|
 |
|
|
Travel Solutions IrelandCorduff RoadBlanchardstownDublin 15IrelandTel: +353 1 8242626 Fax: +353 1 8242627US Toll-free number: 1 800 242 3610Email:info@travelsolutionsireland.com | |
 |
 |
|
|
Islands of Ireland Tour
|
|
Day 1: Arrival at Dublin Airport and you are met by your Chauffeur. Free time to relax or discover Dublin City. Wander through our streets and soak up the atmosphere of one of Europe’s leading capital cities.Overnight in your Hotel in Dublin. |
Halpenny Bridge |
|
|
Day 2: You are provided with tickets for the hop-on hop-off tour of Dublin. This fun and friendly 90 minute tour is complete with live commentary. Stops along the tour route include: Trinity College, The Guinness Storehouse, Dublin Castle, St.Patrick's Cathedral, Kilmainham Gaol and the Old Jameson Distillery. This evening take part in a traditional evening of Irish Storytelling in Ireland's oldest Pubs: the Brazen Head. second overnight in your Hotel in Dublin. |
 Brazen Head |
|
|
|
Day 3: After Breakfast today your chauffeur will whisk you away from the capital city goodbye and travel westwards to the midlands of Ireland. You will visit the majestic Belvedere House, Gardens and Park: this magnificent early 18 th Century stately home of Robert Rochfort, Earl of Belvedere, stands in 160 acres of parkland on the shores of Lough Ennell. Belvedere is one of the finest of Ireland's historic houses, and together with gardens and park, has been exquisitely restored. A modern visitor centre tells the tale of Rochfort's cruel 31 year imprisonment of his second wife, Sir John Piers' seduction of Lady Cloncurry at a picnic and the creation of Ireland 's largest man-made folly – the Jealous Wall. After your visit travel onwards to the County of Donegal. Overnight in your Hotel in Donegal. |
 Belvedere House & Gardens |
|
|
Day 4: Today your chauffeur takes you to Tory Island off the coast of Donegal (12kms off the coast) – It is an island of mystery and antiquity. Tory's remoteness has led to the preservation of the traditions and way of life of its resilient and independent people. Their music, dance, song and stories are living expressions of an ancient Gaelic culture. Many of Tory's ancient customs still survive, including the appointment of the “Island King”. Interesting historical sites include a round tower that once protected monks from Viking raids, the ruins of St.Colmcille's 6th century monastery and the intriguing Tau Cross that suggests early seafaring links to the Coptic Christians of Egypt.
Return by ferry to Donegal for your overnight. |
Tory Island |
|
|
|
Day 5: After Full Irish Breakfast, your chauffeur travels northwards to Sligo. Stop in the town and visit Sligo Abbey : known locally as the Abbey, this Dominican friary was founded in the mid-13th century by Maurice FitzGerald. The site contains a great wealth of carvings including Gothic and Renaissance tomb sculpture, well preserved cloisters and the only sculptured 15 th century high altar to survive in any Irish monastic church. Travel along the Sligo coast and then onwards through the picturesque lake district of Pontoon. This area is famous for its fishing. You will then visit the Museum of Country Life which is located in the grounds of Turlough Park House which was built in 1865. This Museum is home to the Irish Folklife Division. This Division is responsible for the care of the national Folklife Collection which comprises of over 50,000 objects. These collections reflect Irish traditional life, largely of a rural nature and include objects dealing with agriculture, fishing and hunting, clothing, architecture, vernacular furniture, trades and crafts, transport, sports and religion. Overnight in nearby Castlebar or Westport. |
Sligo Abbey |
|
|
Day 6: Today is spent on Achill Island. The blessing of this Island is that you can drive onto Ireland's largest island.
The island has a long history of human settlement with megalithic tombs and promontory forts dating back 5000 years. The Achill landscape is also a major draw with picture postcard Blue Flag beaches, some of Europe's highest cliffs and large tracts of blanket bog sweeping over the island's two peaks down to the shores. You can enjoy hill walking, bird watching, painting or whatever takes your fancy. Second overnight in Castlebar or Westport. |
 Achill Island |
|
|
|
Day 7: Full Day Excursion of Connemara: Set in the heart of the Connemara mountains is the Kylemore Abbey Estate, home of the Irish Benedictine Nuns. Visit the picturesque Abbey, reception rooms, video and exhibition and enjoy a stroll to the beautiful Neo-Gothic Church and Mausoleum where original owners are buried. Travel onwards to Clifden, known as the main town of Connemara. Peruse the many shopping choices in Clifden from sweater shops, quality gift shops, boutiques to antique and souvenir shops. Travel onwards to Galway for overnight. |
 Kylemore Abbey |
|
|
|
Day 8: Your chauffeur takes you to the ferry port of Rossaveal where you will travel to the Aran Islands : Travel by Ferry to the largest of the islands, Inishmore. Enjoy a tour of the Island by Mini-bus and visit Dun Aonghusa : perched spectacularly on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this is the largest of the prehistoric stone forts of the Aran Islands. It is enclosed by three massive dry-stone walls and a “cheveaux-de-frise” consisting of tall blocks of limestone set vertically into the ground to deter attackers. In the afternoon, free time to enjoy the little town of Kilronan. Return to Galway in the late afternoon. |
 Dun Aonghusa |
|
|
|
Day 9: Today your chauffeur will guide you on a city tour of Galway: See the Salmon Weir Bridge, the University, the Cathedral and take a walk through the narrow streets around Spanish Arch. Step inside Ross Abbey. In common with many mediaeval ports, Galway dedicated its church to the patron saints of sailors. According to recent research Columbus visited St. Nicholas' in 1477. After your tour you are transferred to Dublin where you will enjoy your final overnight in Dublin. |
Ross Abbey Galway |
|
|
|
Day 10: Transfer to Dublin Airport. |
|
|
| | |