Day 1 – Birr Castle and Science Museum
Birr Castle, a magnificent Gothic Revival castle from the 17th century that is still the Parsons family’s home today, serves as the attraction’s focal point.
A guided tour of the castle allows visitors to discover its lavish interiors, elaborate furnishings, and fascinating history.
The spectacular Great Telescope, which was once the greatest telescope in the world, and the lovely grounds that encircle the castle are highlights.
Day 2 – Portumna Castle and Portumna Workhouse
Portumna Castle in Ireland’s County Galway is a magnificent example of Jacobean architecture.
The superbly preserved early 17th-century castle is renowned for its exquisite architecture and craftsmanship.
The castle was initially built by the De Burgo family, a well-known and wealthy family in Ireland, and it served for many years as a lavish residence for nobility.
Portumna Castle offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the past and is a magnificent example of Irish architectural heritage today.
Workhouses were built in Ireland for the poor of Ireland. Take a tour in one of 163 workhouses built between 1840-1852 in Portumna, Co. Galway.
This is a 75 minutes immersive tour which walks you through the buildings which housed the families, talks you through the at times harrowing accounts and view a hologram depiction between a priest and a renowned Master who disappeared in the dead of night.
Day 3 – Rock of Cashel & Tour of Cashel Cheese Creamery
The Rock of Cashel, commonly referred to as St. Patrick’s Rock, is a significant historical landmark in Ireland’s County Tipperary.
It is a stunning cluster of medieval buildings built atop a limestone outcrop that dominates the surrounding area.
It is frequently referred to as one of Ireland’s most significant and dramatic archaeological sites and is steeped in history and legend. As you visit the mediaeval buildings on our trip, including the famous Round Tower, Cormac’s Chapel, and the Cathedral, you’ll be transported back in time.
The tour guides will provide a thorough historical background while telling enthralling tales and anecdotes that will take you back in time to tales of the monarchs, saints, and warriors who have left their imprint on this important site. A Cashel Blue Cheese tasting of both sheep and cows milk (This can be a blind tasting if you fancy a bit of fun!)
A 10 minute film giving you an insight to the cheese-making philosophy, the history, and how the cheeses are made. A tasting of cheese curd, young cheese and mature cheese, thereby giving you an insight into how cheese develops and matures.
Day 4 – River Shannon Cruise
On the banks of the River Shannon in central Ireland, Clonmacnoise is a well-known monastery structure that was founded in the sixth century. Sail here on a privately booked viking tour to fully immerse yourself in the history of this area.
For history buffs and others interested in religious and cultural heritage, it is one of Ireland’s most significant early Christian sites and a must-visit location.
Day 5 – The Burren and Coastal Drive, Cliffs of Moher
Tour of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark. One of Ireland’s favourite visitor experiences, the Cliffs of Moher tower over the rugged West Clare coast.
Walk the safe, paved pathways and view the famous Cliffs on Europe’s western frontier and enjoy the spectacular vistas over the Atlantic Ocean and the Aran Islands.
Day 6 – Kilkenny Castle and Medieval Town tour
Tour of Kilkenny Castle and the medieval city. Few buildings in Ireland can boast a longer history of continuous occupation than Kilkenny Castle.
Founded soon after the Norman conquest of Ireland, the Castle has been rebuilt, extended and adapted to suit changing circumstances and uses over a period of 800 years.
Today, Kilkenny Castle is open to visitors all year round and is largely a Victorian remodelling of the thirteenth century defensive Castle.
Each year, hundreds of thousands of visitors come to see this grand country house and walk through its fifty acres of rolling parkland with mature trees and an abundance of wildlife.
Other features include a formal terraced rose garden, woodlands and a man-made lake, which were added in the nineteenth century.
