This itinerary takes in some stunningly
unspoilt parts of the Irish countryside and goes through mountainous areas, the
rolling landscape of river valleys, and seascapes. Visit some of the finest gardens, historic mansions and splendid medieval ruins,
as well as museums art galleries and wonderful little shops in the cities of
Dublin, Kilkenny, & Cork. Explore places where some of the best
golfing, walking, fishing and riding is available. There are really
outstanding restaurants in the areas that we would suggest for overnights. With
a pub to every 300 of the population, a convivial
meeting place is never far, often with impromptu music sessions.
Day 1 Depart US 17th
June Arrive Shannon 18th June
Arrive
Shannon. Transfer to Moy House, Adare Manor, Glin Castle, or Echo Lodge for the
first night or two.
At Adare horsehide, swim, golf, fish in the Maigue and explore the ancient
abbeys of the area. There are antique shops and gift shops in the very pretty
village.
For those full of
energy a visit to Bunratty Castle on the way down to Adare would be wonderful.
Thomond House, the country inn run by Lord Inchiquin on
the Dromoland Estate. When Conor Inchiquin's uncle sold the castle to the
hotel in the 1960s he kept most of the estate and built an elegant manor house
on the hill overlooking the castle. We feel that it offers better value
and better service than the castle, as well as the unique opportunity to stay
with the descendant of Brian Boru, the greatest High King of Ireland.
Thomond House
Day 2 19 June
Explore the Burren,
the Cliffs of Moher and Galway Bay
Day 3 20 June
The next day I
would suggest a day in Killarney - by pass the town and head straight for Ross
Castle on the Muckross / Kenmare Road. If the weather is decent take a boat ride
here. Visit Muckross House as well - there is a farm that children love, as well
as lots of beautiful gardens for running around (the rhododendrons will be in
bloom). There are also horse drawn jaunting cars that will take them down to the
old Muckross Abbey. For a longer day head out along the Dingle peninsula.
Stay in Kenmare -
Shelbourne lodge or Sea Shore Farm
Day 4
21
Tour the Ring of
Kerry, a spectacular coast road that skirts the Iveragh Peninsula. Stop for a
fascinating demonstration of working sheep dogs on your way to Valentia Island.
After lunch continue on around the Ring to Caherdaniel and Derrynane
House, home of "The Great Liberator", Daniel O'Connell.
Sheep Dogs Working
Ring of Kerry
The Bog Village
Day 5 22
Tour the Beara
Peninsula, then cruise a short distance through Bantry Bay, passing families of
seals en route to the magical island of Garinish and its splendid gardens and
Martello Tower On return to dry land head on to Bantry House. Back
to Kenmare for the night..
Bantry House
Glengarriff
Healy Pass
Day 6
23- a
long drive
Via Blarney Castle,
whose stone gives the "gift of the gab" Fota Island, with its wonderful gardens, historic house and wildlife park. Cobh
Heritage Centre with its tales of emigration to America. Barryscourt Castle.
Blarney Castle,
whose stone gives the "gift of the gab" Fota Island, with its wonderful gardens, historic house and wildlife park. Cobh
Heritage Centre with its tales of emigration to America. Barryscourt Castle.
Along "The
Gold Coast" to Waterford via Sir Walter Raleigh's church at Youghal .
St Mary's, one of the oldest churches in Ireland, is a building of great beauty
founded by St. Declan c. 450, rebuilt in Irish Romanesque style c. 750, and its
great Norman nave erected c. 1220. .Visit Waterford Crystal. Overnight at Mount
Juliet. An opportunity to fish here as well.
Ballyduff
House
Ballyduff House, built in 1760, is set in glorious parkland overlooking the river Nore. It is the nice home of
Breed Thomas who, as well as running the B&B also farms. The setting is totally unspoiled, something almost unique in this part of Ireland.
Day 7 24
The craft workers
of the river valleys of the Nore and Barrow- some of the best craft
workshops in Ireland. Bloomingdale's, Bergdorf Goodman, Isetan, Nieman Marcus
and David Jones are only some of the top stores worldwide who have found
inspiration in these small, high quality Irish workshops.. Visit Nicholas Mosse
Pottery who has been a potter since he was 7. Chesneau Leather Goods, a small
and dynamic company that has a strong tradition in the production of high
quality leather goods, particularly handbags with original designs. Stoneware
Jackson Pottery. the pottery and showrooms are situated amongst pleasant gardens
where the visitors can relax and see the pots being created by a team of skilled
craftsmen. All these workshops are located in Bennetsbridge just outside
Kilkenny. You could also visit Jerpoint Glass Studio in Thomastown to see for
yourself how completely hand made glass is formed using simple hand made
tools.The famine ship Dunbrody in New Ross, the gardens of Kilmokea, the
medieval abbey of Tintern, or fish the Nore or deep sea fishing from Kilmore
Quay (if staying at Dunbrody)
Kilmokea Gardens
The Dunbrody
Tintern Abbey
Day 8 25
The medieval city
of Kilkenny, with its tales of ghosts and witches. Explore the 12th Century St
Canice's Cathedral named after the town's founder. Known nowadays as the
creative heart of Ireland, Kilkenny is where ancient history and contemporary
culture meet. There are medieval shops, perfectly preserved
Elizabethan houses and its breathtaking Norman Castle on the banks of the River
Nore. Via the National Stud
and Japanese Gardens in Kildare to Dublin.
Overnight Marble
Hall
Day 9
26 June
Explore Dublin and
take a Viking Splash Tour. Don't miss Merrion Square and its Georgian
architecture, Stephen's Green and the Phoenix Park. Trinity College
which was founded by Elizabeth I in 1592 and is home to the priceless Book of
Kells, a 8th century manuscript. St Patrick's Cathedral and its connection
with Jonathan Swift and Gulliver's travel is another Dublin landmark. And
of course no visit to Dublin is complete without a visit to The Guinness
Storehouse or the Irish Whiskey Corner
17th
June Arrive Shannon 18th June
