Ancient Ireland: History, Castles & Sacred Sites

Today you delve into the rich history of Dublin with your expert guide. You visit Trinity College, Ireland's oldest university, to marvel at the exquisite ninth-century Book of Kells and the breathtaking Long Room library, then explore Dublin Castle, for centuries the seat of British rule in Ireland, and the National Museum, home to dazzling Iron Age gold, Viking artefacts and preserved bog bodies. In the afternoon you visit grim, moving Kilmainham Gaol, where the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising were imprisoned and executed, a powerful and poignant place in the story of Irish independence. You might also take in the medieval Christ Church and Saint Patrick's cathedrals. The history and atmosphere are captivating. As the day ends, you return to your hotel, having traced Dublin's dramatic story. This evening, savour the city's pubs and craic. Rest well, for tomorrow you journey to the ancient tomb of Newgrange and medieval Kilkenny.

Today you journey deep into Ireland's ancient past, then on to a medieval city. You begin in the Boyne Valley north of Dublin at Bru na Boinne, entering the astonishing passage tomb of Newgrange, built more than 5,000 years ago, older than Stonehenge and the pyramids, through a narrow stone passage carved with mysterious spirals to the central chamber, engineered to catch the dawn sun at the winter solstice. You may also see the Hill of Tara, seat of the ancient High Kings. Then you drive south to Kilkenny, Ireland's finest medieval city, arriving in the afternoon to explore its narrow lanes, old stone houses and the soaring Saint Canice's Cathedral with its ancient round tower. As the day ends, you settle into Kilkenny. This evening, enjoy the city's historic pubs, famous for music and craft beer. Rest well, for tomorrow you explore Kilkenny Castle and journey to Cork.

Today you explore medieval Kilkenny before journeying south to Cork, with a spectacular stop along the way. You begin at magnificent Kilkenny Castle, a mighty Norman fortress remodelled as a stately home, with its grand rooms and beautiful parkland, and walk the atmospheric Medieval Mile past merchant houses and craft workshops. Then you drive to the dramatic Rock of Cashel, a great limestone outcrop crowned with a medieval cathedral, round tower, chapel and high crosses, once the seat of the kings of Munster and where Saint Patrick is said to have preached, one of Ireland's most spectacular historic sites. Continuing south, you reach Cork, Ireland's characterful second city, by evening. As the day ends, you settle into your hotel in Cork. This evening, explore the lively lanes and superb food scene of the city, perhaps sampling its famous English Market produce. Rest well, for tomorrow you visit Blarney Castle and explore Cork.

Today you explore Cork and its historic surroundings. You visit Blarney Castle, a mighty medieval tower house set amid beautiful gardens, climbing to its battlements to kiss the legendary Blarney Stone, said to bestow the gift of eloquence, and wandering the romantic grounds with their rock gardens and ancient trees. Back in Cork, you explore the characterful city, built on islands in the River Lee, taking in the vibrant covered English Market, a food-lover's paradise since 1788, and the elegant Georgian streets. In the afternoon you might visit nearby Cobh, the poignant last port of call of the Titanic and the departure point for millions of Irish emigrants, with its dramatic cathedral and colourful harbour. The history and atmosphere are captivating. As the day ends, you return to Cork. This evening, savour the city's superb food and lively pubs. Rest well, for tomorrow you journey to Galway.

Today you journey north up the west coast to Galway, through dramatic scenery layered with history. Crossing into County Clare, you reach the mighty Cliffs of Moher, where a wall of dark rock soars more than 200 metres straight from the crashing Atlantic, then cross the extraordinary Burren, a lunar landscape of grey limestone pavements scattered with ancient dolmens, ring forts and hidden monastic ruins, perhaps pausing at the 5,000-year-old Poulnabrone portal tomb. Continuing north, you reach Galway, the historic port city where the Corrib meets the sea, once a great medieval trading town with Spanish connections. As the day ends, you settle into your hotel in Galway. This evening, wander the medieval Latin Quarter, taking in the Spanish Arch and the old city walls, and enjoy the traditional music that fills the pubs. Rest well, for tomorrow you sail to the timeless Aran Islands and their prehistoric forts.

Today you sail out to the timeless Aran Islands, one of the last strongholds of the Irish language and traditional way of life. You take a ferry across Galway Bay to Inis Mor, the largest of the three windswept limestone islands, where the land is a patchwork of tiny fields divided by thousands of miles of dry-stone walls. You explore by pony trap or bicycle, reaching the spectacular prehistoric fort of Dun Aonghasa, a series of massive stone ramparts perched on the edge of a 100-metre cliff above the crashing Atlantic, one of Europe's finest ancient monuments, and visiting early Christian churches and holy wells. You feel the deep peace and antiquity of island life. As the day ends, you return by ferry to Galway. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner and a final session of traditional music, reflecting on the five thousand years of history you have explored across Ireland. Rest well ahead of your departure.

After a final leisurely morning in Galway, perhaps a last walk along the old city walls, some souvenir shopping for Aran knitwear, Claddagh rings or Irish crafts, or a quiet coffee by the Corrib, you are transferred to Shannon or Dublin Airport for your onward journey. You leave having immersed yourself in five thousand years of Irish history, from the Book of Kells and Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin to the astonishing tomb of Newgrange, medieval Kilkenny and its castle, the dramatic Rock of Cashel, Blarney Castle and Cork, and the prehistoric forts of the timeless Aran Islands. The images stay vivid long after you land, the spiral carvings of Newgrange, the towers of Cashel and Kilkenny, the ramparts of Dun Aonghasa on their cliff, and the atmospheric streets and pubs of Galway. Ireland offers history, heritage, legend and warmth in abundance, and you depart already dreaming of a return to the Emerald Isle to uncover yet more of its ancient story.