IRELAND HISTORY TOUR
Day 1, Dublin
Arrive Dublin at 1.50pm. Transfer by coach to your hotel.
Day 2, Dublin Tour
This morning enjoy a sightseeing coach tour of Dublin with views of Croke Park Stadium, Trinity College where the priceless 8th century Book of Kells is housed, elegant Georgian squares with colourful doorways, St. Stephen's Green, O'Connell Street and Leinster House where the government convenes.
Day 3, to Cork
Depart Dublin this morning and travel south through farming country with a photo opportunity at the Rock of Cashel, a stately limestone outcrop topped with medieval ruins. Continue to the harbour town of Cobh, the last port of call for the Titanic. Take time to explore this picturesque town and the dockside before driving to Blarney Castle for a guided tour. Overnight Cork.
Day 4, to Limerick & Galway
Travel north this morning to Limerick to view St. Munchin’s Church with its bizarre square tower, St. Mary’s Cathedral, King John’s Castle and the Treaty Stone which is the stone on which the Irish and English signed the Traety of Limerick was signed after the siege of 1168. Continue to the West coast to view the Cliffs of Moher, then north through the lunar landscape of Burren, skirting Galway Bay before arriving at your destination – Galway.
Day 5, to the West Coast
Today’s touring starts with the sights of Galway; Galway Cathedral, The University, Salmon Weir Bridge, Salthill, The Claddagh, before travelling to Connemara, to the north of the city, a land of craggy, mist-covered mountains and a stunning, rugged Atlantic coast. Continue through Oughterard and Maam Cross, along the coast to the charming little coastal town of Roundstone. Then to nearby Clifden before turning back along the edge of Lough Inagh. Travelling between the “Twelve Bens” and the Maumturk Mountains continue to Recess and Maam Cross, our final stop on the road back to Galway.
Day 6, to Londonderry
Travel north visiting the towns of Sligo and Donegal to Londonderry. This afternoon walk along the ancient city walls and visit the the People’s Gallery, the murals depict the history of the ‘troubles’.
Day 7, to Belfast
Visit the Giant’s Causeway, an area of about 40 000 interlocking basalt columns, a World Heritage site in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and one of the most iconic natural wonders in Britain. Finish the day with a scenic drive along the Antrim Coast Road through Ballycastle to Belfast. Gain a Unique Insight by visiting the birthplace of the Titanic at the Titanic Belfast Visitor Centre dedicated to the world’s most famous ship.
Day 8, to Dublin
Travel south this morning. Just outside Drogheda visit the Battle of the Boyne Centre to learn about the 1690 conflict between King William III and his father-in-law, King James II. Then travel into Dublin where you have free time for last minute shopping and sightseeing.
Day 9, to Australia
This morning transfer to airport for flight to Australia