Treasures of Ireland | Small Group Tour

Upon arrival in Dublin, the capital of Ireland, we will arrive individually to the Camden Court Hotel and meet for an introductory meeting and a welcome dinner. (D)

During the next 2 days we will enjoy guided tours of the city of poets, playwrights, and brewing. First we will head to Trinity College, established by Queen Elizabeth I in 1592, where we will meet with a graduate for a tour of the grounds and explanation of the universities history . Here we will also view the ancient Book of Kells, one of Ireland’s most treasured works. The book has been dated to around the 9th century, and though it details the four Gospels in Latin text with elaborate detailing, the ink with which it was written has been traced to northern Afghanistan, offering an intriguing insight into the globalism of the medieval era. In the afternoon we are treated to an expert-led literary walking tour of Tara, site of the High Kings of Ireland. After dinner, we will have a lecture on the history of the country at the hotel. (B,D)

After breakfast, we will enjoy a guided tour of Dublin. Highlights include St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Dublin Castle. After some free time for lunch, we will take a literary walking tour of the city, then enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Depending on availability, there may be a chance to see a performance at the Abbey Theater at your own expense. (B,D)

Today we will drive south to County Wicklow to visit Powerscourt House and Demesne (domain) at Enniskerry. Where Powerscourt House stands today there was once a 13th century medieval castle, owned by the Le Power Family from which "Powerscourt" takes its name. Powerful Irish families including the O'Tooles and the Fitzgeralds battled for possession of the castle and its lands over the succeeding centuries. Powerscourt remains the archetypical example of the "Big House" of Ireland. The Palladian-style manor overlooks immense terraced gardens which are also in the Italianate style. The estate now belongs to the Slazenger family of tennis racquet fame. Light lunch is included today. Our excursion continues to Glendalough, or the "Glen of Two Lakes." Founded in the 7th century AD by St. Kevin, this site is regarded as one of the most important monastic sites in Ireland. The evening is at leisure to explore the local fare. (B,L)

En route to Cork in County Kerry, we visit the famous Rock of Cashel - an outcrop of limestone dominated by a group of buildings; the 12th century round tower, a Romanesque chapel, the 13th century cathedral, the 15th century castle and a restored Hall of Vicars Choral. We then continue to Blarney Castle in County Cork where we can (should you wish!) kiss the world-renowned Blarney Stone at the top of the Castle. Tradition dictates that the gift of eloquence will be bestowed on all those who kiss the Stone! Dinner tonight is at our hotel. (B,D)

Accompanied by a local guide and storyteller, we depart on an excursion around the Ring of Kerry, often considered the world's single most picturesque drive. Running through an area of outstanding natural beauty, the circuit takes in the towns of Killorglin, Glenbeigh, Cahersiveen, Waterville, Caherdaniel and Sneem. We return to the hotel for an early dinner before attending a performance of Celtic Steps, a spectacular evening of Irish song and dance, at the Killarney Racecourse. (B,D)

Today we continue our journey to the picturesque town of Dingle and the Dingle Peninsula, exploring the area's rich archaeological heritage and unique culture, including the beehive huts, Celtic 'Ringforts' which have stood for over 4,00 years, and the tiny Gallarus Oratory. In Dunquin (Dun Chaoin) we stop for free time and a visit to the Blasket Centre where we discover the history, culture, language and unique literary achievements of the island writers. We return to the hotel for dinner. (B,D)

En route to County Galway we experience a guided visit to Bunratty Castle followed by free time for lunch and exploration of the Castle's Folk Park to learn to learn about rural life in Ireland during the last century. Our transfer continues via The Burren, a vast limestone plateau featuring the "Poulnabrone Dolmen" and the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland's West Coast's most dramatic landforms. Dinner is included tonight in the hotel. (B,D)

Early morning we will transfer to Rossaveal for our ferry to Inis Mor, the largest of the Aran Islands, to enjoy an overnight stay. A local hisatorian will welcome us to this unique place – a remnant of authentic Gaelic civilisation, where Christian ruins stand side by side with remarkable Pagan relics, and where the Irish language and Irish traditions live on in daily life. The afternoon and evening is free to explore at leisure. (B)

After breakfast we meet our local guide and tour Inishmore, as well as exploring the spectacular Bronze Age promontory fort of Dun Aengus. The afternoon is at leisure and dinner will be at the a local pub this evening. (B,D)

After breakfast, we return to the mainland. On arrival we make our way to Galway. On our way we stop to we visit Kylemore Abbey and its delightful, extensive gardens where lunch is included. Nestled on the lake shore in the heart of the Connemara Mountains, and originally built in 1867 as a romantic gift, Kylemore Abbey is regarded as one of Ireland's most romantic buildings. We then continue travelling to Connemara National Park. A broad peninsula between Killary Harbour and Kilkieran Bay in the west of County Galway, Connemara has long been regarded as the real emerald of Ireland. Connemara National Park covers some 2,957 hectares of scenic mountains, expanses of bogs, heaths, grasslands and woodlands. Much of the present National Park lands formed part of the Kylemore Abbey Estate and the Letterfrack Industrial School, the remainder having been owned by private individuals. The southern part of the Park was at one time owned by Richard (Humanity Dick) Martin who helped to form the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals during the early 19th century. (B,L)

We begin our day with an expert led walk of Galway city during which we will see Galway Cathedral, the Spanish Arch and part of the original city wall. Later, there will be free time for lunch and to explore Galway city in the afternoon. Dinner this evening will be at the hotel (B,D)

We depart for County Donegal, undoubtedly one of Ireland's most untouched and ruggedly beautiful counties. Donegal's striking landscape has remained relatively unaffected by the passage of time. In Sligo, we will be joined by a local expert, for a lecture at the Yeats Society in Sligo. We continue our journey to Drumcliffe, the final resting place of the famed Irish poet, WB Yeats, under the majestic mountain of Ben Bulben. We arrive in Donegal late afternoon. (B)

Today, we enjoy a heritage walk of Donegal town and a guided visit of the 15th century Donegal Castle. We also visit Magee Tweed where we witness a weaving demonstration. We then travel to Slieve League, home to the tallest sea cliffs in Europe and then drive back to our hotel via the spectacular Glengesh Pass. (B)

We transfer to Derry and enjoy an expertly-led historical guided walking tour of Derry's walls. There will be some free time for our own exploration this afternoon. Derry-Londonderry made history in July 2010 when it was awarded the inaugural UK City of Culture designation for 2013. The journey towards City of Culture is both compelling and ambitious and will help unlock creativity and generate new connections to shape the new story of our city's vibrant future. The City has been rapidly developing its tourism offer and its exceptional assets include the most complete walled city in Europe, its peace making history and the lively youth culture make it a “cultural powerhouse.” (B)

En route to Belfast via the North Coast, we will visit the famous Bushmills Whisky Distillery, the world’s oldest licensed whisky distillery and then continue on to the spectacular formations of the Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site. A natural amphitheatre made up of hexagonal shaped basalt rocks. Our final destination is Belfast where we will stay for the final 2 nights. (B)

After breakfast we enjoy a lecture from a local expert followed by some free time. In the afternoon we depart for our Black Taxi tour of Belfast, visiting the colourful and evocative murals of West Belfast. It has been said that a city can be defined by its taxi drivers and nowhere is this truer than in Belfast. We visit the Titanic Quarter of Belfast & the Titanic Experience Exhibition. We will enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Our tour will conclude today after breakfast. (B)