For Southwest Ireland: The counties of Cork & Kerry
Prices noted were 2006 prices, and are approximate as they are always subject to change. Report by Laura Davis.
Want to take the stress out of your life? Come to Ireland.
I have combined the body of my report with a suggested 7 night driving itinerary. One week is the minimum amount of time and this will only give you the southwestern tip of the country. I have added an extension for those with more time.
The first thing you need to remember when planning a driving vacation in Ireland is they drive on the left. If you rent a manual transmission the stick will be on the left so that may throw you a bit as well. I would recommend renting an automatic. Another thing to consider is that the roads are very narrow and as a new driver I was constantly hugging the left shoulder where the branches of the bushes would skim along the side of the car.
You can rent a car with a valid US driver’s license that has been valid for 2 years or with an International Driver’s license. It is wise to purchase a good road map. I picked up a Collins map which is a smaller version of our Thomas Guides. The major problem you may encounter would be in peak season when you could meet a tourist bus coming towards you from the opposite direction.
GOLF IN IRELAND
Who can think of Ireland without thinking of golf?
With a minimum booking of five nights or more at any one at our select properties in Ireland, you can receive access to special discounted rates at two of Ireland's greatest golf courses - Old Head Golf Links and Doonbeg Golf Club.
Old Head Golf Links - County Cork
Ranked as one of the world's top golf courses, Old Head Golf Links is located seven miles south of the fashionable town of Kinsale, Ireland's gourmet capital. The course is built on a 220-acre diamond of land, jutting out several miles into the Atlantic. Comprised of five par 5's, five par 3's, and eight par 4's, this majestic course can play from 5,500 yards to 7,200 yards - from the tips. With a minimum of six tees on every hole, Old Head provides a stern test for the touring pro and high handicapper alike. Nine holes play along the cliff tops, and all eighteen holes provide stunning ocean views.
Doonbeg Golf Club - County Clare
Located on the coastline of County Clare, 40 miles west of Shannon International airport, this Greg Norman designed celebrated links golf course plays along 1.5 miles of crescent shaped beach and dunes with breathtaking vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. Ivan Morris, author of Only Golf Spoken Here, is quoted as saying "...The surrounding scenery and ambiance of the place took my breath away." The shot qualities are arresting.
Day 1 – Arrive in Shannon, a small international airport, where you can pick up your rental car. You will find the Irish to be friendly and helpful. Drive from Shannon to Kinsale. This will take about 2 ½ hours. It is difficult to tell you actual kilometers and even with this information what would normally take a short amount of time given the short distance actually takes longer. For instance, it is 50 miles from the Shannon Airport to Cork, but it took us around 1 ½ hours to go this distance. There are not a lot of freeways so you are on country roads that go through the middle of towns. And, if you happen to get caught in the center of a town that is putting on a marathon (like we did) then it may take you several attempts to find your way out of town so you can arrive at your next destination. The rule of thumb is to relax, slow your pace, breathe in the fresh air and have the philosophy that you will get there when you get there.
Driving directions from Shannon Airport to Kinsale: Take the N19 out of Shannon Airport to the N18, direction Limerick city. Circle the city on the ring road and take the exit for N20/21. On the approach to Patrickswell take the first exit from the roundabout signposted N20 for Cork/Mallow. At the edge of the city, take the bypass to Cork. Once you get to Cork go east on the N25/N8. Keep to the right and you will turn right into a tunnel going under the river. At the first roundabout on the South Ring, take the exit for Kinsale and Airport. Take the R600 to Kinsale.
Day 1-2 - KINSALE
This is one of the prettiest small towns of Ireland and the gourmet capital. Kinsale annually hosts a Food Festival in October and offers a good selection of restaurants, pubs and wine bars. It has a long and interesting history. The defeat of the Irish forces and their Spanish allies in the Battle of Kinsale (1601) signified the end of the Gaelic order. In the 1670’s the British built Charles Fort to protect Kinsale harbor from foreign invaders. The fort remained in service until 1922 when the British handed it over to the Irish. Charles Fort continues to be one of the finest examples of a star fort in Europe. Kinsale is noted for being the oldest town in Ireland and retains the Georgian charm of a little fishing village with brightly painted cottages decorated with potted flowers. Kinsale today is a popular yachting center. The best way to get to know Kinsale is to walk around it. It is a town of small winding streets, which were not really designed for traffic as we know it today. Things to do in Kinsale:
Historical walking tour
Hiking
Harbor cruise
Fishing
Sailing
Whale watching (15 different species)
Windsurfing
Desmond Castle & Wine Museum
Charles Fort
Horseback riding
Old Head Golf
Beaches are Blue Flagged by the European Union for their pristine water and sand.
Shopping tip: Kinsale Crystal is as good if not better than Waterford and reverts back to the traditional style of high angle, deep cut crystal. Here you have quality over quantity.
Recommended restaurants: Fishy Fishy, casual seafood dining; Jim Edwards, pub fare; Toddies, fine dining.
For more information on Kinsale click here www.kinsale.ie.
OLD HEAD GOLF COURSE - Old Head is more than just another beautiful golf course set against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. The history goes as far back as 6000 years to the Iron Age Celts and evidence of their dwellings remains as part of the golf course. Old Head is one of the few landmarks in Northern Europe that was shown on a map of the Greek historian, Ptolemy, 100 AD. The lighthouse is just a modern embellishment of the navigational fires that were never allowed to go out by the Eiriin clan who migrated there in 900 BC. The golf course is built on a 220 acre diamond of land. It is a par 72, and it is comprised of five Par 5s, five Par 3s and eight Par 4s – stretching to over 7,300 yards from the tips, with a minimum of six tees per hole. Nine holes play along the cliff tops, and all eighteen holes provide stunning ocean views. With the ever-changing sea breezes, the course provides a test to pros and handicappers alike.
One note regarding Irish hotels – they definitely have a different feel than the Italian hotels that I have become accustomed but, after all, I had to remind myself that I was not in Italy. Think country and laid back. One thing that these hotels have in common is warm and friendly staff that is eager to make your stay enjoyable. Another thing that sets Irish hotels apart is their Irish Breakfasts. These feasts include: bacon, sausage, black pudding, eggs, tomatoes and the ever present (and delicious) brown bread.
Blindgate House (135 euros per night incl. B/T/S) - It is located near one of the original gates to the town, but within an easy walk of Kinsale for dining or discovering this charming town. It is a non smoking hotel with 1 king bed, 3 queens and 7 twin bedded rooms. The hotel is a contemporary design. The rooms have tea pots with all the makings for tea or coffee (including cookies). They also come with a trouser press which can come in handy.
Perryville House (200 euros per night incl. B/T/S) – another non-smoking hotel, it is in a great location, in the center of Kinsale and facing the harbor. Perryville House was built in 1815 by Captain Perryville. It was purchased by the present owners in 1997 and renovated keeping in mind the origins of the property. What you have is an ambiance of a private country home stylishly decorated with Irish antiques.
Ballinacurra House (8 room minimum 2800 euros per night) – This property is just 2 miles outside of Kinsale, set within a walled garden with 10 foot high stone walls and 25 acres of woodland and lawns overlooking a tributary of the Bandon River. This estate is in a unique position to offer its guests a private, discreet and exclusive country lodge. The setting is very tranquil. The hotel has 14 guestrooms that can accommodate up to 36 guests and is only sold as a take over property with a minimum of 8 rooms booked at a time. Each guestroom is uniquely decorated using textiles and furnishings collected from the owner’s life in Asia and from their travels. Ballinacurra can arrange transportation to or from anywhere in Ireland by helicopter, limousine or car. A full time chef is available at additional cost. Full event management is also available. The owners live in a separate house on the property and are ready to create musical evenings, treasure hunts, special dinners or whatever the clients would like. It is a great place for family reunions as the property is child friendly.
Day trips from Kinsale –
Cork – the narrow alleyways, waterways and Georgian architecture give the city a continental feel. One of the attractions of Cork is that it is built on water. Its heart lies on an island of the River Lee. The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival takes place in October.
Blarney Castle - Built in 1446, Blarney Castle is one of oldest and most historical in Ireland. Its walls are more than 5 meters thick in some places, which made it an invincible fortress. The legend has that after having kissed the Blarney stone you will have the gift of eternal conversation!
Old Midleton Distillery – a restored 18th century distillery that is the largest in Ireland. Guests can see the history of Irish whiskey through audiovisual displays, working models and authentic machinery complete with whiskey tasting.
Day 3-4- KENMARE
From Kinsale – take the R600 west to Clonakilty to the N71. Take the N71 west to Kenmare.
Kenmare, founded in 1670, lies on the mouth of the River Sheen and is surrounded by lovely, wooded countryside. In 1775 it was made into a model landlord’s town of neat stone facades with decorative plasterworks. The town center is small but full of shops, pubs and gourmet restaurants (44 places to eat in this tiny village). Kenmare today is known for its handmade bobbin lace. There are just a few places in the world that still make lace in this fashion (Offida in Italy is another). Just off Market Street, in a riverside glade, is Druid’s Corner, a prehistoric ring of 15 stones associated with human sacrifice.
While you are staying at the Park Hotel Kenmare be sure to visit the John Lawrence Studios. His oil paintings of Ireland, Provence, Venice and Tuscany are beautiful works of art. Please visit his website www.lawrencepaintings.com.
Kenmare is a good base to visit the Ring of Kerry, the Berea Peninsula, the town of Kilarney and Kilarney National Park. These would be day trips from Kenmare.
BEREA PENINSULA (Ring of Berea) – The Ring of Berea is an 80 mile drive south of Kenmare. This peninsula is remote and therefore was a good place for smugglers of French brandy. It is a landscape of fishing villages and bleak moorland. It offers spectacular scenery and great trails for hikers and walkers. The tip of the peninsula has a cable car that travels across to Dursey Island, with its ruined castle and colonies of seabirds. The trip offers some great views of the nearby islands. Following along the headland the R757 passes through some lovely villages such as Eyeries and Ardgroom.
You can also visit Bantry House overlooking Bantry Bay. Bantry House, built in 1700, is a fine example of a Queen Anne home, complete with beautiful gardens. Mizen Head, the southernmost tip of Ireland is also worth a visit.
RING OF KERRY – This is a circular road around the Iveragh Peninsula taking in some beautiful mountain and coastal scenery, passing through slate-roofed fishing villages. Just be careful to leave early in the morning to avoid the mass of coach tours which converge on the towns for lunch. Allow time to stop along the way at some of the interesting towns.
KILARNEY – Just 20 miles north of Kenmare, Kilarney is regarded as the tourist capital of Ireland. Although it does get crowded in the summer, the town has much to offer in the way of shopping and restaurants. A short drive from the town is Muckross House, a Victorian mansion built in 1843 which is also a museum of Kerry Life. The landscaped gardens are spectacular in the spring.
KILARNEY NATIONAL PARK - Renowned for its splendid scenery it is one of Ireland’s most popular tourist attractions. There are three lakes, waterfalls, and mountains. The landscape is dotted with ruined castles and abbeys and the lakes change colors with the subtle shifts of light. Hiking, cycling, horseback riding and boating can be done here.
GOLF – Some of Ireland’s finest links courses are within a short drive – Waterville, Ring of Kerry, Kilarney, Tralee, Ballybunion and Old Head are among the world’s best.
HORSEBACK RIDING – 3 stables are close by offering treks from mountain trails to beach gallops.
Park Hotel Kenmare 5* (456 euros incl. B/T/S) - This hotel has the perfect location. The front faces the little village of Kenmare and the back faces the inlet of the River Sheen. You can walk to a restaurant or shop for lace & linen and yet be in the countryside. Francis & John Brennan are the owners and involved in all aspects of running a lovely, but comfy, 5 star hotel. John Brennan is quite the character with a great wit and interesting stories. The reception of the hotel reminds me of walking into the living room of a friend’s stately manor home complete with a fireplace and sitting reception desk. You do not feel like you are in a hotel. The service is excellent and the restaurant has many delectable offerings.
Samas is their spa and it is like going into another world. It is one of the best spas that I have ever experienced! They do not charge you for the treatment but for the time. So, the 140 euro cost covers 3 hours. They suggest you allow 3 hours to enjoy the complete Samas Experience. It consists of three elements:
First Hour - The Thermal Suite – the first hour you enjoy the Rock Sauna/ Lanconium; Aromatherapy Crystal Steam Room; Ice Fountain; Tropical shower and ending with the outdoor Vitality pool. This pool has 3 different massage jets – one for your feet, a C shaped stainless steel barrel that you stand in, and a giant swan neck faucet that massages your neck.
Second Hour – Holistic Treatment. There are a variety of treatments designed to slot into the 1 hour: facials, wraps, massages, and reflexology. You can extend the treatment time for an additional charge (60 E per ½ hour). I had a facial that began with a foot massage.
Third Hour – Pure Relaxation – at the end of the treatment the therapist tucks you into a day bed overlooking the woodland and bay where you can unwind with gentle music or drift to sleep.
Day 5-6 – CARRIG LAKE - Drive the Ring of Kerry to Carrig Lake. From the Park Hotel Kenmare take the N70 southwest.
You will travel through the charming, little town of Sneem with its brightly painted cottages lining the streets. Next, stop at Staigue Fort which has the best preserved Iron Age Fort in all of Ireland.
Another interesting stop, for buffs of Irish history, is 17th century Derrynane House, the home of the Irish hero, Daniel O’Connell.
After you pass Waterville (home of the world renowned golf course), you can make a side trip along the little Ring of Skellig. This ring is too small for the tour buses and it is a short detour to see more beautiful Irish scenery. You will cross the Inny River and then turn left on R567. As you continue the road will become R566 and make a sharp right at Ballinskelligs. Continue and just before crossing over to Valentina Island (you do not want to go to the island) there is the Skelling Experience Center which houses an audiovisual display on the monastery, geology, seabirds and marine life on the island of Skelling Michael (the largest of the islands). Get back on the R565 and go east to rejoin the N70 north.
The next point is in the main town of Caherciveen which houses the local heritage center. The last stop before reaching Carrig Lake is Glenbeigh, where you will find the Kerry Bog Village, a recreation of an 1800’s village. It is at this juncture that you will turn right to Carrig Lake and then make an immediate left. You will follow this road until you see the sign for Carrig House on the right.
Carrig House (160 euros incl. B/T – 12.5% service is additional) – This lovely property, owned and managed by Frank and Mary Slatterly, sits on the shore of Carrig Lake. It is a Victorian residence that has been meticulously restored. Bedrooms are spacious and many of the rooms have large picture windows looking out to the lake. Here you will find fresh air, beautiful gardens, natural woodlands and spectacular views. The restaurant here is excellent and the menu consists of fresh fish from the lake, lamb and wild game from the mountains and herbs from the garden. Since the property was originally a home you will find various little rooms in which to sit and curl up with a book or have drinks with new found friends.
Activities from Carrig Lake:
Golf – Waterville, Ring of Kerry, Kilarney, Tralee, Ballybunion, Doonbeg and Lahinch.
Great salmon fishing or hunting for fallow deer with an expert guide (Tiger Woods and other golfers do this every year before the British Open)
Horseback riding
Heritage Sites
Ring of Kerry
Killarney National Park
Killorglin – just 10 minutes from the hotel, this pretty city has restaurants & pubs and is famous for its two day Puck Fair in mid August.
Dingle Peninsula – This drive offers some of Ireland’s most beautiful landscape. It is a 25 mile circle. From Carrig House go back to the N70, turning right. Go through Killorglin. Continue on the N70 through Middletown and to Castlemaine. Turn left onto R561 and follow this to the N86 where you will turn left.
1. You will reach the brightly painted town of Dingle, a good place to stop to eat and see the local dolphin, Fungie. Just a little bit further, the N86 runs to the R559 which is the Dingle Peninsula.
2. Dunberg Fort – this Iron Age fort is one of the best preserved promontory forts in Ireland. Also to be seen are the early Christian beehive huts.
3. Slea Head – great place to stop for a view of the Blasket Islands. Note the sculpture of the Crucifixion by the side of the road.
4. Dunmore Head – Mainland Ireland’s most westerly point with spectacular views of the Blasket Islands.
5. Blasket Center – overlooking Blasket Sound, the center explains the language, literature and culture of the inhabitants of these islands. They all moved to the mainland in the 1950’s.
6. Ballyferriter – this friendly, colorful village features the pottery of Louis Mulcahy and a cultural museum of this area.
7. Riasc – excavated monastic settlement from the 7th century.
8. Gallarus Oratory – a tiny dry, stone church dating from the 6th century.
9. Kilmalkedar – once a pagan center of worship now the home of a ruined Irish Romanesque church with stone carvings.
10. This will bring you right back to Dingle and the N86.
OR YOU CAN TAKE OUR PRIVATE TOUR
IRELAND: A Day in Dingle
8 Hours
Our expert guide will meet you at your hotel at 9:30 a.m. and take you through the history of the Kingdom of Kerry as you drive toward the breathtaking Dingle Peninsula. Enjoy refreshments at Val O'Shea's pub before proceeding on to the peninsula. Your adventure then takes you southwest through the Conor Pass to the lively town of Dingle, a journey offering much exquisite beauty. Stop for lunch at Lord Baker's, our favorite seafood restaurant in Dingle. Then embark on the Ring of Dingle itself, one of the most stunning drives in Europe, offering exceptional views of the Blasket Islands and the Atlantic Ocean. You will visit various points along the way, including the 1000 year old beehive huts of the Gallarus Oratory, Louis Mulachy's pottery workshop in Ballyferriter and the South Pole Inn, once owned by the celebrated polar explorer, Tom Crean. Enjoy refreshments in Tralee before returning to your hotel by 5:30 p.m.
Number of Persons:
1 - 4-- € 650
5 - 6 --€ 705
7 - 12 --€ 1020
Lunch and refreshments are not included in the price; not available Sunday or Monday. Tour is subject to availability. Includes car and driver. NOTE: Tour departs from Carrig Country House, Glin Castle or Park Hotel Kenmare only.
OR
The Ancient Beara Peninsula Driving Tour
8 Hours
With its rocky mountains, glacial lakes and rugged coastline, Beara is an area of outstanding scenic beauty. Moreover, it is rich in sites of historical and archaeological interest, from thousand-year-old wedge tombs, stone circles, ogham stones (old Gaelic alphabet stones), megalithic tombs and burial grounds to later forts, castles and signal towers. The Healy Pass, a winding mountain road cutting through the Caha Mountains, divides the counties of Cork and Kerry and was named after Tim Healy, the first Governor-General of the Irish Free State, who was born nearby. Our expert local guide will meet you at your hotel at 9:30 a.m. to take you through this breathtakingly beautiful part of Ireland, sharing with you its fascinating history with a stop for lunch in the pretty fishing village of Castletownbere.
Number of Persons:
1 - 4 -- € 650
5 - 6 -- € 705
7 - 12 -- € 1020
Lunch and refreshments are not included in the price; not available on Sunday or Monday. Tour is subject to availability. Includes car and driver. NOTE: Tour departs from Carrig Country House or Park Hotel Kenmare only.
DAY 7 – GLIN – From Carrig House, follow the directions above to Castlemaine. Turn right on R561 until you reach Farranfore. Here you will connect with the N23 towards Castleisland. Connect with the N21 towards Abbeyfeale. Here you will continue on the R524 which takes you directly to Glin.
Glin Castle – (280 euros incl. Breakfast and tax – service charges are extra). This hotel is a wonderful way to end your stay in Ireland. It has a pastoral setting as it sits on the banks of the Shannon River. It has been the family home for the Knights of Glen for 700 years. The original medieval castle is in ruins. Their newer home was built in 1780 and is more manor house than castle. It occupies 500 acres and the gardens around the castle are beautiful. The last Knight of Glen still lives at the castle. Unfortunately, with three daughters the knightship will not be passed down to the next generation. The food at the hotel is fantastic!
Activities from Glin Castle:
· GOLF – Ballybunion (30 min drive); Adare (40 min); Tralee (1 hour); Doonbeg (1 hour); Kilarney (75 minutes); Lahinch (90 minutes).
· Adare – one of Ireland’s prettiest cities, with thatched roof cottages and colorfully, painted shop fronts.
· Limerick – this third largest city in Ireland was founded by Vikings. There are 3 historic districts – King’s Island, first to be settled by the Vikings and where you will see King John’s Castle and St. Mary’s Cathedral; old Irishtown; and Newtown Pery with its gracious Georgian terraces.
· Tarbert car ferry is just 4 miles taking you across the Shannon to explore the land north of the Shannon River
· Cliffs of Moher (90 minutes) –located in what is referred to as the Burren, this area is noted for its unique geology (a vast limestone plateau) and botany. It offers breathtaking views and walking paths either south to Hag’s Head or north to O’Brien’s tower.
Day 8 – return to the USA via Shannon Airport. Follow the main street out of Glin to N69 and follow this for 32 miles. You will come to a round about. Take the exit towards Limerick which will take you over the Shannon River. You will come to another round about. Take the exit towards Shannon Airport. Approximately another 2 miles you will come to another round about. Take the exit towards the Shannon Airport and you will now be on a dual carriageway, the N18. Take this for about 8 miles to the N19 and the Shannon Airport. You can return your car here.
This 7 night itinerary is 1512 euros (756 per person). Adding the private tours of Dingle or Berea would be an additional 650 euros per tour.
OPTIONAL EXTENSION
2165 euros (1082 euros per person) for this 10 night itinerary
DAY 8 – Depart Glin on the N69 towards Limerick. Just outside of Limerick you will come to the ring road N7. Take it east towards the N24 towards Tipperary. From Tipperary you will take the N74 towards Cashel.
CASHEL – The main attraction is the medieval Rock of Cashel. The Rock of Cashel rises dramatically out of the Tipperary Plain. It has been a symbol of royal & priestly power for more than a millennium. This structure has been used as a fortress and a palace (5th century to 12th century). In 1101 the Kings of Munster handed Cashel over to the church where it flourished as a religious center for over 500 years until a siege by Cromwellian armies culminated in a massacre of 3000 in 1647. Much of the medieval complex is still standing. Do not miss Cormac’s Chapel. It is one of the most outstanding examples of Romanesque architecture in Ireland.
Cashel Palace Hotel – (275 euros incl. breakfast and tax. Service is additional). This Queen Anne residence was once the Bishop’s Palace for Cashel Cathedral. In fact, there is still a path that connects the Cashel Palace Hotel with the Rock of Cashel. In addition to this claim to fame the hotel is also noted as the birthplace of Guinness beer! Setting the history of this hotel aside, the main charm starts at the top with the owners, Patrick and Susan Murphy. I always say that the staff of a hotel takes its lead from the top and that is very evident here. Pat is a stellar host which is reflected throughout the hotel and Susan has left her mark with the beautiful décor of the rooms. It is worth the overnight stay just to see the Rock of Cashel lit at night.
Day 9 – Depart Cashel for Dublin, (Aberdeen Lodge). Take the N8 towards Portlaoise. Here you will connect to the M7, a large motorway (like our freeways). Take this to Dublin. Just outside of Dublin you will connect with the ring road, the M50. Take this towards Dun Laoghaire. From Dun Laoghaire Port drive towards the city center via the Rock Road and Merrion Road. At the junction with Ailesbury Road turn right (turning right at the traffic light after you see the Merrion Shopping Centre). Drive across the tracks for the DART and then take the first left on to Park Avenue. Aberdeen Lodge is located approximately 200 meters on the left.
Day 9-10 – Aberdeen Lodge, Dublin (189 euros incl. breakfast, tea, coffee, mineral water, and free parking at the hotel. Rate does not include 12.5% tax and discretionary service.) This hotel is located in Ballsbridge, the Beverly Hills of Dublin. It is in a charming, quiet neighborhood, just 200 yards from the DART station (Sydney Parade) which takes you just 4 stops to the Pearse Street station, the heart of Dublin. Pat Halprin and Ann Keane are the owners who have made this hotel a labor of love. You feel more like a guest at a friend’s lovely home than a guest staying at an impersonal hotel. Although there are plenty of good restaurants within walking distance, the hotel also offers a drawing room menu of light meals for lunch or dinner. And, just a short distance away, is Dublin, filled with many choices from pubs to elegant dinners. I recommend the oysters and other fare at Peploes!
Merrion Hall, Dublin (189 euros incl. breakfast, tea, coffee, mineral water and free parking at the hotel. Rate does not include 12.5% tax and discretionary service.) This is the sister property of the Aberdeen Lodge and is also located in Ballsbridge just a few streets away from Aberdeen Lodge, directly across the street from the Four Seasons. It is within easy reach of the Temple Bar area where you will find trendy bars, restaurants and shops. The rooms and suites have period furniture with modern amenities and it has been recently renovated.
DUBLIN - This lovely capital of Ireland has a wealth of interesting sites to be visited, most within walking distance of each other. Besides these attractions Dublin offers great shopping. In central Dublin, just off of St. Stephen’s park, is a pedestrian shopping area. Here you will find boutiques and department stores such as Brown Thomas (it is like Neiman Marcus). Not to be missed:
· Christ Church Cathedral – built by the Anglo Normans between 1120 – 1220.
· Dublin Castle – in the heart of old Dublin, the State Apartments are used today for functions of national importance such as presidential inaugurations.
· St. Patrick’s Cathedral – spectacular choir, banners, stalls decorated with the insignia of the Knights of St. Patrick.
· The National Museum – housing an impressive collection of artifacts dating from the Stone Age to the present.
· The National Gallery – a collection of mostly Irish and Italian works.
· Trinity College – is home to the Old Library which contains priceless illuminated manuscripts.
· The Custom House – a classic Georgian public building.
· O’Connell Street – Dublin’s busiest thoroughfare, is a mix of architectural styles and a grand central mall punctuated with statues of famous Irish citizens.
· St. Stephen’s Green – a lovely park in the middle of Dublin, it was one of three commons of the old city.
Here are some private city tours in Dublin that we can book for you:
Dublin Literary Walking Tour
3 Hours
Walk in the footsteps of some of Ireland's most famous writers. You will be met at your hotel by your guide for a general introduction to the history of Dublin. Then it's on to Baggot Street. and the Grand Canal, an area much loved by poet Patrick Kavanagh. Next is Merrion Row - home to the most literary pubs in Dublin which still echo with the wit of Brendan Behan and James Joyce. Take in the Georgian splendor of Merrion Square, birthplace of Oscar Wilde, and then pass through the playing fields of Trinity College whose past alumni include Swift, Wilde and Beckett. Our next stop is Dublin Castle and the lavish Chester Beatty Library. Then on to St Patrick's Cathedral where Jonathan Swift of "Gulliver's Travels" was once Dean, and a visit to nearby Marsh's Library - one of Dublin's best-kept secrets. Your guided tour finishes there and we recommend a pint in nearby Guinness Storehouse with its magnificent views over Dublin City.
Number of Persons:
1 - 3 -- € 190
4 - 7 -- € 215
8 - 12 -- € 300
Not available Sunday or Monday; refreshments additional. NOTE: Tour departs from Aberdeen Lodge or Merrion Hall only.
Dublin Art and Architecture Walking Tour
3 Hours
From Georgian Splendor to Modern Masterpieces, enjoy the art and architecture of Dublin. After a brief history of Dublin at your hotel, your guide will introduce you to the Georgian elegance of Fitzwilliam Square and the sumptuous Georgian interiors of nearby Newman House on St. Stephen's Green. Then have a quick look at Ireland's National Gallery and the Georgian beauty of Merrion Square and Leinster House. Pass through Trinity College, founded in 1591 by Queen Elizabeth, to historic Dame Street with the old Houses of Parliament and City Hall. Walk over the river Liffey to Henrietta Street where Georgian Dublin began, and finish at the renowned Hugh Lane Gallery with its dedicated Francis Bacon room.
Number of Persons:
1 - 3 -- € 190
4 - 7 -- € 215
8 - 12 -- € 300
Not available Sunday or Monday; refreshments additional. NOTE: Tour departs from Aberdeen Lodge or Merrion Hall only.
Day 11 – Depart Ballsbridge for the Dublin airport – 12 miles and 45 minutes through downtown Dublin. The hotel will be able to give you the best directions to the airport.
Whatever trip to Ireland you envision, however, contact a TravelStore Ireland expert who can arrange it for you.
