The Gasway Family Tour

An Itinerary of Ireland for The Gasway Family

This should be considered a menu, as if you try and do everything on it you will get indegestion! It is a rough diamond, and you driver guide is a jeweller who will cut it into a sparkling gem!

Day 1 Tuesday 24th July Arrive Shannon.

Either drive straight to Adare or explore The Burren


The Burren	The Burren	The Cliffs of Moher

If exploring The Burren. Head to The Cliffs of Moher. Natural ramparts against the might of the Atlantic, they rise in places to over 215m and stretch for almost 8km. It is here that the visitor can most easily get a feel for the wildness of the terrain over which the Celts wandered. O'Brien's Tower, constructed in the early 19th century as a viewing point for Victorian tourists, is located on Mohers highest cliff. From its vantage point you can view the Clare coastline, the Aran Islands and mountains as far apart as Kerry and Connemara.

Lisdoonvarna, Ireland's premier spa and a popular holiday resort in its own right, is in the hilly Burren country of north Clare. Only 8km from the sea, the town is surrounded by an interesting district with varied scenery. The Lisdoonvarna waters are sulphurous and chalybeate springs, all of which contain the valuable therapeutic element of iodine. Much of the efficacy of the waters especially the sulphur water is ascribed to their radioactive properties. On the edge of the town is an excellent salmon smokehouse.

Though not a garden, the Burren District of County Clare is so unique it is a "must visit" for those interested in flora. It is a karst limestone region, and presents the most distinctive landscape in Ireland. The area is noted for its wide variety of ancient monuments and also for its wealth of places of geological, botanical and speleogical interest. Home to some of the rarest of Irish wild flowers, it is the place to see Dryas octopetala, Potentilla fruitcosa, Pinguicula grandiflora, Gentiana verna, and the Adiantum capillus-veneris. The last is unknown elsewhere in Ireland and grows in clefts of limestone rock sheltered from the wind. From April to July this strange landscape is a centre for botanists and gardeners from all over the world.

Bunratty Castle & Folk Park. The great square keep was built around 1450 by the MacNamaras. It then fell into the hands of the O'Briens, Princes of Thomond and later was occupied by Admiral Penn, father of William Penn the founder of Pennysylvania. The restored castle now provides a wonderful insight into the life-style of the 15th and 16th centuries. The great hall where the Earls of Thomond held court, their private chambers and the public offices are furnished with Lord Gort's magnificent medieval collection. The crafts and skills of the self-sufficient Shannon farming community have been revived in the Folk Park where a 19th century village has been created. Features of the folk park include a recreated village street, 8 farmhouses, a watermill, a blacksmith's forge, Mac's pub, a church and a display of 19th century farm machinery.

Quinn Abbey, a well preserved ruin of an abbey built in the 15th century, surrounded by an old churchyard with many interesting high crosses;

Knappogue Castle The original tower house was built by Sean Mac-Con MacNamara in 1467. During the 1641 rebellion the castle was occupied by Cromwellian forces. In the 18th and 19th centuries further additions were made to the original structure. The castle was abandoned in the 1920's and was restored by the Hon. Mark Edwin Andrews and his wife Lavonne in 1966. Today world famous Medieval Banquets are held at the castle

Craggaunowen Quin, Co. Clare You can see the early Christian answer to the microwave at Craggaunowen. The Fulacht Fiadha (ancient cooking place) uses an ingenious method for cooking meat with instant boiling water. There is a reconstruction of a crann-g or fortified lake dwelling, which shows how the Celts lived around the 6th or 7th century. Tim Severin's boat "The Brendan" a replica of the saint's 6th century vessel is on display at the centre. Craggaunowen Castle, a 16th century tower house, has been restored complete with replicas, furniture and tools of the period.

Limerick is a big industrial city, famous as the setting for Angela’s Ashes. Limerick Castle is a dramatic city fortress of Norman times standing guard over Limerick on the river Shannon. The castle was built in 1210 under orders from King John. It is one of the finest examples of fortified Norman architecture in Ireland With an imaginative exhibition, multi-vision show, excavations, war machines, 800 years of history unfold within its battlements. In the narrow streets that surround it are several small antique shops. Nearby is The Hunt collection, an internationally important Collection of some 2,000 original works of art and antiquity. It is a personal collection formed by John and Gertrude Hunt who selected each piece according to the quality of its design,craftsmanship and artistic merit. These criteria were applied to objects from all periods of the past - from the Stone Age to the Twentieth Century.

Snuggled in a wooden and lush countryside setting, Adare is widely regarded as being Ireland’s prettiest and most picturesque village. Situated on the river Maigue, a tributary of the Shannon river, Adare (Gaelic name: "Ath Dara" - the "ford of the oak" - from the combination of water and woodland) dates back, at least, to the early 13th century. The bridge by which you enter the village, in the shadow of the ruined Desmond Castle, was built in 1329. Two groups of world famous ornate, thatched cottages line part off the village’s broad main street, punctuated with beautiful stone buildings, medieval monasteries and ruins. Amongst the cottages you will find craft and antique shops.

Overnight in the gothick splendour of Adare Manor.

Day 2 Wednesday July 25


Askeaton	Foynes 1941	De Vere's House

11 am Golf at Adare.

For non golfers consider taking the road along the River Shannon towards Glin. Stop in Askeaton, home in the 18th century of The Hell Fire Club. On the River Deel, Askeaton was of great importance during medieval times. Desmond Castle dominates the town. The tower rising from Deel island, the fine windows and fireplace, and to the west of the tower, a great banqueting hall are all from the 15th century. The Franciscan friary built in 1389, was plundered and burnt in 1579 by Sir John Marbie. Some friars were also massacred. Saint Marys Church is a 13th century building, whose ruins are the Protestant Church. Nearby is the grave of the poet Aubrey de Vere.

During the 1930s and early 1940s, the port of Foynes, the next village, was the fulcrum point for air traffic between the United States and Europe. The famous flying boats were frequent visitors, carrying passengers who ranged from celebrities to refugees. The Foynes museum recalls the era with a comprehensive range of exhibits and graphic illustrations. It also includes a 1940s style cinema, the original terminal building through which many VIP's passed, war years' radio and the weather room. Irish coffee was "invented" here in 1943.

Return to Adare. This afternoon the whole family could visit Croom Mills This uniquely restored granary houses an award winning visitor centre, complemented by an audio visual film presentation on the history of grain milling in the town. The Granary portrays working conditions for millers and blacksmiths of the 19th century in dramatic settings, complimented by an audio-visual film on the history of grain milling locally. The Mill Race flows gently beneath the superb Restaurants, Bar and Gift Shop.

Lough Gur, Near Grange, Co. Limerick Nestling along the peaceful lakeside shores of Lough Gur this is recognised as one of the most important archaeological centres in Ireland, and acknowledged as one of the most important concentrations of Neolithic settlement in North Western Europe. It is an archaeological gem of great international significance, which includes the remains of stone circles and standing stones, as well as ancient burial chambers and cairns erected up to five thousand years ago. At the Lough Gur Heritage Centre their meaning is brought home to visitors through interpretative panels and audio visual means, serving as a reminder of the ingenuity of "primitive" man

Or visit Limerick

This evening a Seanachai will entertain you.

Although tales from literary sources found their way into shanachie's repertoires, a traditional characteristic of the shanachie was the way in which a large corpus of tales was passed from one practitioner to another without having been written down. Because of their role as custodians of an indigenous non-literary tradition, the seanachai are widely acknowledged to have inherited the role of the fili of pre-Christian Ireland. Your Seanachai has travelled not just all over Ireland but also overseas, collecting and telling stories.

Day 3 Thursday July 26

Head down to Killarney - about 70 minutes from Adare

Killarney is a busy shopping town, but on the road out towards Kenmare, driving past the lakes a must see is Muckross House, a magnificent Victorian Mansion and one of Ireland's leading stately homes, with a good collection of antique furnishings. It is beautifully situated amidst the spectacular scenery of Killarney National Park. The elegantly furnished rooms portray the lifestyles of the landed Gentry, while downstairs in the basement one can experience the working conditions of the servants employed in the House. The Gardens are renowned worldwide for their beauty. In particular they are noted for their collections of azaleas and rhododendrons. Nearby are Muckross Traditional Farms where three separate working farms, complete with animals, poultry and traditional farm machinery will help you relive the past.

Carry on to Kenmare over the McGillycuddy's Reeks and Moll's Gap. Kenmare is a delightful town full of shops, cafes and restaurants.

Through the village of Kilgarvan to the Gaeltacht, or Irish speaking area, of Ballyvourney. Visit Blarney Castle, with its loquacious stone, if there is time, or save it for tomorrow. Overrnight in Cork.

Fota Island, with its wonderful gardens, historic house and wildlife park. Cobh Heritage Centre with its tales of emigration to America. Barryscourt Castle.


Blarney	The Emigration Center	Barryscourt

Tour of the old Midleton distillery. Become a qualified Irish Whiskey Taster with a presentation diploma!

Clonakilty A busy market town located near to several popular seaside resorts such as Inchadoney and Owenahincha. Fine 19th century mill buildings have been nicely adapted for modern use, and now house the town library and County Council offices. Nearby, a small disused Presbyterian Church has been put to service as the post office. Local planning authorities have encouraged the use of traditional hand painted signs with a special emphasis on the Irish language on business premises in the town. See also the finestatus of a pikeman. For a town of its size, the Roman Catholic Church is impressive, with fine glass and mosaics. The town centre is the home of the noted street theatre group Craic na Caoillte. Children of all ages will love the impressive Model Railway Village.

Kinsale was the site of a battle in 1601 that was a turning point in Irish history. For over 300 years it was a garrison town and port of consequence, leaving a legacy of Georgian and Victorian architecture. The people of Kinsale take the preservation of their environment very seriously, and the town is noted for its successes in competitions such as Tidy Towns and the European Entente Floriale competition.

Desmond Castle (French Prison) Built as a custom house by the Earl of Desmond c. AD 1500, Desmond Castle has a colourful history, ranging from Spanish occupation in 1601 to use as a prison for captured American sailors during the American War of Independence. Known locally as 'The French Prison' after a tragic fire in which 54 prisoners, mainly French seamen, died in 1747. The Castle was also used as a borough jail from 1791 to the onset of the Great Famine when it was used as an auxiliary workhouse tending to the starving populace. The International Museum of Wine opened in Desmond Castle in 1997. It features an exhibition which documents the intriguing story of Ireland's wine links with Europe and the wider world from the early modern period to the present day. Access to site is by stone stairway.

Charles Fort Constructed in the late 17th century on the site of an earlier coastal fortification, Charles Fort is a classic example of a star-shaped fort. William Robinson, architect of the Royal Hospital in Kilmainham, Dublin, and Superintendent of Fortifications, is credited with designing the Fort. As one of the largest military forts in the country, Charles Fort has been associated with some of the most momentous events in Irish history. The most significant of which include the Williamite War in 1690 and the Irish Civil War of 1922-23. Across the estuary is James Fort, an earlier structure, which was designed by Paul Ivy in 1602.


Midleton Distillery	Waterford Crystal

Day 5 Saturday July 28

First to Waterford for a tour of the Crystal Factory. Visit 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, or the gardens of Woodstock are other local attractions.


Kilmokea Gardens	The Dunbrody

Day 6 Sunday July 29

9 am Golf.

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.

Visit the National Stud, where race horses are bred, at Kildare and head into Dublin, where your driver will leave you.

This evening a night of traditional entertainment has been booked for you.at The Merry Ploughboy. The concierge at The Hotel will arrange for a taxi for you.

Day 7 Monday July 30

Explore Dublin – a lot of the city can be seen on foot, which is the best way to see it, though the Jewish museum and cemetery both need a taxi ride. Consider the theatre or concert hall tonight. Many galleries are shut on a Monday as is the Jewish Museum, so it might be a good idea to swap Tuesday and Mondays touring. If a visit to the cemetry is of interest it would be to be arranged in advance. A walking tour guide is organised but could be postponed to Tuesday if preferred - 24 hours notice is required..

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 12^th 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!

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

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 Dublin's 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!"


Sheep Dogs in Kerry	The Lakes