blarney for Lunch and a visit to the Castle. Blarney Castle was built nearly six hundred years ago by one of Ireland ’s greatest chieftains, Cormac MacCarthy, and has been attracting attention beyond Munster ever since. Not all of that has been welcome, as Good Queen Bess and Oliver Cromwell could testify. But over the last few hundred years, millions have flocked to Blarney , making it a world landmark and one of Ireland ’s greatest treasures. Now that might have something to do with the Blarney Stone, the legendary Stone of Eloquence, found at the top of our Tower. Kiss it and you’ll never again be lost for words. But don’t take our word for it – everyone from Sir Walter Scott to a host of American presidents, world leaders, and international entertainers has been eager to take advantage!

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.

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.

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 road. Outside Caherdaniel is a ruined Iron Age fort. At 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.

Muckross House is on the shores of the Lakes of Killarney , amidst the beautiful scenery of Killarney National Park . It was built for Henry Arthur Herbert and his wife, the watercolourist Mary Balfour Herbert, the fourth house that successive generations of the Herbert family had occupied at Muckross over 200 years. The principal rooms are furnished in period style and portray the elegant lifestyle of the 19th century landowning class. While in the basement, one can imagine the busy bustle of the servants as they went about their daily chores. During the 1850s, the Herberts undertook extensive works in preparation for Queen Victoria 's visit in 1861. Later, the daughter of Senator William Bourn of Filoli, Ca, continued this gardening tradition. Explore the estate in a horse and trap.

The road from Killarney will take you past Crag Cave . It is a colourful wonderland of stalagmites and stalactites. Discovered in 1983 and thought to be over one million years old, this natural attraction has dramatic sound and lighting effects.

Next of note is Newcastle West, the largest town in Limerick . It takes its name from the Geraldine castle built in the late 12th/early 13th century. It became in time their chief manor. In the remains of the castle, just off the town square, are two great banqueting halls - the Desmond Hall and the Great Hall, a peel tower, a keep, a bastion and a curtain wall. The fourth Earl of Desmond, Gearoid Iarla, died here in 1399. He was a famous figure in folklore, legend and poetry.

At Rathkeale Embury & Heck, natives of Rathkeale, founded the Methodist church in

America

and there is a museum to them and to their fellow Palatines, German protestants who fled to

Ireland

to escape religious persecution. If you divert from Rathkeale on the R518 you will come to the Askeaton (8 miles), where Askeaton Castle is located, principal residence of the Earls of Desmond during the 15th and 16th centuries. Ruins covering much of an inlet in the river Deel, including a 15th century tower, with the large Desmond Hall nearby. You can also visit the Franciscan Friary, founded in 1389 but later restored by James, Earl of Desmond in the 15th century. Nave, chancel and north trancept with well-preserved cloister arcade. some fine carvings and other remains within the friary. Turning east ( 4 miles) along the N69 towards Kildimo you will find the Curraghchase forest park, once a stately home, but now preserved with miles of marked scenic routes. If you travelled west from Askeaton (6 miles) you will arrive in Foynes. Once the centre of trans Atlantic aviation, there is now a museum celebrating that era when flying boats ruled the sky.

For many Adare embodies the traditional

Ireland

with it's main street lined by thatched cottages and its many ancient ruins. The superb 5* Adare Manor with its 18 hole golf course has welcomed many famous people and heads of state including the former US President Clinton. There is a very helpful tourist office located within the town and several craft shops. The 15th century Franciscan Friary is the finest of Adare's monastic ruins. The Desmond Castle was 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. The 11th century church of St. Nicholas and Chantry Chapel, The 13^th century Trinitarian Abbey and the 14^th Century Augustinian Priory are Adare’s other treasures.

Limerick City is

Ireland

's 3rd city. There are many antiquities within the city and the following are recommended;

Treaty Stone, Limerick City : an block of limestone on which the 1691 Treaty of Limerick is traditionally supposed to have been signed.

King John's Castle, Limerick City : built in c.1210, its main purpose being to protect the crossing point of the river Shannon . Fine example of mediaval architecture with towers and curtain walls. Damaged by General Ginkel's guns during 1691 siege. Barracks built inside castle walls in 18th century greatly changed the Castle's structure.

Hunt collection, Limerick City : Situated in the 18^th century customs house (a short walk from the castle - park in the potato market and eat at The Lock pub overlooking the canal). The collection includes a wide collection of Irish antiquities from the Bronze Age, 18th century silver and medieval art.

The Georgian House & Garden, Pery Square, one of a terrace of six houses built c.1838 , it is widely regarded as being the best example of late Georgian Architecture in Limerick and probably in

Ireland

On the way to Dromoland it is worth stopping at Bunratty Castle , which was built in 1425 by the MacNamaras and then passed to the O'Briens who were Earls of Thomond. The Castle is furnished with mainly 15th and 16th century furnishings. Bunratty Folk Park recreates rural and urban life in the 19th century

Ireland

. Visitors can for example view farmhouses of various economic backgrounds, a watermill, church and village street. The Walled Garden at 19th Bunratty House has been sensitively restored and is a must-see for all garden enthusiasts.

Overnight Dromoland Castle . Tonight experience a Medieval Banquet at Knappogue Castle


Newgrange	Tara


Charlesfort	Kinsale	Drombeg	Clonakilty