September 10 - 22, 2011
Arriving in Dublin, you can’t help but become a little bit Irish. So kick off with fun-packed traditional Irish music, dances and dinner at the Arlington Hotel. Then head to Ireland’s foremost horse racing region in County Kildare and tour the Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens. Stay three nights in Kilkenny which boasts a rich medieval heritage and the magnificent Kilkenny Castle. But on the way, take a short side trip to the Steam Rally in the village of Fenagh. We’re also in a farming heartland so we’ll visit potato, cropping and other active farms. In neighbouring County Wexford, we visit Johnstown Castle Research Centre and the adjoining Irish Agricultural Museum followed by a visit to nearby Carrigbyrne Farm and Cheese Company.
The harbour town of Kinsale in County Cork is the ‘Gourmet Capital of Ireland’ with many lively pubs, great restaurants and interesting shops and galleries. We visit Cobh, the last port of call for the ill-fated Titanic and the port of embarkation for over 2.5 million people who emigrated to North America during the famine. Next, the village of Bunratty beckons. From this base, we enjoy a dairy tour & farm lunch at Rathlahine Farm near Newmarket-on-Fergus. Bunratty Castle & Folk Park is a “must see” and we’ll dine at the renowned Bunratty Medieval Banquet accompanied by Irish entertainment. Afterwards, don’t miss the lively music at Durty Nelly’s, probably Ireland’s most famous pub.
Then head to the spectacular Cliffs of Moher on the starkly beautiful west coast. Continue north into the unique landscape of The Burren, an area composed of limestone hills. Meander cross country through the Midlands to Navan. Nearby we’ll marvel at Newgrange’s megalithic tombs which predate Egypt’s Pyramids. It’s one of Ireland’s most visited attractions. At the nearby historic town of Trim, explore Trim Castle where Braveheart was filmed. This is another key agricultural area so more farm tours are planned. Finally, a highlight will be the National Ploughing Championship in Athy, County Kildare. This is the 81st year of the event and it promises to be an extra special celebration.
Returning to Dublin, we’ll hop-on-hop-off the narrated Tour Bus to explore the city’s many major attractions. You’ll return home with the luck of the Irish in your pocket. Or continue to Italy’s Tuscany tour.
Images of Ireland
