Itinerary Page 3
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DAY 10
Get the Gift of Gab and Seat of the Kings
Today on to Blarney Castle (Caisleán na Blarnan) a medieval stronghold in Blarney, near Cork, and dates back to 1446, but the dates from original structure is before 1200 A.D. At the top of the castle lies the Stone of Eloquence, better known as the Blarney Stone, one of the machicolations of the castle. Tourists visiting Blarney Castle may hang upside-down over a sheer drop to kiss the stone, which is said to give the gift of eloquence. There are many versions of the origin of the stone, including a claim that it was the Lia Fáil — a numinous stone upon which Irish kings were crowned. Surrounding the castle are extensive gardens, there are paths touring the grounds with signs pointing out the various attractions such as several natural rock formations with fanciful names such as Druid's Circle, Witch's Cave and the Wishing Steps. The grounds include a poison garden with a number of poisonous plants, including wolfsbane, mandrake, ricin, opium, and also cannabis.
Then to Cahir Castle, once the stronghold of the powerful Butler family, the castle retains its impressive keep, tower and much of its original defensive structure. It is one of Ireland's largest and best preserved castles. It is situated on a rocky island on the River Suir. The castle's attractions include an excellent audio-visual show which informs visitors about the castle.
Then we finally we will go to the Rock of Cashel (Carraig Phádraig) also known as Cashel of the Kings and St. Patrick's Rock, a historic site located at Cashel. The oldest part of it dates back from 1100 a.d. The Rock of Cashel was the traditional seat of the kings of Munster for several hundred years prior to the Norman invasion. In 1101, the King of Munster, Muirchertach Ua Briain, donated his fortress on the Rock to the Church. The picturesque complex has a character all its own and has one of the most remarkable collections of Celtic art and medieval architecture to be found anywhere in Europe. Few remnants of the early structures survive; the majority of buildings on the current site date from the 12th and 13th centuries.
That night we well be staying in a self-catering 3-bedroom quaint Village House named "Mud's House" in Bansha.
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DAY 11
Medieval Life
We then drive to the Irish National Heritage Park near Wexford, Ireland.
We will take an unforgettable journey through Ireland’s past and experience stories, sights, sounds, and tastes that shaped this magical country.Located on the banks of the picturesque River Slaney,‘The Irish National Heritage Park’ truly is the cornerstone of ‘Ireland’s Ancient East’.An outdoor museum depicting 9000 years of re-created Irish History situated within natural forestry & wet woodlands. We will be spending the day wandering around the park in traditional clothing provided for us, while interacting and role playing with the tourists that visit "our village." And after the theme park closes and the tourists leave we will be able to enjoy the 35 acres of land in the park all to ourselves, we also will treated to traditional mead and Irish stew cooked over the fire.
And for that night we will be sleeping in a traditional hut with a hearth to keep us warm and sleep like the Kings and Queens of the Old.
Get the Gift of Gab and Seat of the Kings
Today on to Blarney Castle (Caisleán na Blarnan) a medieval stronghold in Blarney, near Cork, and dates back to 1446, but the dates from original structure is before 1200 A.D. At the top of the castle lies the Stone of Eloquence, better known as the Blarney Stone, one of the machicolations of the castle. Tourists visiting Blarney Castle may hang upside-down over a sheer drop to kiss the stone, which is said to give the gift of eloquence. There are many versions of the origin of the stone, including a claim that it was the Lia Fáil — a numinous stone upon which Irish kings were crowned. Surrounding the castle are extensive gardens, there are paths touring the grounds with signs pointing out the various attractions such as several natural rock formations with fanciful names such as Druid's Circle, Witch's Cave and the Wishing Steps. The grounds include a poison garden with a number of poisonous plants, including wolfsbane, mandrake, ricin, opium, and also cannabis.
Then to Cahir Castle, once the stronghold of the powerful Butler family, the castle retains its impressive keep, tower and much of its original defensive structure. It is one of Ireland's largest and best preserved castles. It is situated on a rocky island on the River Suir. The castle's attractions include an excellent audio-visual show which informs visitors about the castle.
Then we finally we will go to the Rock of Cashel (Carraig Phádraig) also known as Cashel of the Kings and St. Patrick's Rock, a historic site located at Cashel. The oldest part of it dates back from 1100 a.d. The Rock of Cashel was the traditional seat of the kings of Munster for several hundred years prior to the Norman invasion. In 1101, the King of Munster, Muirchertach Ua Briain, donated his fortress on the Rock to the Church. The picturesque complex has a character all its own and has one of the most remarkable collections of Celtic art and medieval architecture to be found anywhere in Europe. Few remnants of the early structures survive; the majority of buildings on the current site date from the 12th and 13th centuries.
That night we well be staying in a self-catering 3-bedroom quaint Village House named "Mud's House" in Bansha.
_____________________________________________
DAY 11
Medieval Life
We then drive to the Irish National Heritage Park near Wexford, Ireland.
We will take an unforgettable journey through Ireland’s past and experience stories, sights, sounds, and tastes that shaped this magical country.Located on the banks of the picturesque River Slaney,‘The Irish National Heritage Park’ truly is the cornerstone of ‘Ireland’s Ancient East’.An outdoor museum depicting 9000 years of re-created Irish History situated within natural forestry & wet woodlands. We will be spending the day wandering around the park in traditional clothing provided for us, while interacting and role playing with the tourists that visit "our village." And after the theme park closes and the tourists leave we will be able to enjoy the 35 acres of land in the park all to ourselves, we also will treated to traditional mead and Irish stew cooked over the fire.
And for that night we will be sleeping in a traditional hut with a hearth to keep us warm and sleep like the Kings and Queens of the Old.
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DAY 12
Tonight will be in a wonderful 500 year old Norman Haunted Keep that has a beautiful a garden and terrace, called Ross Castle situated on the shores of Lough Sheelin, County Meath, not to be confused with Ross Castle in Killarney, which we visit early on the trip. It features a unique en-suite bed-and-breakfast accommodation in a historic setting. You will be able to choose between the Barron's Room or Myles O Reilly Room, and a wonderful Irish Breakfast is included. The castle also offers a beautiful waterfront views across a lake, famous for trout, perch and pike fishing.
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DAYS 13 & 14
The Wonders of Dublin
Now we head to Dublin which is filled with sights, pubs, food, and culture to last for a lifetime. After dropping off the rental car, we will explore this most famous Irish city for the next few days, there are many sights to visit and we will fit is as many as possible, including a few pubs along the way that some of the most famous writers used to drink and eat in.
Some of the sights we are able to visit are:
- Dublin Castle
- Christ Church
- St. Patrick's Cathedral
- Dublina
- Trinity College
- Oscar Wilde Sculpture
- The Guinness Factory
- The Jameson Experience
- Tealings Whiskey Distillery
- The Epic Museum
- J.J. Tallship
--Little Museum of Dublin
- Some Historical Pubs
- Temple Bar District
And more
For our last 2 nights accommodation we will be renting a 1 bedroom apartment just off O'Connell street, with all city center attractions on your doorstep. It Sleeps 4 with a double bedroom and living room with double sofabed, kitchen and bathroom. The Best feature is it is just a 10 min walk to Temple Bar District.
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Day 15
Go dtí an chéad turas eile mo chairde
We will be getting up early morning to take you to the airport where we will say say our goodbyes, till the next Journey, and you will fly home with memories or the sights, sounds, tastes, and hopefully a bit of the Luck of the Magical Emerald Island.
_________________________________________
DAY 12
Tonight will be in a wonderful 500 year old Norman Haunted Keep that has a beautiful a garden and terrace, called Ross Castle situated on the shores of Lough Sheelin, County Meath, not to be confused with Ross Castle in Killarney, which we visit early on the trip. It features a unique en-suite bed-and-breakfast accommodation in a historic setting. You will be able to choose between the Barron's Room or Myles O Reilly Room, and a wonderful Irish Breakfast is included. The castle also offers a beautiful waterfront views across a lake, famous for trout, perch and pike fishing.
______________________________________
DAYS 13 & 14
The Wonders of Dublin
Now we head to Dublin which is filled with sights, pubs, food, and culture to last for a lifetime. After dropping off the rental car, we will explore this most famous Irish city for the next few days, there are many sights to visit and we will fit is as many as possible, including a few pubs along the way that some of the most famous writers used to drink and eat in.
Some of the sights we are able to visit are:
- Dublin Castle
- Christ Church
- St. Patrick's Cathedral
- Dublina
- Trinity College
- Oscar Wilde Sculpture
- The Guinness Factory
- The Jameson Experience
- Tealings Whiskey Distillery
- The Epic Museum
- J.J. Tallship
--Little Museum of Dublin
- Some Historical Pubs
- Temple Bar District
And more
For our last 2 nights accommodation we will be renting a 1 bedroom apartment just off O'Connell street, with all city center attractions on your doorstep. It Sleeps 4 with a double bedroom and living room with double sofabed, kitchen and bathroom. The Best feature is it is just a 10 min walk to Temple Bar District.
_________________________________________
Day 15
Go dtí an chéad turas eile mo chairde
We will be getting up early morning to take you to the airport where we will say say our goodbyes, till the next Journey, and you will fly home with memories or the sights, sounds, tastes, and hopefully a bit of the Luck of the Magical Emerald Island.
_________________________________________
