Travel Detail

This morning wevisit Trinity College & Book of Kells. Trinity was founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth 1st on grounds confiscated from an Augustinian priory and is the oldest university in Ireland. The Campanile, erected in 1852, was built on what is believed to be the centre of the monastery. Built to further the education of the ruling Anglo-Irish families, restrictions were imposed to prevent Catholics from attending courses. These restrictions were not fully lifted until the 1970’s. Trinity however admitted women in 1902, earlier than most British universities. Most of the main buildings off the main square were built during the Georgian period, some of which replaced older buildings. Within its walls, visitors will be able to admire Parliament Square and its 18th Century edifices. Trinity College has had many famous students such as Jonathan Swift and Samuel Beckett who later became a lecturer in French at the university. The inter-denominational Church is very much worth a visit.

We the visit the Guinness Storehouse; The Guinness Brewery in Dublin is Europe's largest stout producing brewery and home to the Guinness Storehouse. Opened in 1904, the Storehouse was an operational plant for fermenting and storing Guinness. Today it houses a very fine exhibition dedicated to the Guinness story. Visitors will discover what goes into the making a pint of Guinness - the ingredients, the brewing process, the time, the craft and the passion. The exhibition shows how the brew has been marketed and how it is today sold in over 150 countries. Once the tour has finished, the guest is invited to the Gravity Bar to enjoy their pint of Guinness. Regular demonstrations on the art of pulling a pint of Guinness also take place in the Storehouse. Launched on the fifth floor in 2011, “Five” at Guinness Storehouse, includes a small replica authentic Irish Bar, an 18th Century inspired Brewers Dining Hall, and a restaurant named Gilroy’s where you can enjoy a Guinness gastronomical experience driven entirely by the Irish tradition of wholesome local produce. Menus include local foods such as Ardsallagh goat’s cheese, Irish mussels from Carlingford and the Waterford Blaas bread supplied by MD Bakery in Waterford (not included). This area will host from time to time live cooking demonstrations using Guinness in the recipe and it includes an interactive recipe sharing bank that allows you to take Guinness recipe cards home.

Camden Court Hotel boasts an envious location in the heart of Dublin's City Centre. We are walking distance from some of the city's top landmarks such as Trinity College, St Stephen's Green and the National Concert Hall. Our Dublin City Centre 4 Star hotel offers an array of complimentary extras such as access to our Leisure Centre and high speed Wi-Fi. Our Leisure Centre has a 16 metre swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and fully equipped gym. Our modern city centre hotel accommodation offers 251 spacious and well-appointed guest bedrooms that include; twin, triple, double and family rooms. These fresh and contemporary bedrooms include high standard amenities and the addition of flat screen Smart TV's, in-room safety deposit boxes and en-suite with Orla Kiely toiletries. Whatever your requirement, Camden Court Hotel in Dublin is ideal for both business and pleasure.

Today, depart for the South of Ireland ! On the way we visit the famous Rock of Cashel, possibly the most photographed site in Ireland. Towering over the town of Cashel from its perch on a 200-foot high outcrop of limestone, the Rock of Cashel was once the seat of the Kings of Munster. St. Patrick visited the rock in 450, while Brian Boru was crowned the 1st high King of Ireland here in the tenth century. Granted to the church in the twelfth century, by the O'Brien clan, the Rock became the seat of the archbishop of Cashel. It was during this period that Cormac's Chapel was built. In 1647 Cromwellian forces under the leadership of Lord Inchiquin ransacked the Rock.

Our journey continues, as we make our way to Cork City and enjoy a panoramic tour. Cork is second on the list of Ireland’s biggest cities, Dublin- the capital being the largest. From modern and trendy coffee bars to traditional snug pubs with live-music sessions, and restaurants dishing up top-quality local produce, Cork city has a buzzing atmosphere and something for all tastes.

Cork has always been an important seaport, and evidence of this can still be seen throughout the city. The river flows through Cork city in two main channels, so the north & south of the city are accessible via various bridges that connect the city. The main streets are built over channels & large gateways can be spotted at street level, with under steps leading to a higher main door. These were once boathouses, when merchants arrived at their warehouses by water.

This evening, enjoy a unique dinner experience in Cork City ! Hysterical Histories is a laugh-out-loud until your belly aches comedic theatre experience like nothing else in Ireland! Enjoy food and drinks local to Cork over a 2-hour dinner performance, delivered by professional actors, celebrating everything Cork. Learn of Cork’s 1500-year history, its characters, their habits, humour and language. Included is a 2-course meal.

Set on a picturesque bend in the river, just a short walk from Cork city centre, The River Lee hotel occupies a unique position in this charming historic city. Ireland's 'second city' is a lively cultural hub with an opera house, independent art galleries, museums and theatres, vibrant nightlife and a growing craft beer scene and hosts several festivals throughout the year - notably culinary, music and film. Additionally, it boasts a thriving foodie scene centred on the famous English Market and is ideally placed for visits to kiss the legendary Blarney Stone, the historic fishing town of Kinsale and the rest of Ireland's ruggedly beautiful southern coastline. The River Lee hotel is one of Cork's leading business and social destinations. All aspects of Cork local life are played out here, from business events and family celebrations, to glamorous get-togethers in the hotel's highly popular The River Club Bar, Terrace & The Grill Room, the perfect place to eat, drink and be social. Resident guests also have complimentary access to the hotel's in-house health and fitness club with a 20m swimming pool.

We depart Cork, and travel through the coast West of Cork to reach county Kerry in the evening. You will pass by Kinsale, Bantry & Kenmare as we make our way.

The charming harbour town of Kinsale is considered one of the oldest and most picturesque towns in Ireland. Originally a medieval fishing port, Kinsale is a popular hotspot for those interested in history and beautiful coastal scenery, that can be enjoyed at any pace. From the town, you will notice its long waterfront, yacht-filled harbour, narrow winding streets and brightly painted galleries, shops and houses.
The impressive fortifications of Charles Fort and James Fort guard the narrow entrance from the sea – giving clues to its rich history.

Bantry is a little harbour town in West Cork and on the Wild Atlantic Way. One of the most unique attributes of this town is its climate. Hemmed in by high mountain ridges, an azure blue sea and cascading mountain streams, the town is influenced by the Gulf Stream of warm seawater. This has enabled lush vegetation, palm trees and semi-tropical flowers to grow, which can be savoured in the many gardens both private and public. In a place of unparalleled beauty where the landscape changes with every mood of wind and sky, spend time in the town enjoying its history & savouring its delights, or use it as a launching pad to explore the wonderful coastal countryside.

Kenmare's location nestled between the high mountains and the sea explains its name in Irish, Neidin meaning 'little nest'. A heritage town, Kenmare is an important example of a planned town. Designed and built by the first Marquees of Lansdowne in 1775, the town is laid out in an X-plan and has a fine, wide main street and square. Situated on the Ring of Kerry it is better known today as an attractive tourist town with many fine restaurants, hotels and interesting craft shops. Kenmare retains its links to a more ancient past, with its Bronze Age Druid's Circle, consisting of 15 standing stones ~ once a burial place and a site used for worshipping the Sun god.

The Randles Hotel Killarney offers 4 Star accommodation in Killarney and is ideally located, just five minutes' walk from Killarney Town Centre. This unique Kerry Hotel has been welcoming guests since 1906. Famous for its Irish hospitality, guests will enjoy the comfort and elegance of an era long since passed complemented by the most modern of facilities. We invite you to unwind in our luxurious, spacious guest rooms, enjoy fine dining in a choice of Killarney restaurants, relax in our Drawing Room, Conservatory or Terraced Garden, spend some downtime in our Leisure Club or for pure indulgence pay a visit to our Zen Day Spa for a luxurious spa break in Killarney. The Randles Hotel Killarney is part of Randles Hotels Killarney Group. A stay at this family owned Killarney hotel is truly a unique experience. Look no further for Killarney Hotels.

Our journey continues, as we travel through the beautiful Dingle Peninsula on your way to Limerick.

The Dingle Peninsula contains some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in Ireland, particularly to the western extremity, where stunning views of the Blasket Islands are to be enjoyed.

The Dingle Peninsula was immortalised by the 1970 movie, Ryan’s Daughter and is one of the most beautiful peninsulas on the Irish coastline. It thrusts out into the Atlantic Ocean to claim Ireland’s most westerly point. Dingle is the chief town of the Peninsula and is a thriving, colourful fishing port. The town is a jumble of attractive streets tumbling down a hillside and coming to a halt at the handsome pier. It is also home to the South-western Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking area), and you should have no problem meeting some native Irish speakers.

The name Dingle comes from the Irish name, An Daingean or Daingean Uí Chúis, meaning "Ó Cúis' fort”. There was recent controversy when the national government tried to change the town’s name to its original form, this is evident from the road signs. Historically, Dingle was Kerry’s leading port and later became a centre for smuggling. However, the town of Dingle is probably best known for its resident dolphin, Fungie.

Located in the city center of Limerick, this hotel is near the airport and within walking distance of Arthur's Quay Park and The Treaty Stone. Also nearby are St. Mary's Cathedral and King John's Castle. The Energize Health Centre is the top spot in Limerick to boost your fitness levels or simply enjoy laid-back leisure. Energize boasts not one but four pools, including a 20 metre swimming pool, sauna and Jacuzzi. The superb leisure facilities and dedicated attention of the professional team makes Energize the winning health and leisure centre in Limerick.

Today, we spend time exploring the beautiful Burren region, and one of the highlights of Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher.

The Cliffs of Moher are the most popular tourist attraction outside of Dublin; Rising to over 6oo feet (200 metres) in places, they are among the highest sea cliffs in Western Europe, and stretch for about for 2 miles (3km) along the Atlantic coast. From its exceptional vantage position, you will enjoy spending views over Galway Bay (weather permitting); including the Aran Islands –a group of three small islands, where the Irish language is the primary means of communication.

The Burren is the smallest of Ireland’s national parks and has been described as a lunar landscape; mirrored nowhere else in Ireland or Western Europe! Often described as a natural landscape, it is most likely that in pre-historic times, removal of the natural woodland induced soil erosion, enlarging the exposure of the underlying limestone. More than 700 different flowering plants and ferns have been recorded in the Burren. Thus, although the Burren represents only 1% of the land-mass of Ireland, 75% of the Irish native species are contained in the area. In the Burren, plants from northern (“Arctic”) regions reach their southern limits, those from southern (“subtropical”) regions attain their northern limits, while plants from high mountains (“alpines”) can be found growing at sea-level; all three groups grow side by side - and in profusion - in the Burren.

Afterwards we return to our hotel, and the rest of the day is at leisure.

Located in the city center of Limerick, this hotel is near the airport and within walking distance of Arthur's Quay Park and The Treaty Stone. Also nearby are St. Mary's Cathedral and King John's Castle. The Energize Health Centre is the top spot in Limerick to boost your fitness levels or simply enjoy laid-back leisure. Energize boasts not one but four pools, including a 20 metre swimming pool, sauna and Jacuzzi. The superb leisure facilities and dedicated attention of the professional team makes Energize the winning health and leisure centre in Limerick.

This morning, travel back to the East of Ireland but not without passing by Killaloe, a small town in County Clare on the banks of the River Shannon.

Continue your journey towards Dublin and visit Newbridge Silverware Visitor Centre & Museum of Style Icons. Newbridge Silver is synonymous with designing and producing jewellery, homeware and giftware products and it is this unique history of craftsmanship and experience, combined with a contemporary and fresh attitude to design, that puts us on the cutting edge of modern living.

The Newbridge Silverware Visitor Centre is a contemporary shopper's paradise, highly recommended on the tourist trail of Ireland's Ancient East. The Visitor Centre houses the complete range of Newbridge Silverware products and incorporates the award-winning Café Carleton, the famous Museum of Style Icons and the unique guided Factory Tour.

Continue to your hotel for the last night, a Castle or Manor House stay fit for Kings.

Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, is an 18th Century 4 Star Castle Hotel, offering stylish surroundings, friendly personal service and tranquility within breathtaking surroundings overlooking Dublin Bay. Located in the South Dublin suburb of Killiney 14km from Dublin's city center, the castle is easily accessed from Laogaire Ferry Port and Dublin Airport.

Transfer to Dublin Airport in time for your departure.