Battle of Clontarf Tour

 

After arriving at Dublin Airport meet with your guide and experienced Irish driver who will escort you to your coach. Travel across country to Galway stopping for refreshments at Kilbeggan Distillery and the early Christian site at Clonmacnoise, where Brian Boru was educated after the death of his mother. Arrive in Galway early afternoon where the remainder of the day will be free for you to enjoy this vibrant city or relax in your hotel. Overnight at the Hotel Meyrick, Galway, Dinner Bed & Breakfast Included. 

 

 

Today explore one of Ireland's famous scenic regions, Connemara. Here the constantly-changing cloud formations give hills, lakes and peat bogs an added dimension. Visit Connemara Marble and watch the master craftsmen’s skills as they cut this unusual stone. Stop at Kylemore Abbey which is home to a community of nuns of the Benedictine Order who came here in 1920 after their abbey in Ypres, Belgium was destroyed in World War I and began restoring the Abbey, Gothic Church and Victorian Walled Garden to their former glory. Continue around Connemara to Clifden and the Connemara History & Heritage Centre. Here you will be introduced to the history of the area, visit Dan O’Hara’s Homestead, experience turf cutting and much more. Return to Galway late afternoon where there will be time for shopping. This evening is free to enjoy some of the local fare and craic (Irish for fun) in one of Galway’s lively pubs or restaurants. Overnight at the Hotel Meyrick, Galway Bed & Breakfast Included

 

 

Check out of your hotel and travel through the unique rocky landscape of the Burren to the Cliffs of Moher and O’Brien’s Tower, before continuing on to Brian Boru’s home town of Killaloe. The cliffs rise to over 700 feet along a 5 mile stretch of the Clare/Atlantic coastline, giving unbeatable views along the West coast of Ireland. In Killaloe you will learn the story of Brian’s younger years as told by a local historian and savor this picturesque village. Overnight at the Inn at Dromoland, Dinnner Bed & Breakfast Included or Dromoland Castle (supplementary charge), Bed & Breakfast Included. 

 

 

This morning take a Tour of Dromoland Estate by Grania R O’Brien, the younger daughter of the 16th Baron Inchiquin and first cousin of the present Lord Inchiquin. Grania was brought up at Dromoland until it was sold in 1962. There will be an opportunity to enjoy some of the facilities at the castle such as golf, fishing, spa treatments etc. In the afternoon travel to Killaloe for a further visit and enjoy a River Cruise on the River Shannon and Lough Derg. This evening enjoy a Medieval Banquet at the nearby Bunratty Castle or Knappogue Castle. Overnight at the Inn at Dromoland, Dinnner Bed & Breakfast Included or Dromoland Castle (supplementary charge), Bed & Breakfast Included. 

 

 

After breakfast return to Bunratty Castle and visit the Folk Park that recreates life in the 19th century before continuing to the iconic Rock of Cashel, a spectacular group of medieval buildings set on an outcrop of limestone in the Golden Vale. For six centuries the Rock of Cashel was the seat of the Kings of Munster, the most famous being Brian Boru who was crowned High King here in 990. Finally for today, travel through the countryside to the Viking town of Waterford, ,celebrating its 1100th anniversary this year. Overnight at the Granville Hotel, Waterford, Dinner Bed & Breakfast Included. 

 

 

This morning after breakfast start your journey back to Ireland’s capital city where several events are scheduled to take place in connection with the Battle of Clontarf Millennium Anniversary. After checking into your hotel, you will be free to choose which events you wish to see. Those confirmed at present are the opening ceremony at Trinity College (a Ceili and a concert) and at Dublin Castle a Clan Luncheon. Overnight at the Camden Court Hotel, Dublin, Bed & Breakfast Included. 

 

 

Today will be a free day for independent sightseeing or shopping. The National Museum is planning to have an exhibition on Brian Boru and the Battle of Clontarf and at Dublinia, an exhibition depicting the involvement of the Vikings will be available. Overnight at the Camden Court Hotel, Dublin, Bed & Breakfast Included.

 

 

Today will be a day for independent sightseeing and shopping. Depart your hotel in time for this evening’s O’Brien Banquet at Clontarf Castle Hotel. Overnight at the Camden Court Hotel, Dublin, Bed & Breakfast Included.

 

 

After a leisurely breakfast visit the Bru na Bóinne Centre and the 5000 year old passage tomb at Newgrange or Knowth and visit the heritage towns of Trim and Kells. The remainder of the day will be free for independent sightseeing or shopping. Overnight at the Camden Court Hotel, Dublin, Bed & Breakfast Included. 

 

 

After breakfast head into Northern Ireland and visit Downpatrick, home of the Saint Patrick Centre. Here you will visit the Saint Patrick’s Centre and Down Cathedral where the remains of Saint Patrick are buried. Continue onwards then to Armagh and its two St. Patrick Cathedrals, one of which contains Brian Boru’s burial site and attend the special Mass. Return to Dublin arriving in time to freshen up before your Farewell Irish Night which includes dinner and show of traditional Irish music, song and dance. Overnight at the Camden Court Hotel, Dublin, Bed & Breakfast Included. 

 

 

After breakfast, transfer to Dublin Airport for your return flight home and that last minute duty free shopping.