17 days ~ from $4,075 + airfare
Optional Single Supplement $845
Meath~Wicklow~Cashel~Kinsale~Kerry~Midlands~Cong~The Burren~Ennis~Dublin
Optional Single Supplement $845
Meath~Wicklow~Cashel~Kinsale~Kerry~Midlands~Cong~The Burren~Ennis~Dublin
We begin in Ancient Meath,
where we pass into megalithic Ireland through Brú na Bóinne, the Hill of Tara and Dowth Henge. Then we’re off to meander the Irish countryside, where we'll explore passage tombs, dolmens, ring forts, tower houses, manor houses, high crosses, monastic sites and more atmospheric cities and towns than you can drink a pint to, all set against Ireland’s beautiful and dramatic landscape. On the way we'll visit Powerscourt Waterfall, Glendalough, Cashel, Kinsale, Killarney, Adare, Clonmacnoise, Kilbeggan, Mullingar, Cruachan, Ceide Fields, Cong, the Burren, the Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty Castle, and the Bog of Allen before ending in Dublin, Ireland's vibrant capital. Highlights include the Ring of Kerry, a 3-night stay in a medieval tower house, and (the reason for our meandering path) sunrise illuminating Cairn T at Loughcrew Megalithic Centre on the Vernal equinox.
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2016 Dates & Prices
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Itinerary
Day 1: Fáilte ~ Welcome!
Meet your guide and fellow Adventurers at the Dublin Airport , where we’ll depart for County Meath. After checking into our lodging for the evening, we’re off to the Hill of Tara, Ireland’s ancient capital, then the “passage” tomb and henge of Dowth. After dinner in Drogheda, we’ll turn in early to sleep off our jet lag. Sleep in Donore (1 night). Travel: 2 hrs. Walking: medium.
Day 2: Newgrange to Cashel
Today we start the morning at Brú na Bóinne, the megalithic “passage” tombs of Newgrange and Knowth that predate the pyramids at Giza. Then we’re off to Wicklow, “the Garden of Ireland,” where we’ll visit Powerscourt Waterfall (Ireland’s tallest), the monastic settlement at Glendalough with its majestic round tower, the Moone High Cross and Brownshill Dolmen, with the largest capstone of any in Europe. We’ll then head to Cashel, Munster’s ancient capital, where we’ll share dinner! Sleep in Cashel (2 nights). Travel: 5 hrs. Walking: medium.
Day 3: Cashel
We begin today with a walking tour of Cashel, then turn to the stunning Rock of Cashel which dominates the town, after which you’ll have a free afternoon to explore the town before meeting up for a group dinner and traditional entertainment at the Brú Boru cultural center. Travel: none. Walking: medium.
Day 4: Cashel to Kinsale
After breakfast, head south to Kinsale, Ireland’s oldest town and gastronomical capital, starting with a walking tour followed by a visit to Charles Fort and Desmond Castle. Take the rest of the afternoon to explore the town, or take an option trip across the River Lee to the port city of Cobh, famous not only as a center for Irish emigration, but for two famous ships that met tragic ends: the Lusitania, which was torpedoed by a German U-boat in World War I, and the Titanic, which made its final port of call here. Sleep in Kinsale (1 night). Travel: 2 hrs. (+ 1½ hrs. optional) Walking: light.
Day 5: Kinsale to Killarney
Following breakfast we’ll follow the southern coast to west Cork, stopping to view Drombeg Stone Circle, Ireland’s most famous, then on to Bantry House, demesne of the White family since the 18th century, before moving on to secluded and atmospheric Gleninchaquin, with Uragh stone circle and a 140 metre waterfall, and finally Kenmare Stone Circle on the way to Killarney, where we will share dinner and the days experiences. Sleep in Killarney (3 nights). Travel: 4½ hrs. Walking: light.
Day 6: Killarney
We start our free day in Killarney with a hop-on-hop-off bus tour out the town and the main attraction sof Killarney National Park. Spend the rest of the day investigating the castle, cathedral and round tower at Aghadoe, 15th century Ross Castle on the lakeshore, 18th century Muckross House and Gardens, or Torc Waterfall, or arrange for a jaunting cart tour through the Gap of Dunloe and MacGillycuddy's Reeks. Travel: none. Walking: light.
Day 7: Ring of Kerry
Today we tackle the famed Ring of Kerry. We start by heading west from Killarney toward Glenbeigh, site of the Kerry Bog Village, then on to Cahersiveen Heritage Centre and Cahergall Stone Fort. Just across the bridge from Portmagee on Valentia Island is the Skellig Michael Experience Visitor Centre displaying the history, archaeology and ecology of the early Christian monastery on Skellig Michael. Heading past Waterville, we stop at majestic Staigue Stone Fort before heading north through Moll’s Gap and beautiful Killarney National Park back to Killarney. Travel: 4 hrs. Walking: light.
Day 8: Killarney to Mullingar
We say “Slán” to Kerry the Kingdom today and head towards Ireland’s Midlands, stopping in picture-perfect Adare Village, with its castle and thatched-roof cottages, Clonmacnoise Monastery, a monastic settlement renowned for its high crosses, and Kilbeggan Distillery, the oldest licensed distillery in Ireland. We then continue on for a well-deserved dinner and rest in Mullingar. Sleep in Mullingar (2 nights). Travel: 4½ hrs. Walking: light.
Day 9: The Midlands
Today is why we’ve made a detour back to the Midlands: for those adventurous enough, we will travel before dawn to Loughcrew Megalithic Centre to watch the light of the rising sun illuminate the interior of Cairn T, a phenomenon that only occurs on the days of the Vernal and Autumnal Equinoxes. After breakfast we’re off to explore the Midlands – Ireland’s ancient heartland, including Belvedere House, the Hill of Uisneach, a return to Loughcrew Megalithic Centre for a daytime tour, and Fore Abbey and before returning to Mullingar. Travel: 2½ hrs. Walking: medium.
Day 10: Mullingar to Cong
We continue our exploration of Ireland’s megalithic past today, beginning at Cruachan Ai Heritage Centre, the ancient capital of Connacht and seat of legendary Queen Maeve from the Táin Bó Cúailnge, then to Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery, legendary site of Queen Maeve’s grave. From the mythic, we turn to the prosaic at Céide Fields, the most extensive Stone Age monument in the world, consisting of field systems, dwelling areas and megalithic tombs almost 6,000 years old, all buried beneath bogland. We then turn south to Cong for the night. Sleep in Cong (1 night). Travel: 5 hrs. Walking: medium.
Day 11: “The Quiet Man”
Today we walk in the Duke’s footsteps by celebrating all-things “Quiet Man.” We’ll enjoy a walking tour of Cong and then visit the Ouiet Man Museum. Afterward, we’ll jump into the minibus to visit other filming locations including Maam Cross and the Quiet Man Bridge, as well as local megalithic and historical sites including Glebe Stone Circle and Aughnanure Castle. We end our day travelling to our accommodation at Ballyportry Castle in the Burren, where dinner will be waiting for us. Sleep in Corofin (3 nights). Travel: 2½ hrs. Walking: medium.
Day 12: The Burren
This morning we awake in the weird and alien landscape of the Burren. We’ll begin at the Burren Centre in Kilfenora, known as the “City of the Crosses” for the seven high crosses produced there, then see the world-renown Cliffs of Moher, where you can stand some 700 feet above the turbulent Atlantic. Next we visit Ailwee Cave and Birds of Prey Centre, then head down the road to iconic Poulnabrone Dolmen, before stopping at Caherconnell Ringfort before heading to Doolin for dinner and a seisiún (live trad music). Travel: 2 hrs. Walking: medium.
Day 13: The Shannon
We start the morning with a walking tour of Ennis, then head east to sprawling Quin Abbey, then on to the Craggaunowen Project, a living experience of Ireland’s ancient past, and finally on to legendary Bunratty Castle and neighboring landmark pub, Durty Nelly’s. Explore Bunratty Castle & Folk Park before we enjoy a Traditional Irish Night dinner at the castle. Travel: 1½ hrs. Walking: medium.
Day 14: Clare to Dublin
Today we board the minibus for the Rocky Road to Dublin, stopping along the way at King John’s Castle, associated with the villain of Robin Hood fame, then on to the Lough Gur Heritage Centre to experience the region’s megalithic past, and the Bog of Allen Nature Centre getting to know turf – long Ireland’s primary fuel source – even better. Finally we arrive in Dublin, sharing dinner and a brief orientation walk. Sleep in Dublin (3 nights). Travel: 4 hrs. Walking: medium.
Days 15 & 16: Dublin
We get to know Dublin better, beginning with a hop-on-hop-off bus tour. Enjoy free admission to 33 of Dublin’s most popular attractions, plus discounts and exclusive offers on 20 more. Our final night, we’ll enjoy the craic – Irish for fun times – at the Irish House Party. Travel: none. Walking: medium.
Day 17: Slán Go Foill ~ Tour Over After Breakfast
Breakfast is provided, but there are no group activities today. You can fly out of nearby Dublin International Airport, take the ferry to Wales, England or the Isle of Man, or take a bus into Dublin – or beyond. Your guide will help you with any post-tour planning. Míle buíochas agus slán go foill ~ a thousand thanks for joining us and we hope to see you again soon!
Meet your guide and fellow Adventurers at the Dublin Airport , where we’ll depart for County Meath. After checking into our lodging for the evening, we’re off to the Hill of Tara, Ireland’s ancient capital, then the “passage” tomb and henge of Dowth. After dinner in Drogheda, we’ll turn in early to sleep off our jet lag. Sleep in Donore (1 night). Travel: 2 hrs. Walking: medium.
Day 2: Newgrange to Cashel
Today we start the morning at Brú na Bóinne, the megalithic “passage” tombs of Newgrange and Knowth that predate the pyramids at Giza. Then we’re off to Wicklow, “the Garden of Ireland,” where we’ll visit Powerscourt Waterfall (Ireland’s tallest), the monastic settlement at Glendalough with its majestic round tower, the Moone High Cross and Brownshill Dolmen, with the largest capstone of any in Europe. We’ll then head to Cashel, Munster’s ancient capital, where we’ll share dinner! Sleep in Cashel (2 nights). Travel: 5 hrs. Walking: medium.
Day 3: Cashel
We begin today with a walking tour of Cashel, then turn to the stunning Rock of Cashel which dominates the town, after which you’ll have a free afternoon to explore the town before meeting up for a group dinner and traditional entertainment at the Brú Boru cultural center. Travel: none. Walking: medium.
Day 4: Cashel to Kinsale
After breakfast, head south to Kinsale, Ireland’s oldest town and gastronomical capital, starting with a walking tour followed by a visit to Charles Fort and Desmond Castle. Take the rest of the afternoon to explore the town, or take an option trip across the River Lee to the port city of Cobh, famous not only as a center for Irish emigration, but for two famous ships that met tragic ends: the Lusitania, which was torpedoed by a German U-boat in World War I, and the Titanic, which made its final port of call here. Sleep in Kinsale (1 night). Travel: 2 hrs. (+ 1½ hrs. optional) Walking: light.
Day 5: Kinsale to Killarney
Following breakfast we’ll follow the southern coast to west Cork, stopping to view Drombeg Stone Circle, Ireland’s most famous, then on to Bantry House, demesne of the White family since the 18th century, before moving on to secluded and atmospheric Gleninchaquin, with Uragh stone circle and a 140 metre waterfall, and finally Kenmare Stone Circle on the way to Killarney, where we will share dinner and the days experiences. Sleep in Killarney (3 nights). Travel: 4½ hrs. Walking: light.
Day 6: Killarney
We start our free day in Killarney with a hop-on-hop-off bus tour out the town and the main attraction sof Killarney National Park. Spend the rest of the day investigating the castle, cathedral and round tower at Aghadoe, 15th century Ross Castle on the lakeshore, 18th century Muckross House and Gardens, or Torc Waterfall, or arrange for a jaunting cart tour through the Gap of Dunloe and MacGillycuddy's Reeks. Travel: none. Walking: light.
Day 7: Ring of Kerry
Today we tackle the famed Ring of Kerry. We start by heading west from Killarney toward Glenbeigh, site of the Kerry Bog Village, then on to Cahersiveen Heritage Centre and Cahergall Stone Fort. Just across the bridge from Portmagee on Valentia Island is the Skellig Michael Experience Visitor Centre displaying the history, archaeology and ecology of the early Christian monastery on Skellig Michael. Heading past Waterville, we stop at majestic Staigue Stone Fort before heading north through Moll’s Gap and beautiful Killarney National Park back to Killarney. Travel: 4 hrs. Walking: light.
Day 8: Killarney to Mullingar
We say “Slán” to Kerry the Kingdom today and head towards Ireland’s Midlands, stopping in picture-perfect Adare Village, with its castle and thatched-roof cottages, Clonmacnoise Monastery, a monastic settlement renowned for its high crosses, and Kilbeggan Distillery, the oldest licensed distillery in Ireland. We then continue on for a well-deserved dinner and rest in Mullingar. Sleep in Mullingar (2 nights). Travel: 4½ hrs. Walking: light.
Day 9: The Midlands
Today is why we’ve made a detour back to the Midlands: for those adventurous enough, we will travel before dawn to Loughcrew Megalithic Centre to watch the light of the rising sun illuminate the interior of Cairn T, a phenomenon that only occurs on the days of the Vernal and Autumnal Equinoxes. After breakfast we’re off to explore the Midlands – Ireland’s ancient heartland, including Belvedere House, the Hill of Uisneach, a return to Loughcrew Megalithic Centre for a daytime tour, and Fore Abbey and before returning to Mullingar. Travel: 2½ hrs. Walking: medium.
Day 10: Mullingar to Cong
We continue our exploration of Ireland’s megalithic past today, beginning at Cruachan Ai Heritage Centre, the ancient capital of Connacht and seat of legendary Queen Maeve from the Táin Bó Cúailnge, then to Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery, legendary site of Queen Maeve’s grave. From the mythic, we turn to the prosaic at Céide Fields, the most extensive Stone Age monument in the world, consisting of field systems, dwelling areas and megalithic tombs almost 6,000 years old, all buried beneath bogland. We then turn south to Cong for the night. Sleep in Cong (1 night). Travel: 5 hrs. Walking: medium.
Day 11: “The Quiet Man”
Today we walk in the Duke’s footsteps by celebrating all-things “Quiet Man.” We’ll enjoy a walking tour of Cong and then visit the Ouiet Man Museum. Afterward, we’ll jump into the minibus to visit other filming locations including Maam Cross and the Quiet Man Bridge, as well as local megalithic and historical sites including Glebe Stone Circle and Aughnanure Castle. We end our day travelling to our accommodation at Ballyportry Castle in the Burren, where dinner will be waiting for us. Sleep in Corofin (3 nights). Travel: 2½ hrs. Walking: medium.
Day 12: The Burren
This morning we awake in the weird and alien landscape of the Burren. We’ll begin at the Burren Centre in Kilfenora, known as the “City of the Crosses” for the seven high crosses produced there, then see the world-renown Cliffs of Moher, where you can stand some 700 feet above the turbulent Atlantic. Next we visit Ailwee Cave and Birds of Prey Centre, then head down the road to iconic Poulnabrone Dolmen, before stopping at Caherconnell Ringfort before heading to Doolin for dinner and a seisiún (live trad music). Travel: 2 hrs. Walking: medium.
Day 13: The Shannon
We start the morning with a walking tour of Ennis, then head east to sprawling Quin Abbey, then on to the Craggaunowen Project, a living experience of Ireland’s ancient past, and finally on to legendary Bunratty Castle and neighboring landmark pub, Durty Nelly’s. Explore Bunratty Castle & Folk Park before we enjoy a Traditional Irish Night dinner at the castle. Travel: 1½ hrs. Walking: medium.
Day 14: Clare to Dublin
Today we board the minibus for the Rocky Road to Dublin, stopping along the way at King John’s Castle, associated with the villain of Robin Hood fame, then on to the Lough Gur Heritage Centre to experience the region’s megalithic past, and the Bog of Allen Nature Centre getting to know turf – long Ireland’s primary fuel source – even better. Finally we arrive in Dublin, sharing dinner and a brief orientation walk. Sleep in Dublin (3 nights). Travel: 4 hrs. Walking: medium.
Days 15 & 16: Dublin
We get to know Dublin better, beginning with a hop-on-hop-off bus tour. Enjoy free admission to 33 of Dublin’s most popular attractions, plus discounts and exclusive offers on 20 more. Our final night, we’ll enjoy the craic – Irish for fun times – at the Irish House Party. Travel: none. Walking: medium.
Day 17: Slán Go Foill ~ Tour Over After Breakfast
Breakfast is provided, but there are no group activities today. You can fly out of nearby Dublin International Airport, take the ferry to Wales, England or the Isle of Man, or take a bus into Dublin – or beyond. Your guide will help you with any post-tour planning. Míle buíochas agus slán go foill ~ a thousand thanks for joining us and we hope to see you again soon!