Folk Life and Cultural Tour - Ireland North and South
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Arrival & Departure Shannon Airport - 12 Nights/13 Days

Day 1/ Limerick
Your first stop should be Bunratty Castle and Folk Park for a taste of rural village life recreated in the grounds of medieval Bunratty Castle. Then further back into Ireland's prehistoric past, visit Craggaunowen, The Living Past, where reconstructed lake dwellings impart Ireland's history during the Bronze Age. Continue to the historic city of Limerick and settle into your hotel. Spend the rest of the day exploring this fine Georgian City on the shores of the River Shannon. "Must see" visits include the Hunt Museum which houses a unique private art collection, reflecting not only the Celtic past but also including such objects as the Leonardo da Vinci horse and the Mary, Queen of Scots Cross. Visit 13th century King John's Castle which reveals Ireland's history through stories of political upheaval, war and famine. Explore the pre-Norman houses pre-dating the Castle by 100 years.

Day 2/ Tipperary, Cashel, Kildare & Wicklow
Today drive through Ireland's Golden Vale, firstly through the Heritage Town of Tipperary, a charming 19th Century market town,then on to another designated Heritage Town of Cashel, in Co. Tipperary, known not only for the famous Rock of Cashel but also Brú Ború - a cultural village and home to the study and celebration of Irish music, song, dance, theatre and Celtic studies. Continue to Dublin via the medieval city of Kilkenny and County Kildare, which is perhaps best known as Ireland's horse breeding country so a visit to the Irish National Stud, Japanese Gardens & St Fiachra's Garden with its Monastic cell, will give you insight into Stud Farm successes, while the Garden's "Life of Man" lend a tranquil end to an enjoyable visit. Crossing into County Wicklow and skirting the shores of Blessington Lake, your next experience can be the imposing Palladian mansion of Russborough House furnished with fine displays of antique treasures and home to the internationally famous Beit Art Collection. Overnight in Dublin.

Day 3/ Dublin
This 1000 year old city is now one of Europe's busiest capitals. Apart from elegant shopping streets, lively pubs, restaurants and theatres, Dublin offers an abundance of Galleries, Museums, Churches and Cathedrals to explore at leisure. Other interesting and unusual visits for a change of pace and mood should be to the Old Jameson Distillery in the Smithfield area in the heart of Old Dublin, and Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane on Parnell Square, its fine art collection and spectacular new acquisition, Francis Bacon's Studio, 7 Reece Mews. And for literature 'buffs', the nearby James Joyce Centre in a beautifully restored Georgian house contrasts wonderfully with another of Dublin's legendary writers Jonathan Swift who was Dean of Saint Patrick's Cathedral from 1713-1745. A great finale to your Dublin day can be a visit to the Guinness Storehouse for an innovative and dramatic Guinness experience including of course, a taste of "the Black Stuff" in the glass-domed, "Gravity Bar" and enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Dublin city. Overnight Dublin.

Day 4/ Wicklow & Wexford
Heading south to County Wicklow, pass through the pretty village of Enniskerry, in the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains to visit Powerscourt House and Gardens. Laid out in the mid-18th Century, the Gardens stretch over 47 acres and are recognised as one of the world's great gardens. The Palladian house now incorporates an innovative shopping experience, terrace cafe and exhibition. On through the green Garden of Ireland to Avondale House and Forest Park, birthplace and residence of the great Charles Stewart Parnell, now fully restored by "Coillte", the Irish Forestry Board and including over 500 acres devoted to silvicultural practice in Ireland. Continue to Wicklow town to hear the lurid stories, explore the cells and dungeons of Wicklow's Historic Gaol Then to New Ross in County Wexford and visit the Dunbrody Emigrant Ship, a full scale replica of the original, built in 1845, which carried thousands of emigrants to North America. Next visit the Irish National Heritage Park where your senses will come alive with sights and sounds stretching back almost 9,000 years. Return to Dublin for overnight.

Day 5/ Drogheda, Kells & Cavan
For a real family tour, head northwards today. First to the legendary Boyne Valley, rich in prehistoric archaeological treasures via the designated Heritage Towns of Trim, with its 12th Century Castle, and Kells, the original home of the legendary Book of Kells, both in Royal County Meath . Then on through lakeland and drumlin country to visit the Cavan County Museum in picturesque Ballyjamesduff, famed in the Percy French ballad, tracing the history and heritage of County Cavan. Also tour the famous Boyne Valley, its Neolithic Tombs at Newgrange and Knowth. Overnight in Slane or Drogheda.

Day 6/ Dundalk, Down & Belfast
Drive via Dundalk and Newry into County Down, Northern Ireland and the legendary Mountains of Mourne. A highlight will be a visit to one of Northern Ireland's major Millennium Projects, The Saint Patrick Centre, at Downpatrick, which presents the story of Ireland's Patron Saint through state of the art interpretation of the arrival of Christianity in Ireland. Then on to Castle Ward, a superb Georgian mansion set in a 750-acre estate with breathtaking views over Strangford Lough. Then take the amusing, tiny, ferryboat crossing to the picturesque village of Portaferry and enjoy a tour of the Ards Peninsula and a memorable visit to the home of Lord Castlereagh at Mount Stewart House and Gardens, the grounds of which encompass one of the greatest gardens of these islands. Then on a more sombre note, The Somme Heritage Centre, depicting Ireland's role in the First World War, the 3 Irish volunteer divisions from both communities' religions and traditions and where the visitor is taken back to the period through a "time-tunnel" experience. Continue to Belfast and enjoy an evening in the famous city where old and new offer every visitor an exciting experience. Overnight Belfast.

Day 7/ Belfast & Armagh
Capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast is an exciting mix of old and new-illustrate the contrast with firstly a visit to the Ulster Museum, a treasure house of past and present that tells the story of the North from the Ice Age to the 20th Century. For a glimpse of the 21st Century visit whowhatwherewhenwhy-W5, Irelands first interactive discovery centre located in the heart of Belfast. Within a short drive is the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum which illustrates the way of life and traditions of the people. Then southwards to explore the cathedral city of Armagh and visit the fascinating Armagh Planetarium for its multimedia Star-Show, the Armagh County Museum, and St Patrick's Trian, which houses 3 inspirational visits under one roof: the Armagh Story,Saint Patrick's Testament and the Land of Lilliput. Return to Belfast for overnight.

Day 8/ Antrim, Giant's Causeway & Derry
Experience the scenic beauty of the Glens of Antrim. Hugging the coast you reach the towering pillars of the Giant's Causeway, one of the geological wonders of the world and a World Heritage Site, certainly one of the highpoints of a visit to Northern Ireland. Continue on the coastal route and seaside towns of Portrush and Portstewart and take in a visit to Bushmills Distillery, the oldest in Ireland, before heading to the historic walled city of Derry for a stroll around the famous ramparts. Overnight in Derry.

Day 9/ Tyrone & Fermanagh
Crossing the border into Letterkenny, visit the Donegal County Museum for a fascinating exhibition on the history of Donegal, from the prehistoric period to the present day. Continue by taking the journey southward first to Omagh to visit the Ulster American Folk Park a fascinating museum of emigration and folk life where many examples of original Irish thatched and American log dwellings can be seen. Continue to the lovely lakeside region of Fermanagh and Enniskillen for a wealth of interesting places to visit in this picturesque lakeside setting. Firstly Enniskillen Castle and Museums, dating back to the 15th Century overlooking Lough Erne. Then Castle Coole, which is a fine, late 18th Century neo-classical mansion with lovely interior furnishings and plasterwork. Nearby, a very different experience is a visit to the Marble Arch Caves European Geopark, a contrast between underworld marvels and the rare habitat of the blanket bog. Overnight in Enniskillen.

Day 10/ Donegal, Sligo & Roscommon
Taking the scenic drive along Lough Erne brings you to Belleek Pottery Visitor Centre where the skills and crafts of past generations are still carried on today. Crossing the border into Donegal, tour the enchanting south coast of the county to the picturesque fishing villages of Killybegs and Glencolmkille. Then head south to Sligo - birthplace of the great Irish poet WB Yeats and inland to Lough Key Forest Park, in County Roscommon. Owned by "Coillte", the Irish Forestry Board, it is a 350-acre park of great natural beauty, combining woodlands and water with a wealth of historical and archaeological points of interest. On to nearby Boyle and visit King House, a magnificently restored Georgian mansion with unique architectural qualities and which housed the famous Connaught Rangers from 1788 to 1922. Overnight in Boyle.

Day 11/ Roscommon & Mayo
On through Carrick-on-Shannon, to Strokestown in County Roscommon, to visit Strokestown Park, an 18th Century Palladian Mansion and Estate whose stables now house the best private Famine archive in Ireland. Strokestown Park is also featured in the Guinness Book of Records for having the longest herbaceous border in Ireland and Britain. Return westward via the medieval village of Tulsk and visit the awardwinning Cruachan Aí Visitor Centre, celebrating the myths and legends surrounding the era of Queen Medb, the Warrior Queen of ancient times. Cruachan is one of the most important Celtic Royal Sites in Europe and the surrounding area contains an amazing array of archaeological remains from the late Bronze Age and the Iron Age. Continue to the designated Heritage Town of Westport for overnight.

Day 12/ Mayo, Connemara & Galway
Westport is the northern gateway to the wild and rugged region of Mayo and Connemara. Visit the magnificent 18th Century mansion Westport House, situated on a lovely parkland.setting, with a fine collection of original landscapes and portraits of the owners, the Browne family, descendants of the 16th century Pirate Queen Grace O'Malley. Explore this lovely area, taking the coastal route along Clew Bay and the deep mountain valley of Doolough to Leenane. Visit Kylemore Abbey and Garden, home of the Irish Benedictine Nuns. Visit the picturesque Abbey and enjoy a stroll to the beautifully restored Gothic Church and the newly restored Victorian Walled Garden. Continue into the heart of Connemara via the thriving market town of Clifden, through some of the pretty coastal villages, where Gaelic is still spoken. Finally arrive in Galway and explore this quaint old university town, known as the "City of the Tribes". Browse through the old streets and harbour area, not forgetting to drop in to Kenny's Bookstore and Art Gallery, a treasure trove for book lovers and art buffs! Also visit the Galway Atlantaquaria , fittingly situated overlooking Galway Bay and home to 170 species of fresh water and marine life.

Day 13/ Shannon
This morning time to visit the Galway Irish Crystal Heritage Centre, which provides a memorable backdrop to the history and culture of the West of Ireland. Transfer to Shannon Airport for departure .