Tour Overview

‘Excellent’

3 days/2 Nights/4 Meals - A must for all railway enthusiasts. Highlights include West Clare Railway & Heritage Centre, Blennerville Steam Train and the unique Lartigue Monorail not to mention Irish hospitality and of course the famous 'Black Stuff' – Guinness.

What's included

  • 3 days/2 Nights/4 Meals
  • Meeting, assistance & transfers on arrival & departure in Ireland
  • Sightseeing and transfers by luxury coach with driver/guide
  • Accommodation in your choice of hotels for 2 nights
  • Full Irish breakfast daily
  • 2 table d'hote dinners
  • Entrance fees to West Clare Railway & Heritage Centre, Blennerville Steam Train and Lartigue Monorail
  • All local taxes, hotel service charges & porterage for one suitcase per person
  • Complimentary Tour Leader Place

Optional excursions, such as a night at the dogs, evening of traditional Irish music & dance etc can be arranged.

Tour highlights

  • Aran Islands
  • Christ Church Cathedral
  • Conor Pass
  • Dingle Peninsula
  • Dun Aengus
  • Gap of Dunloe
  • Muckross House, Gardens & Traditional Farms
  • Ring of Kerry
  • Trinity College & Book of Kells
  • Aras an Uachtarain
  • Kylemore Abbey
  • Molly Gallivans Cottage & Farm
  • National Museum of Ireland - Collins Barracks
  • Valentia Island
  • Hunt Museum
  • Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery
  • Trinity College Dublin & Book of Kells
  • King Johns Castle
  • Muckross House, Gardens & Traditional Farms
  • W.B. Yeats Grave

Overnights for this tour

  • Tralee for 2 Nights

Accommodation options

  • This tour is available in 3 or 4 star hotels

Day 1 - Literary Dublin

Given that Dublin was named as a UNESCO City of Literature in 2010, there can be no better place to start your literary tour of Ireland beginning with a visit to the William Butler Yeats Exhibition at the National Library. The National library has the largest collection of Yeats manuscripts in the world and in addition holds other fascinating material donated by Mrs George Yeats. You may choose to visit The Chester Beatty Library which houses a great array of manuscripts, miniature paintings, prints, drawings, rare books and decorative arts assembled by Sir Alfred Chester Beatty or The James Joyce Centre which is located in a beautifully restored Georgian house and includes an exhibition area with computer installations, videos, re-creations of period rooms, and items relating to the life and work of James Joyce. 

Near the James Joyce Centre you will find the Dublin Writers Museum where Dublin’s literary personalities are brought to life through their books, letters, portraits and personal items. Other attractions include Christchurch Cathedral which was founded in the year 1030 by Sitric, King of the Dublin Norsemen, Trinity College which houses the famous Book of Kells which is widely regarded as Ireland's finest national treasure. Transcribed by Celtic monks around the year 800, it contains the four Gospels of the New Testament in Latin, and is a spectacular example of the tradition of illuminated manuscripts.  You may decide to end your day’s touring with a trip to the Guinness Storehouse which provides an unforgettable welcome and a magical journey deep into the heart of the world famous Guinness brand and company and finishing with a pint of the famous 'Black Stuff’ in the Gravity bar!

Day 2 - Dublin to Sligo

Today you will travel from Dublin to Sligo which is long renowned for being associated with the Irish playwright William Butler Yeats. En-route you may decide to visit the ancient sites of Newgrange or Knowth or to break up your journey you might decide to stop along the way at the heritage village of Ardagh which has an interesting literary past.  In 1744 one of the most famous incidents in Ardagh’s history occurred; this was the visit of young Oliver Goldsmith who was tricked into mistaking the mansion (Ardagh House) for an inn. His endeavors to court the Fetherston daughters in the belief that they were servant girls formed the plot of his most successful play ‘She Stoops to Conquer’ , a comedy which explores the contemporary themes of sexual morality and double standards. You may wish to visit the Ardagh Visitor Centre which recounts the tale as well as the curious history of the area. You may choose to visit Strokestown Park House& Famine Museum before travelling onward to Sligo.

The Famine Museum which is located in the original Stable Yards commemorates the history of the famine through informative and interesting interactive displays. The Great Famine is now regarded as the single greatest social disaster of 19th century Europe and hence has been the subject of many books, poetry and song. In Sligo you will find the William Butler Yeat’s Memorial Building which has a photographic exhibition detailing the famous writer’s life, the churchyard at Drumcliffe where Yeats is buried and the Sligo County Museum & Art Gallery which also has Yeats’ work on display.

Day 3 - Sligo to Galway

From Sligo, travel to Galway via the Museum of Country Life in Castlebar. This award winning museum is home to the national Folklife Collection which represents traditional life in Ireland throughout the 19th and early 20th century. Here you will see for yourself the traditions, folklore and history of the real people of Ireland that would have inspired many famous Irish writers. Or take an alternative route via the Coleman Irish Music Centre where Interactive multimedia terminals will tell you about local lore, traditional music, Irish dancing, how musical instruments are made and much more. Other attractions on your route include King House a magnificent Georgian Mansion, or the village of Knock which is best known for its religious associations. On arrival in Galway, places of interest include Galway City Museum, Galway Cathedral and Nora Barnacle’s House.  Wife of James Joyces, Nora Barnacle House was the Barnacle family home from 1894-1940. It is now a small private museum, faithfully restored to its former character. Galway, the ‘City of the Tribes’ is also known as Ireland’s Cultural and festival capital. With its street entertainers and traditional pubs with great music, Galway and in particular, the Quays area of the city centre will enthrall you particularly in the evening time. Other sites in Galway include Ireland’s largest medieval parish church, the Collegiate Church of St Nicholas of Myra dating back to 1320. Christopher Columbus reputedly worshipped in this church in 1477. Also nearby are Galway Cathedral, the Spanish Arch and Eyre Square.

Day 4 - Connemara or The Aran Islands

Today you might decide to tour Connemara or take the ferry to Inis Meáin*, which is the middle of the three Aran Islands. The characteristic features of Connemara include its rugged, unpolluted coastline, dramatic mountains, numerous lakes and rivers and woodlands and the renowned Connemara National Park, Lough Corrib and Kylemore Abbey. Inis Meáin has managed to suppress the intrusion of the modern world to a large extent and remains the quietest and most traditional of the three Islands. The islanders still speak their native language but will have no problem in communicating in English. This enchanting island was frequented by the distinguished playwright John Millington Synge. It is the subject of numerous books, and proves continually to be of inspiration to visual, dramatic, literary and other artists. On the Island you will visit many sites including the historic fort of Dún Chonchúir, an impressive oval fortress measuring approximately 20ft in height, Dún Fearbhaí, the second stone fort on the island most notable for its unusual shape (almost square in shape as opposed to the normal round shape), ‘Cathaoir Synge’, the place where Synge was inspired and regularly wrote and ‘Teach Synge’, the cottage where Synge stayed while on the Island.

Day 5 - Limerick & Kerry

Today you might decide to tour Connemara or take the ferry to Inis Meáin*, which is the middle of the three Aran Islands. The characteristic features of Connemara include its rugged, unpolluted coastline, dramatic mountains, numerous lakes and rivers and woodlands and the renowned Connemara National Park, Lough Corrib and Kylemore Abbey. Inis Meáin has managed to suppress the intrusion of the modern world to a large extent and remains the quietest and most traditional of the three Islands. The islanders still speak their native language but will have no problem in communicating in English. This enchanting island was frequented by the distinguished playwright John Millington Synge. It is the subject of numerous books, and proves continually to be of inspiration to visual, dramatic, literary and other artists. On the Island you will visit many sites including the historic fort of Dún Chonchúir, an impressive oval fortress measuring approximately 20ft in height, Dún Fearbhaí, the second stone fort on the island most notable for its unusual shape (almost square in shape as opposed to the normal round shape), ‘Cathaoir Synge’, the place where Synge was inspired and regularly wrote and ‘Teach Synge’, the cottage where Synge stayed while on the Island.

Day 6 - The Dingle Peninsula

Today your journey will take you to the beautiful Dingle Peninsula. This mountainous finger of land which juts into the Atlantic Ocean has supported various tribes and populations for almost 6,000 years. You might wish the visit Inch Strand which is regarded by many as one of the most beautiful beaches in Ireland. Not far from Inch you will find Minard Castle, said to have been built by the Knight of Kerry, it is the largest fortress on the peninsula and one of the locations used in the film "Ryans Daughter". On the tip of the Dingle Peninsula, stop at the Blasket Centre which celebrates the story of the Blasket Islanders, the unique literary achievements of the island writers and their native language, culture and traditions. Sadly, An Blascaod Mór was abandoned in 1953 as a result of the decline of its once vibrant population.

Day 7 - The Ring of Kerry

You have a number of touring options today. Chief amongst these is the Ring of Kerry driving tour. The Ring of Kerry is a journey through some of the country’s most outstanding scenery around the Iveragh Peninsula. Stunning mountain and coastal scenery combined with colourful towns and villages will make this one of the highlights of your tour. For those who wish to take a break from driving we can arrange a bus tour through this route. Following the peninsula drive, you then arrive at Muckross House. Muckross House is a magnificent Victorian mansion completed in 1843 for Henry Arthur Herbert. The location of the House is spectacular, close to the eastern shore of Muckross Lake and set beneath the impressive backdrop of Torc and Mangerton Mountains. As an alternative to the Ring of Kerry tour you may prefer to take a wonderful tour by pony and trap that takes you through the Black Valley in the Gap of Dunloe. After a snack at Lord Brandon’s Cottage, you will return to Killarney by boat via the beautiful Lakes of Killarney

Day 8 - Return to Dublin

Today you will travel back to Dublin, your Irish Tourism detailed itinerary will help you decide which route to take. On arrival you may decide to continue your sightseeing in Dublin visiting the many historical and modern attractions that this cosmopolitan city has to offer. Of course, you may wish to take time out to shop in Grafton Street or any one of a number of narrow and quaint streets that the café strewn city centre has to offer or spend some time in the Temple Bar area. This small area boasts a dazzling choice of restaurants, cafes, bars and shops to suit all tastes and pockets, all within easy walking distance of Temple Bar's many cultural centres and galleries. Its narrow cobbled streets are pedestrianised and are ideally suited to a leisurely stroll through the quarter.  This evening we recommend that you partake in a Literary Pub Crawl of Dublin (which we can arrange for you in advance) where you will tour Dublin's historic pubs in the company of two actors who introduce writers such as James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, Brendan Behan and Oscar Wilde and perform fascinating scenes from their works along the way.

Route map

Tour attractions

Tour Prices

Prices for our group tours are determined by the grade of accommodation required and the tour start date and will be for land only from arrival into and departure from Ireland. To arrange your tour, simply fill out our Enquiry Form, e-mail us at groups@irishtourism.com or call us in Ireland on our TollFree and International numbers as displayed on this page.

All our private & exclusive group tours include the following services at no extra cost.

 

  • Your own private luxury coach to suit your group size – groups from 10 passengers
  • Experienced and friendly driver/guide or driver and licensed guide throughout your tour
  • Individually designed itinerary
  • No optional extras unless agreed with the group organiser and advised to all members of the group prior to arrival in Ireland – NO HIDDEN EXTRAS
  • Generous complimentary tour leader policy – Flexible Free Places according to requirements
  • Flexibility of the itinerary even when touring in Ireland
  • 24/7 help line when in Ireland

Accommodation Type B&B's 3* Hotels 4* Hotels & Manor Houses Combination
Jan - Mar & Nov- Dec €953 €890 €1,590 €1,289
April & October €953 €1,359 €1,790 €1,366
May-June €1,079 €1,490 €2,090 €1,590
July - September €1,190 €1,640 €2,243 €1,690

Prices in other currencies are indicative only. Please note that we charge in Euro.

Detailed Enquiry Form

Please enter your vacation requirements in the form below. If your enquiry requires a more immediate response, please use the Tollfree & International numbers as listed down the page.

For customers based in North America, please note that as we are based in Ireland, we are 5 hours ahead of EST.

Detailed enquiry form

Please enter your name
Please enter a valid email address

Party details

Preferred Accommodation

Accommodation Types (you can select more than one option)


Leave this field empty

Let us show you the magic of Ireland

See what people say about the vacations we plan

Call us here in Ireland to discuss your plans

contact agent
contact agent
contact agent

Let us help you create that dream Irish vacation that you will remember forever.

uk
0800 041 8833

UK FreeFone

usa and canada
1877 298 7205

USA & Canada

Australia
1800 823 578

Australia

International
+353 69 77686

International

  • Member of