TENTATIVE ITINERARY

(subject to change)

 

02 June, MON

• Arrive in Dublin Airport – Meet and greet the tour guide and travel the short distance up the road to County Meath, where we will explore the Boyne Valley Region. 

• We will visit Trim Castle - the largest and best preserved Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland. Few places in Ireland contain more medieval buildings than this heritage town. Trim gets its name from the Irish, ‘Baile Atha Troim’, which means ‘Town of the Ford of the Elder Trees’, indicating that this was an important fording point on the River Boyne. 

• Before re-boarding the bus, there’s time to shop at Trim’s local craft shop.

•  A short drive to the nearby town of Navan, and check into the hotel, where we relax and refresh.

• We will stay overnight at the beautiful Bellinteer House. On the banks of the River Boyne, this upscale hotel occupies a splendid Georgian mansion, built about 1750. The Palladium-style house was designed by Richard Castle for John Preston, grandfather of the first Lord Tara.

 

03 June, TUE

• After a sumptuous Irish breakfast, we check out of Bellinteer House and visit Newgrange - a prehistoric monument located on a rise overlooking the River Boyne, It is an exceptionally grand passage tomb built during the Neolithic Period, around 3200 BC, making it older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids!

• Accommodation and music performance with Niamh (venue tbc)

 

04 June, WED

• We will travel westward, taking in the beautiful sights of the border counties of Cavan / Monaghan / Leitrim / Sligo

• Tonight’s overnight accommodation <tbc> located in the beautiful county of Sligo on the route of the world-famous Wild Atlantic Way. 

• At night, enjoy Niamh performing live (venue tbc)

 

05 June THURS

• After we enjoy a well-prepared breakfast, we head west to County Mayo and arrive in the lovely seaside heritage town of Westport.  Tonight we will stay in the beautiful Knockranny House Hotel - Just a short walk from the town centre, and set in secluded grounds on a hillside, this luxury hotel stands proudly overlooking the picturesque town of Westport and enjoys breathtaking views of Croagh Patrick and Clew Bay’s islands to the west and the Nephin Mountains to the north.

• Tonight, after dinner, we go with Niamh to the famous Matt Molloy's  (of the world famous Irish band The Chieftains) pub for a traditional Irish session. One never knows who will turn up. Matt Molloy himself is often on site and joins in the nightly session!

 

06 June FRI

• Today we head to the medieval midlands town of Athlone. 

• We will visit Athlone Castle and the self-proclaimed ‘oldest pub in Ireland’ Sean’s Bar. Whether it’s truly the oldest or not, there’s always a good atmosphere and a great pint of Guinness pulled!

• Continue on to Dublin, where we will go with Niamh to join in at An Góilín Traditional Singers club located at The Teachers Club, Parnell Square. You might even give it a go yourself!

• Overnight accommodation: tbc

 

07 June SAT

• After breakfast, visit the magnificent, medieval Malahide Castle and Gardens, parts of which date back to the 12th century. The wonderful Avoca store, cafe and food market is located in the Visitor Centre.

• After the Castle, have the rest of the day to yourself in Dublin for shopping and sightseeing (Joe, our tour guide will happily advise and facilitate whatever specific spots you may want to visit.

 

08 June SUN​​

• Final morning to start the day with a full Irish breakfast , then check out of the hotel and we say goodbye until next time….!

 

 

CUSTOMARY GRATUITIES FOR TOUR GUIDE AND DRIVER NOT INCLUDED.

 

FURTHER DETAILS TO FOLLOW!