GEORGIAN FARMHOUSE

8 Days / 7 Nights

Self-Drive

Day 1: Dublin Arrival & Wicklow: Arrive at Dublin Airport and drive to Wicklow area – depending on time of arrival, there may be some time for local touring or perhaps a visit to the 6th century monastic settlement at Glendalough or the stunning Powerscourt. House and Gardens. Overnight: Wicklow area (Ballinclea House or similar)

Day 2: Dublin’s Fair City: Travel to Dublin city where you can trace the history of this colorful city from early Viking origins, through the mediaeval magnificence of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. You could also visit Dublinia, Guinness Storehouse, Jameson Irish Whisky Distillery or maybe Trinity College where you will find the Book of Kells. Overnight: Wicklow area (Ballinclea House or similar)

Day 3: Medieval Kilkenny: Travel to Kilkenny today. En route you can visit the Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens inKildare before you continue on to the medieval city of Kilkenny. Perhaps you could enjoy a walking tour of the city, which commences at Shee Alms House, now the tourist office, but formerly offering shelter for the poor of Kilkenny during the Middle Ages and continue through the narrow streets and slip ways where you can see many of the historic sites Kilkenny is famous for. You can also visit Kilkenny Castle which stands on a majestic site beside the River Nore. This magnificent castle, dating from 1172, lies in a beautiful 50-acre park. The Gobelin tapestries and Great Hall have been restored to reveal their former splendor. Overnight: Kilkenny area (Grove Farm House or similar)

Day 4: Cork & Kerry: This morning depart Kilkenny and travel south towards Cork, Ireland’s second largest city. En route, why not visit the Old Midleton Distillery and learn how Irish whiskey is made or kiss the world famous Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle and acquire the “gift of eloquence”? Continue on to the spectacular west Cork region where many fishing towns and villages dot the southwest coastline. Overnight: West Cork / Kerry area (Salmon Leap or similar)

Day 5: Ring of Kerry: Today, tour one of Ireland’s loveliest districts, the Ring of Kerry. Poets, painters, writers and musicians have all tried to convey the beauty of this area. Mountains, valleys and lakes blend into a palette of scenic splendor. A delightful day includes a drive along the broad, dramatic coastline of the Iveragh Peninsula and through the charming villages and towns of Killorglin, Cahersiveen, Waterville and Irish speaking Sneem. Why not visit Muckross House, a magnificent Victorian mansion and one of Ireland’s leading stately homes. The gardens at Muckross House are renowned world-wide for their beauty; in particular they are noted for their fine collections of azaleas and rhododendrons. Overnight: West Cork / Kerry area (Salmon Leap or similar)

Day 6: Limerick & Tipperary Region: Today travel towards the Limerick/Tipperary area and perhaps add a visit to Tralee and the Dingle Peninsula. In Tralee why not visit the Kerry Museum, which traces the history of Kerry from 5,000BC to the present day.Continue on to Limerick and the Shannon Region. In Limerick why not visit King John’s Castle or the Hunt Museum or continue to the nearby village of Bunratty and visit Bunratty Castle & Folk Park where you can see Irish village life circa the 1900’s recreated in the Folk Park. Overnight: Limerick / Tipperary area (Bansha House or similar)

Day 7: Kildare & Meath Region: Returning to the Dublin region today, why not stop at Birr Castle Demesne where you can visitthe gardens or see one of the world’s largest telescopes? Time permitting, why not visit Dublin again for some last minute shopping or sightseeing. Overnight: Kildare / Meath area (Moate Lodge or similar)

Day 8: Dublin Departure: Travel to Dublin Airport for return flight home.

Inclusions:

7 nights bed & breakfast accommodation in Georgian or other period/ historic farmhouses
Heritage Island Touring Guide and Explorer Coupon.
Car rental

Suggested Visits:

Glendalough
Powerscourt House & Gardens
Trinity College
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Dublinia
Guinness Storehouse
Old Jameson Distillery
National Stud & Japanese Gardens
Kilkenny Castle:
Jameson Experience /Old Midleton Distillery
Blarney Castle
Muckross House
Kerry Museum:
King John’s Castle
Hunt Museum
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
Birr Castle

*Package descriptions and pricing are subject to change without notice.