Ireland highlights

The classic guided walking tour of Dublin (using taxis when required) – Customised for you

On your guided walking tour of Dublin discover the origins, history, music scene and fascinating tales of this thriving and energetic city.  

Have you been intrigued by TV and Movies about The Vikings? You may have picked up how widespread their settlements were, from North America to the Mediterranean, Ireland, and Dublin. From the late 12th century, Dublin became an Anglo-Norman trading port. The city has suffered many plagues, war, suppression, and unemployment, resulting in large-scale emigration. The Irish have returned to their beloved capital in large numbers now that prosperity has returned. Dublin is now bursting with life and ambition.  

On your tour Of this city of famous writers, see Oscar Wilde's birthplace and pass the National Gallery, supported by royalties from "Pygmalion," George Bernard Shaw's celebrated play. Head for the ancient city centre, where the Vikings first settled over 1,000 years ago, now with gracious public buildings and lively shopping areas.

Tour Dublin Castle, a symbol of English and British rule for seven centuries, now government offices. There are fascinating towers, apartments and chapels of every architectural period and style. Visit Trinity College's Old Library to view the 8th-century Book of Kells. The symbolism within the pages and the beautiful illustrations make it a world-famous book, the historical value is priceless.

We can tailor your tour to include architectural aspects of the city, art galleries, the National Museum of Ireland, the Guinness factory tour, and Christ Church Cathedral. 

Overnight: Dublin - No 1. Recommended Hotel: The Merrion.
Overnight: Dublin - No 2. Recommended Hotel: The Westin Dublin.

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The gardens at Powerscourt are the finest in Ireland; admired for the architectural aspects, planting scheme and dramatic setting at the base of Great Sugar Loaf Mountain. Make your way through a world-class collection of conifers and take a mini hike to see Ireland's highest waterfall at 121 metres, situated in a delightful location at the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains. The gardens themselves are full of cascades, fountains, Italianate terraces, ponds and caves. 

Stop at the Wicklow Mountains and take in the sheer beauty of Ireland's heather-clad hills - it is hard to believe you are only an hour from the Dublin city limits. 

Visit Glendalough, also known as 'the valley of two lakes', one of Ireland's most atmospheric monastic sites, dating from the 6th century. Enjoy a walk on the banks of the lake and see the St Kevin monastery ruins. There is a fine example of a Round Tower, a place of refuge in times of attack, these distinctive protective turret-like structures have an ingenious series of levels accessible only by ladder, allowing a defender to remove a ladder after climbing to the top.  See the cathedral and the Priests' House, which are all part of the Glendalough experience – there is an excellent visitors centre with the story of the site represented.

Overnight: Wicklow Mountains - Recommended Hotel: Powerscourt Resort and Spa. 
Overnight: Kilkenny - Recommended Hotel: Mount Juliet Estate. 

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Kilkenny is a historic town in southeast Ireland. This compact City becomes prominent in the middle ages and capital of Ireland. Any self-respecting settlement of the 12th Century has a castle, Kilkenny has a mighty edifice at its centre. Kilkenny Castle has been continuously lived in from the late 12th Century into the 1930's – taking care of such a large building became prohibitively expensive and the Castle's owners are now the town and can be visited. 

All old European capitals have important religious sites, Kilkenny has some particularly well-preserved examples, including imposing St. Canice's Cathedral and the Black Abbey Dominican priory, both originated during the 13th Century. 

The City is also crafts hub, with shops along its winding lanes selling pottery, paintings and jewellery. The City hosts Ireland's largest arts festival during August; we can carefully build this event into your itinerary if your dates match up. There is a local brewery too, for those who enjoy trying traditional local ales, tour and taste at the Smithwick's brewery.

Ireland's oldest City, Waterford, founded by the Vikings in 914AD, the location chosen is ideal for a trading port. The prime situation on River Suir secured Waterford's economic future. From the 18th Century excellent flint glass is produced, the business started in 1783 by the Penrose family. A stop at the Waterford Crystal factory is a must, why not join one of the factory tours, and see the world's largest display of Waterford Crystal.

Overnight: Kilkenny - Recommended Hotel: Mount Juliet Estate. 

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Visit Blarney Castle, a six hundred years Tower House Castle; Blarney is a romantic ruin, surrounded by stunning gardens; it is now one of Ireland's most significant landmarks.  See the Blarney Stone found at the top of the tower, with its legendary magical powers. Kissing the Blarney stone is an old tradition and could date from the time of the crusades. Once kissed, the Blarney Stone, a gift of eloquence and persuasiveness, is bestowed on the kisser. 

The River Lee surrounds Cork, as the river splits it almost circumnavigates the town centre, creating the feeling of being on an island. The name Cork derives from the old Gaelic, which means marshy place. The origins of the settlement are old; St Finbarr founded a monastery here in the 7th Century. Cork is Ireland's second City, with a large student population; therefore, the City has a reputation of rebelliousness, much of that spirit reflected in the arts and music scene. 

Many of today's narrow back streets were waterways lined with warehouses and wealthy merchants houses; pubs, restaurants, and cafes now cram these modern streets. This district is the best food lovers scene in Ireland.

Cobh is a charming waterfront town on a glittering estuary, dotted with brightly coloured houses and overlooked by a splendid cathedral. Millions of families left for a better life during the famine years through the port. The Titanic made a port of call here before charging off across the Atlantic and sinking with significant loss of life - a poignant museum commemorates the fatal voyage's point of departure.

Overnight: Cork - Recommended Hotel: Hayfield Manor. 

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Take in the very best of this magical landscape in a unique and unforgettable drive through the gems of the Killarney National Park, the lake district of Ireland.

Stop by Muckross House, a Victorian mansion with Elizabethan style interior. Visit the basement of the property to see how the servants carried out their daily tasks.  Since the early 20th Century, the three working farms on-site still traditional methods. Your driver-guide, will if required to take you to the wildlife centre for an introduction to flora and fauna of the National Park.

Overnight: Near Limerick - Recommended Hotel: Adare Manor.

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Meet your driver-guide and head southeast to Tipperary, the drive is not as long as you may think.

Tour the Rock of Cashel - All Rocky high points in the past were valued, easier to defend, and impossible to undermine, and any building would stand proud and be a symbol of power. The message from this ancient site is clear: prime real estate for Irish rulers. It was a Royal stronghold of the Kings of Munster, masters of southern Ireland, handed to the church in the 12th century. It became a flourishing religious centre until a siege by a Cromwellian army in 1647. Much of the complex survives and is an enchanting place to tour. Cormac's Chapel is of particular interest. The interior carvings of mythical beasts are terrific to see and learn their meaning. This Romanesque wonder is a must-see site.

Fly home from Dublin airport - or stay another night in Dublin or the countryside.