John's Trip to Ireland
Tour/Invoice No: 2628
John LeTourneau +16307451033 john@engagedseminars.com
(Tour Details As Of December 22nd 2024 6:18pm)
Our office team work exclusively from this version of your itinerary.
 
Tour Highlights
  • Central 4 Star Luxury Hotels
  • Top Attractions
  • Full Irish Breakfast
  • Experienced Driver Guide
  • Luxury Touring Midi Coach
Do Not Forget To CHECK & PRINT Vouchers
Completed
DAY 1
Sunday June 9th 2024
Dublin to Cobh via Kilkenny
Start Time: 09:00 AM (unless otherwise advised)
Duration:  9 hour - 200 km Average
Group Size: 14
Driver: Peadar Homan (+353 85 272 1884)
Hotel:  
Rooms: 7 Double/Twin rooms including breakfast 
Included
  • (14)
  • (12)
  • (14)
  • (1)

* Pick up from the Mespil Hotel
Travel to Kilkenny - Visit Ella @ DNG Property
Have lunch & visit Smithwicks Experience & St. Canices Cathedral
Continue to Cobh - Overnight in Commodore Hotel
Kilkenny  
Kilkenny, which was once the Medieval capital of Ireland, is also known as the Marble city due to the abundance of marble found in the area.

Explore the Medieval Mile which links Kilkenny Castle to St. Canices Cathedral. Enjoy the gardens of the famed Norman Castle or maybe take a tour of the castle's magnificent interior.

The town had lots of narrow slipways, historic landmarks, cheerful pubs and bright-coloured shop fronts.
Kilkenny  
Kilkenny, which was once the Medieval capital of Ireland, is also known as the Marble city due to the abundance of marble found in the area.

Explore the Medieval Mile which links Kilkenny Castle to St. Canices Cathedral. Enjoy the gardens of the famed Norman Castle or maybe take a tour of the castle's magnificent interior.

The town had lots of narrow slipways, historic landmarks, cheerful pubs and bright-coloured shop fronts.
Kilkenny  
St. Canice's Cathedral R95 V63H 
St Canice’s Cathedral has been an important site of Christian worship since the 6th Century. For both pilgrim and tourist alike, the Cathedral remains both a hallowed place, and one of significant historical interest.

Apart from its role as a house of prayer, the Cathedral is at the heart of the heritage of the vibrant city of Kilkenny.

The building’s exemplary acoustics are widely enjoyed each year during the Kilkenny Arts Festival, when the sounds of many voices and instruments entertain audiences who arrive from both near and from afar.
St. Canice's Cathedral R95 V63H 
Admission for 14 people - self guided - cathedral only
St. Canice's Cathedral R95 V63H 
St Canice’s Cathedral has been an important site of Christian worship since the 6th Century. For both pilgrim and tourist alike, the Cathedral remains both a hallowed place, and one of significant historical interest.

Apart from its role as a house of prayer, the Cathedral is at the heart of the heritage of the vibrant city of Kilkenny.

The building’s exemplary acoustics are widely enjoyed each year during the Kilkenny Arts Festival, when the sounds of many voices and instruments entertain audiences who arrive from both near and from afar.
Smithwick’s Tour & Tasting R95 VK54 
Harvested from our land, seasoned by our history, Smithwick’s has been brewed here in Ireland since 1710. The experience is the perfect way to enjoy a pint of your favourite Smithwick’s Ale, right in the heart of Kilkenny.
Smithwick’s Tour & Tasting R95 VK54 
Harvested from our land, seasoned by our history, Smithwick’s has been brewed here in Ireland since 1710. The experience is the perfect way to enjoy a pint of your favourite Smithwick’s Ale, right in the heart of Kilkenny.
Smithwick’s Tour & Tasting R95 VK54 
Admission for 14 people
Cobh  
Cobh is a beautiful seaside town with a magnificent naturally protected harbour. This small town has an exciting and interesting history making it a must-visit in Ireland.

In this historic town, you will see Martello Towers from the early 1800s and the exquisitely restored 15th-century Belvelly Castle which is now a luxury private residence.

Immerse yourself in the rich maritime history of Cobh, and discover why the town is forever linked to the ill-fated Titanic. Learn of the tragic story of Lusitania, The Potato Famine and Ireland's port of mass emigration.
Cobh  
Cobh  
Cobh is a beautiful seaside town with a magnificent naturally protected harbour. This small town has an exciting and interesting history making it a must-visit in Ireland.

In this historic town, you will see Martello Towers from the early 1800s and the exquisitely restored 15th-century Belvelly Castle which is now a luxury private residence.

Immerse yourself in the rich maritime history of Cobh, and discover why the town is forever linked to the ill-fated Titanic. Learn of the tragic story of Lusitania, The Potato Famine and Ireland's port of mass emigration.
Completed
DAY 2
Monday June 10th 2024
Cobh to Limerick
Start Time: 09:00 AM (unless otherwise advised)
Duration:  9 hour - 200 km Average
Group Size: 14
Driver: Peadar Homan (+353 85 272 1884)
Hotel:  
Rooms: 7 Double/Twin rooms including breakfast 
Included
  • (14)
  • (1)
  • (1)
  • (14)

* Pick up from Commodore Hotel
Visit Titanic Experience & St.Colman's Cathedral in the morning
Continue to Limerick and visit Blarney Castle
Overnight in Strand Hotel
The Titanic Experience Cobh P24 DW63 
Walk in the passengers’ footsteps at the Titanic Experience Cobh, on a virtual journey to your waiting ship, you'll view Heartbreak Pier where they departed for their ill-fated voyage.

Discover the stark difference of conditions on board Titanic for first and third class travelers in the reconstructed cabins.

This spine chilling interactive tour is both exciting and interesting. Suitable for all ages.
The Titanic Experience Cobh P24 DW63 
Walk in the passengers’ footsteps at the Titanic Experience Cobh, on a virtual journey to your waiting ship, you'll view Heartbreak Pier where they departed for their ill-fated voyage.

Discover the stark difference of conditions on board Titanic for first and third class travelers in the reconstructed cabins.

This spine chilling interactive tour is both exciting and interesting. Suitable for all ages.
The Titanic Experience Cobh P24 DW63 
Admission for 14 people
St. Colman's Cathedral, Cobh P24 W248 
St. Colman's Cathedral has been part of the Cobh skyline ever since its construction in 1911. Its stunning setting on the Cork coastline with views of Cork Harbour and the Atlantic Ocean make it one of Ireland's most scenic churches.

Today, the cathedral continues to hold religious services and often hosts recitals featuring choirs from around the world.

St. Colman's Cathedral, is an excellent example of Neo-Gothic architecture. See the incredibly intricate roof detail, stained glass windows and wood carvings on your visit.
St. Colman's Cathedral, Cobh P24 W248 
.
St. Colman's Cathedral, Cobh P24 W248 
St. Colman's Cathedral has been part of the Cobh skyline ever since its construction in 1911. Its stunning setting on the Cork coastline with views of Cork Harbour and the Atlantic Ocean make it one of Ireland's most scenic churches.

Today, the cathedral continues to hold religious services and often hosts recitals featuring choirs from around the world.

St. Colman's Cathedral, is an excellent example of Neo-Gothic architecture. See the incredibly intricate roof detail, stained glass windows and wood carvings on your visit.
Blarney Castle & Gardens T23 Y598 
Built nearly six hundred years ago by one of Ireland's greatest chieftans, Cormac MacCarthy, Blarney Castle has been attracting attention ever since. Over the last few hundred years, millions have flocked to Blarney making it a world landmark and one of Ireland's greatest treasures.

Visitors come to kiss the stone but most leave knowing the stone is only a small part of it. The castle itself is visually stunning and has so much history to tell.

Take time to explore the magnificent 60 acres of Blarney Gardens. Find a touch of danger within the beauty in The Poison Garden, explore the Witches Kitchen or the Witch Rock itself.
* Basic fitness needed to climb steps to kiss the Blarney Stone.
Blarney Castle & Gardens T23 Y598 
Built nearly six hundred years ago by one of Ireland's greatest chieftans, Cormac MacCarthy, Blarney Castle has been attracting attention ever since. Over the last few hundred years, millions have flocked to Blarney making it a world landmark and one of Ireland's greatest treasures.

Visitors come to kiss the stone but most leave knowing the stone is only a small part of it. The castle itself is visually stunning and has so much history to tell.

Take time to explore the magnificent 60 acres of Blarney Gardens. Find a touch of danger within the beauty in The Poison Garden, explore the Witches Kitchen or the Witch Rock itself.
* Basic fitness needed to climb steps to kiss the Blarney Stone.
Blarney Castle & Gardens T23 Y598 
Admission for 14 people
Limerick City  
Limerick is a city full of little “wows”.
First, its location – right on the grey-blue gush of the River Shannon.

Then, there’s its history: from brutal sieges in the 17th century to the grand Georgian era of the 18th century, all of which is written into the town’s streetscapes.

And then there’s its music, art and literature, from The Cranberries to Pulitzer prizewinning author Frank McCourt. This vibrant city is a place of tragedy and regeneration, of culture and "craic" (fun), of little secrets and famous locals.
Limerick City  
Limerick City  
Limerick is a city full of little “wows”.
First, its location – right on the grey-blue gush of the River Shannon.

Then, there’s its history: from brutal sieges in the 17th century to the grand Georgian era of the 18th century, all of which is written into the town’s streetscapes.

And then there’s its music, art and literature, from The Cranberries to Pulitzer prizewinning author Frank McCourt. This vibrant city is a place of tragedy and regeneration, of culture and "craic" (fun), of little secrets and famous locals.
Completed
DAY 3
Tuesday June 11th 2024
Limerick to Lahinch
Start Time: 09:00 AM (unless otherwise advised)
Duration:  9 hour - 200 km Average
Group Size: 14
Driver: John Donovan (+353879270555)
Hotel:  
Rooms: 7 Double/Twin rooms including breakfast 
Included
  • (14)
  • (1)
  • (1)
  • (1)

* Pick up from Strand Hotel
Visit King Johns Castle & GVM Auctioneers for a meeting with Tom Crosse
Have lunch and visit Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
Continue to Ennistymon & visit Falls Hotel & walk the cascades & visit Famine Memorial
Overnight in Lahinch Coast Hotel
King John’s Castle V94 FX25 
An interactive visitor experience that brings together the Castle’s remarkable archaeology and 21st century technology to help you discover the history of Limerick and King John’s Castle.

Touch-screen technology, 3D models and discovery drawers are among the exciting techniques that will connect visitors to tales of siege and warfare.

In the impressive castle courtyard a blacksmith’s forge and scenes from a seventeenth century siege can be experienced.
* Tours are self-guided. Guided tours available request upon booking (cannot be guaranteed during off season). Duration 1 hour 30 minutes
King John’s Castle V94 FX25 
An interactive visitor experience that brings together the Castle’s remarkable archaeology and 21st century technology to help you discover the history of Limerick and King John’s Castle.

Touch-screen technology, 3D models and discovery drawers are among the exciting techniques that will connect visitors to tales of siege and warfare.

In the impressive castle courtyard a blacksmith’s forge and scenes from a seventeenth century siege can be experienced.
* Tours are self-guided. Guided tours available request upon booking (cannot be guaranteed during off season). Duration 1 hour 30 minutes
King John’s Castle V94 FX25 
Admission for 14 people
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park V95 TY02 
From the Vikings to the Normans, the land where this glorious castle stands has been occupied for over 1,000 years by great Irish Earls and noble Lords and Ladies.

Prepare to experience village life in 19th-century Ireland when you step back in time to the Folk Park's living village complete with village houses, an old School, Doctor’s house, Pawnbrokers, Pub, Drapery, Printworks, Grocery, Hardware shop, Pottery and a Post Office.

Lord Gort graciously restored the stunning castle in the 1960s and furnished it with a magnificent collection of medieval furniture.
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park V95 TY02 
Admission for 14 people
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park V95 TY02 
From the Vikings to the Normans, the land where this glorious castle stands has been occupied for over 1,000 years by great Irish Earls and noble Lords and Ladies.

Prepare to experience village life in 19th-century Ireland when you step back in time to the Folk Park's living village complete with village houses, an old School, Doctor’s house, Pawnbrokers, Pub, Drapery, Printworks, Grocery, Hardware shop, Pottery and a Post Office.

Lord Gort graciously restored the stunning castle in the 1960s and furnished it with a magnificent collection of medieval furniture.
Completed
DAY 4
Wednesday June 12th 2024
Lahinch
Start Time: 09:00 AM (unless otherwise advised)
Duration:  9 hour - 200 km Average
Group Size: 14
Driver: Peadar Homan (+353 85 272 1884)
Hotel:  
Rooms: 7 Double/Twin rooms including breakfast 
Included
  • (1)
  • (1)
  • (14)

* Pick up from Lahinch Coast Hotel
Touring Clare today - Visit Liscannor Rock Shop - Arrive at Guerins path @Cliffs of Moher
Depart for the Burren - and arrive at Clare Jam Shop
Visit Ailwee Cave & take the Birds of Prey Exhibit
Overnight in Lahinch Coast Hotel
The Burren  
The Burren (meaning great rock) has a unique lunar-like landscape of barren grey limestone but when you look closer the real magic reveals itself.

The flora and fauna are peeking out from between the rocks and showing off their beauty and colour in contrast to the stark beauty of the Burren.

Since the last Ice age rain has been slowly dissolving the limestone and widening the fissures and creating many caves seen all through the Burren.
The Burren  
The Burren (meaning great rock) has a unique lunar-like landscape of barren grey limestone but when you look closer the real magic reveals itself.

The flora and fauna are peeking out from between the rocks and showing off their beauty and colour in contrast to the stark beauty of the Burren.

Since the last Ice age rain has been slowly dissolving the limestone and widening the fissures and creating many caves seen all through the Burren.
The Burren  
Aillwee Cave & Birds Of Prey H91 AX26 
Located in the heart of the Burren In County Clare, Aillwee Cave is one of the oldest caves in Ireland.

Over 3,500 feet of winding passages are open to the public, with regular guided tours provided.

Visitors to this popular County Clare attraction are escorted on a 35 minute stroll through caverns, over bridged chasms and beneath unusual rock formations.

Located at the foot of Aillwee Cave, The Birds of Prey Centre features the largest display of Falcons, Harris Hawks, Owls, American Kestrels and White Tailed Sea Eagles in the country.

The Centre offers dynamic flying displays where the visitor can interact and get up close and personal to the birds.
Aillwee Cave & Birds Of Prey H91 AX26 
Admission for 14 people - includes the Caves & Birds of Prey
Aillwee Cave & Birds Of Prey H91 AX26 
Located in the heart of the Burren In County Clare, Aillwee Cave is one of the oldest caves in Ireland.

Over 3,500 feet of winding passages are open to the public, with regular guided tours provided.

Visitors to this popular County Clare attraction are escorted on a 35 minute stroll through caverns, over bridged chasms and beneath unusual rock formations.

Located at the foot of Aillwee Cave, The Birds of Prey Centre features the largest display of Falcons, Harris Hawks, Owls, American Kestrels and White Tailed Sea Eagles in the country.

The Centre offers dynamic flying displays where the visitor can interact and get up close and personal to the birds.
Completed
DAY 5
Thursday June 13th 2024
Lahinch to Athlone
Start Time: 09:00 AM (unless otherwise advised)
Duration:  9 hour - 200 km Average
Group Size: 14
Driver: Peadar Homan (+353 85 272 1884)
Hotel:  
Rooms: 7 Double/Twin rooms including breakfast 
Included
  • (1)
  • (14)
  • (14)
  • (1)

* Pick up from Lahinch Coast Hotel
Travel from Lahinch to Galway via Gort
Visit Farrel Auctioneers & Yeats Tower Ballylee
Have lunch in Galway & enjoy a walking tour of the city (meet at 1.30 pm)
Continue to Athlone and visit Athlone Castle
Overnight in Radisson Blu
Galway City Walking Tours H91 FT22 
This tour brings to life the events that shaped this city and indeed Ireland also. From Viking raids, to the Spanish Armada, to Cromwell's siege of the city and enslavement of the population, this tour will open your eyes to what life was like inside and outside the walls of 'The City of the Tribes', for the past thousand years.
The walk typically takes 90 minutes and can be tailored to the interests of the group.
Galway City Walking Tours H91 FT22 
This tour brings to life the events that shaped this city and indeed Ireland also. From Viking raids, to the Spanish Armada, to Cromwell's siege of the city and enslavement of the population, this tour will open your eyes to what life was like inside and outside the walls of 'The City of the Tribes', for the past thousand years.
The walk typically takes 90 minutes and can be tailored to the interests of the group.
Galway City Walking Tours H91 FT22 
Admission for 14 people - private walking tour - Meet at coach stop at Leonardo’s hotel (former Jury’s
Galway City  
Galway is a vibrant, cultural and modern city. Not only is it a hub of modern art and learning it also has a wealth of historic importance in Ireland.

Known as the City of the Tribes, Galway is at the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way touring route along Ireland’s stunning western coast.

Galway boasts being the European Capital of Culture 2020 and it was also voted a Top Five City in the 2020 Lonely Planet Guide.
Galway City  
Galway City  
Galway is a vibrant, cultural and modern city. Not only is it a hub of modern art and learning it also has a wealth of historic importance in Ireland.

Known as the City of the Tribes, Galway is at the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way touring route along Ireland’s stunning western coast.

Galway boasts being the European Capital of Culture 2020 and it was also voted a Top Five City in the 2020 Lonely Planet Guide.
Athlone Castle Visitor Centre N37 A6D7 
Standing at a strategic crossing point on the River Shannon, Athlone Castle has played a crucial role in the events that have shaped Ireland.

Explore its secrets and stories, tales of battle and bloodlust, destructions and new beginning.

Trace the footprints of the generations who shaped this place. From early settlements and warring chieftains to foreign invaders and local heroes. This site on the River Shannon is the centre of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.
* Closed on Mondays.
Athlone Castle Visitor Centre N37 A6D7 
Standing at a strategic crossing point on the River Shannon, Athlone Castle has played a crucial role in the events that have shaped Ireland.

Explore its secrets and stories, tales of battle and bloodlust, destructions and new beginning.

Trace the footprints of the generations who shaped this place. From early settlements and warring chieftains to foreign invaders and local heroes. This site on the River Shannon is the centre of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.
* Closed on Mondays.
Athlone Castle Visitor Centre N37 A6D7 
Admission for 14 people - self guided
Completed
DAY 6
Friday June 14th 2024
Athlone to Dublin
Start Time: 09:00 AM (unless otherwise advised)
Duration:  9 hour - 200 km Average
Group Size: 14
Driver: Peadar Homan (+353 85 272 1884)
Hotel:  
Rooms: 7 Double/Twin rooms including breakfast 
Included
  • (1)
  • (1)
  • (14)
  • (14)
  • (1)

* Pick up from Radisson Blu
Visit Kilbeggan Distillery & DNG Navan
Have lunch & Visit Trim Castle
Your tour will finish when you are dropped to the Talbot Hotel
Attend Johnnie Fox's tonight for Hooley Show - dinner, show & shuttle included - 19.05 pm
Kilbeggan Distillery N91 A621 
Immerse yourself in over 250 years of Irish whiskey making at Kilbeggan Distillery, the heart of Kilbeggan town for two centuries.

See the 19th century water wheel that’s still in use and the steam engine, which is still fired up on special occasions. You’ll enjoy a visit to the old warehouses and even get to meet the onsite distillers. But no trip to a distillery is complete without a wee drop.

Here you will marvel at the fascinating history of Kilbeggan where when hard times hit and the distillery doors were closed. The townspeople worked together until they could re-open the distillery.
Kilbeggan Distillery N91 A621 
Admission for 14 people
Kilbeggan Distillery N91 A621 
Immerse yourself in over 250 years of Irish whiskey making at Kilbeggan Distillery, the heart of Kilbeggan town for two centuries.

See the 19th century water wheel that’s still in use and the steam engine, which is still fired up on special occasions. You’ll enjoy a visit to the old warehouses and even get to meet the onsite distillers. But no trip to a distillery is complete without a wee drop.

Here you will marvel at the fascinating history of Kilbeggan where when hard times hit and the distillery doors were closed. The townspeople worked together until they could re-open the distillery.
Trim Castle C15 HN90 
Few places in Ireland contain more medieval buildings than the heritage town of Trim. Trim Castle is foremost among those buildings.

In fact, the castle is the largest Anglo-Norman fortification in Ireland. Hugh de Lacy and his successors took 30 years to build it.
Modern walkways now allow you to look down over the interior of the keep – a chance to appreciate the sheer size and thickness of the mighty castle walls.

The movie Braveheart with Mel Gibson was filmed at Trim Castle in 1995.
Trim Castle C15 HN90 
Few places in Ireland contain more medieval buildings than the heritage town of Trim. Trim Castle is foremost among those buildings.

In fact, the castle is the largest Anglo-Norman fortification in Ireland. Hugh de Lacy and his successors took 30 years to build it.
Modern walkways now allow you to look down over the interior of the keep – a chance to appreciate the sheer size and thickness of the mighty castle walls.

The movie Braveheart with Mel Gibson was filmed at Trim Castle in 1995.
Trim Castle C15 HN90 
Admission for 14 people - includes keep tower
Johnnie Fox's . 
The setting of Johnnie Fox’s is just like you have been invited to a 19th century rural Irish home, with food and service to 21st century standards.

Whether you are looking to enjoy a wholesome pint of the 'black stuff', to get a glimpse of ‘old Ireland’, to enjoy a tasty meal, witness a spectacular cultural show, or listen to some traditional Irish music, Johnnie Fox’s most definitely has something for you
Johnnie Fox's . 
Admission for 14 people - dinner, show & shuttle included - shuttle picks you up from Talbot Hotel at 19.05 pm
Johnnie Fox's . 
The setting of Johnnie Fox’s is just like you have been invited to a 19th century rural Irish home, with food and service to 21st century standards.

Whether you are looking to enjoy a wholesome pint of the 'black stuff', to get a glimpse of ‘old Ireland’, to enjoy a tasty meal, witness a spectacular cultural show, or listen to some traditional Irish music, Johnnie Fox’s most definitely has something for you