Day 1
Accommodation
Fashionable 4-Star Hotel - Dublin, County Dublin
Room Type: Double
Check in policies:
Check-in time is after 3pm on day of arrival. Check-out time is before 12pm on day of departure.
The hotel does not have parking facilities. The Parkrite public car park is situated directly opposite the hotel. This is open 24 hours a day except for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and St Stephen's Day (December 26th) Our guests can avail of a special 24-hour rate of €16.00. Please ask our at our front desk for more information.
Included Unique Activities
Meet & Greet Private Airport Transfer - Dublin
Dublin, County Dublin
Your tour includes a luxurious private transfer from Dublin Airport to your Downtown Hotel. Once you have your luggage, proceed through to the Arrivals Hall, and look for your driver. He or she will be holding an iPad with your name clearly on it. They will quickly escort you to your ride, taking you to your Dublin City Center Hotel. There is no searching for shuttles, cabs, or trying to decide which route to take. This is the perfect start to a well-deserved, relaxing vacation. Your Irish adventure begins with Authentic Vacations’ 5-star customer service!
Guinness Storehouse Tour
Dublin, County Dublin
Prepare yourself for an unforgettable Irish welcome, delving deep into the wonder of world-famous Guinness! The brewery is located in the heart of Dublin at historic St. James Gate. Originally a small brewery, it is now a 7-story visitor experience that brings the history, story, and taste of the Emerald Isle’s iconic brew to life.
Imagine the world’s largest pint glass (Guinness did start the Guinness Book of World Records, after all) rising to the top of the building. Amazing. The dramatic story begins 250-years-ago and incorporates a family legacy handed down through generations. You’ll end your time here at the Gravity Bar, enjoying a complimentary pint of Guinness. Relax and enjoy spectacular views of Dublin. Plan to spend 1 ½ to 2 hours here.
Must-See Sites
Trinity College, County Dublin
On The Map: Trinity College is located in the heart of Dublin City. Just south of the River Liffey, the campus grounds are bordered by Grafton, College, Pearse, Nassau & Leinster Streets.
Time spent in Dublin would not be complete without a visit to Trinity College. Founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth 1st, it is one of the oldest universities in the British Isles, and the very oldest in Ireland. Standing on a self contained site in the very heart of Dublin, the College itself covers some 35 acres of cobbled squares and green spaces surrounded by buildings which represent the accumulated architectural riches of nearly three centuries. Although Trinity offers much of interest to the visitor, the crown jewel is without doubt the Book of Kells. The Book is an 'illuminated manuscript', globally celebrated for its lavish decoration. The manuscript contains the four Gospels in Latin based on a Vulgate text, written on vellum (prepared calfskin), in a bold and expert version of the script known as 'insular majuscule'. Written in the 9th century, it has been on display in the Old Library at Trinity College Dublin from the mid-19th century, and attracts over 500,000 visitors a year.
Grafton Street, County Dublin
Location: Grafton Street runs from Saint Stephen's Green in the south to College Green in the north
Grafton Street is without doubt Ireland's premier shopping street - in terms of retail rent, it's the fifth most expensive in the world! With beautiful historic buildings housing iconic Irish businesses such as Brown Thomas, Weir & Sons and Bewley’s Grafton Street Café, Grafton Street offers an experience that cannot be found elsewhere in the country. Since the 1980s, the street has been mostly pedestrianized, with the exception of a short stretch that runs between Nassau Street and College Green and contains the 18th century Trinity College Provost's House, home to the head of the college. If shopping's not your thing, Grafton Street is still worth checking out. It's a bustling, atmospheric spot, and high quality street performers including musicians, poets and mime-artists commonly perform to the shopping crowds.
Dublin, County Dublin
On the Map: Dublin, Ireland's Capital City is located on the east coast of the country, and is well served by infrastructure linking it to all parts of the Emerald Isle.
Dublin is a lively cosmopolitan city, filled with personality, pizzazz, and culture. You might spend time strolling the streets, soaking up the atmosphere, relaxing in cafes and pubs, or you could check out a world of historical, literary, and musical delights. A return visit to the Book of Kells, Phoenix Park (twice the size of Central Park), Georgian Dublin, Stephen’s Green, Dublin Castle, the National Museum, Kilmainham Gaol, and the Hugh Lane Municipal Art gallery are all possibilities. Ramble through Grafton Street, a shopper’s paradise, or simply relax and remember this most wonderful tour of the Emerald Isle.
Arrive at
Arrive at Dublin Airport, County Dublin
Arrive at Dublin Airport after your overnight flight if you are coming from the U.S. or Canada.
Dublin is Ireland's main airport - located just north of Dublin City.
If you are heading downtown, it takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes from the airport, depending on traffic.
There are 2 terminals at Dublin Airport, the second of which opened to air traffic in November 2010.
Most flights from the U.S. (on Aer Lingus, Delta, United, US Airways & American Airlines) arrive into Terminal 2.
Overnight Location
Dublin, County Dublin
On the Map: Dublin, Ireland's Capital City is located on the east coast of the country, and is well served by infrastructure linking it to all parts of the Emerald Isle.
Dublin is a lively cosmopolitan city, filled with personality, pizzazz, and culture. You might spend time strolling the streets, soaking up the atmosphere, relaxing in cafes and pubs, or you could check out a world of historical, literary, and musical delights. A return visit to the Book of Kells, Phoenix Park (twice the size of Central Park), Georgian Dublin, Stephen’s Green, Dublin Castle, the National Museum, Kilmainham Gaol, and the Hugh Lane Municipal Art gallery are all possibilities. Ramble through Grafton Street, a shopper’s paradise, or simply relax and remember this most wonderful tour of the Emerald Isle.
Day 2
Accommodation
Fashionable 4-Star Hotel - Dublin, County Dublin
Room Type: Double
Check in policies:
Check-in time is after 3pm on day of arrival. Check-out time is before 12pm on day of departure.
The hotel does not have parking facilities. The Parkrite public car park is situated directly opposite the hotel. This is open 24 hours a day except for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and St Stephen's Day (December 26th) Our guests can avail of a special 24-hour rate of €16.00. Please ask our at our front desk for more information.
Included Unique Activities
Musical Pub Crawl
Dublin, County Dublin
The Traditional Irish Musical Pub Crawl is led by two professional musicians who perform tunes and songs while telling the story of Irish Music and its influences on contemporary world music. The Crawl is best described as a moving concert, at which everyone is guaranteed a seat in the privately booked pubs. The Crawl is a highly entertaining and informative evening of music and song. The musicians explain the history of Irish music and share their personal stories of the how Irish people interact with the music as its played today. You will visit famous pubs and bars in the Temple Bar area. All pubs are privately booked, with private bar and are in close proximity to one another.
*Note: Children under 18 years of age may not attend the Musical Pub Crawl*
Must-See Sites
Temple Bar, County Dublin
Location: Temple Bar lies in the heart of Dublin City. Located on the south bank of the River Liffey, and just west of Trinity College and Grafton Street.
The lively and vibrant Temple Bar District - Dublin's Cultural Quarter, is well worth a visit. Best known for being Dublin’s major nightlife center, Temple Bar comes alive after dark, with many pubs, restaurants and nightclubs to choose from. For those visiting during the day, the area boasts a timeless charm, with narrow cobbled streets and a plethora of cultural organizations, such as the Irish Film Centre & Project Arts Centre. There are also a variety of small galleries and stores - perfect for a day of shopping. While Temple Bar after dark might not be for everyone, the area is the perfect spot to spend a sunny afternoon.
Dublin Castle, County Dublin
Since its foundation in 1204, Dublin Castle has been at the heart of the history and evolution of Dublin. Today, spanning an area of over 44,000 square meters (11 acres), the site contains 2 museums, 2 cafés, an international conference centre, 2 gardens, Government Buildings and the State Apartments (the most important state rooms in the country). The grounds of the Castle are free to explore, as is the Chapel Royal, the Chester Beatty Library, the Garda Museum and the Revenue Museum. Access to the State Apartments is by guided tour only and tickets may be purchased from the Apartments in the Upper Castle Yard.
Dublin Museums, County Dublin
Dublin has long been recognized as a center of art & culture. The city is literally awash with interesting museums and galleries of all types and sizes.
It's impossible to make note of them all, but three of the best are:
The Chester Beatty Library: Alfred Chester Beatty, a New Yorker donated a fantastic collection of books to the city of Dublin. Highlights include papyrus scripts, valuable copies of the Koran, Buddhist & Far Eastern literature, as well as early mediaeval manuscripts.
National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology: Enter this museum and be transported back in time to almost 7000BC! Gold and other treasures recount a varied Irish history through Christian and pre-Christian times. A range of exhibitions also present artifacts from many other cultures and regions.
National Gallery: Here you can admire European works of art from the late Middle Ages to the end of the 19th century. As well as Irish artists, the Gallery also boasts works by Angelico, Goya, Gainsborough & Reynolds, to name but a few.
Saint Patrick's Cathedral, County Dublin
On The Map: Saint Patrick's Cathedral is located in the heart of Dublin City, just south of the River Liffey, and west of such landmarks as Trinity College and Grafton Street. The Cathedral is located at the junction of Patrick Street and Upper Kevin Street.
Built in honour of Ireland’s patron saint, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral has contributed much to Irish life since its founding in 1191. The Cathedral stands adjacent to the famous well, at which St Patrick himself reportedly baptized converts on his visit to Dublin. The writer and satirist Jonathan Swift was Dean of Saint Patrick's from 1713 to 1747, and is buried within the church. In a romantic twist, Esther Johnson (Stella) is buried next to Swift. Although never married, Swift had a life-long, intense and mysterious relationship with Stella, and she was an inspiration for much of his work. Handel's Messiah received its first performance there in 1742, sung by the combined choir of Saint Patrick's and Christ Church. Music has played an integral part in the life of Saint Patrick's since its foundation and it is the only cathedral in these islands to sing two services every day. Living Stones, the cathedral's permanent exhibition, celebrates Saint Patrick's place in the life of the city, its history and its role at the dawn of the third millennium. It emphasises that the cathedral is not a museum, but a building embracing the past to herald the future.
Dublin, County Dublin
On the Map: Dublin, Ireland's Capital City is located on the east coast of the country, and is well served by infrastructure linking it to all parts of the Emerald Isle.
Dublin is a lively cosmopolitan city, filled with personality, pizzazz, and culture. You might spend time strolling the streets, soaking up the atmosphere, relaxing in cafes and pubs, or you could check out a world of historical, literary, and musical delights. A return visit to the Book of Kells, Phoenix Park (twice the size of Central Park), Georgian Dublin, Stephen’s Green, Dublin Castle, the National Museum, Kilmainham Gaol, and the Hugh Lane Municipal Art gallery are all possibilities. Ramble through Grafton Street, a shopper’s paradise, or simply relax and remember this most wonderful tour of the Emerald Isle.
Day 3
Accommodation
4-Star Elegant City Center Hotel - Kilkenny, County Kilkenny
Room Type: Double
Check in policies:
Check-in time is after 4:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 12:00noon.
We have complimentary private parking for guests, please set down in front of hotel and a team member will guide you.
Must-See Sites
Saint Canices Cathedral, County Kilkenny
On The Map: St Canice’s Cathedral is located in the oldest part of Kilkenny City – an area known as Irishtown, located just north of downtown.
St Canice’s Cathedral and Round Tower are an essential part of the structural heritage in the vibrant medieval city of Kilkenny. This ecclesiastical site was founded in the 6th century and named after St Canice. Worship has taken place at this site for over 800 years. The Cathedral has wonderful stained glass that includes two windows from the Harry Clarke Studio, Dublin. Local stone masters The O’Tooneys carved some of the tombstones many of which are unique to the Cathedral and Kilkenny. The See Chair of the Bishop of Ossory dating back to 1120 can be seen inside the Cathedral. The Round Tower is the oldest standing structure in Kilkenny City. Tourists can enjoy climbing the Round Tower capturing great views of the city (weather permitting). St Canice’s Round Tower is one of only two Round Towers that visitors can climb in Ireland.
Enroute Sightseeing
Glendalough, County Wicklow
On the Map: Glendalough is located in County Wicklow, in the east of Ireland - just 1 hour south of Dublin City. Scenically nestled in the Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough is served by a network of small country roads. From the northeast (Dublin), travel on the R755/R756, from everywhere else, arrive from the west on the R756.
Glendalough ("The Glen of the Two Lakes"), is the site upon which St. Kevin founded a unique monastic settlement in the 6th century. Most of what remains of the settlement is in ruins but the Round Tower at Glendalough, built as a refuge from marauding Vikings, is over a 1000 years old and is remarkably well preserved. The site itself is set next to two clear water lakes beneath the sheer cliffs of a deep glacial valley. It is one of the most serene and beautiful places in all Ireland and it is easy to see why the monks picked it for a place of prayer and contemplation. There are a myriad of walking trails throughout the area making it a truly invigorating place to spend the day.
Avoca Village, County Wicklow
On the Map: Nestled in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains, Avoca is reached via a network of country roads. 1 hour/ 66km south of Dublin City in eastern Ireland, Avoca is most easily accessed from the N11 road that runs parallel to Ireland's east coast.
In Avoca Village, you will find the "Meeting of the Waters" - the point at which the Avonmore and Avonbeg Rivers come together to form the Avoca River. Avoca is home to Ireland's oldest woollen mill, Avoca Handweavers, established in 1723. This family-owned craft design company began at the Old Mill where weavers produced the beautifully woven fabrics which became Avoca's hallmark. In recent years, Avoca became famous for being the setting of the popular BBC soap opera "Ballykissangel".
Overnight Location
Kilkenny, County Kilkenny
On the Map: Kilkenny City is located in County Kilkenny, in the southeast midlands of Ireland. Kilkenny is well-served by a good network of roads - the M9/N10 from Dublin (to the northeast) and N9/N10 from Waterford City (to the south).
Kilkenny, or the Marble City as it is known, is one of Ireland's oldest towns, and proud of it. Its array of ancient buildings is unrivalled. It is renowned for being a vibrant cultural center, devoted to the musical and visual arts. Its two most impressive landmarks are Kilkenny Castle, founded in 1172 and privately owned until 1967, and St. Canice's Cathedral. The current structure of the cathedral dates from the 13th century, though this is nowhere near the beginning of its story, which is rich in folklore and legend. There is no shortage of pubs to explore and enjoy in Kilkenny and during the summer the city is always full of life. The summer also sees the city host an Arts Festival and a very highly regarded Comedy Festival called the Cat Laughs.
Day 4
Accommodation
4-Star Waterside View Hotel - Sneem, County Kerry
Room Type: Double
Check in policies:
Check-in is after 2.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out is before 12.00 noon.
Must-See Sites
Muckross House and Gardens, County Kerry
On The Map: Muckross House is located just 6 kilometres south of Killarney, County Kerry, in the southwest of Ireland. From Killarney, take the N71 south for Kenmare. The only vehicle entrance is located approximately 1km beyond the Muckross Park Hotel - on the right.
Muckross House, set close to the shores of Muckross Lake & amidst the beautiful scenery of Killarney National Park, was built for Henry Arthur Herbert and his wife, the watercolourist Mary Balfour Herbert. William Burn, the well-known Scottish architect, was the designer. Building commenced in 1839 and was completed in 1843. Today the principal rooms are furnished in period style and portray the elegant lifestyle of the 19th century land-owning 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 garden works in preparation for Queen Victoria's visit in 1861. Between the months of April and July, Muckross Gardens are spectacularly adorned with the red and pink flowers of mature Rhododendrons. Other features include a Sunken Garden, Rock Garden and Stream Garden. An Arboretum, containing many trees from the Southern Hemisphere, was established in 1972. Muckross Traditional Farms are situated adjacent to Muckross House. These working farms recreate and portray the traditional farming methods, and way of life, of a typical local, rural community of the 1930s. The Walled Garden Centre incorporates the Garden Restaurant, Mucros Craft Shop and three Mucros Craft Workshops.
Killarney National Park, County Kerry
On the Map: Killarney is located in County Kerry in the southwest of Ireland. The town is reached via the N22 from Tralee/ Limerick (to the north) and the N22 from Cork City (to the southeast).
On the southwestern edge of Killarney Town lies an untamed, rugged & mountainous country. The area includes the McGillycuddy's Reeks, Ireland's highest mountain range. At the foot of these mountains nestle the world famous lakes of Killarney. Here, where the mountains sweep down to the lake shores, their lower slopes covered in woodlands, you'll discover the 26,000 acre Killarney National Park . The distinctive combination of mountains, lakes, woods and waterfalls under ever changing skies, lends the area a special scenic beauty. The Park contains many features of national and international importance such as the native oakwoods and yew woods, together with an abundance of evergreen trees and shrubs. A profusion of bryophytes and lichens thrive in the mild Killarney climate. The native red deer are unique in Ireland, with a presence in the country since the last Ice Age. At the heart of the National Park is Muckross House and Gardens. The house, a late 19th century mansion features period furnishings and artefacts and is a major visitor attraction in itself. Killarney National Park was designated as a Biosphere Reserve in 1981 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
Overnight Location
Sneem, County Kerry
On the Map: Sneem is located in County Kerry in the southwest of Ireland. Sneem is situated on the southern portion of the famous Ring of Kerry (N70) road that encircles the Iveragh Peninsula.
Sneem means 'a knot' in Irish, today referred to as "The Knot in the Ring" (of Kerry ). It's not very clear when the town was formed, but there are map references to Sneem since 1756. Today Sneem is a peaceful and romantic little village offering visitors unspoilt nature, fishing, a sheltered harbour at Oysterbed Pier and Parknasilla golf course. The town won the National Tidy Towns Award in 1987, and in 1997 the National Landscape Award.
In 2003 The Garden of the Senses was completed.
Day 5
Accommodation
4-Star Waterside View Hotel - Sneem, County Kerry
Room Type: Double
Check in policies:
Check-in is after 2.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out is before 12.00 noon.
Included Unique Activities
Kerry Coast Exploration By Boat
Sneem, County Kerry
Panoramic views of Kenmare Bay from the ocean! Experience an exhilarating RIB boat ride across the bay to experience the Kerry coastline and explore the fascinating shoreline. The speed of the boat varies from fast to slow as you move around the bay and its many islands. Watch seals in their natural habitat and even whales have been spotted on occasion.
Must-See Sites
Ring of Kerry, County Kerry
On the Map: The Ring of Kerry (Iveragh Peninsula) is in County Kerry in the southwest of Ireland. Killarney is the usual starting point for people completing the Ring, although Kenmare is another good option for this purpose. The N70 road encircles the entire peninsula.
The Ring of Kerry is one of Ireland’s most scenic touring routes. At 110 miles long, it circles the awe-inspiring Iveragh Peninsula. You’ll feel as if you have moved into nature’s mystic arena, and truly you have, as you pass between soft mountains, through forest glades, around bogs, rivers, lakes and pristine beaches. The road between the magnificent MacGillycuddy Reeks Mountains presents secret passes and valleys dotted along the fabled shores of Dingle and Kenmare Bays. Ireland’s natural beauty sings throughout the Ring of Kerry. You may wish to explore several charming villages along the route, including Glenbeigh, Waterville, and Sneem. Stroll and talk to people—this is what makes your travel experience unique. The Ring attracted Ireland’s first settlers, and has a wealth of ancient sites. A 6th century monastery, clinging to the windswept cliffs of the Skellig Islands, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Staigue Stone Fort is an Iron Age stronghold dating from 300BC. This is also an area of Ogham Stones, the first mysterious forms of writing and art, nestled along the Ring. Follow the drive to Killarney by way of the Ladies View and the legendary Lakes of Killarney and the National Park. The Ring of Kerry is the stuff of dreams and lifelong memories.
Killarney to Kenmare, County Kerry
We appreciate that your time in Ireland is precious, and you simply won't be able to do absolutely everything. Completing the 110 mile Ring of Kerry, for example, might be a stretch on this tour. We do however highly recommend that you at least drive the section from Killarney to Kenmare (or vice-versa), which forms a portion of the Ring. It's only 30 kilometres/ 30 minutes each way on a narrow, winding road, but you are scenically rewarded at almost every turn. Highlights include 'Ladies View', so named for the excitement the vista illicited from Queen Victoria's Ladies-in-Waiting, during her famous 1861 visit. There's a little cafe and plenty of spots to pull in and admire the view that so stimulated the Royal Entourage 150 years ago! A little further along the road, you'll arrive at Moll's Gap. Set high on a rocky ridge, The Gap overlooks mountains, rivers, lush countryside and the famous Lakes of Killarney, with truly breathtaking views - Carrauntoohill, Ireland's highest mountain to one side, the Gap of Dunloe to the other. There's also an Avoca Store & Cafe at The Gap, selling the finest of Irish goods and souvenirs.
Sneem, County Kerry
On the Map: Sneem is located in County Kerry in the southwest of Ireland. Sneem is situated on the southern portion of the famous Ring of Kerry (N70) road that encircles the Iveragh Peninsula.
Sneem means 'a knot' in Irish, today referred to as "The Knot in the Ring" (of Kerry ). It's not very clear when the town was formed, but there are map references to Sneem since 1756. Today Sneem is a peaceful and romantic little village offering visitors unspoilt nature, fishing, a sheltered harbour at Oysterbed Pier and Parknasilla golf course. The town won the National Tidy Towns Award in 1987, and in 1997 the National Landscape Award.
In 2003 The Garden of the Senses was completed.
Day 6
Accommodation
Countryside Castle Hotel - Birr, County Offaly
Room Type: Double
Check in policies:
Check-in time is after 3pm on your day of arrival. Check-out before 12:00 noon.
GPS Coordinates: 53.128646,-7.691803
When travelling to the Castle please take note if using a Satellite Navigation System that it will try and direct you via the Slieve Bloom Mountains. This is an extremely picturesque route but the roads are extremely winding and narrow and should be avoided in winter months.
Please contact the Hotel reception if you have any queries in relation to directions to the Castle on 00353 5791 37318 or via email at reception@kinnittycastlehotel.com.
Included Unique Activities
Birr Castle Gardens and Science Centre
Birr, County Offaly
Visiting the Birr Castle Gardens and Science Centre is pure joy. (It is still the home of a family member, the 7th Earl of Rose, so the residential parts are not open to the public.) The grounds and gardens are accessible, and you will love exploring them. The castle grounds are home to Ireland’s Historic Science Centre, a museum of Ireland’s scientists and their contributions to astronomy and botany.
Birr Castle Demesne was developed by the Parsons family over the past 400 years. During this period of time, the Parsons family made unique contributions to astronomy, photography, engineering, and botany. The Science Centre highlights these passions. Birr Castle is the oldest, inhabited home in the county. One main feature of the castle grounds is the great “Leviathan of Parsonstown.” It is an astronomical telescope with a 72-inch metal mirror and was put into place by the third Earl of Rose. Until 1917, it was the largest telescope in the world. A recently opened experience is Ireland’s largest tree house!
Enroute Sightseeing
Adare Heritage Village, County Limerick
On the Map: Adare is located just 20km southwest of Limerick City / 43km south of Shannon Airport. The main N21 road (connecting the cities of Limerick & Tralee/Killarney) passes right through the centre of the village.
Adare is a quaint picturesque place, lined with traditional thatched-roof cottages. Snuggled in a wooded and lush countryside setting, Adare is widely regarded as being Ireland's prettiest and most unique 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. Adare village has a rich wealth of heritage, as well as architectural and scenic beauty. Two groups of world famous, ornate, thatched cottages line part of the village's broad main street, punctuated with beautiful stone buildings, medieval monasteries and ruins. Situated in the centre of County Limerick, with just 15 minutes from Limerick City and 45 minutes from Shannon Airport, Adare Village is an ideal base from which to explore County Limerick's many visitor attractions such as Lough Gur and King John's Castle.
King John's Castle, County Limerick
On The Map: King John's Castle is located on King's Island in Limerick City, next to the River Shannon.
The impressive walls, towers and fortifications of King John's Castle are remarkably intact - it is one of the best preserved Norman castles in Europe. The Viking Sea-King, Thormodr Helgason, built the first permanent Viking stronghold here in 922. He used the base to raid the length of the River Shannon from Lough Derg to Lough Ree, pillaging settlements. In 943 the Vikings were defeated by the King of Munster and the Limerick Vikings were forced to pay tribute to the clans. The arrival of the Anglo-Normans to the area in 1172 changed everything. This in spite of Domhnall Mór Ó Briain taking the drastic measure of burning the city to the ground in 1174 in a bid to keep it from the new invaders! After Domhnall Mór died in 1194, the Anglo-Normans finally captured the area in 1195. The current castle, built on the orders of King John and bearing his name, was completed around 1200. Between 2011-2013 the castle underwent a massive redevelopment, including a brand new Visitor Centre, interactive exhibitions with computer generated animations, and a cafe with views over the courtyard and river.
Overnight Location
Birr, County Offaly
On The Map: Birr is located right in the middle of Ireland - 42 kilometres south of Athlone, and 20 kilometres north of Roscrea.
The Heritage town of Birr in County Offaly in the centre of Ireland is home to Birr Castle Demesne which was developed by the Parsons family over the last four hundred years. During this period, the Parsons family made unique contributions to astronomy, photography, engineering and botany. Birr Castle is the oldest inhabited home in the county. A main feature on the grounds of the castle is the great Leviathan of Parsonstown, an astronomical telescope with a 72-inch metal mirror erected by the third Earl of Rosse, which was, until 1917, the largest telescope in the world. Another recently opened feature in the grounds of Birr Castle is a firm favorite with children already - Ireland's largest tree house! Birr is a designated Irish Heritage Town with a carefully preserved Georgian heritage. Birr itself has graceful wide streets and elegant buildings. Many of the houses in John's Place and Oxmantown Mall have exquisite fanlight windows of the Georgian period. Attractions in (or near) Birr include: Angling, Birdwatching, Light Entertainment, Gardens, Golf, Horse Riding, Mountain Climbing, Outdoor Pursuits and Touring.
Day 7
Accommodation
Scenic Luxury Hotel - Maynooth, County Kildare
Room Type: Double
Check in policies:
Check-in is from 3.00pm on your arrival day. Check out is from 12.00 noon.
Included Unique Activities
Tullamore Dew Ultimate Distillery Experience
Tullamore, County Offaly
Experience a day like no other as we take you ‘behind the scenes’ of our state-of-the-art Distillery for an hour and a half tour. Explore the home of Tullamore D.E.W. from distillation to maturation while meeting some of the characters who work on-site every day. Sip an Irish coffee, feel the warm embrace of heat from the bubbling stills and inhale the rich whiskey aromas from the 50,000 oak casks that lie sleeping in our maturation warehouse. Visit Ireland’s only custom built warehouse snug and discover the art of blending before savouring three of our award winning whiskeys.
Tour duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
Must-See Sites
St. Brigid's Well and Prayer Stones, County Kildare
On the Map: St. Brigid's Well is located a few miles south of Kildare town, County Kildare, Ireland, where the location of her double monastery once stood close to the Black Abbey.
St. Brigid's Well is still a popular place of pilgrimage where healing liturgies are often held. Located at the end of a narrow country lane and not blessed with too many parking spaces, today St. Brigid's Well is a miniature park where an enclosed spring feeds a short underground stream, this in turn bursting through a gateway of stone and then winding past a bronze statue of the saint bearing a crosier, wearing a cross, and holding a flame. Visitors are encouraged to say prayers at the stations -- stones marking the underground stream.
Irish National Stud & Gardens, County Kildare
On the Map: The Irish National Stud is located in County Kildare in the eastern midlands of Ireland. The Stud is accessed at Kildare town, just off the M7 motorway, which connects Dublin to the east and Limerick to the west.
Established in 1946, the Irish National Stud combines an active role in the development and promotion of Irish bloodstock. One of the country's major tourist attractions, it is the only Stud farm in Ireland open to the public. The farm encompasses The Irish National Stud - home to some of Ireland's finest thoroughbreds, Japanese Gardens - the finest Japanese Gardens in Europe, Saint Fiachra's Garden featuring woodland and lakeside walks, and the Horse Museum - a state of the art modern exhibition where the Sport of Kings comes to life.
Tullamore, County Offaly
On The Map: Tullamore is located in County Offaly, in the midlands of Ireland. The towbn is just 10 kilometres south of the main Mg motorway linking Dublin (to the east) and Galway City (the the west).
The town of Tullamore was founded in the 1570s. In 1785 the town was seriously damaged when a hot air balloon crashed, resulting in a fire which destroyed more than 100 homes. Tullamore therefore became the location of the world's first known aviation disaster! The Grand Canal, linking Tullamore & Dublin opened in 1798, providing a major economic boost to the town. The town's most famous export is Tullamore Dew, an Irish whiskey that can be traced back to 1829. The Tullamore distillery shut in the 1950s, but its traces are still visible in the town. Tullamore Dew is now produced in Midleton, County Cork. Charleville Estate is located on the edge of the town. One of Ireland’s most splendid Gothic buildings, Charleville Castle (pictured & said to be haunted), stands in this parkland setting which contains the King Oak, one of the biggest and oldest oak trees in the country. Tullamore is an ideal base for discovering the Slieve Bloom Mountains to the south, which offer many beautiful walking and cycling trails.
Overnight Location
Maynooth, County Kildare
On the Map: Maynooth is located in County Kildare, inland from the eastern coast and approx. 30 minutes west of Dublin City. The town is just off the M4 motorway that connects the Dublin to Galway and Sligo.
County Kildare is home to the National Stud and three racecourses, at The Curragh, Naas & Punchestown. This inland county has areas of low-lying bogs on its western bountary. To the east, the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains meet its unique fertile plain, the Currage, which has 6,000 acres of grassland and; if up in the early morning, you can see beautiful throoughbred racehorses excerising. Visitors to Kildare can walk the countryside, play golf, fish, ride or cruise its waterways. One of the best ways of exploring this county is by following the canals, either walking their towpaths or cruising their waters. Away from the main roads, its a peaceful county with plenty of wild fowl, birds and animals in its river valleys, bogs, woodlands & canals.
Day 8
Depart From
Depart from Dublin Airport, County Dublin
Return to Dublin Airport at least 3 hours prior to your flight's scheduled departure. This will allow ample time to check in for your flight home.
After check-in and passenger security, browse the array of shops on offer at 'The Loop' in Dublin Airport. With an extensive range of stores, bars and cafes, any spare time you have will fly!
