The Faiths and Cultural History of Ireland—10 day tour
Ireland is a unique and most hospitable country with a strong religious heritage. From the days of the early Christian monastic settlements, Irish religious scholars have traversed the world to spread the Christian message. Travelling along scenic highways and byways we explore some of these important settlements, learn about St Patrick, Ireland's patron saint, and visit some of the country's great cultural landmarks and cathedrals.
On request we will also be pleased to suggest extensions to this tour itinerary, perhaps including a scenic journey to Killarney and around the Ring of Kerry or across the Irish Sea to Scotland, Wales and England.
Included Highlights
- Dublin City Tour
- Aran Islands
- Croagh Patrick
- Bushmills Distillery Tour
- St Patrick's Grave
- Newgrange
Hotel Nights
- Dublin 2
- Galway 2
- Sligo 1
- Derry 1
- Belfast 2
- Dublin 1
Day 1 Dublin
On arrival at Dublin airport a professional local guide greets and accompanies us by motor coach to our Dublin hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight Dublin
Day 2 Dublin
Our guide takes us on a morning tour of this lively city. Visits are included to St Patrick's Cathedral as well as Trinity College, where we see the famed illustrated medieval manuscript known as the Book of Kells. See O'Connell Street and Grafton Street and stroll along the banks of the River Liffey. The afternoon is free to explore some of the city's other attractions such as the Jameson Whiskey Centre or the Guinness Storehouse.
Overnight Dublin
Day 3 Glendalough – Galway
Leaving Dublin we travel via the lush, green fields and mountains of County Wicklow where we visit Glendalough, a medieval monastic settlement founded in the 6th century. Travelling to County Offaly we visit the monastery at Clonmacnoise. Afternoon arrival in Galway.
Overnight Galway
Day 4 Aran Islands
Today we enjoy a fascinating excursion by motor coach, boat and mini-coach to the Gaelic speaking Aran Islands. We visit the Aran Heritage Centre and the amazing pre historic clifftop fortress of Dun Aengus. We will find out why so many Irish Catholics fled here in the 17th century.
Overnight Galway
Day 5 Kylemore Abbey – Croagh Patrick – Knock – Sligo
Our day begins in the Connemara National Park and we pause to visit Kylemore Abbey, the monastic home of the Benedictine Order of Nuns in Ireland. We continue to the base of the important pilgrimage mountain of Croagh Patrick. At the visitor centre we learn about the history and archaeology of this holy mountain and the associations with St Patrick. Travelling north into County Sligo we finish our day at the Marian Shrine at Knock.
Overnight Sligo
Day 6 Belleek – Donegal Bay – Derry
Travelling towards the coast and Donegal Bay we pause to visit the famous porcelain and pottery factory at Belleek. Stop on the bay for some Atlantic Ocean air before an afternoon arrival in Derry. Stroll along the famous walls, see the historic cityscape and marvel at the views across the Foyle bridges.
Overnight Derry
Day 7 Giant's Causeway – Belfast
Travelling to County Antrim we view the mysterious coastal rock formations of the Giant's Causeway and learn about the legends associated with the site. Enjoy a guided tour of the Old Bushmills Distillery, including a free tasting, and continue south through the Glens of Antrim to Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland.
Overnight Belfast
Day 8 Belfast
A local guide joins us for a morning sightseeing tour of Belfast. We visit the docks where the RMS Titanic was built and see the Grand Opera House and City Hall. The afternoon is at leisure, perhaps for a drink in the Crown Liquor Saloon, a famous pub owned by the National Trust.
Overnight Belfast
Day 9 Downpatrick – Newgrange – Dublin
Beginning our journey south we stop in Downpatrick. Here we see the gravesite of St Patrick, patron saint of Ireland, and gain a fascinating insight into his life at the adjacent Saint Patrick Centre. Crossing the border we learn about the Battle of the Boyne and go even further back in time with a visit to the World Heritage Site of Bru Na Boinne. Short transfers by mini-bus take us to Newgrange, a prehistoric tomb that is older than both the Pyramids of Egypt and England's Stonehenge. Arrive back in Dublin for a final night with an evening of traditional Irish food and musical entertainment.
Overnight Dublin
Day 10 Dublin
Group transfer to the airport. We will be pleased to tailor your tour to suit your preferred arrival and departure airports.
You can find out more about our service on the Your Tour and Tour Price page. Please do email or call us to discuss your requirements. All quotations are provided free of charge and without obligation. We look forward to hearing from you.