History & Culture Of Ireland – 8 Days

Today you’ll start your Ireland adventure to make unforgettable memories with your group.

Upon arrival you’ll meet with your Tour Manager and start your journey by taking a guided sightseeing tour of Dublin.

You’ll enjoy a dinner and show featuring traditional Irish folk music and dance.

You’ll take a tour of Trinity College, the historic institution of higher education in central Dublin. You’ll tour the campus, learn about the academic programs, and observe a lecture as well as have the opportunity to meet with students. Then visit the historic library at Trinity College that houses the Book of Kells. The pages of this 9th century gospel text are displayed with backlighting to see the intricate designs, colors, celtic, and christian symbolism.
Afterwards, you’ll visit Dublin Castle, the former seat of the British government in Ireland and the site of many political clashes during Ireland’s fight for independence. You’ll see the medieval Norman Tower, Royal Chapel, Town Hall, and Coach House as you walk through the sprawling grounds.
In the late afternoon, you’ll visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the largest in Ireland. With foundations that date back to the 5th century, the cathedral built in 1191, the cathedral is host to many national ceremonies, burials and home to an illustrious choir.

After breakfast, you’ll head to Kilkenny. Once you arrive, you’ll visit Jerpoint Abbey. Built in the 12th century, the church is now in ruins but intricate stone carvings from the 13th-16th centuries remain on display in the cloisters and tombs.

You’ll make a stop at Kells Priory to see the ruins of the 12th century monastic complex, medieval tower houses, and outer walls among the grazing sheep.

Next you’ll visit the centerpiece of medieval Kilkenny, Kilkenny Castle. The castle has had many additions, renovations and owners since its initial construction in 1195. The building and extensive gardens and ground are on display.

Afterwards, you’ll visit the 19th century Roman Catholic church in Kilkenny, St. Mary’s Cathedral. The church was constructed in 1843 at Kilkenny’s highest point using limestone from the surrounding area and its Gothic spires and tower are visible on all approaches to the town.

To end the day, you’ll take a guided tour of the medieval St. Canice’s Cathedral and climb the round tower on the grounds, one of only two in Ireland that are open to the public. You’ll tour the 13th century church before climbing the 9th century tower with fantastic views of the town and the surrounding countryside.

For your first adventure, you’ll visit one of the most iconic sites in Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher. Featured in modern film and Irish folklore, the cliffs reach 700 ft at the highest point and provide sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, and on clear days, the islands in Galway Bay. Despite being one of the most visited sites in Ireland, the landscape remains untouched, and standing on the cliffs is a bit like going back in time.

You’ll then visit Dunguaire Castle. The tower house was built in 1520 atop a hill with views of Galway Bay. Restored in the 1920’s, the castle gives a glimpse into medieval life.

Afterward, you’ll go for a nice walking tour around Galway. You’ll learn about the history of the city and see the colorful homes on the waterfront, medieval St. Nicholas church, Lynch’s Castle and more.

You’ll start your journey back to Dublin, then have the remainder of the day free to explore.

Following an early breakfast, you’ll take the train to Belfast.

Once you get there, you’ll take a unique guided tour to understand the political history of Northern Ireland and Belfast as told by former political prisoners. You’ll tour the communities caught in the middle of the conflict for decades and see the murals painted in every corner while getting a first hand account of living history with your guide.

Then enjoy a double-decker bus tour around Belfast. While riding a hop-on-hop-off bus, you’ll have the freedom to tour the best sites in Belfast including the Stormont and Parliament Buildings, St Georges Market, the Old Cathedral Quarter, the Belfast Peace Wall and more.

Today your Ireland adventure comes to an end as you journey back home with your group.