Hidden Heartlands of Ireland

We catch the ferry from Holyhead to Dublin where we meet our tour manager. We continue onwards to the Bloomfield House Hotel, Leisure Club & Spa, where we stay for the next four nights.

For our first visit we head to the impressive Clonmacnoise Monastic Site, one of the most significant early Christian locations in Europe, where 6^th-century ruins still stand proudly on the banks of the River Shannon. Founded by St Ciarán, it became an important seat of learning with scholars flocking from all over Europe to visit and was also closely associated with the kings of Connacht until the 9^th century. It’s a fascinating experience to walk amongst the cathedral, two round towers, carved high crosses, nine churches and hundreds of early Christian gravestones to really imagine what has gone before us here, and there’s also an informative visitor centre to learn more.

We continue to Strokestown Park, an atmospheric Anglo-Irish estate consisting of a Palladian-style Georgian house, once home to a renowned military family for over three centuries, as well as lovely gardens and the National Famine Museum. State-of-the-art exhibits, immersive displays, local documents, tragic stories and unique artefacts combine to bring to life a moving part of Ireland’s history while comparing the lives of Strokestown’s aristocratic landlords and their tenants.

Our last stop of the day is the famous Old Kilbeggan Distillery, the country’s oldest licensed distillery, housed in charming buildings. Established in 1757, it’s now one part museum and one part distillery with authentic features on display such as the 19^th-century waterwheel, offering the perfect chance to learn all about the traditional Irish whiskey-making process.

Today we visit Galway, a thriving, cosmopolitan city and the European Capital of Culture in 2020. It may be the fastest growing city in Ireland, but it has managed to retain its enchanting atmosphere with its cobbled streets, colourful buildings and lovely seafront location on the magical Wild Atlantic Way. We enjoy a guided walking tour to discover the landmark spots and also include admission to the Galway City Museum, which celebrates local and national cultural heritage, from prehistoric Galway right through to the present day. Afterwards, there is time to find somewhere for lunch (not included) and to browse the little shops for souvenirs – think cosy Aran sweaters, unique crafts and iconic Claddagh rings!

This morning, we make our way to the quaint village of Carrick, where we board our cruise on the River Shannon, the longest in Ireland and entwined with ancient folklore. Sit back and relax as we meander along the pretty waterways, admiring the beautiful scenery and ancient sites along its banks.

Next stop is Knock, a small village nestled in County Mayo and a popular Christian pilgrimage site thanks to the Knock Shrine, where 15 people witnessed an apparition of the Virgin Mary, St Joseph and St John the Evangelist in 1879 (their testimonies are a fascinating read). We can find out more in Knock Museum, which covers 140 years of history and features a fantastic model village, or take in the views over the Shannon Estuary, Clonderlaw Bay and Kilkerrin Peninsula.

We head to Dublin and enjoy an optional guided city tour. With its fascinating past, iconic landmarks and plethora of convivial pubs serving up the perfect pint of Guinness, Dublin never fails to charm its visitors. After our guided tour, there’s free time in the city before checking into our hotel here for our overnight stay.