Newgrange Day 1 or 2

Newgrange, in County Meath, crouches on a rise just north of the River Boyne.  It is the focal point for a ceremonial area and megalithic cemetery that is 5,000 years old.  The tombs passage is perfectly aligned to mark the Winter Solstice.  Read 20 intriguing facts about Newgrange here.

Hill of Tara Day 1 or 2

Also in County Meath, important rituals were performed here from the Stone Age and through the Christian era.  It was also the traditional seat of Ireland’s high kings.  Slowly ascend Tara. From its top you can see all of Ireland’s four Celtic provinces.

Loughcrew Day 1 or 2

Again, this is in County Meath.  This site is somewhat of a secret.  On the east side it is possible to enter the domed tomb.  Be still. Experience time as it stops and then reels you backward into a world then can only be known by your senses.

Blarney Castle Day 4 or 5

This magnificent castle was built in 1200 A.D. near the present town of Blarney. Positioned near the River Martin, it was a medieval stronghold.  When the castle was destroyed in 1446, the present castle was built on the same site by one of Ireland’s great chieftains, Dermot McCarthy, King of Munster and Lord of Blarney.

It is built on solid limestone, but beneath the castle and rocks, slick caves wind through the layers of stone. Part of McCarthy’s castle is in ruins, but some rooms and battlements are still intact.  Built into one of the walls on the third story is the Stone of Eloquence—the Blarney Stone.  Over the years thousands of visitors have flocked to Blarney, making it one of Ireland’s greatest treasures.
 
If you stand in line to kiss the Stone, finish up, and you’re ready to rush off to your next destination, consider this alternative:  Walk the grounds of this magical place where it is said that, long ago, ancient kings were crowned and then blessed by the kisses of faeries.

Cork City Day 4 or 5

In the bustling city of Cork, stroll the river walk at the University and pop into the Glucksman Gallery.  Relax in a café, and hit Shandon Street, just a short walk from the main shopping district.  Climb the 120 foot steeple, and ring the bells of Shandon.  Soak up the city views as they fade into the countryside. Award-winning restaurants line the streets, and nightlife choices include Irish Traditional, classy nightclubs, theater, opera, plays, and dance.  (Take the haunted night tour of the city jail—it’s a great way to start your evening with a bang.) Of course, there’s the Jameson Old Middleton Distillery in east Cork.  Learn how Irish whiskey is made, and finish with a tasting.  As for Ennis, her beautiful medieval streets, narrow and meandering past small colorful shops, are enchanting.

Drombeg Stone Circle Day 4 or 5

In County Cork. This lovely recumbent stone circle is locally knownasthe Druid's Altar, and is located on the edge of a rocky terrace withfine views to the sea about a mile away. The word Drombeg means 'the small ridge'. The circle stones have been shaped to slope upwards to the recumbent itself. The midpoint of this stone was set in line with the winter soltice sunset viewed in a conspicuous notch in the distant hills.

Blasket Islands Day 6 or 7

The Blasket Islands lie just a few miles off Slea Head on the Dingle Peninsula. The islands don’t look very inviting from the mainland and yet the largest, Great Blasket Island, was inhabited for almost 300 years up to 1953 when the final 200 hardy souls were forced to abandon the island due to lack of basic services – there was no school, shop, priest or doctor. Many moved to Springfield (no Simpson’s jokes please!), Massachusetts where to this day a copy of the weekly Kerryman newspaper is delivered to their door. The Great Blasket heritage centre located in Dunquin tells the island’s fascinating and moving story and is well worth checking out.

Ancient Sites in Dingle Day 6 or 7

The Dingle Peninsula is like an open air museum. No where else in Ireland is so cram-packed with national monuments and historical sites. Its no wonder, people like to live in beautiful places - I am sure this was as true 500 or 5,000 years ago as it is today. Highlights include the Gallarus Oratory (this 1200 year old dry stone oratory is in perfect condition and is a great example of the ingenious building methods used at the time. How many of our houses will be still standing in 1200 years?) and the Beehive Huts scattered along the Slea Head drive between Slea Head and Dunquin.

Lough Gur Day 8

This site is in County Limerick.  It is on a lake (lough) that was inhabited by Neolithic farmers for over 4,000 years.  There are prehistoric remains and the largest surviving stone circle in Ireland.

The Burren Day 8 or 9

The Burren, or Boireann, meaning Great Rock, is in County Clare. It is, without dispute, one of the most unique and strangest landscapes in Europe. The Burren is about 250 square kilometers. Bounded by the Atlantic on the west and rocked by Galway Bay to the north, it is a multi-layered landscape where delicate plants have adapted in order to thrive and flourish between harsh crevices. Stroll the meadows, be astonished by the boulders, and read the trail marks and footprints that the ice age and volcanoes left behind.

Interested in sacred sites or ancient Ireland?  This area is not only a miracle of biodoverstiy, it is rich  in a history that stretches back through the mists of time and forward to its preservation.  The Burren abounds in Celtic Spirituality—the Irish legends and the people of this area cannot be separated.  Those who live here reflect this land, and they are its guardians as firmly as they ever were.

A walking tour with Authentic Ireland’s local guide is the only way to truly explore this extraordinary place.  Smell the air as the sea dampens the limestone, watch the weather color the sky differently in a matter of hours, listen to the sounds of ancient Ireland ripple through time, stone, and story.  Put one foot in front of the other and revel in this untamed landscape.

Doolin & The Cliffs of Moher Day 8 or 9

The small coastal village of Doolin is located on County Clare's wild Atlantic coast. The surrounding area has much of interest including the barren yet strikingly beautiful Burren region with, among other things, the 5,000 year-old Poulnabrone Dolmen. Also worth a visit is Doonagore Castle and of course the spectacular 650-foot high Cliffs of Moher, which are only a few miles from Doolin. But the real reason people flock to Doolin from all over the world is the traditional music in the local pubs. Until recently Doolin had only three pubs. There are now some new establishments on the scene but we recommend sticking to the old reliables: McGanns, McDermots and O'Connors. Even at that you will be spoilt for choice. Each pub is full most nights with musicians and music lovers alike. Be sure to check out all three

Bunratty Day 8 or 9

Enjoy the medieval grandeur that awaits in Bunratty Castle and the lively Folk Park. Enjoy a relaxing cup of tea and sample freshly baked scones in the quaint thatched cottage cafe. Within a few minutes’ drive you’ll also find the historic Durty Nelly’s, Knappogue Castle, Craggaunowen, King John’s Castle, and the Hunt Museum. We suggest you spend your day enjoying the Folk Park and wandering the Bunratty Castle grounds.  When evening rolls around, head to Bunratty Castle for a medieval Banquet of food, song, and jesters.  It’s an absolutely unforgettable evening for all! 

Dun Aengus, Aran Islands Day 8 or 9

In County Galway, this is an enormous stone fort with a mystery—no oneknows who built it or when.  It was called by several renowned archaeologists, “the most magnificent barbaric monument in Europe.”  It faces the wild sea, and three stone rings meet above 300 foot sheer cliffs.  It seems to keep a watchful eye on our traditional Aran Islands.

Day 1 Arrive Dublin

Arrive at Dublin airport in the morning, take a taxi to your hotel and relax (1 hour).

Arrive at Dublin airport in the morning and take an independent coach or taxi transfer to your hotel.  You will be staying in the 4-star Pembroke townhouse for 2 nights. Dublin is a compact city easy to get around by foot or taxi. We recommend picking up your car as you leave Dublin on Day 3.  If you would prefer to pick up your rental car at the airport upon arrival, your hotel does have complimentary parking available so please contact your agent to advise.  (Most all centre hotels charge for overnight parking.)

Day 1 Dublin City

Dublin is a lively cosmopolitan city brimming with culture. You could spend your time strolling the streets soaking up the atmosphere, relaxing in its cafes and bars or you could check out its myriad historical, literary and cultural delights. The 8th century illuminated manuscript, the Book of Kells, must be viewed. It is on display at the impressive Trinity College, Ireland's first university (founded 1592) in the heart of Dublin. For the rest of your time, it is up to you how much you want to pack in. Phoenix Park, twice the size of New York City's Central Park, Georgian Dublin around Stephen's Green, the National Botanical Gardens, National Museum, Kilmainham Jail and the Hugh Lane Municipal Art Gallery are all highly recommended stops on your tour. Then there's the Guinness Storehouse and Jamieson Distillery.  A visit to Dublin's Temple Bar to experience the lively Dublin pub culture is a must, though many of Dublin's best bars can be found outside this area in the streets and laneways around Grafton Street, the shopper's street of choice.

Day 1 or 2 Optional Activities (See Add an Activity & Experience sections for even more options):
Food, Folk and Fairies - dinner and lively entertainment at Dublin's oldest pub (Available May - September each year)
Dublin's Literary Pub Crawl
Historical Walking Tour of Dublin

Day 2 Boyne Valley

The Boyne Valley, located on the east coast of Ireland in County Meath, contains the largest and most decorated megalithic sites in all of Ireland and has been described as "the largest and most important expression of prehistoric megalithic art in Europe". The large Megalithic sites were built over 5000 years ago between 3800 and 3200 BC, built before both Stonehenge in England and the great pyramids in Egypt. Within a three square mile radius in the Boyne Valley are grouped more than 30 prehistoric monuments including the great passage tombs and their satellite structures, standing stones, barrows and other enclosures. The great sites of the Boyne Valley include Newgrange, Knowth, Dowth, Loughcrew, Fourknocks and the Hill of Tara. Neolithic communities built these sites over earlier sacred spots and it is suspected that they were used for a combination of different purposes, including use as burial tombs, sacred temples and astronomical observatories. The nearby towns of Slane or Navan make ideal bases from which to explore the area.

We highly recommend taking one ofthe the two tours listed below to gaurantee your admission into the popular Newgrange tomb.

Day 2 optional activities:
Private Boyne Valley Tour
Newgrange Tour

Day 3 Kinsale

Pick up your rental car and travel south from Dublin to Kinsale to the Blue Haven Hotel(3.5 hours).

Welcome to luxury.  The Blue Haven is a boutique-style hotel situated in the heart of Kinsale and will be your base for the next two nights.  One of Ireland’s best known hotels, the Blue Haven graciously combines the charm of yesterday with the amenities of today.  Their reputation for meticulous attention to detail, friendly service, and incredible shoreline views makes your stay at the Blue Haven a slice of perfection.  Their restaurant, ‘blu’, is known for its culinary ingenuity, featuring modern Irish cuisine with an array of international influences.

As if the hotel weren’t terrific enough, the town of Kinsale is the icing on the cake.  The undisputed gourmet center of Ireland, medieval Kinsale is not only about food, it’s about traditional pubs and music, 400 years of wonderful architecture, narrow streets, colorful shops & galleries plus many activities on land and sea.  As anyone who has visited knows, Kinsale is not just a place it’s a state of mind.  A perfect pairing with the Blue Haven Hotel, a haven for all good things in life.

Your package price includes one gourmet dinner at the 'blu' restaurant.

Optional Activities: We recommend a cruise around Kinsale's picturesque harbour, a ghost bus tour in the evening and leisurely ride on the Kinsale Land Train to Charles fort.

Day 4 & 5 West Cork

While staying in Kinsale, we recommend touring around the scenic west coast of Ireland to visit the following sites:

Drombeg Stone Circle

This lovely recumbent stone circle is locally known as the Druid's Altar, and is located on the edge of a rocky terrace with fine views to the sea about a mile away. The word Drombeg means 'the small ridge'. The circle stones have been shaped to slope upwards to the recumbent itself. The midpoint of this stone was set in line with the winter soltice sunset viewed in a conspicuous notch in the distant hills.

Beara Peninsula

Home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in Ireland, and offering the broadest range of activities, entertainment, cuisine and accommodation imaginable, West Cork provides a range of options that allow you to tailor your holiday to suit your personal needs and desires.  The appeal of the Beara Peninsula lies in its startling beauty, best experienced by climbing the hills & cycling the roads.  It’s a lot bigger and much wider than Sheeps Head Peninsula to the south and occupies part of both Cork & Kerry.  While there is lush greenery (reminiscent of the Ireland imagined by long departed emigrants) amid rocky scenery on the Mizen Head and Sheeps Heah Peninsulas, the Beara is a desolate, harsh, rocky landscape.  It makes wonderful waking country and is littered with pre-historic rocks, stone circles and old tombs

Blarney Castle & Stone

This magnificent castle was built in 1200 A.D. near the present town of Blarney. Positioned near the River Martin, it was a medieval stronghold. It is built on solid limestone, but beneath the castle and rocks, slick caves wind through the layers of stone.Built into one of the walls on the third story is the Stone of Eloquence—the Blarney Stone.  Over the years thousands of visitors have flocked to Blarney, making it one of Ireland’s greatest treasures.

Day 6 Dingle

Travel north west from Kinsale to Dingle where you will spend the next two nights at a charming seaside Bed & Breakfast (2 hours).

The residents of Dingle, or An Daingean as it is now officially known, are the envy of everyone in Ireland. They live in what many agree is the most beautiful part in the country, in a strikingly attractive fishing village with fantastic pubs, rousing music, great restaurants and more characters per head of population than anywhere in the world. The Dingle Peninsula on which the town is located is littered with ancient archeological sites including stone forts and many beehive huts. Scenically, the Peninsula is an absolute delight with every turn of the road revealing more of the achingly beautiful landscape. One highlight is the Slea Head loop drive from Dingle which is easily driven in an hour or cycled in an afternoon. For the energetic, a day spent climbing Mount Brandon, the peninsula's highest, will be richly rewarded. The views from the top on a clear day are absolutely stunning.

Day 7 Dingle Peninsula

We recommend partaking in an activity in the morning and then spend your time touring the spectacular Dingle Peninsula in the afternoon.

The Dingle Peninsula has been inhabited for almost 6,000 years and is one of the richest areas in archaeological remains on the west coast of Europe, with almost 2,000 sites. Here you will find the largest collections in the world of clocháns or beehive huts, stones with the unique ancient ogham writing, and dúnta or ring forts.

Day 7 optional activities:
Kayaking in Dingle Harbour
Horseback Riding on the Beach

Day 8 Ennis

Travel North to Ennis, County Clare where you will spend your last two nights at the Old Ground Hotel (2.5 hours).

This is a truly magical 4-star hotel that combines the warmth of an 18th century country home with the style of a contemporary luxury Irish Hotel. Walk inside, and you’ll feel the warmth of the lobby fireplace matched by your welcome. All bedrooms are thoughtfully designed with a guest's ultimate comfort in mind.  White crisp linens and the softest duvets and pillows ensure a great night's sleep.  The Old Grounds is elegantly decorated with original art throughout.  Unique and often dramatic, the private collection, with works by established and emerging Irish artists, is chosen to blend with the historic walls.  Take a peek inside the Banner Room, formerly Ennis Town Hall—you’ll see a gothic arch and aging chandeliers. Next to the Banner Room is Lemenagh Hall. Formerly Ennis Town Jail, it is home to the Lemenagh fireplace from the Great Hall of Lemenagh Castle.

Outside the Old Ground are the pretty, winding streets of Ennis, with its restaurants, shopping, and traditional Irish music. Beyond is the rugged beauty of County Clare and the West of Ireland, including the Cliffs of Moher, Alliwee Caves and Doonbeg Golf Course. The hotel's magnificent ivy-clad exterior retains all the splendor of a bygone age with a voice that beckons you inside.

Day 9 West Clare

We recommend touring around the scenically beautiuful West Clare.  Be sure to visit the following coastal locations:

The Burren

The Burren, or Boireann, meaning Great Rock, is in County Clare. It is, without dispute, one of the most unique and strangest landscapes in Europe. Interested in sacred sites or ancient Ireland?  This area is not only a miracle of biodoverstiy, it is rich  in a history that stretches back through the mists of time and forward to its preservation.  The Burren abounds in Celtic Spirituality—the Irish legends and the people of this area cannot be separated.  Those who live here reflect this land, and they are its guardians as firmly as they ever were.

Doolin & the Cliffs of Moher

The small coastal village of Doolin is located on County Clare's wild Atlantic coast. The surrounding area has much of interest including the barren yet strikingly beautiful Burren region with, among other things, the 5,000 year-old Poulnabrone Dolmen. Also worth a visit is Doonagore Castle and of course the spectacular 650-foot high Cliffs of Moher, which are only a few miles from Doolin. But the real reason people flock to Doolin from all over the world is the traditional music in the local pubs. You can also take a day trip out to the Aran Islands and visit the 2,000-year-old Dun Aengus Fort.

Optional Activities for day 9:
Guided Walk of the Burren
Medieval Banquet Dinner at Bunratty Castle

Day 10 Depart Shannon

Travel from Ennis to Shannon airport to catch your departing flight (20 minutes).

Food, Folk & Fairies (day 1 or 2) 3 hours

Feel yourself going back in time as you leave the Dublin traffic behind and pass through the archway into the cobbled stone courtyard of Dublin's oldest pub. Discover how Irish people lived in times past while enjoying a traditional candlelit dinner in Dublin's oldest pub dating back from 1198.  Let us take you back in time to the fascinating world of Ireland long ago when the culture was one of the mind, spirit and imagination and where the unseen world was never far away. More information >

Ancient Newgrange Tour (Day 2) 7 hours

This is a full day tour spent discovering the magical and mystical Monuments in the green fields and hills of Ancient Ireland.  The tour departs from and returns to Dublin City, from where you will strike north to the archaeologically rich Boyne Valley region.  The 5000 year old megalithic tomb at Newgrange is without doubt the highlight – a truly amazing construction that pre-dates the Pyramids of Egypt.  Other notable stops are the Hill of Tara, the ancient royal seat of Irish High Kings and the Hill of Slane, where St. Patrick lit the Pascal Fire. more information >

Private Boyne Valley Tour (Day 2) 8 hours; for 2 - 6 people

Enoy a private full day tour with your own personal tour guide to the Boyne Valley. The Boyne Valley was home to some of the earliest settlements in Ireland due to its fertile land and access to the sea. As a result there are some fantastic historical and archaeological sites of interest. Some of the finest examples of early Megalithic passage tombs in Europe are to be found here. On this tour you will visit Newgrange, the monastic sites of Monasterboice and Mellifont Abbey and Trim Castle, the impressive medieval castle made famous in the film Braveheart. more information >

Dingle Horseback Riding (Day 7) 1 hour, 2 hour and half day treks available

The dramatic beauty of the Dingle Peninsula on the south-westerly coastline of Ireland has been an inspiration and wonder to visitors for thousands of years. Dingle Riding Stables are located on the mountainside overlooking Dingle Harbour and close to the town of Dingle - the perfect location for the most memorable, challenging and enjoyable horse riding adventure you will experience anywhere in the world. more information >

Kayak in Dingle (Day 7) 3 hours

Choose from one of the two optins listed below:

Kayak at Sunrise or Sunset in Dingle
Experience the peaceful waters of Dingle Harbour and Dingle Bay at its most tranquil hours, these trips also visit Fungi the
Dingle Dolphin and sea caves.

Kayaking with Fungi the Dolphin Dingle
Enjoy kayaking in Dingle Harbour and see Fungi the Dolphin at the mouth of the harbour and explore some of the many caves.  You will meet your guide at the Dingle Marina

Times: 9.30am to 12.30pm or 2.00pm to 5.00pm

Guided Walk of the Burren (Day 9) 1.5 - 2.5 hours

We offer guided walking tours into the heart of the Burren landscape located on Irelands west coast. Each tour covers a broad range of interests such as an introduction to a working farm where you learn of old and new practices. Irish history, the archaeology of the Burren, mythology, the Burren’s unique botany, story telling, folklore & folk traditions, Poteen distilling and much more.

We cater for all levels of experience and groups sizes. Our walks are sociable and relaxed, interesting and most importantly lots of fun. The walks run on average between 1.5 - 2.5 hours.   more information >

Medieval Banquet Dinner at Bunratty Castle (Day 9) 2.5 hours

Join the Earl of Thomond in the splendour of the main guard of Bunratty Castle for a dinner experience not to be missed! Bunratty Castle, was built in 1425 by the Earl of Thomond. Following his tradition of hospitality, the world renowned Bunratty Medieval Banquet is held twice nightly throughout the year.

Since 1963, the Ladies of the Castle, aided and abetted by the Earl's Butler, have welcomed guests from the four corners of the globe to dine at The Earl's Banquet at Bunratty Castle.  The entertainment provided by the world renowned Bunratty Singers is a fitting compliment to a mead reception, a four course meal, and of course good wine. more information >