MONDAY An early start as we make our way to Holyhead for the ferry crossing to Dublin. From here we make our way to the hotel for our four night stay.
TUESDAY A full day excursion to Dublin, to enjoy the many sights and sounds of Ireland’s capital. Hosting many attractions, including EPIC: The Irish Emigration Museum, Jeanie Johnston tall ship; two cathedrals, Trinity College, the Guinness Storehouse, Molly Malone’s talking statue; enjoy the buskers along Grafton Street or sip a pint of the black stuff at The Temple Bar (charges applicable for most suggestions).
WEDNESDAY After a leisurely breakfast we journey west to Clonmacnoise, to visit the ruins of the famous monastic site, plundered by Vikings at least seven times in the 9th and 10th centuries. The Vikings arrived in Clonmacnoise by river, and we next enjoy a River Shannon cruise in a vessel replicating a traditional Viking Knarr. Commentary is provided along the way, and our journey ends in Athlone, a bustling town at the heart of Ireland’s hidden heartlands, where we enjoy time at leisure. Look out for Sean’s Bar, reputed to be the oldest in Ireland!
THURSDAY In a change to the original itinerary, this morning we visit Strokestown Park House, Gardens & National Famine Museum to discover the intimate and intriguing links between dramatically different Irish lives. Enjoy the grandeur of the big house, discover the parallel lives of landlord and tenants at the National Famine Museum, and wander through the estate, discovering charming walled gardens, and its wilder woodlands, where exotic and rare plants, historic architectural gems, heritage roses, and fernery are just some of the features that delight garden-lovers and amblers alike. In the afternoon we travel to Kilbeggan Distillery, Ireland's oldest continuously licensed distillery, with a story dating back to 1757. Here we enjoy a fully immersive tour and a “masterclass” whiskey tasting in the old Cooperage to round off the visit.
FRIDAY We depart the hotel and head to the ferry port at Dublin and board a morning crossing to Holyhead. From here we continue homeward.
Since going to print Tuesday & Thursday have been swapped around. The above itinerary has been changed.