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      Private Departures

      Ancient Ireland

      Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

      From €5,250

      Travel Planning & Advice

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      Trip created by Louise Kavanagh
      View Louise's Profile

      Region: Multi-Location
      Trip Type: Private Departures
      Accommodation: Deluxe
      Deposit From: €1,312.50 €1,312.50

      Grading: Your Own Pace

      Carbon Footprint: 144kg ? What does this mean?
      Click here to find out about our carbon labelling project and what we're doing to be more sustainable.

      All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.

      Download Itinerary

      Ireland has a long and storied history, with Celts, Neolithic peoples, Vikings, Normans and more calling this little island their home. On this winter journey, visit some of the sites and places that these ancient peoples once built and revered.

      Ireland’s Neolithic inhabitants, who lived here some 5,000 years ago, had great respect for astrology and the changing of seasons, with many monuments aligned with the winter solstice or other similar events. For both these ancient civilisations as well as to us today, the journey is just as important as the destination, with ancient pilgrimages to tombs and religious sites an important part of life in Neolithic Ireland. Explore the mysterious and enduring sites and stories that have formed and inspired generations and centuries, long after they were built.

      This private departure trip is ideal for anyone looking to visit Ireland in the off-season, preferring to travel with friends and family rather than join a group departure. On this trip, you will meet local experts, learn about Irish history, enjoy Irish traditions, and explore the beauty of short, crisp days in Ireland during winter. If desired, it can be adapted for other seasons, though it is designed to take advantage of historical and cultural experiences best suited to winter.

      Trip Highlights

      • Visit some of Ireland's most ancient sites with renowned archeologists & historians
      • Walk along the Cliffs of Moher in the quiet off season
      • Discover the lunar-like landscape of the Burren National Park
      • Discover Neolithic & medieval Ireland

      Day by Day Itinerary

      Day 1 - Dublin

      Where else to start your tour of Ancient Ireland but in Dublin? A settlement for over a 1,000 years, wander the streets of Dublin with an expert historian to bring this vibrant city to life from the Celts and Vikings through the Normans, Middle Ages, to more recent rebellions and the War of Independence to modern times.

      Optional upgrade: Visit the National Museum of Archaeology with an expert archeologist who will interpret the artefacts housed in National Museum’s extensive collection.

      Day 2 - The Rock of Cashel

      A tour of ancient Ireland wouldn’t be complete with discovering the sacred site of the Rock of Cashel. A fortified monastery built right into the bedrock, there are many stories and myths about this great place. Some say the Devil himself caused the rock underneath Cashel to land there, thrown by Satan from the nearby Devil’s Bit Mountain after St Patrick banished him. After our visit, we continue onwards to the Kingdom of Kerry.

      Day 3 - Kerry Rock Art

      The Ring of Kerry is renowned throughout the world, and can be quite busy in the summer months. However during winter, Kerry’s roads and trails are quiet and peaceful. Today, you’ll head off the beaten path to sites that show some of the world’s best Celtic rock art with the archaeologist who first documented them. With the archeologist, explore these ancient sites and learn how early Christians integrated them into the fabric of medieval churches.

      Day 4 - The Beara Peninsula

      The Beara Peninsula is perhaps one of Kerry’s best hidden gems. Hiking this unspoilt land, you’ll visit some of the lesser-known Neolithic and ancient sites of the Beara Peninsula. In our eyes, some of these little-known sites are even more spectacular ones – be it the tallest Ogham Stone in Europe, one of the spectacular stone circles, or the impressive tombs.

      Day 5 - Cliffs of Moher

      Today, you’ll head north into the beautiful County Clare, home to gems such as the Burren National Park, the Cliffs of Moher, and a stunning coastal landscape. The Cliffs of Moher are Ireland’s most famous cliffs and certainly one of Ireland’s most iconic coastlines. Winter is a wonderful time to visit as few other tourists will be hiking along the cliffs at this time of year, so you’ll be able to marvel at the view on your own without sharing it!

      Day 6 - The Burren National Park

      The Burren’s rocky alien landscape is said to be the inspiration for Middle Earth in JRR Tolkien’s world-famous Lord of the Rings trilogy. Meeting with a passionate, world-renowned archeologist, get ready to explore this other-worldly region. Home to a plethora of unique wildflowers, including some 40 species of orchids, you will learn about the human history of the area, dating back thousands of years. Your guide will chose from a number of different routes to suit your preferences and make the most of the Burren’s lunar landscape.

      Day 7 - Galway & Depart

      This morning, your guide will take you to the bustling town of Galway, where you can choose to explore Galway or make your way onwards.

      Download Itinerary

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      Private Departures
      Ancient Ireland

      To download a PDF copy of our Trip Itinerary, containing full details about this holiday, please complete the form below:

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      Book Now

      Price from: €5,250
      Duration: 7 Days 6 Nights

      Trip Details

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      Accommodation Read More

      This trip features Deluxe standard accommodations chosen for their excellent luxury, location and comfort. Expect high-end, comfortable and characterful lodging in luxurious guesthouses, boutique hotels and historic manor-houses.

      Accommodation is a choice of double or twin rooms, which are en-suite with a shower. Evening meals will be taken either in local towns, which offer a good choice of restaurants to suit every taste, or perhaps in a different location along the route depending on the day’s activities

      Inclusions Read More
      • 6 nights accommodation in a hand-picked, family-run guesthouses, B&Bs & boutique hotels
      • Meals as indicated incl. all Breakfasts and Lunches (Meals included indicated as B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
      • The services of an experienced and knowledgeable guide / driver throughout
      • All transport throughout the trip starting and finishing in Inverness
      • Activities stated in itinerary, including:
        • Guided archeological hike
        • Entry to the Rock of Cashel
        • Tour of rock art with an archeologist
        • Historical tour of Dublin
      • Optional upgraded / seasonal activities stated in itinerary, including:
        • Guided visit to the National Museum of Archaeology with an expert archeologist
      Trip Grading Read More

      At Your Own Pace

      On this adventure, you will be accompanied by a Wilderness Ireland hiking guide for several days, who will be able to suggest and lead you on a range of hikes from gentle, low-level rambles to challenging days visiting remote summits. Just let them know what type of hike you would like to do and they will be ready.

      On the other days of the trip, you will self guided and can explore at whatever pace you feel comfortable.

      Upgrade and Customise Your Trip Read More

      Optional upgrade: While in Dublin, add on a visit to the National Museum of Archaeology with an expert archeologist who will interpret the artefacts housed in National Museum’s extensive collection.

      Other Read More

      Optional upgraded / seasonal activities:

        • Guided visit to the National Museum of Archaeology with an expert archeologist

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      Speak to an Expert

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      Louise Kavanagh

      From scuba diving to motorbikes to hiking, Louise is no stranger to adventure! Born and raised in County Sligo, Louise has a love for Ireland’s West Coast, particularly the northwest. Louise is one of the team’s expert trip designers u2013 ready to help you explore Ireland’s wild places! When not at work, Louise can usually be found underwater exploring Ireland’s unique coastlines or else zipping through the countryside on her motorbike.

      Ask Louise a Question

      Difficulty Grades Explained

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