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      Private Departures

      Ancient Ireland

      Deposit From: €1,313€1,313
      Region: Multi-Location
      Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

      Accommodation: Deluxe

      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.

      icon-download Download Itinerary

        From: €5,250.00 Book Now

        Trip Overview

        Created by: Louise Kavanagh

        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.

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        Day by Day
        Itinerary

        Day 1 – Dublin Read More

        Day 1

        Dublin

        Where else to start your tour of Ancient Ireland but in Dublin? A settlement for over 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, and 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 archaeologist who will interpret the artefacts housed in the National Museum’s extensive collection.

        Day 2 – The Rock of Cashel Read More

        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 Read More

        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 Read More

        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 Read More

        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 Read More

        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 Read More

        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.

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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:

        Fields marked with * are mandatory

        The phone number field is not required but if you would like us to give you a call to help find the trip for you, then enter your telephone number including the country code.

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        Price from: €5,250

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        Private Departures
        Ancient Ireland

        For private departure enquiries, please complete the form below:

        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
        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.

        Speak to an Expert

        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

        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.

        Find Out More

        Our holidays reviewed
        in your own words

        It ended up being one of the best trips I've ever been on. It was my first time on a trail holiday and it was so stunning and beautiful, with a great bunch of people that I was really grateful for everyone at Wilderness ireland for making it so!

        Subathirai Sivakumaran
        Hiking & Island Hopping - Cork & Kerry
        Reviewed on 27/08/2018

        Rated 4.94 out of 5 based on 1,453 reviews

        Read More Reviews
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