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IRELAND’S ANCIENT EAST IRELAND’S ANCIENT EAST
8 days / 7 nights from Dublin
Your own immersive journey of discovery of 5,000 years of Europe’s History. Ireland’s Ancient East will take you off the beaten track
to see, hear, and feel the imprints of the millennia of settlers in this land.
Derry
Day 1: Dublin Donegal NORTHERN
IRELAND
Explore this capital city with its many historic buildings, Georgian streets and
colourful gardens. Take the opportunity to visit some of its many attractions BELFAST
such as the Guinness Storehouse, built in 1904, the building currently where
the Storehouse is located was an operational plant for fermenting and storing
Guinness. Today it houses a very fine exhibition dedicated to the Guinness story.
Overnight: Dublin
Day 2: Dublin – Boyne Valley – Meath (46km)
The Boyne Valley is a World Heritage Site and is the largest and one of the most Boyne Valley DUBLIN
important prehistoric megalithic sites in Europe. Continue to Trim, one of Ireland’sClifden
THE REPUBLIC Meath
Heritage towns which is dominated by the impressive medieval Trim Castle dating OF IRELAND
from 1173. The largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland.
Overnight: Meath Kildare
Day 3: Meath – Kildare (51km) Cliffs of Moher Wicklow
Today travel to Celbridge and visit Castletown House, Ireland’s largest and earliest Shannon Limerick
Palladian style house. In the afternoon you can visit the Irish National Stud and
Kilkenny
Loop Head
Japanese Gardens, the only stud farm in Ireland, open to the public, offering daily Wexford
tours. In the grounds of the stud farm are the world famous Japanese Gardens. Waterford
The significance of the Japanese Gardens is not only artistic and horticultural, but
also philosophical. Blarney
Killarney
Overnight: Kildare
Day 4: Kildare – Kilkenny – Wexford (158km)
After breakfast, depart for the medieval city of Kilkenny and visit Kilkenny Castle, Bantry Bay
a 12th century castle remodelled in Victorian times and set in extensive parklands. Day 7: Wicklow – Dublin (50km)
Continue to Jerpoint Park where you will be immersed in a unique experience of On return to Dublin, enjoy a walk in Temple Bar Cultural Quarter, one of the oldest
country living, heritage and traditional activities. Finally travel via New Ross. Visit parts of Dublin. As some of the earliest Temple Bar residents were Vikings, the
Ros Tapestry Exhibition – a massive community initiative conceived in 1998 and
being developed by over 150 dedicated volunteers. area is rich in Viking and medieval history. Visit the Trinity College and see the
Overnight: Wexford famous Book of Kells. Alternatively visit Howth, a picturesque fishing village which
Day 5: Wexford is situated at the foot of a huge rock peninsula. Howth, a huge rock massif with
Start the day with a walking tour of Wexford town, with its handy location near footpaths ideal for small walks, offering beautiful views of Dublin Bay.
the mouth of the Slaney, it encouraged landings as early as AD 850. Visit Selskar Overnight: Dublin
Abbey in the heart of the town, which dates from the early 12th century. Continue Day 8: Dublin
to Hook Head. Discover the natural beauty and tranquillity of the unspoiled Hook Your self-drive tour ends in Dublin.
Peninsula. Stretching out from the scenic Southeast corner of Ireland, Hook is Total Distance: 385km
famous for its breath-taking vistas and magnificent natural landscape – this is
the untouched ancient Ireland you’ve been longing to visit. The area is a pinnacle Highlights: • Kilkenny Castle
point of Ireland’s Ancient East coast. • Guinness Storehouse • Jerpoint Park
• Trim Castle • Hook Lighthouse
Overnight: Wexford • Newgrange • Kilruddery House & Gardens
• Loughcrew Cairns • Trinity College
Day 6: Wexford – Wicklow (80km) • Irish National Stud & Japanese
On route to Wicklow, pay a visit to Wells House & Gardens in Gorey, boasting Gardens
over 300 years of history. From golden sandy beaches to rolling hills and valleys
and true to its name, the Garden County boasts some of the most beautiful From $969 per person share twin*
gardens and homes in Ireland. Enjoy a visit to the monastic site at Glendalough
and to Killruddery House and Gardens. *Based on a 7 day Hertz economy rental car & 7 nights accommodation including breakfast daily at 4 star
hotels (subject to availability). No activities mentioned are included. Based on low season (Jan – Mar) travel.
Overnight: Wicklow
Above price is indicative and subject to change. Please check with your travel agent for up to date pricing. 15