Day 1 - October 7th - Arrive into Dublin with our first adventure being an Open Top Bus Tour of the city. After our tour we will lunch
at the Brazen Head which is the oldest pub in Dublin dating back to 1198. After lunch we will visit St. Michan's Church. The site dates
back to 1095 but the present building dates to 1685. The main attraction lies in the vaults underneath the church. On either side of a tunnel
lined with limestone and mortar, extend long narrow galleries for the placing of coffins. The most visited being a soldier having returned
from the Crusades. It is thought that rubbing his hand will bring good luck. We will then check into our accommodation before getting
ready for a Welcoming Dinner. Overnight Dublin. (L,D)
Day 2 - Today will be spent visiting the Megolithic Passage Tombs of Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth. The tomb at Newgrange
was built about 3200 BC. The kidney shaped mound covers an area of over one acre and is surrounded by 97 kerbstones, some of which are
richly decorated with megalithic art. The Great Mound at Howth was built over 5000 years ago, probably after the construction of
Newgrange and before the construction of Dowth. The Great Mound at Knowth is similar in size to Newgrange and is surrounded by 18 smaller
satellite mounds. Dowth, the Fairy Mound of Darkness is about the same size as Newgrange and Knowth and was built in the same
period over 5000 years ago. We will Stop for a Pub Lunch before returning to Dublin with some free time to investigate and to find some
dinner on your own. Overnight Dublin. (B,L)
Day 3 - This morning we journey out of the city to the Hill of Tara. Tara was the political and spiritual center of Celtic Ireland and the
Seat of High Kings until the 11th century. Sitting on top of the King's Seat is the most famous of Tara's monuments, Ireland's Ancient
Coronation Stone. Our next stop is Trim Castle, the largest and one of the most important Norman military constructions in Ireland and
possibly the first stone castle. This massive twenty-sided tower, which is cruciform in shape, was protected by a ditch, curtain wall and moat.
Pub Lunch at Brogan's Bar in Trim before we continue to Kells Monastic Site. Kells or Ceanannus Mór was an important monastic
settlement founded by St. Columba. The famous "Book of Kells" was kept here. A Round Tower, High Crosses and St. Columba's
House are important medieval remains on the site. Dinner and Overnight Monaghan. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - On our way to north today we make our way north to the Beaghmore Stone Circles. Discovered during peat cutting in the 1940s
the site at Beaghmore consists of 7 stone circles. All of the rings are associated with cairns and a stone row that runs towards these cairns. This
afternoon we take in the Causeway Coast. First stop is the Giants Causeway is where 37,000 basalt columns extend from the cliffs and
out into the sea. Long ago, Antrim was subject to intense volcanic activity the larger fissures, through which the lava flowed, can be clearly
seen as bands of dark rock which cut down the cliff faces and jut out to sea. There were three periods of volcanic activity which resulted in the
flows, known as the Lower, Middle and Upper Basalts. It is the Middle Basalts rocks which forms the columns of the Giants Causeway.
The rapidly cooling lava contracted and variations in the cooling rate resulted in the world famous columnar structure. No matter how many
times I have seen this, the sheer wonder and magic of the columns never fails to impress! Next we take in the ruins of Dunseverick Castle.
King Dunsobairce of Ireland built a fortress here in 1525BC to rule the ancient Kingdom of Dalriada, the location is named after him.
Dinner and Overnight near Derry. (B,D)
Day 5 - This morning we take a tour of the Walls of Derry. Derry is the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland and one of the
finest examples of Walled Cities in Europe. The Walls were built during the period of 1613-1618 by the honourable Irish Society as
defences for early seventeenth century settlers from England and Scotland. We then stop at Lough Eske Castle for Lunch before a
visit to Slieve League, a mountain on the Atlantic Coast of County Donegal. At almost 2000 feet it is Ireland's Highest Sea Cliffs.
Although less famous than the Cliffs of Moher, Slieve League's cliffs reach almost three times higher. Our journey will then take us south to
Sligo. Once in Sligo we will get settled into our accommodation before an evening free for dinner. Overnight Sligo. (B,L)
Day 6 - Today will be spent visiting ancient sites around Sligo. The Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery is the second largest cemetery of
megalithic tombs in Europe and is among Ireland's oldest. Archaeologists have found over 65 tombs, stone circles, passage graves and
standing stones. The site is thought to be over 700 years older than the spectacular Newgrange, which was built in 3200BC. Our next stop is
Carrowkeel Megalithic Hilltop Tomb, a beautifully situated megalithic hill top passage tomb cemetery consisting of 14 passage cairns.
This afternoon we visit Knocknarea and Queen Maeve's Cairn. This 1100 foot high mountain totally dominates the Cuil Irra
Peninsula. Sitting proudly on top is Queen Maeve's Cairn, a neolithic passage tomb. The cairn is 180 feet wide by 32 feet high and has never
been excavated. We then return to our accommodation for Dinner. Overnight Sligo. (B,D)
Day 7 - Our first stop this morning is Ceide Fields, a neolithic site in County Mayo that contains the oldest known stone walled fields in the
world, dating back nearly 6,000 years. Thousands of years ago, our Stone Age ancestors constructed houses, walls and fields that created an
early farming community complete with megalithic tombs while the mighty Atlantic Ocean gently lapped and vigorously pounded up
against the cliffs below. Our next stop is Mount Croagh Patrick which has been a sacred site since ancient times. Before the arrival of
Christianity, the Celtic people regarded the mountain as the dwelling place of the deity Crom Dubh. According to Christian tradition, St.
Patrick went up the sacred mountain at festival time in 441 AD. After fasting at the summit for 40 days, he banished all the snakes and
demons from Ireland. We then head further south to our overnight accommodation near Galway. Hopefully we will have time too see Cong
and Cong Abbey along the way. Dinner and Overnight near Galway. (B,D)
Day 8 - This morning on our way south we visit The Burren, a unique botanical environment in which Mediterranean and Alpine plants
rare to Ireland, grow side by side. There are more than 700 species of flowering plants here, roughly three-quarters of Ireland’s native flora.
While in the Burren we visit the Burren Perfumery. The flowers of the Burren inspired the original Perfumery fragrances of Man of
Aran, Ilaun, Frond and Fraoch. In the southern part of the Burren, limestone gives away to black shale and sandstone to form the
dramatic Cliffs of Moher. Even when shrouded in mist, the Cliffs of Moher are breathtaking, rising to a height of 650 feet out of the sea and
extending for 5 miles. We then make our way to Dromoland Castle for Afternoon Tea before continuing to our accommodation near
Shannon. Medieval Dinner at Bunratty Castle this evening. Overnight Shannon. (B,L,D)
Day 9 - This morning we will spend some time visiting Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. The Castle is the most complete and authentic
medieval fortress in Ireland. Built in 1425 it was restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendour and now contains mainly 15th and 16th
century furnishings, tapestries, and works of art which capture the mood of those times. Within the grounds of Bunratty Castle is Bunratty
Folk Park where 19th century life is vividly recreated. Set on 26 acres, the impressive park features over 30 buildings in a living village and
rural setting. We stop for a short time in Adare which is billed as Ireland's Loveliest Village with all its thatched roof cottages lining the
main street. We are then off to the lovely town of Killarney for dinner on your own. Overnight Killarney. (B,L)
Day 10 - Today we take in the wilds of the Dingle Peninsula. A drive around Dingle reveals fascinating antiquities ranging from Iron Age
Stone Forts to Inscribed Stones, early Christian Oratories and Beehive Huts. We will stop at the Gallarus Oratory Drystone
Church. Gallarus Oratory was built between the seventh and eight century and is the best preserved early Christian Church in Ireland.
It represents the apogee of drystone corbelling, using techniques first developed by Neolithic tomb makers. We will also stop in
Kilmalkedar and its 12th Century Romanesque Church. Many of the features which typify Irish Romanesque Architecture are
present. Inside the church is the alphabet stone with both 6th Century Latin writing and an inscribed cross. A number of interesting objects
are located outside of the church, including a tall Ogham Burial Stone. We will enjoy some free time in the attractive fishing port village of
Dingle before we return home for dinner. Dinner and Overnight Killarney. (B,D)
Day 11 - This morning we journey eastward toward Tipperary and a visit to Cahir and Cahir Castle. Superbly set on a rocky island in the
River Suir, this impressive fifteenth-century castle - the largest of its period in Ireland - was considered impregnable until the advent of the
heavy cannon. We then take a spectacular drive through the Glen of Aherlow a country valley, which lies between the Slievenamuck
Ridge and the main Galtee Mountain Range. We will experience some of the most breathtaking scenery imaginable. Next we visit
Cashel and the Rock of Cashel. Cashel with its well preserved ecclesiastical remains, is one of Ireland's spectacular landmarks, rising
above the surrounding plain and dominating the land route southwards. There is a 13th century cathedral, 12th century round tower and the
Chapel of King Cormac. We then make our way to Kilkenny for an evening out on your own. Kilkenny is home to more than 80 pubs.
Overnight Kilkenny. (B,L)
Day 12 - This morning we take some time to investigate Ireland's loveliest inland village of Kilkenny before we visit Kilkenny Castle.
Built in the 1190's, Kilkenny Castle was occupied right up to 1935. High spots of the tour include the library, the wood-paneled dining room
and the Chinese bedroom. This afternoon we are off to Jerpoint Abbey, one of the finest Cistercian ruins in Ireland. Built in 1160, the
fortified medieval complex flourished until the dissolution of the Monasteries in 1539. We also visit Kells Priory, an Augustinian Priory
which is probably the largest and most magnificent of all Ireland's monastic sites. Dating back to 1193 it is steeped in an history involving,
among others, Normans, Welsh, an invasion, Henry VIII, and a Baron. Dinner and Overnight Kilkenny. (B,D)
Day 13 - On our way north toward Dublin today we visit Browne's Hill Dolmen, an ancient burial tomb which has the biggest capstone in
Europe, weighing 100 tons. The capstone rests on two portal stones, a door stone and a prostrate slab. The Dolmen or Cromlech is a type
of pagan sepulchral monument. We will also visit Glendalough Monastic Settlement. For thousands of years people have been drawn to
'the valley of the two lakes' for its spectacular scenery, rich history, archaeology and abundant wildlife. Glendalough is a remarkable place
that will still your mind, inspire your heart and fill your soul. Farewell Dinner and Overnight just outside Dublin. (B,D)
Day 14 - This morning we return to Dublin International for the return trip home. (B)
at the Brazen Head which is the oldest pub in Dublin dating back to 1198. After lunch we will visit St. Michan's Church. The site dates
back to 1095 but the present building dates to 1685. The main attraction lies in the vaults underneath the church. On either side of a tunnel
lined with limestone and mortar, extend long narrow galleries for the placing of coffins. The most visited being a soldier having returned
from the Crusades. It is thought that rubbing his hand will bring good luck. We will then check into our accommodation before getting
ready for a Welcoming Dinner. Overnight Dublin. (L,D)
Day 2 - Today will be spent visiting the Megolithic Passage Tombs of Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth. The tomb at Newgrange
was built about 3200 BC. The kidney shaped mound covers an area of over one acre and is surrounded by 97 kerbstones, some of which are
richly decorated with megalithic art. The Great Mound at Howth was built over 5000 years ago, probably after the construction of
Newgrange and before the construction of Dowth. The Great Mound at Knowth is similar in size to Newgrange and is surrounded by 18 smaller
satellite mounds. Dowth, the Fairy Mound of Darkness is about the same size as Newgrange and Knowth and was built in the same
period over 5000 years ago. We will Stop for a Pub Lunch before returning to Dublin with some free time to investigate and to find some
dinner on your own. Overnight Dublin. (B,L)
Day 3 - This morning we journey out of the city to the Hill of Tara. Tara was the political and spiritual center of Celtic Ireland and the
Seat of High Kings until the 11th century. Sitting on top of the King's Seat is the most famous of Tara's monuments, Ireland's Ancient
Coronation Stone. Our next stop is Trim Castle, the largest and one of the most important Norman military constructions in Ireland and
possibly the first stone castle. This massive twenty-sided tower, which is cruciform in shape, was protected by a ditch, curtain wall and moat.
Pub Lunch at Brogan's Bar in Trim before we continue to Kells Monastic Site. Kells or Ceanannus Mór was an important monastic
settlement founded by St. Columba. The famous "Book of Kells" was kept here. A Round Tower, High Crosses and St. Columba's
House are important medieval remains on the site. Dinner and Overnight Monaghan. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - On our way to north today we make our way north to the Beaghmore Stone Circles. Discovered during peat cutting in the 1940s
the site at Beaghmore consists of 7 stone circles. All of the rings are associated with cairns and a stone row that runs towards these cairns. This
afternoon we take in the Causeway Coast. First stop is the Giants Causeway is where 37,000 basalt columns extend from the cliffs and
out into the sea. Long ago, Antrim was subject to intense volcanic activity the larger fissures, through which the lava flowed, can be clearly
seen as bands of dark rock which cut down the cliff faces and jut out to sea. There were three periods of volcanic activity which resulted in the
flows, known as the Lower, Middle and Upper Basalts. It is the Middle Basalts rocks which forms the columns of the Giants Causeway.
The rapidly cooling lava contracted and variations in the cooling rate resulted in the world famous columnar structure. No matter how many
times I have seen this, the sheer wonder and magic of the columns never fails to impress! Next we take in the ruins of Dunseverick Castle.
King Dunsobairce of Ireland built a fortress here in 1525BC to rule the ancient Kingdom of Dalriada, the location is named after him.
Dinner and Overnight near Derry. (B,D)
Day 5 - This morning we take a tour of the Walls of Derry. Derry is the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland and one of the
finest examples of Walled Cities in Europe. The Walls were built during the period of 1613-1618 by the honourable Irish Society as
defences for early seventeenth century settlers from England and Scotland. We then stop at Lough Eske Castle for Lunch before a
visit to Slieve League, a mountain on the Atlantic Coast of County Donegal. At almost 2000 feet it is Ireland's Highest Sea Cliffs.
Although less famous than the Cliffs of Moher, Slieve League's cliffs reach almost three times higher. Our journey will then take us south to
Sligo. Once in Sligo we will get settled into our accommodation before an evening free for dinner. Overnight Sligo. (B,L)
Day 6 - Today will be spent visiting ancient sites around Sligo. The Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery is the second largest cemetery of
megalithic tombs in Europe and is among Ireland's oldest. Archaeologists have found over 65 tombs, stone circles, passage graves and
standing stones. The site is thought to be over 700 years older than the spectacular Newgrange, which was built in 3200BC. Our next stop is
Carrowkeel Megalithic Hilltop Tomb, a beautifully situated megalithic hill top passage tomb cemetery consisting of 14 passage cairns.
This afternoon we visit Knocknarea and Queen Maeve's Cairn. This 1100 foot high mountain totally dominates the Cuil Irra
Peninsula. Sitting proudly on top is Queen Maeve's Cairn, a neolithic passage tomb. The cairn is 180 feet wide by 32 feet high and has never
been excavated. We then return to our accommodation for Dinner. Overnight Sligo. (B,D)
Day 7 - Our first stop this morning is Ceide Fields, a neolithic site in County Mayo that contains the oldest known stone walled fields in the
world, dating back nearly 6,000 years. Thousands of years ago, our Stone Age ancestors constructed houses, walls and fields that created an
early farming community complete with megalithic tombs while the mighty Atlantic Ocean gently lapped and vigorously pounded up
against the cliffs below. Our next stop is Mount Croagh Patrick which has been a sacred site since ancient times. Before the arrival of
Christianity, the Celtic people regarded the mountain as the dwelling place of the deity Crom Dubh. According to Christian tradition, St.
Patrick went up the sacred mountain at festival time in 441 AD. After fasting at the summit for 40 days, he banished all the snakes and
demons from Ireland. We then head further south to our overnight accommodation near Galway. Hopefully we will have time too see Cong
and Cong Abbey along the way. Dinner and Overnight near Galway. (B,D)
Day 8 - This morning on our way south we visit The Burren, a unique botanical environment in which Mediterranean and Alpine plants
rare to Ireland, grow side by side. There are more than 700 species of flowering plants here, roughly three-quarters of Ireland’s native flora.
While in the Burren we visit the Burren Perfumery. The flowers of the Burren inspired the original Perfumery fragrances of Man of
Aran, Ilaun, Frond and Fraoch. In the southern part of the Burren, limestone gives away to black shale and sandstone to form the
dramatic Cliffs of Moher. Even when shrouded in mist, the Cliffs of Moher are breathtaking, rising to a height of 650 feet out of the sea and
extending for 5 miles. We then make our way to Dromoland Castle for Afternoon Tea before continuing to our accommodation near
Shannon. Medieval Dinner at Bunratty Castle this evening. Overnight Shannon. (B,L,D)
Day 9 - This morning we will spend some time visiting Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. The Castle is the most complete and authentic
medieval fortress in Ireland. Built in 1425 it was restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendour and now contains mainly 15th and 16th
century furnishings, tapestries, and works of art which capture the mood of those times. Within the grounds of Bunratty Castle is Bunratty
Folk Park where 19th century life is vividly recreated. Set on 26 acres, the impressive park features over 30 buildings in a living village and
rural setting. We stop for a short time in Adare which is billed as Ireland's Loveliest Village with all its thatched roof cottages lining the
main street. We are then off to the lovely town of Killarney for dinner on your own. Overnight Killarney. (B,L)
Day 10 - Today we take in the wilds of the Dingle Peninsula. A drive around Dingle reveals fascinating antiquities ranging from Iron Age
Stone Forts to Inscribed Stones, early Christian Oratories and Beehive Huts. We will stop at the Gallarus Oratory Drystone
Church. Gallarus Oratory was built between the seventh and eight century and is the best preserved early Christian Church in Ireland.
It represents the apogee of drystone corbelling, using techniques first developed by Neolithic tomb makers. We will also stop in
Kilmalkedar and its 12th Century Romanesque Church. Many of the features which typify Irish Romanesque Architecture are
present. Inside the church is the alphabet stone with both 6th Century Latin writing and an inscribed cross. A number of interesting objects
are located outside of the church, including a tall Ogham Burial Stone. We will enjoy some free time in the attractive fishing port village of
Dingle before we return home for dinner. Dinner and Overnight Killarney. (B,D)
Day 11 - This morning we journey eastward toward Tipperary and a visit to Cahir and Cahir Castle. Superbly set on a rocky island in the
River Suir, this impressive fifteenth-century castle - the largest of its period in Ireland - was considered impregnable until the advent of the
heavy cannon. We then take a spectacular drive through the Glen of Aherlow a country valley, which lies between the Slievenamuck
Ridge and the main Galtee Mountain Range. We will experience some of the most breathtaking scenery imaginable. Next we visit
Cashel and the Rock of Cashel. Cashel with its well preserved ecclesiastical remains, is one of Ireland's spectacular landmarks, rising
above the surrounding plain and dominating the land route southwards. There is a 13th century cathedral, 12th century round tower and the
Chapel of King Cormac. We then make our way to Kilkenny for an evening out on your own. Kilkenny is home to more than 80 pubs.
Overnight Kilkenny. (B,L)
Day 12 - This morning we take some time to investigate Ireland's loveliest inland village of Kilkenny before we visit Kilkenny Castle.
Built in the 1190's, Kilkenny Castle was occupied right up to 1935. High spots of the tour include the library, the wood-paneled dining room
and the Chinese bedroom. This afternoon we are off to Jerpoint Abbey, one of the finest Cistercian ruins in Ireland. Built in 1160, the
fortified medieval complex flourished until the dissolution of the Monasteries in 1539. We also visit Kells Priory, an Augustinian Priory
which is probably the largest and most magnificent of all Ireland's monastic sites. Dating back to 1193 it is steeped in an history involving,
among others, Normans, Welsh, an invasion, Henry VIII, and a Baron. Dinner and Overnight Kilkenny. (B,D)
Day 13 - On our way north toward Dublin today we visit Browne's Hill Dolmen, an ancient burial tomb which has the biggest capstone in
Europe, weighing 100 tons. The capstone rests on two portal stones, a door stone and a prostrate slab. The Dolmen or Cromlech is a type
of pagan sepulchral monument. We will also visit Glendalough Monastic Settlement. For thousands of years people have been drawn to
'the valley of the two lakes' for its spectacular scenery, rich history, archaeology and abundant wildlife. Glendalough is a remarkable place
that will still your mind, inspire your heart and fill your soul. Farewell Dinner and Overnight just outside Dublin. (B,D)
Day 14 - This morning we return to Dublin International for the return trip home. (B)
| Scottish Dream Tours Presents Ancient Ireland - Stone Age to Medieval to Modern times October 7th - 20th, 2012 featuring castles, abbeys, cathedrals, cairns, monastic and megalithic sites Dublin and St. Michan's Church, Newgrange Megalithic Passage Tomb, Knowth and Dowth, Hill of Tara, Kells Monastery, Beaghmore Stone Circles, Causeway Coast and Giants Causeway, Dunseverick Castle, Derry and Derry Walls, Sligo, Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery, Carrowkeel Megalithic Hilltop Tomb, Knocknarea and Queen Maeve's Cairn, Cong and Cong Abbey, Galway, Dingle Peninsula with Gallarus Oratory and Kilmalkedar Ogham Stone, Rock of Cashel, Cahir Castle, Jerpoint Abbey, Kells Priory, Browne's Hill Dolmen, Glendalough and more. A small intimate tour of Ireland limited to 10 - 12 people in order to provide a more personal experience. In keeping the tour size small we are able to take advantage of accommodation, restaurant and sightseeing options that would not be available to a larger group. With a small tour size we can veer off the main tourist areas and get a real feel for these warm wonderful countries. We will not rush you from venue to venue and each tour is designed to spend as little time on the minibus as possible. You may find yourself experiencing a delightful city guest house, a warm country house hotel, a fine country farmhouse and a 200 year old coaching Inn all in the same visit. Full Irish breakfast each morning and all meals as indicated in itinerary. All accommodations. Guided minibus tour with luggage handling. All sightseeing including any entrance fees. All taxes and service charges. $3995US per person double occupancy. $695US single occupancy supplement. $500 per person deposit to reserve your spot. |
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