Ireland in Depth
This grand tour takes in the best of both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Starting off with the hustle and bustle of modern Dublin, we journey through the mountains of Glenveagh National Park to the impossibly green west, waves crashing against the rugged shore. History waits around every bend, from the prehistoric dolmens of the Burren to medieval castles to the tragedy of the Great Famine.
The tour will start May 12, 2010 in Dublin, Ireland and end on May 26, 2010 in Dublin, Ireland. You would need to leave the US on May 11, 2010 to arrive in Dublin on the morning of May 12. Departure from Dublin can be any time on May 26.
The tour is 14 nights, 15 days, and the cost is $3750 per person, based on double occupancy. A deposit of $500 per person is due at the time of booking. The balance is due 60 days prior to the trip departure date (ie, March 12, 2010).
Price includes: accommodations in comfortable, characteristic B&Bs and hotels, all in central locations and with private bathrooms; all ground transportation from arrival in Dublin to departure from Dublin; breakfast each morning; other meals as indicated in the itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner); entry and tour of all sights mentioned in the itinerary; the services of your Hand Crafted guide, who also acts as driver, interpreter, and window on European culture and history.
Not included: airfare to and from Europe; meals not shown in the itinerary; free time sightseeing admissions or transportation.
The tour is 14 nights, 15 days, and the cost is $3750 per person, based on double occupancy. A deposit of $500 per person is due at the time of booking. The balance is due 60 days prior to the trip departure date (ie, March 12, 2010).
Price includes: accommodations in comfortable, characteristic B&Bs and hotels, all in central locations and with private bathrooms; all ground transportation from arrival in Dublin to departure from Dublin; breakfast each morning; other meals as indicated in the itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner); entry and tour of all sights mentioned in the itinerary; the services of your Hand Crafted guide, who also acts as driver, interpreter, and window on European culture and history.
Not included: airfare to and from Europe; meals not shown in the itinerary; free time sightseeing admissions or transportation.
Day 1: Arrival in Dublin
After arrival and a chance to settle in, we'll take a walk of the city center including St. Patrick's Cathedral and St. Stephen's Green (D).
Day 2: Dublin
This morning we'll visit Trinity College, where we'll see The Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript produced by monks in the middle ages. Afternoon free to wander and explore on your own (B).
Day 3: Dublin - Derry
We leave Dublin behind this morning and cross the border into Northern Ireland. Its recent history is closely tied to The Troubles, but today Derry is a beautiful, peaceful city. The second largest city in Northern Ireland, it is also one of the oldest continuously inhabited places on the island. After arrival we'll take a guided walk of the city, including its medieval walls, the best preserved in Ireland and one of the best in Europe (B, D).
Day 4: Giant's Causeway - Antrim Coast
We'll day trip out from Derry today to the Antrim Coast, where we'll see the unique geological formation known as Giant's Causeway. Here over 40,000 interlocking basalt columns appear to be steps decending into the sea. The steps reappear on the opposite side of the sea in Scotland. Today we'll also tour Bushmills Distillery, makers of fine Irish Whiskey, and we'll walk across Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge to the tiny island of Carrick. Late afternoon and evening free back in Derry (B).
Day 5: Glenveagh National Park - Donegal Coast
From Derry we cross back into the Republic of Ireland and County Donegal. We'll drive through Glenveagh National Park, one of the most mountainous regions of Ireland, where we'll visit the beautiful Glenveagh Castle and leave some time for hiking the nearby trails. In the afternoon we head to our home on the sandy shores of the Donegal Coast (B, D).
Day 6: Donegal - Connemara - County Clare
Heading south through the small villages and verdant landscape of Connemara, we'll make our home for the next two nights in Doolin, a haven for traditional Irish music. This evening we'll have dinner in a local pub, followed by music (B, D).
Day 7: Cliffs of Moher - The Burren
This morning we visit the Cliffs of Moher, a high wind-swept section of coast where the Atlantic crashes savagely against the rocky cliffs. Afterwards we'll drive through The Burren a lunar landscape of rock that seems very out of place in this otherwise lush country. Here we'll see a Dolmen, a pre-historic rock tomb, and we'll explore part of a massive cave complex (B).
Day 8: Bunratty - Killarney
Our first destination this morning is Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. As you walk the paths of this outdoor museum you'll follow the history of Ireland, from the well-preserved castle to the farmstead to the small 19th century Irish village with its shops and tradesmen. In the afternoon we head to the village of Killarney in County Kerry (B, D).
Day 9: Ring of Kerry
We'll make a loop through some of Ireland's most dramatic scenery today. Starting with a boat ride on Lough Lein, we'll continue on by minibus around the Ring of Kerry, a cenic drive that takes in rugged coastline, mountain passes, and a stunning waterfall. Late afternoon return to Killarney (B).
Day 10: Killarney - Kinsale
Today we head off to Kinsale in County Cork. Kinsale has developed a reputation as a place for foodies, so there will plenty of good things on the table. After arrival we'll tour Charles Fort, one of the best preserved star-shaped forts in Europe, then have a guided walk through the delightful village of Kinsale (B, D).
Day 11: Kinsale
The entire day free to relax and do what you want in Kinsale. There are plenty of activities: horseback riding, pony treks, golf, sailing, hiking, harbor cruises and whale watching. Or just find a friendly pub and some good conversation (B).
Day 12: Rock of Cashel - Kilkenny
This morning we'll visit the Rock of Cashel, one of the most important spiritual and heritage sites in Ireland. Afterwards we continue on to Kilkenny, or home for the next two nights. Here we'll tour St. Canice's cathedral, and take a guided walk through the village to hear about the Statutes of Kilkenny, which enforced separation of the Irish natives from the Norman-English invaders (B, D).
Day 13: County Wexford
We'll day trip out from Kilkenny to visit the original Kennedy family homestead. In nearby New Ross we'll also visit the Famine Ship, a sailing ship like those that carried tens of thousands of Irish away from famine and to a new life in America (B).
Day 14: Glendalough - Powerscourt - Dublin
Our final lef of the journey brings us back to Dublin. Along the way we'll pass through the Wicklow Mountains, stopping to visit Glendalough, one of the oldest monastic sites in Ireland. We'll also visit Powerscourt Gardens, one of the finest country estates in Ireland (B, D).
Day 15: Tour over after breakfast
Transportation to the airport for those leaving today.
After arrival and a chance to settle in, we'll take a walk of the city center including St. Patrick's Cathedral and St. Stephen's Green (D).
Day 2: Dublin
This morning we'll visit Trinity College, where we'll see The Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript produced by monks in the middle ages. Afternoon free to wander and explore on your own (B).
Day 3: Dublin - Derry
We leave Dublin behind this morning and cross the border into Northern Ireland. Its recent history is closely tied to The Troubles, but today Derry is a beautiful, peaceful city. The second largest city in Northern Ireland, it is also one of the oldest continuously inhabited places on the island. After arrival we'll take a guided walk of the city, including its medieval walls, the best preserved in Ireland and one of the best in Europe (B, D).
Day 4: Giant's Causeway - Antrim Coast
We'll day trip out from Derry today to the Antrim Coast, where we'll see the unique geological formation known as Giant's Causeway. Here over 40,000 interlocking basalt columns appear to be steps decending into the sea. The steps reappear on the opposite side of the sea in Scotland. Today we'll also tour Bushmills Distillery, makers of fine Irish Whiskey, and we'll walk across Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge to the tiny island of Carrick. Late afternoon and evening free back in Derry (B).
Day 5: Glenveagh National Park - Donegal Coast
From Derry we cross back into the Republic of Ireland and County Donegal. We'll drive through Glenveagh National Park, one of the most mountainous regions of Ireland, where we'll visit the beautiful Glenveagh Castle and leave some time for hiking the nearby trails. In the afternoon we head to our home on the sandy shores of the Donegal Coast (B, D).
Day 6: Donegal - Connemara - County Clare
Heading south through the small villages and verdant landscape of Connemara, we'll make our home for the next two nights in Doolin, a haven for traditional Irish music. This evening we'll have dinner in a local pub, followed by music (B, D).
Day 7: Cliffs of Moher - The Burren
This morning we visit the Cliffs of Moher, a high wind-swept section of coast where the Atlantic crashes savagely against the rocky cliffs. Afterwards we'll drive through The Burren a lunar landscape of rock that seems very out of place in this otherwise lush country. Here we'll see a Dolmen, a pre-historic rock tomb, and we'll explore part of a massive cave complex (B).
Day 8: Bunratty - Killarney
Our first destination this morning is Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. As you walk the paths of this outdoor museum you'll follow the history of Ireland, from the well-preserved castle to the farmstead to the small 19th century Irish village with its shops and tradesmen. In the afternoon we head to the village of Killarney in County Kerry (B, D).
Day 9: Ring of Kerry
We'll make a loop through some of Ireland's most dramatic scenery today. Starting with a boat ride on Lough Lein, we'll continue on by minibus around the Ring of Kerry, a cenic drive that takes in rugged coastline, mountain passes, and a stunning waterfall. Late afternoon return to Killarney (B).
Day 10: Killarney - Kinsale
Today we head off to Kinsale in County Cork. Kinsale has developed a reputation as a place for foodies, so there will plenty of good things on the table. After arrival we'll tour Charles Fort, one of the best preserved star-shaped forts in Europe, then have a guided walk through the delightful village of Kinsale (B, D).
Day 11: Kinsale
The entire day free to relax and do what you want in Kinsale. There are plenty of activities: horseback riding, pony treks, golf, sailing, hiking, harbor cruises and whale watching. Or just find a friendly pub and some good conversation (B).
Day 12: Rock of Cashel - Kilkenny
This morning we'll visit the Rock of Cashel, one of the most important spiritual and heritage sites in Ireland. Afterwards we continue on to Kilkenny, or home for the next two nights. Here we'll tour St. Canice's cathedral, and take a guided walk through the village to hear about the Statutes of Kilkenny, which enforced separation of the Irish natives from the Norman-English invaders (B, D).
Day 13: County Wexford
We'll day trip out from Kilkenny to visit the original Kennedy family homestead. In nearby New Ross we'll also visit the Famine Ship, a sailing ship like those that carried tens of thousands of Irish away from famine and to a new life in America (B).
Day 14: Glendalough - Powerscourt - Dublin
Our final lef of the journey brings us back to Dublin. Along the way we'll pass through the Wicklow Mountains, stopping to visit Glendalough, one of the oldest monastic sites in Ireland. We'll also visit Powerscourt Gardens, one of the finest country estates in Ireland (B, D).
Day 15: Tour over after breakfast
Transportation to the airport for those leaving today.
Listed below are some recommended books to help get you in the mood and better prepare you for your trip. By no means do I think you should read all of them, but read through the descriptions and pick out a few that grab you.
Angela's Ashes, by Frank McCourt
With his incredible first novel, McCourt became an overnight sensation. His Irish voice comes ringing through as he tells his story of growing up in Limirick, Ireland desperately poor. Filled with scenes that will have you alternately laughing and crying.
Dubliners, by James Joyce
A masterful collection of short stories, each involving characters living out their lives in Dublin at the turn of the 20th century.
How the Irish Saved Civilization, by Thomas Cahill
Cahill is a born story teller who writes engaging histories that tackle the basic foundations of why we are who we are. Here he brings to life the early days of the Dark Ages. As the Roman Empire disintegrates, and Europe plunges into madness and mayhem, a few brave souls retreat to the farthest reaches of the known world, taking with them the written knowledge of the Greeks and Romans, which they will protect, painstakingly copy by hand, and redistribute when the world is ready.
Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, by James Joyce
Joyce's semi-autobiographical coming of age story.
The Bodhran Makers, by John B Keane
The Catholic Church in 1950’s Ireland comes into conflict with the Celtic (pagan) traditions of a rural village, forcing farmers to leave the country and settle in England.
The Lost Painting, by Jonathan Harr
Every so often a painting, thought for decades or even centuries to be lost, turns up in some unexpected place. This is the true story of just such a discovery. A real page turner of non-fiction that reads like a novel.
To School Through the Fields: An Irish Country Childhood, by Alice Taylor
The biggest selling book in Ireland's history beautifully brings to life the simple pleasures of growing up in the Irish countryside.
Trinity, by Leon Uris
A fictional novel that provides a powerful portrayal of the conflict between Catholic and Protestant, poor and wealthy in the uprising that made Ireland a free country.
Ulysses, by James Joyce
Written over a seven-year period, from 1914 to 1921, this book has survived legal action and controversy. The novel deals with the events of one day in Dublin, 16th June 1904, now known as "Bloomsday". The principal characters are Stephen Dedalus, Leopold Bloom and his wife Molly. "Ulysses" has been labelled dirty, blasphemous and unreadable.In a famous 1933 court decision, Judge John M. Woolsey declared it an emetic book - although he found it not quite obscene enough to disallow its importation into the United States - and Virginia Woolf was moved to decry James Joyce's "cloacal obsession". None of these descriptions, however, do the slightest justice to the novel. To this day it remains the modernist masterpiece, in which the author takes both Celtic lyricism and vulgarity to splendid extremes. It is funny, sorrowful, and even (in its own way) suspenseful. And despite the exegetical industry that has sprung up in the last 75 years, "Ulysses" is also a compulsively readable book.
Angela's Ashes, by Frank McCourt
With his incredible first novel, McCourt became an overnight sensation. His Irish voice comes ringing through as he tells his story of growing up in Limirick, Ireland desperately poor. Filled with scenes that will have you alternately laughing and crying.
Dubliners, by James Joyce
A masterful collection of short stories, each involving characters living out their lives in Dublin at the turn of the 20th century.
How the Irish Saved Civilization, by Thomas Cahill
Cahill is a born story teller who writes engaging histories that tackle the basic foundations of why we are who we are. Here he brings to life the early days of the Dark Ages. As the Roman Empire disintegrates, and Europe plunges into madness and mayhem, a few brave souls retreat to the farthest reaches of the known world, taking with them the written knowledge of the Greeks and Romans, which they will protect, painstakingly copy by hand, and redistribute when the world is ready.
Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, by James Joyce
Joyce's semi-autobiographical coming of age story.
The Bodhran Makers, by John B Keane
The Catholic Church in 1950’s Ireland comes into conflict with the Celtic (pagan) traditions of a rural village, forcing farmers to leave the country and settle in England.
The Lost Painting, by Jonathan Harr
Every so often a painting, thought for decades or even centuries to be lost, turns up in some unexpected place. This is the true story of just such a discovery. A real page turner of non-fiction that reads like a novel.
To School Through the Fields: An Irish Country Childhood, by Alice Taylor
The biggest selling book in Ireland's history beautifully brings to life the simple pleasures of growing up in the Irish countryside.
Trinity, by Leon Uris
A fictional novel that provides a powerful portrayal of the conflict between Catholic and Protestant, poor and wealthy in the uprising that made Ireland a free country.
Ulysses, by James Joyce
Written over a seven-year period, from 1914 to 1921, this book has survived legal action and controversy. The novel deals with the events of one day in Dublin, 16th June 1904, now known as "Bloomsday". The principal characters are Stephen Dedalus, Leopold Bloom and his wife Molly. "Ulysses" has been labelled dirty, blasphemous and unreadable.In a famous 1933 court decision, Judge John M. Woolsey declared it an emetic book - although he found it not quite obscene enough to disallow its importation into the United States - and Virginia Woolf was moved to decry James Joyce's "cloacal obsession". None of these descriptions, however, do the slightest justice to the novel. To this day it remains the modernist masterpiece, in which the author takes both Celtic lyricism and vulgarity to splendid extremes. It is funny, sorrowful, and even (in its own way) suspenseful. And despite the exegetical industry that has sprung up in the last 75 years, "Ulysses" is also a compulsively readable book.
Listed below are some recommended movies to help get you in the mood and better prepare you for your trip. By no means do I think you should watch all of them, but read through the descriptions and pick out a few that grab you.
In the Name of the Father, with Daniel Day Lewis
Set in the 1970’s, when IRA attacks and the British response were at the height of their violence, Day Lewis plays a small time criminal picked out as the scape goat for an IRA bombing. Gritty and compelling look at the conflict from the Irish side.
The Boxer, with Daniel Day Lewis
A sharp, well written and acted film that highlights the labyrinth of issues — personal, emotional and political — that accompany the Irish troubles after nearly a century of conflict.
The Commitments
The Commitments
Fun, irresistible comedy about a local Dublin R&B band that reaches international success thanks to their fast-talking manager. Part of Roddy Doyle’s Dublin trilogy (along with The Snapper and The Van), which focuses on the working class of modern Ireland. A great look at the club scene in Dublin.
The Dead, with Angelica Houston
Behind artificial banter and forced mirth the participants at a Dublin Christmas party attempt to hide their unhappiness and the superficiality of their lives. As fine an adaptation of a James Joyce book as you’ll find.
Michael Collins, with Julia Roberts, Liam Nielson
Ireland’s struggle for independence from Britain is told through the true story of one of the founders of the IRA.
The Secret of Roan Inish
A young girl, dealing with the death of her mother and sent to live with her grandparents, discovers that seals living near her family’s ancestral home can turn into humans. At first glance the story line looks like a child’s fantasy film, but the straight-forward telling is a beautiful example of how myth and magic pervade the everyday life of Ireland. Set on the hauntingly beautiful west coast of Ireland.
The Snapper
Colm Meaney is just your average Irishman, father to a large family, trying to make ends meet, when his eldest daughter informs him that she’s pregnant and refuses to name the father. A wickedly funny glimpse into the lives of a working class Irish family, this is part two of the Roddy Doyle Dublin trilogy (see also The Commitments, and The Van).
Waking Ned Divine
A whacky cast of characters show off the Irish sense of humor in this film about a village determined to cash in on the luck of Ned Divine, their neighbor who died the instant he learned he had one the national lottery.
Once, Glen Hansard
A serendipitous meeting on the streets of Dublin between a down on his luck Irish street performer and a poor Czech immigrant sparks a bond that plays out in this hip modern day music film. ONCE follows the two as they write, rehearse and record the songs that reveal their unique love story.
The Wind that Shakes the Barley
Driven by a deep sense of duty and a love for his country, Damien (Cillian Murphy) abandons his burgeoning career as a doctor and joins his brother, Teddy in a dangerous and violent fight for freedom. As the Irish freedom fighters bold tactics bring the British to a breaking point, both sides finally agree to a treaty to end the bloodshed. But, despite the apparent victory, civil war erupts and families who fought side by side, find themselves pitted against one another, putting their loyalties to the ultimate test.
In the Name of the Father, with Daniel Day Lewis
Set in the 1970’s, when IRA attacks and the British response were at the height of their violence, Day Lewis plays a small time criminal picked out as the scape goat for an IRA bombing. Gritty and compelling look at the conflict from the Irish side.
The Boxer, with Daniel Day Lewis
A sharp, well written and acted film that highlights the labyrinth of issues — personal, emotional and political — that accompany the Irish troubles after nearly a century of conflict.
The Commitments
The CommitmentsFun, irresistible comedy about a local Dublin R&B band that reaches international success thanks to their fast-talking manager. Part of Roddy Doyle’s Dublin trilogy (along with The Snapper and The Van), which focuses on the working class of modern Ireland. A great look at the club scene in Dublin.
The Dead, with Angelica Houston
Behind artificial banter and forced mirth the participants at a Dublin Christmas party attempt to hide their unhappiness and the superficiality of their lives. As fine an adaptation of a James Joyce book as you’ll find.
Michael Collins, with Julia Roberts, Liam Nielson
Ireland’s struggle for independence from Britain is told through the true story of one of the founders of the IRA.
The Secret of Roan Inish
A young girl, dealing with the death of her mother and sent to live with her grandparents, discovers that seals living near her family’s ancestral home can turn into humans. At first glance the story line looks like a child’s fantasy film, but the straight-forward telling is a beautiful example of how myth and magic pervade the everyday life of Ireland. Set on the hauntingly beautiful west coast of Ireland.
The Snapper
Colm Meaney is just your average Irishman, father to a large family, trying to make ends meet, when his eldest daughter informs him that she’s pregnant and refuses to name the father. A wickedly funny glimpse into the lives of a working class Irish family, this is part two of the Roddy Doyle Dublin trilogy (see also The Commitments, and The Van).
Waking Ned Divine
A whacky cast of characters show off the Irish sense of humor in this film about a village determined to cash in on the luck of Ned Divine, their neighbor who died the instant he learned he had one the national lottery.
Once, Glen Hansard
A serendipitous meeting on the streets of Dublin between a down on his luck Irish street performer and a poor Czech immigrant sparks a bond that plays out in this hip modern day music film. ONCE follows the two as they write, rehearse and record the songs that reveal their unique love story.
The Wind that Shakes the Barley
Driven by a deep sense of duty and a love for his country, Damien (Cillian Murphy) abandons his burgeoning career as a doctor and joins his brother, Teddy in a dangerous and violent fight for freedom. As the Irish freedom fighters bold tactics bring the British to a breaking point, both sides finally agree to a treaty to end the bloodshed. But, despite the apparent victory, civil war erupts and families who fought side by side, find themselves pitted against one another, putting their loyalties to the ultimate test.