A Spring Time Adventure in Ireland with St. Patrick's in Killarney.
With Fishing Villages, Seaside Drives, Afternoon Tea, Cosy Pubs, Gardens, Castles, Abbeys, Cathedrals, Stone Circles, Portal Tombs and Dolmens and Megalithic Cemeteries.

Day 1 - May 25th - We will meet at our Manchester Airport accommodation and start our journey into Wales with a first stop in Chester. Upon arrival into Chester we will meet our guide for a private guided walk through Roman foundations, medieval streets, the Chester Rows, Cathedral heritage and the stories that shaped one of Britain's most distinctive historic cities. One of our favourite things about the city is the Chester Rows which consist of covered walkways at the first floor behind which are entrances to shops and other premises. At street level is another set of shops and other premises, many of which are entered by going down a few steps. The Rows, found in each of the four main streets of the city are unique and date from the medieval era. Then we will settle in for Afternoon Tea in Chester before making our way into Wales with a lovely coastal journey taking us through the seaside villages of Flint, Holywell, Prestatyn, Rhyl and Abergele. Then it is just a short way further along the coast to our accommodation the lovely town of Conwy. Welcoming Dinner and Overnight Conwy. (B,L,D)

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Day 2 - May 26th - Today will be spent in and around Conwy with visits to Conwy Castle and the small house in Britain. Words cannot do justice to Conwy Castle as it is by any standards, one of the great fortresses of medieval Europe. Conwy's well-preserved castle wall helps the town maintain a medieval character lost by other Welsh castle-towns over the years. Built in just four years between 1283 and 1287 by Edward I, Conwy Castle is an incredible feat of the medieval period that still stands proudly after 700 years. Exceptionally well preserved and set within eight ginormous towers and high curtain walls, you will discover the most intact medieval royal apartments in Wales and England, surpassing even the Tower of London. We then visit Britain's Smallest House, measuring 10 feet by 6 feet. The structure was used as a residence from the 16th century until 1900 when the owner was a 6ft 3 inch fisherman named Robert Jones. After some time to explore Conwy we make our way just a little further north to Llandudno, a seaside resort, town and community located on the Creuddyn Peninsula, which protrudes into the Irish Sea. While in Llandudno we will have Afternoon Tea at the St. Tudno Hotel on the promenade and then take some time to wander the Promenade in Llandudno before returning home where you will have time to further exploe Conwy and fine some dinner on your own. Overnight Conwy. (B,L

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Day 3 - May 27th - This morning we visit we visit Plas Nywedd House and Gardens, an enchanting mansion and gardens, with spectacular views of Snowdonia. The house was one of Anglesey's principal residences and owned successively by Griffiths, Baylys and Pagets, it became the country seat of the Marquesses of Anglesey, and the core of a large agricultural estate. Set on the shores of the Menai Strait amidst breathtakingly beautiful scenery, this elegant house was redesigned by James Wyatt in the 18th century. The1930s restyled interior is famous for its Rex Whistler association and contains his exquisite romantic mural and the largest exhibition of his works. This afternoon we visit Bodnant Gardens at Glan Conwy where we will also have Afternoon Tea. Bodnant Garden is one of the most beautiful gardens in the UK, spanning some 80 acres and is situated above the River Conwy on ground sloping towards thew est and looking across the valley towards the Snowdonia range. The Garden has two parts. The upper garden around Bodnant Hall consists of the terraced gardens and informal lawns shaded by trees. The lower portion, known as the "Dell" is formed by the valley of the River Hiraethlyn and contains the Wild garden. Dinner and Overnight Conwy. (B,L,D)

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Day 4 - May 28th - This morning we will have a tour of Penrhyn Castle at Bangor. This 19th-century fantasy castle with spectacular surroundings sits between Snowdonia and the Menai Strait. It's crammed with fascinating items, such as a one-ton slate bed made for Queen Victoria, elaborate carvings, plasterwork and mock-Norman furniture. It also has an outstanding collection of paintings. The restored kitchens are a delight and the stable block houses a fascinating industrial railway museum and a model railway museum. Then on to Beaumaris where you can explore a medieval castle, picnic on a beach, take a boat trip and discover pastel painted houses. As the town is situated near the mouth of the Menai Strait it is the perfect place for a picnic, so that is just what we will do. Then wou will have time to explore this stunning mix of medieval, Victorian and Edwardian architecture. Beaumaris (meaning ‘fair marsh’) is a fascinating place to explore, starting with a walk along the seafront and pier with astonishing views over the Menai Strait and Snowdonia. After that, head into the town itself where pastel-coloured cottages, the historic gaol and courthouse which you can visit, and an excellent range of independent shops and eateries await including an amazing ice cream shop. Then as a group we will visit Beaumaris Castle, Edward I's great unfinished masterpiece. It was never finished as money and supplies ran out before the fortifications reached their full height. Nonetheless, it is an awesome sight and regarded by many as the finest of all the great Edwardian castles in Wales and also, the last! Overnight Conwy. (B,L).

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Day 5 - May 29th - We leave Conwy behind this morning and start our journey south with a first stop at Caernarfon Castle. Caernarfon is architecturally one of the most impressive of all of the castles in Wales. Most impressive of all is the Eagle Tower crowned by its triple cluster of turrets. Edward I and his architect Master James of St. George built Caernarfon as an intended seat of power - and as a symbol of English dominance over the subdued Welsh and they did not fail! You will have some time to explore the lovely town of Caernarfon before making our way further into the Snowdonia National Park to Beddgelert, considered to be the prettiest village in Snowdonia, set in stunning scenery with a wide range of shops, pubs and cafés where you can find some lunch on your own. Steeped in history and legend, Beddgelert is a village plucked from the storybooks. The pretty stone cottages and idyllic bridge create a fairytale foreground to the looming peaks of Snowdonia that crest beyond. While here you will want to visit the Grave of Gelert, the faithful hound of legend and explore the village that was the inspiration for the adventures of Rupert Bear. Then it is on to Blaenau Ffestiniog for a Welsh Highland Railway ride through the slate hills of Snowdonia from Blaenau Ffestiniog to Porthmadog. Once in Porthmadog you will have some time to explore before making our our way to our accommodation to get checked in before dinner. Dinner and Overnight near Porthmadog. (B,D)

 

Day 6 - May 30th - Today will be spent on the Llŷn Peninsula, a spectacular, 30-mile-long finger of land in northwest Wales that juts into the Irish Sea, celebrated as an official Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Known as the "arm of Wales," it separates Cardigan Bay and Caernarfon Bay. It is heavily safeguarded as a vibrant stronghold of traditional Celtic culture and the Welsh language. Our first stop will be the village of Criccieth. Full of Victorian charm, Criccieth is a gorgeous seaside town overlooking Cardigan Bay on the southern side of the peninsula and was once home to the only Welsh Prime Minister, David Lloyd George. With two pretty beaches separated by the picturesque Criccieth Castle, the town became a holiday hotspot back in the 1860s when the Welsh Coast Railways were constructed and access became easier. Today, the town is a tranquil, almost sleepy, spot, and to amble through the streets, explore the medieval castle or take a picnic onto the beach is a relaxing way to spend a day, so we will stop for a Picnic Lunch while here. After lunch we make our way to Abersoch, a very popular village seaside resort. Great beaches, internationally recognized sailing waters, pleasant climate and beautiful scenery, all set in the heartland of the Welsh language provide a special combination. After a walk on the beach and some time to explore we round off our day with a visit to, Morfa Nefyn which is as close as you can get to having a village on the beach and has to be seen to be believed. The pretty collection of buildings is nestled along a sweeping bay, giving the cottages uninterrupted views across the white sands and undulating waves beyond. There are a handful of shops to explore, as well as a stunning cliff top golf course.make our way back home where you can find some dinner on your own. Overnight near Porthmadog. (B,L)

 

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Day 7 - May 31st - Our first stop this morning is Harlech Castle, situated like a crown on a sheer rocky crag overlooking the dunes far below while the rugged peaks of Snowdonia rise as a backdrop. None of Edward I’s mighty coastal fortresses has a more spectacular setting. Against fierce competition from Conwy, Caernarfon and Beaumaris, this is probably the most spectacular setting for any of Edward I’s castles in North Wales. All four are designated as a World Heritage Site. Harlech was completed from ground to battlements in just seven years under the guidance of gifted architect Master James of St George. Its classic ‘walls within walls’ design makes the most of daunting natural defences.We then make our way to Barmouth with a stop for Afternoon Tea before doing some exploring in Barmouth. Set in southern Snowdonia, this is one of the area’s most popular seaside resorts, with Abermaw, a huge west facing Blue Flag beach, famous for its golden sands and the perfect setting for swimming and watersports. Barmouth is a lively town, especially in summer, with donkey rides, a land train shuttling folks up and down the promenade, a seasonal funfair, candyfloss, sticks of rock, energetic amusement arcades and swing boats – basically all the trappings of a traditional seaside town. Then we make our way to our accommodation in Aberystwyth to get checked in before dinner. Dinner and Overnight Aberystwyth. (B,L,D)

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Day 8 - June 1st - As we are about half way through the tour the day will be spent entirely at your leisure in Abertystwyth. This University Town with a great seafront is nestled between three hills and two beaches the town hosts castle ruins, a pier and a harbour. The surrounding hills hold the visible remains of an iron age fort and also a monument to Wellington, and once climbed offers stunning views of Cardigan Bay. The seafront hosts Victorian and Edwardian with a wide promenade that protects the buildings from the revenge of the Irish Sea and offers space to sit, soak up the sun and view the surrounding hills and mountains. On a clear day, you may see the tallest mountain in Wales, Snowdon. Long before the Normans began their castle-building program, Iron Age settlers used the hilltop called Pen Dinas to build a huge fortification, which still dominates the skyline as you approach from the south. The Aberystwyth Electric Cliff Railway is the longest electric cliff railway in Britain. It climbs Constitution Hill from the northern end of the town’s promenade with trains running every few minutes during the spring, summer and early autumn. Reaching the summit reveals an amazing panorama which on a clear day extends as far as the Preseli Hills in Pembrokeshire to the south, while the whole expanse of Cardigan Bay opens out to the west and the mountains of Snowdonia to the North can also be seen. There is a cafe at the summit and the famous Camera Obscura. Enjoy your day in Aberystwyth and get rested up for the second half of the tour. Overnight Aberystwyth. (B)

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Day 9 - June 2nd - This morning we make our way further south into Pembrokeshire and to Tenby with a stop at the most popular megalithic site in Wales, Pentre Ifan.  It is a splendid burial chamber with a huge capstone delicately poised on three uprights. Once known as Arthur's' Quoit, Pentre Ifan means Ivan's Village. The monument dates back to about 3500BC and is a great example of a burial tomb or dolmen. Next we are off to one of our very favourite places anywhere in Wales, St. David's. St.David's is the most Westerly Point of Wales and has a lovely town square with quaint shops including a wonderful chocolate shop! While here you can find some lunch on your own and a wee wander around St. David's before we make St. David's Cathedral which has been the dominant presence since the 12th century and was a popular pilgrimage destination throughout the middle ages. In the 6th century a monastic community was founded by Saint David, Abbot of Menevia. There has been a church on this site since that time and for the past 1500 years prayer and worship has been offered on a daily basis which continues to this day. Then we leave st. David's behind and drive through the lovely Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and to our accommodation in Tenby to get checked into our accommodation before gathering for dinner. Dinner and Overnight Tenby. (B,D)

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Day 10 - June 3rd - This morning we make our way through Penally and Manorbier on our way to Pembroke. The Medieval Castle of Pembroke is at the heart of Pembroke town. This birthplace of Henry VII is idyllically set on the banks of the river estuary and this mighty fortress is steeped in history. The late 12th century keep is both an outstanding feature and architectural novelty, for it has a massive cylindrical tower with an unusual stone dome. We will have a guided tour of the castle and then atop for picnic supplies before our afternoon drive that will take us through Milford Haven, Sandy Haven, St. Anne's Head, Marloes, St. Brides, Little Haven and Broad Haven. Somewhere along the way we will stop for a lovely coastal picnic lunch and a walk on the beach. Protected by their National Park Status, Pembrokeshire’s beaches have some of the cleanest waters and sands with many awards to show for it with eleven blue flags, twelve green coast, eleven seaside, and twenty one rural seaside awards! That makes Pembrokeshire beaches the best in Wales. This afternoon we take a Sea Cruise from Marloes around Skomer Island and its famous bird colonies and see the thousands of Puffins, Guillemots, and Razorbills, along with a host of other birds and wildlife. After a lovely coastal day we make our way back to Tenby where you will have the evening free for dinner. Overnight Tenby. (B,L,D)

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Day 11 - June 4th - This morning we make the short walk to Tenby Harbour to take a Seal Safari Cruise to explore the hidden bays on the Atlantic side of Caldey Island. Our local guides will share an in depth knowledge of the island’s wildlife and surrounding waters. As we make our way to the ocean side of the island, we drift amongst the Grey Seal population. We then return to Tenby for some more time to explore and find some lunch on your own. After lunch we take the 20 minute journey across to Caldey Island. Caldey Island has been inhabited for many centuries by various orders of monks and is currently owned by the Cistercian Order who live in the beautiful Abbey, found just a few minutes walk from the landing stage. There is also a Chocolate Shop in the Abby Gift Shop! Exploring a little further on and we discover the Old Priory with its old limestone church and also the little Norman Church of St David's. On the cliff overlooking Priory Beach we also find Caldey Calvary and the Watchtower Chapel. On the far side of the island we can walk to the lighthouse and enjoy the spectacular views. We then return home before a dinner outing. Dinner and Overnight Tenby. (B,D)

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Day 12 - June 5th - This morning we visit Picton Castle and Gardens, Pembrokeshire's finest stately home. Picton is a most unusualancient building being in design half fortified manor house and half fully developed medieval castle. With its four half round towersand gatehouse entrance flanked by two narrower towers it looks like a miniature version of a great Edwardian Castle such asConwy in North Wales. However as soon as you enter the gatehouse you find a series of finely planned rooms typical of thegrand country house that it is. There is no other building quite like it in Britain! While here at Picton we will eat at Maria's where the menu is inspired by the flavours of Spain, thoughtfully combined with the best of Welsh ingredients, bringing a Mediterranean twist to Pembrokeshire cuisine. Dishes are prepared to order using seasonal, locally sourced produce under Maria's careful supervison.After leaving Picton behind we make our to Carew Castle. When the Normans extended their conquest of England into Wales, Gerald de Windsor was constable of Pembroke Castle on behalf of Henry I when he decided to build his own fortification on the Carew River, some ten miles up the tidal waterway from Pembroke. Over the years the castle went from a Medieval Fortress to Elizabethan Manor. We will have a tour here before return home where you can find some dinner on your own. Overnight Tenby. (B,L)

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Day 13 - June 6th - This morning we make our way across the south of Wales to Chespstow. Our first stop will be the seaside town of Laugharne where we find home of Dylan Thomas. The Boathouse in Laugharne, Wales, was where Dylan Thomas lived with his family during his last four years between 1949 and 1953. The house is set in a cliff overlooking the Tâf estuary and is where he wrote many of his major pieces. Along with a visit to the Boathouse we will also visit his Grave and Writing Shed. From the Parlour of the boathouse, you look out on the landscape from which Dylan drew so much of his inspiration. You can literally see the sources of his poetry and thestructure of the Boathouse is largely as it was when the family lived here. You will be able to find some lunch here in Laugharne before we make oue way to Caerphilly and Caerphilly Castle. Caerphilly is one of the great medieval castles of Western Europe. Its immense size, making it the Largest in Britain after Windsor, its large-scale use of water for defense and the fact that it is the first truly concentric castle in Britain all contribute to this. The castle was constructed by Gilbert de Clare in the 13th century as part of his campaign to conquer Glamorgan, and saw extensive fighting between Gilbert and his descendants and the native Welsh rulers. No, 

Llywelyn ap Gruffudd didn’t build Caerphilly Castle. In fact he twice tried to knock it down before it was finished. But he was certainly its inspiration. The rise of the powerful Prince of Wales persuaded Marcher lord Gilbert de Clare that he needed a fortress in double-quick time. And it had better be truly formidable. So from 1268 de Clare constructed the biggest castle in Wales — second only to Windsor in the whole of Britain. Massive walls, towers and gatehouses were combined with sprawling water defences to cover a total of 30 acres. Dinner and Overnight Chepstow. (B,D)

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Day 14 - June 7th - Our journey this morning takes us to Tintern and Tintern Abbey. This Cistercian Abbey is one of the greatest monastic ruins of Wales. It was only the second Cistercian foundation in Britain, and the first in Wales, and was founded on 9 May 1131 byWalter de Clare. This is one of my favorite stops in Wales and has been romanticized by many including in a painting by J M W Turnerand a poem by William Wordsworth. We then visit Tintern itself which sits quietly in the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is a wonderful place to visit and enjoy the spirit of community. As there are so many wonderful choices for lunch here in Tintern, you will be on your own for lunch before making our way to Chepstow to take in Chepstow Castle, beautifully preserved and stretched out along a limestone cliff above the River Wye, it is like a history lesson in stone.superbly set high upon its river cliff above the River Wye. Chepstow still guards one of the main river crossings from Southern England into Wales. Few castles in Britain tell the story of medieval fortification, from beginning to end, as does this mighty stronghold. Building was started in 1067 by Earl William fitz Osbern, close friend of William the Conqueror, making it one of the first Norman strongholds in Wales. In turn William Marshal (Earl of Pembroke), Roger Bigod (Earl of Norfolk) and Charles Somerset (Earl of Worcester) all made their mark before the castle declined after the Civil War. These magnates and power-brokers were constantly on the move as Chepstow was just one residence in their vast estates – an impressive shell into which they would bring their gold and silver vessels, rich silk and brightly painted furniture. Dinner on your own this evening in Chepstow. Overnight Chepstow. (B,L)

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Day 15 - June 8th - Today we make our way to Cardiff with the majority of the being spent in and around Cardiff.  Cardiff was made a city in 1905, and proclaimed Capital of Wales in 1955, making it the youngest capitol city in the UK. We will visit Cardiff Castle which is located at the heart of the capital andwithin beautiful parklands. The Castle’s walls and fairytale towers conceal 2,000 years of history and much of what you see today is the19th century restoration by the 3rd Marquis of Bute and his architect William Burgess. After a tour of the castle you will be able to find some lunch and have some time to explore. Strolling past the craft breweries and fine-dining restaurants that line Cardiff’s wide pedestrianised avenues, it’s easy to believe the city has always been Wales’s cosmopolitan capital. But, while this may be one of Europe’s youngest capital cities, Cardiff has lived many lives, from Roman military outpost to thriving market town to giant industrial coal port, before transforming itself yet again into the modern metropolis that routinely enchants visitors today. Then we make our way to just outside of Cardiff to Castell Coch, another fairytale creation designed by William Burges for the 3rd Marquis of Bute. The castle is known as a romantic folly supposedly reproducing a small medieval Welsh chieftain's stronghold. It possesses the most remarkable interior decoration and it an absolute delight to explore. We then make our way back home to rest up before gathering for dinner. Dinner and Overnight Chepstow. (B,D)

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Day 16 - June 9th - This morning we make our way back to Manchester Airport. Our first stop of the day will be Gloucester Cathedral. Discover some of the world’s finest examples of medieval architecture, from the giant pillars of the Norman Nave to the earliest surviving example of soaring Gothic Perpendicular. Other highlights include a stained glass window the size of a tennis court and intricate fan vaulting, a style that was invented right here during the 1300s. From William the Conqueror and his Domesday Book, to the grand tomb of the murdered King Edward II, discover the fascinating stories of how Britain’s monarchs have influenced the Cathedral’s 1,000 year history and left their mark on the building. While here we will have a Guided Stonemasons’ Workshop Tour as Gloucester Cathedral is one of only ten cathedrals in the UK to have its own team of on-site masons. On this tour we will meet one of the talented team and be taken behind the scenes of the Masons' Workshop, as well as visiting the Cathedral to learn about stonework both historic and modern. Next we vist the Ancient High House Museum, one of the finest Tudor buildings in the country. Once dominating the skyline of Stafford, it is the largest remaining timber framed town house in England. Royalty was welcomed to the house in 1642 when King Charles I stayed there en route to Shrewsbury, and the house retains an extensive collection of period furniture and architectural features. It is also the home of the Staffordshire Yeomanry Museum. Built in around 1595 for the wealthy Dorrington family, the ornate timber framed building is reputed to be the largest surviving timber framed town house in England from the Tudor period. Next we settle in for a late afternoon Farewell Afternoon Tea before we make our way to Manchester airport. Overnight near Manchester. (B,D)

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Day 17 - June 10th - This morning you can make your way to the airport at whatever time best suits you as we will be staying at Manchester International Airport.