13-Nights The Best of Ireland - Explorations – Small Group

Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a medieval city of 22,000 acclaimed internationally as a centre for craft and design. Technology, Tourism, Craft & Design and food processing are the main industries. Each year the city hosts for a number of international festivals and cultural events. The city s characterised by many beautifully restored buildings and winding slipways - it is small and compact enough to explore on foot, yet full of fascinating historical buildings and contemporary shops, design galleries and restaurants. The ancient city of Kilkenny was named after a 6th century monk St Canice.His memory lives on in the beautifully restored St Canices Cathedral built overlooking the city in the thirtheenth century. The Normans arrived in the 12th century and their legacy remains in the beautifully restored Kilkenny Castle

Cork

A town of churches, bridges and pubs, Cork is best known for Blarney Castle where you are invited to kiss the famed stone to acquire the "gift of gab." St. Patrick Street, the town's main thoroughfare, is good for shopping and people watching. See the Shandon bells in St. Anne's church. Those who are willing to climb the 134 winding steps to the top of the steeple will be rewarded with a wondrous view of the city, harbor and hills.

Galway

Galway is a city, a county, and an experience to be savoured and remembered. The historic city of the tribes dances to a beat uniquely it's own. There is a certain chemistry and vibrancy to this friendly university city, which many delight in, and few forget. Music, festivals, horse racing, pubs, restaurants, shops, theatres and most of all -Galway people, combine to create this atmospheric medieval city of culture. From this pulsating heart the rest of the county flows. Galway Bay, immortalised in song, its beauty unchanging. Scenic Gaeltacht areas including the Aran Islands. Connemara, with the picturesque town of Clifden as its capital. Mountains, castles and stone walls, banks of turf, long sandy beaches, clear lakes, joyful leaping streams and flowing rivers. The mighty Shannon, delightful countryside punctuated by pretty villages, traditional pubs. Photo used with permission from Joe Desbonnet, www.galway.net

Enniskillen

Standing on an island between the Upper and Lower Lough Erne, Enniskillen is one of Northern Ireland's most tranquil towns. However it is famous for all the wrong reasons. The town was the scene of a tragedy in 1987 when 11 people died in an IRA bomb attack. As a result of this tragedy, the town has grown closer and both Republican and Loyalist communities work together for the benefit of the town. This is demonstrated by the fact that Enniskillen is the 2000 winner of Ireland's Best Kept Town, an achievement not possible without the co-operation of the whole community. Enniskillen's dominating feature is Enniskillen Castle which dates back to the 15th century. Home to the Inniskilling Regimental Museum, the castle's most striking feature is the Watergate, a twin turreted tower, best viewed from the far side of the river. One of the major attractions of Enniskillen lies in the surrounding countryside. The lakes to the north and south provide the perfect setting for watersports. The Marble Arch Caves can be found within the limestone hills, equalled only in Ireland by the Burren in County Clare. A tour is available through the caves but tours can be vulnerable to the weather so it is advisable to phone before-hand. Castle Coole House is a National Trust property and the neo-classical home of the Earls of Belmore. This is an attractive venue for parkland walks and a summer picnic, should the weather stay fine. If not, the house can be viewed and guided tours are available. For a sweeping view of the town of Enniskillen, it is well worth climbing Coles Monument which is dedicated to Sir Galbraith Lowry Cole. 108 steps lead to the peak from which the scene is impressive. For visitors to the area who are interested in exploring the historical Devenish Island within Lower Lough Erne, there is a ferry which leaves Trory. The island was an ancient monastic settlement and 12th century historic remains in the form of a round tower, graveyard, church and Celtic Cross can still be seen there. Alternatively, it is possible to stop off at the island while cruising the beautiful expanse of Lough Erne on the MV Kestral Waterbus which departs from Enniskillen three times a day during the summer.

Donegal

The county of Donegal contains breathtaking views of landscapes and seascapes set against a backdrop of mountains and moors, with evidence everywhere of traditional Irish Celtic culture. Its vast rugged coastline is mixed with beautiful beaches with golden sand and crystal clear waters. In addition to Donegal’s spectacular vistas, other major attractions include Glenveagh National Park and Castle, Glebe House and Gallery, Tory Island, Abbey Mill Wheels, Fort Dunree Military Museum, Colmcille Heritage Center and many interesting Celtic ruins.

Belfast

Belfast is popular with travelers who come to discover the city’s physical beauty and renewed tranquility. Enjoy performances at the Grand Opera House, shopping along trendy Donegall Place and visiting numerous pubs along The Golden Mile. St. Anne’s Cathedral, also known as Belfast Cathedral, is the principal church of the Anglican Church of Ireland and contains stones from every county in Ireland. Located next to Europa Hotel, the Grand Opera House boasts an impressive mix of large productions of opera, ballet, musicals and drama. Known as the Big Ben of Belfast, the Albert Memorial Clock Tower was built in 1869 to commemorate the Prince Consort. Built in 1849 as one of Queen Victoria’s colleges, Queens University is one of the foremost universities in the British Isles. The classical-style building of Stormont, erected in 1928-32 to house the Parliament of Northern Ireland, stands 3.5 miles outside the city. The Prince of Wales Avenue is exactly one mile long and is bordered by rose beds containing 600 of the famous Korona roses noted for their scarlet blooms.

Dublin

Dublin enjoys one of the loveliest natural settings in Europe. Dublin attracts visitors from around the world with its old world charm and friendly atmosphere. Most of the architecture dates from the 18th century, when Dublin enjoyed great prominence and prosperity. Also of interest are stately Georgian houses which front Merrion Square. O'Connell Street is considered the commercial center of Dublin. Perhaps the most memorable feature of Dublin is the traditional pub, where visitors can enjoy conversation over fine Irish brew. The city also offers many fine parks, including St. Stephen's Green and Phoenix Park. National Gallery's renowned collection includes works by such famous masters as Rembrandt and Monet. Trinity College's Old Library is home to the most cherished treasure, the Book of Kells, a manuscript of the Gospels. Admire Christ Church Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Enjoy the exhibits in impressive National Museum. Self-guided walking tours include Old City Trail, Georgian Heritage Trail and the Cultural Trail.