IRISH JAUNT

Titanic Belfast extends over nine interactive galleries, with multiple dimensions to the exhibition, drawing together special effects, dark rides, full-scale reconstructions and innovative interactive features. Explore the shipyard, travel to the depths of the ocean and uncover the true legend of Titanic, in the city where it all began.

A Private Tour of Belfast  with Ken he will take you on an educational and enlightening journey of the famous Belfast murals. You will learn the history and politics of Belfast and Ireland – particularly about the period known as ‘The Troubles’.

Ken is local person, with local knowledge, who lived through the troubles and will expertly and impartially explain how the murals help to tell the story of the Northern Ireland conflict and how we arrived at the current peace process.

The tour focuses on ‘both sides’ of our community. You will visit the mainly Catholic (or Nationalist) Falls Road and the mainly Protestant (or Unionist) Shankill Road. You will cross the ‘peace line’ or ‘peace wall’ that continues to separate both communities. Both sides have used murals to tell their story, celebrate their past and raise awareness about how political decisions affected their communities.
Ken is one of the most familiar faces in Irish Tour Guiding circles and works extensively throughout all of Northern Ireland. Well known as an after dinner speaker, he also lectures to Professional and Business groups and Professional club circuit on subjects such as the “Irish Linen Industry”, “Belfast a Divided History” and “The Early Celtic Church”. He has developed a niche for himself as an informed and balanced commentator on Belfast’s and Northern Ireland’s divided political history

The Giants Causeway is a place where myth and science meet. Were the spectacular basalt columns formed through the rapid cooling of lava from an underwater volcano, or, as some may say created by the legendary mythical Irish Giant Finn MacCool?

For centuries countless visitors have explored the Causeway and marvelled at its unique rock formations. Situated on one of Worlds most spectacular coastlines, its unique rock formations have, for nearly sixty million years, stood as a natural rampart against the unbridled ferocity of the North Atlantic storms. The rugged symmetry of the columns never fails to intrigue and inspire our visitors. To stroll on the Giants Causeway is to voyage back in time.

The walking tour has been listed by many as one of the best experiences they have had on their travels anywhere. You will hear many interesting facts about this famous city and its troubled history , such as The famous Bogside,so often spoken about on World news reports during the troubles  The Peoples Gallery (Murals) The Bloody Sunday Story, The History of the Apprentice Boys, The Marching Season Traditions.

Derry, Londonderry has 1,500 years of history and culture enclosed within Ireland’s only completely walled city. From the sixth-century monastic settlement to the vibrant European city of the twenty-first century,

Don’t miss your opportunity to visit one of Ireland’s best kept secrets and a signature point on the Wild Atlantic Way. Located in south west Donegal along this magnificent costal driving route are Ireland’s highest Sea Cliffs, Sliabh Liag. A visit to the cliffs and the surrounding region is a must on your Wild Atlantic Way adventure. Experience the local culture, heritage and people of Donegal against the backdrop of our spectacular and rugged coastline.

Prepare to be dazzled by the panoramic view across Donegal Bay, which is simply breathtaking.
Experience the unique wonders of the natural biodiversity of marine flora and fauna found here.

A natural masterpiece of colour across a land and seascape where azure skies, wispy white clouds and cool blue seas meet the sun beaming light onto the myriad of hues of ancient rock formations shades of green and purple heather. Sliabh Liag is truly Mother Nature’s finest canvas where tales of myth and legend, local history and Irish tradition seem to be painted into this wild and rugged landscape.

To fully enjoy the spectacle of Sliabh Liag we recommend that you walk the few miles to the cliff viewing point, so as not to miss the exciting scenery of the area. Walk up the winding road to the main Sliabh Liag viewing point past the lake and local sheep, where at the top; you will be rewarded with the most stunning views as Donegal Bay sweeps in towards you.

One of Irelands great walks.

Drumcliff is a village nestled under the foot of Benbulben just north orf Sligo Town. It is more famous now as the final resting place of W B Yeats whose grave is in the churchyard under a simple headstone with the inscription: ‘Cast a cold eye on life, On Death Horseman pass by.’

William Butler Yeats (pronounced /ˈjeɪts/; 13 June 1865 – 28 January 1939) was an Irish poet and dramatist and one of the foremost figures of 20th-century literature. A pillar of both the Irish and English literary establishments, in his later years Yeats served as an Irish Senator for two terms. He was a driving force behind the Irish Literary Revival, and together with Lady Gregory and Edward Martyn founded the Abbey Theatre, and served as its chief during its early years. In 1923, he was awarded a Nobel Prize in Literature for what the Nobel Committee described as “inspired poetry, which in a highly artistic form gives expression to the spirit of a whole nation;” and he was the first Irishman so honored. Yeats is generally considered one of the few writers whose greatest works were completed after being awarded the Nobel Prize; such works include The Tower (1928) and The Winding Stair and Other Poems (1929)

Yeats was born and educated in Dublin, but spent his childhood in Sligo. He studied poetry in his youth, and from an early age was fascinated by both Irish legends and the occult. Those topics feature in the first phase of his work, which lasted roughly until the turn of the century. His earliest volume of verse was published in 1889, and those slowly paced and lyrical poems display debts to Edmund Spenser and Percy Bysshe Shelley, as well as to the lyricism of the Pre-Raphaelite poets.

From 1900, Yeats’ poetry grew more physical and realistic. He largely renounced the transcendental beliefs of his youth, though he remained preoccupied with physical and spiritual masks, as well as with cyclical theories of life. Over the years Yeats adopted many different ideological positions, including, in the words of the critic Michael Valdez Moses, “those of radical nationalist, classical liberal, reactionary conservative and millenarian nihilist”

Ireland’s highest waterfall.

Glencar Waterfall, also known as “The Devil’s Chimney”, is situated near Glencar Lake, 11 kilometres west of Manor Hamilton in County Leitrim and 13 km from Sligo Town. It is particularly impressive after rain and can be viewed from a lovely wooded walk. There are more waterfalls visible from the road, although none is quite as romantic as this one which is mentioned by WB Yeats in his poem ‘The Stolen Child’.

The facilities on site include Car Park, Picnic Area, Public Toilets, Playground and Tearoom.

This morning we visit the wonderful & interesting museum of country living Eperience a bygone way of life with Ireland’s National Folklife Collection, displayed across four floors of modern exhibition galleries. Step into another world at historic Turlough Park House. Refresh your senses in the tranquil Victorian gardens. All of this and more is waiting to be discovered at the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life in Co. Mayo

The house was built by the Browne family in the 18th century, near the site of an O’Malley castle. The architects were Richard Cassels, who built (1730) the east section of the house facing the town, and later James Wyatt, who built the other three façades to form a quadrangle. Later, the quadrangle was filled in with a grand staircase. North and south wings were added to the designs of Benjamin Wyatt. The south wing, which contained a library, was burned soon after it was built due to a defect in the heating system. It was subsequently rebuilt.

Croagh Patrick is Ireland’s holy mountain, from where St Patrick banished the snakes from Ireland and where thousands of pilgrims come to pay homage to Ireland’s patron saint.

Standing some 765m high, Croagh Patrick towers over Clew Bay and the town of Westport and dominates the coastline of Mayo. The mountain, locally known as the Reek, holds a unique place in Irish culture being the location where St Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint, fasted for 40 days and nights and from where, according to legend, he banished the snakes from Ireland.

For over 1,500 people have made pilgrimages to the summit of Croagh Patrick and today more than 100,000 people climb the Reek each year. The traditional day for doing so is the last Sunday in July, known as Reek Sunday and over 25,000 people of all ages come to Croagh Patrick, where the truly penitent climb barefoot and up until 1973, this pilgrimage was performed at night!

Even before the arrival of Christianity, the mountain was a place of great spirituality. Excavations carried out on the summit date the earliest finds at 3rd century BC and the site was once occupied by a hill fort with stone ramparts and dwellings.

On average it takes around two hours to climb Croagh Patrick and about one and a half hours to descend it. Sturdy footwear and waterproof clothing is advisable and you should also take some food and water with you. On a good day the views from the summit are a spiritual reward in itself with clear vistas out across Clew Bay and around the rugged Mayo countryside. On a bad day when the cloud cover swoops down low around the mountain you may struggle to even see your feet in front of you!

Welcome to Killary Sheep Farm in Connemara. A traditional working mountain farm with approx 200 ewes and lambs roaming freely in the mountain overlooking Killary Fjord, on the Wild Atlantic Way. On our farm we run mainly blackhead horny sheep which are most suited to survive on the mountains during the harsh winters. At Killary Sheep Farm visitors can view the following demonstrations sheepdog demonstrations, sheep sheering demonstrations,

Tom welcomes visitors of all ages and looks forward to introducing you to sheep and dog demonstrations

Especially enjoyable for young children and all family members

Spend the  morning and discover the rich history and cultural heritage of Galway city, and the good thing about Galway is that it’s fairly compact and easy enough to get around on foot.

Make your own way around the cobblestone streets, it’s a great way of being part of the hustle and bustle.

The advantage of going on your own steam is you can stop and start as you please without feeling you are delaying the group. However a tour company would have the advantage of a guide to answer those “burning questions”, and also to add their personal touch with in-depth local knowledge.

Burren Experience Guided Walks

this afternoon enjoy and Experience guided walks on Mullaghmore mountain – the sublimely beautiful heart of the Burren, rich in heritage and natural beauty and famous for its flora and wildlife. Geological evolution over millions of years has arranged this landscape in such a way that today it is recognised as one of the most distinctive landscapes in Europe.

CLIFFS OF MOHER FERRY

The Cliffs of Moher are iconic and you haven’t really seen them until you’ve seen them from the sea! They rise to a magnificent height of over 700ft which you can only really appreciate from a sea view!! You may even spot some puffins, dolphins, seals or basking sharks.

The Cliffs of Moher cruise is truly an amazing way to take in the majesty of these iconic cliffs. Join an on-board crew for a journey you will be sure to remember. Take in the wildlife, nature and history of the stunning west of Ireland coastline. See Ireland’s largest sea bird colony, An Branán Mór Sea Stack and a sea Cave used in filming Harry Potter & the Half Blood Prince.

The most complete and authentic Castle in Ireland

Ireland’s iconic Bunratty Castle is a must on your itinerary to Ireland. Named after the river Raite which runs alongside this strategic battlement. The spot on which this castle stands has been occupied for over 1000 years. From the Vikings to the Normans, great Irish Earls and noble Lords and Ladies. Graciously restored in the 1960’s and furnished by Lord Gort’s magnificent collection of medieval furniture and furnishings, this is your chance to experience a window on Ireland’s past and explore the acclaimed 15th century Bunratty Castle.

Discover Dublin’s fair city by walking.
Walking tours and Dublin city are perfectly suited due to it’s compact size and abundance of historical and cultural sites.
Visit the beautiful squares and find out why with over 6.000 Georgian doors, no two are the same.
Walk in the footsteps of James Joyce, see Oscar Wilde’s house and statue and hear why Dublin is a UNESCO city of literature.
See the building that inspired the design of the White House and visit the sites associated with the Vikings and Norman invaders.
Learn about the 1916 rebellion and Ireland’s fight for freedom. See where Handel’s Messiah was first performed in 1742 and visit medieval Cathedrals.
Find out where the best fish and chips are to be had and why Guinness tastes better in it’s native city.
All this and more in a relaxed 3 hour stroll designed to give you a solid orientation and knowledge of Dublin.

Located in the heart of the St. James’s Gate Brewery, the Guinness Storehouse® is Ireland’s most popular tourist attraction. It’s the home of the Black Stuff, the heart of Dublin and an unforgettable start to your Irish adventure.

The journey begins at the bottom of the world’s largest pint glass and continues up through seven floors filled with interactive experiences that fuse our long brewing heritage with Ireland’s rich history. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with a pint of perfection in our world-famous rooftop Gravity Bar. Now that’s our kind of higher education.

Irish House Party

The Irish Emigration Museum

You won’t find leprechauns or pots of gold here, but you’ll discover that what it means to be Irish expands far beyond the borders of Ireland through the stories of Irish emigrants who became scientists, politicians, poets, artists and even outlaws all over the world. Discover Ireland from the outside in and find out why saying “I’m Irish” is one of the biggest conversation starters, no matter where you are.

Kilmainham Gaol opened in 1796 as the new County Gaol for Dublin. It closed its doors in 1924.

Today the building symbolises the tradition of militant and constitutional nationalism from the rebellion of 1798 to the Irish Civil War of 1922-23. Leaders of the rebellions of 1798, 1803, 1848,1867 and 1916 were detained and in some cases executed here. Many members of the Irish Republican movement during the Anglo-Irish War (1919-21) were also detained in Kilmainham Gaol, guarded by British troops. Names such as Henry Joy McCracken, Robert Emmet, Anne Devlin, Charles Stewart Parnell and the leaders of 1916 will always be associated with the building. It should not be forgotten however that, as a county gaol, Kilmainham held thousands of ordinary men, women and children. Their crimes ranged from petty offences such as stealing food to more serious crimes such as murder or rape. Convicts from many parts of Ireland were held here for long periods waiting to be transported to Australia.

TEELING STORY

The Spirit Of Dublin – A Craft Revival

Whiskey making and entrepreneurship has been in the Teeling genes as far back as 1782, when Walter Teeling set up a small craft distillery on Marrowbone Lane, Dublin 8. Right back in the heart of the Liberties district of Dublin city, Jack and Stephen Teeling, the latest generation of whiskey makers, set up the Teeling Whiskey Company in 2012. In March 2015 they opened the Teeling Whiskey Distillery the first new distillery in Dublin in over 125 years, and just a stone’s throw from their ancestral distillery,

right in the heart of the Golden Triangle, the historic distilling district of the city.

With one eye on the past, but looking to the future, we’re the new generation of Dublin distillers. We approach our craft with a respect for generations passed but with the confidence to forge the next chapter of Irish and Dublin whiskey.

Overnight Green Hotel