The Heritage Treasure Trail
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Arrival and Departure Dublin Airport or Ferryport - 8 Nights/9 Days

Day 1/Dublin
Apart from elegant shopping streets, lively pubs, restaurants and theatres, Dublin offers an abundance of Galleries, Museums, Churches and Cathedrals to explore at leisure. On the "must see" list of visits: The Bank of Ireland Arts Centre, one of the architectural landmarks of Georgian Dublin which reflects both Irish history and the history of banking over the past 200 years... Trinity College is the oldest university in Ireland exhibiting the Book of Kells and the Dublin Experience presenting a history of this old city from Viking times to the present day. A leisurely walk through the old city streets takes you firstly to Dublin's City Hall, now beautifully restored which tells the Story of the Capital through a multi-media exhibition. Then on to nearby Saint Patrick's Cathedral, founded in 1191 where one of Dublin's most legendary figures, Jonathan Swift, served as Dean from 1713 until his death in 1745. Overnight in Dublin.

Day 2/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 and hear the lurid stories, explore the cells and dungeons of Wicklow's Historic Gaol and on 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. Then on to Wexford for overnight, visiting en route the Irish National Heritage Park where your senses will come alive with sights and sounds stretching back almost 9,000 years. Overnight in Wexford.

Day 3/Waterford & Cork
To-day depart for Cork, first visiting the oldest operational lighthouse in the world, Hook Lighthouse, then take the picturesque ferry crossing at Passage East to visit the great port city of Waterford, made famous by Waterford Crystal at whose Visitor Centre the blowers, cutters and engravers are happy to display their unique skills. Also visit Waterford Museum of Treasures and Reginald's Tower which houses many interesting artefacts dating back many centuries. Continue to Cork via the charming Heritage Town of Lismore on the River Blackwater, its ducal castle where Sir Walter Raleigh once lived and interesting Heritage Centre. Then on to visit the Old Midleton Distillery in Midleton town for a warm welcome and a history lesson on the origins of Irish whiskey. Also visit Fota House and Gardens on the north shore of Cork Harbour. The lovely 18th Century house was designed by the famous Morrison architects and the arboretum and gardens are of international repute for their collection of rare and tender trees and shrubs. Overnight in Cork.

Day 4/West Cork/Killarney & Tralee
A visit to Cork City's many Historic Buildings, Museums and Art Galleries will also include Cork City Gaol, depicting prison life in the 19th century and which now houses a new Radio Museum Experience; enjoy a fascinating journey down the wavelengths of time. In the afternoon depart for Killarney via the beautiful West Cork coastal route and picturesque villages of Schull and Skibbereen. Visit the Skibbereen Heritage Centre, housed in the Old Gasworks Building, which features the Great Famine Commemoration Exhibition as well as an audio visual insight into Ireland's first Marine Nature Reserve. Another "must see" visit is to Mizen Head Signal Station at Mizen Head, the most south-westerly point in Ireland, to explore the magnificent and spectacular cliffs and see the history of Fastnet Rock Lighthouse and learn about the lonely lives of the Irish Lights Keepers. Also visit Bantry House and Gardens, one of the finest stately homes in Ireland, whose restored gardens are home to many subtropical plants and shrubs. Enjoy one of the most beautiful views in Ireland, looking across Bantry Bay to the Cork/Kerry Mountains. Then on to Killarney via Kenmare, through the magnificent Kerry Mountains and the legendary Lakes of Killarney. Overnight in Tralee and opportunity to visit Siamsa Tíre, The National Folk Museum of Ireland who present many facets of Irish Folk Culture in music, dance, storytelling and mime.

Day 5/Tralee/West Clare & Galway
First visit Kerry County Museum in Tralee, a unique and entertaining heritage centre which traces man's history in Kerry from 5000 BC to the present day. Drive via the Heritage Town of Listowel, known as the Literary Capital of Ireland, whose story is told at the Seanchaí Centre and take the ferry from Tarbert to Killimer in County Clare "Land of Castles". First to the designated Heritage Town of Kilrush with its strong maritime tradition at the mouth of the River Shannon, then on to Ennis and visit the Clare Museum for an introduction to "The Riches of Clare: its People, Place and Treasures". Then take the coastal route via Lahinch and the magnificent Cliffs of Moher, rising sheer above the Atlantic to Lisdoonvarna and Ballyvaughan in the heart of the Burren Country. This unique limestone karst and strange lunar landscape is rich in archaeological and geological remains of great cultural and historic interest. Well worth a visit is Aillwee Cave, Ireland's premier showcave, part of the Burren experience. Continue via Ballyvaughan and Kinvara to East Galway for a really rural experience and visit to Rathbaun Farm which has been owned by the Connolly family for over 200 years. Then to Galway, 'City of the Tribes' for overnight.

Day 6/Galway/Connemara & Mayo
Visit Dartfield - Ireland's Horseworld, Museum and Equestrian Park at Loughrea and the Galway Irish Crystal Heritage Centre to learn the history of Crystal in Ireland and also the heritage of the West of Ireland, before heading for the wild and rugged region of Connemara, still a Gaelic speaking area. Drive via the busy hillside town of Clifden to visit Kylemore Abbey and Gardens, in the heart of Connemara, home of the Benedictine Nuns. Enjoy a stroll to the beautifully restored Gothic Church and the Victorian Walled Garden. Drive via the magnificent scenery of Killary Harbour and Dulough to the designated Heritage Town of Westport, a picturesque Georgian town on Clew Bay, under the shadow of Croagh Patrick, Ireland's Holy Mountain. Time to visit the 18th Century mansion Westport House, situated on a fine parkland.setting, with a fine collection of original landscapes and portraits of the owners, the Browne family, descendants of the 16th C Pirate Queen Grace O'Malley.

Day 7/Westmeath/Offaly & Meath
Now drive into the rich midlands of Ireland to Athlone and enjoy the fine exhibitions and folk and military museums in Athlone Castle Visitor Centre overlooking the River Shannon and then head south to the elegant Heritage Town of Birr in County Offaly to visit the magnificent Birr Castle Demesne, which houses Ireland's Historic Science Centre, the Great Telescope constructed in the 1840's and the award-winning Gardens. Then on to Tullamore, also in Offaly to visit Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre, and perhaps enjoy a taste of the famous brew! Then on to Mullingar and visit Belvedere House, Gardens and Park, a magnificent parkland estate on the shores of Lough Ennell, where a fine 18th Century Hunting Lodge, walled garden and landscaped park have been beautifully restored. Return to Dublin via the medieval Heritage Town of Trim in Royal County Meath, dominated by its majestic 12th Century Castle. Overnight in Dublin.

Day 8/Fun Day in Dublin
Explore Dublin today with young people of all ages in mind! A good start would be Dublinia at Christ Church, a fascinating and authentic reconstruction of Dublin and Dubliners in Medieval times, including museum artefacts, an interactive Medieval Fayre, stocks and even a 12th Century skeleton and reconstructed head to scare the unwary. For a complete contrast of time and mood, visit the GAA Museum and Croke Park Stadium Tour at Croke Park, and walk through a multi-media wonderland for sports fans, where the history of Ireland's unique national games of hurling and Gaelic football can be enjoyed in this superb city centre complex. Afternoon enjoy a trip on the DART around Dublin Bay to the charming Heritage Town of Dalkey, its Castle and Heritage Centre, its literary connections and now home to such greats as Bono of U2 and popular writer Maeve Binchy. On to the pretty seaside town of Bray for a brisk walk along the Promenade and where a visit to the National Sea Life Centre brings you through the magical world of underwater wildlife … without getting wet!

Day 9/Dublin
Departure from Dublin airport or ferryport