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      Private Departures

      The Origins of Halloween

      Deposit From: €1,174€1,174
      Region: Multi-Location
      Duration: 6 Days / 5 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: €4,695.00 Book Now

        Trip Overview

        Created by: Darragh Devaney

        Did you know that Halloween can trace its roots back to Ireland? Halloween originates from an ancient pagan festival called Samhain (pronounced “saw-when”), which marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter.

        It’s also the time of year when the ancient Celtic people believed that the door between our world and the “other” world was open. So you wore disguises, left out offerings, and played tricks to ensure the spirits didn’t bring you off to the other world.

        Leave the summer crowds behind and visit Ireland at the most fascinating – and spookiest – time of year. This autumn, visit Ireland to discover the origins of Halloween on your very own private tour of Ireland.

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        Day by Day
        Itinerary

        Day 1 – The Dark Side of Dublin Read More

        Day 1

        The Dark Side of Dublin

        Arriving in Dublin, discover the roots of this great city with a historian who will introduce you to all of Dublin’s traditional sights – as well as Dublin’s spookier underbelly. Dublin has a long and troubled history – get acquainted with this cosmopolitan city through those who have called Dublin home, from the Celts, Vikings, and Normans to early Christians. Discover Dublin in the Middle Ages through the various rebellions, the Victorian era, the Easter Rising, the War of Independence, and the Troubles.

        Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner

        Day 2 – Glasnevin Cemetery & Dublin’s Mummies Read More

        Day 2

        Glasnevin Cemetery & Dublin’s Mummies

        Egypt’s not the only place for mummies – Dublin has mummies too. From the creepy half-forgotten crypt underneath St Michan’s Church to accidental mummies of a cat and rat in the Christ Church Cathedral, or even the ancient but well-preserved bog bodies at the National Archeology Museum, Dublin is full of mummies. Any visit to Ireland near Halloween should include at least one cemetery. With a passionate local historian, wander the rows of tombstones through the massive Glasnevin Cemetery in the oldest section of the graveyard.

        Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

        Day 3 – Rathcroghan, Gateway to the Underworld Read More

        Day 3

        Rathcroghan, Gateway to the Underworld

        Heading west, leave the city behind to head into the quiet, desolate landscapes of the Midlands. County Roscommon’s ancient site at Rathcroghan is where the ancient kings of Connacht were once crowned. Off the traditional tourist path, head down a tiny laneway to find the entrance to a cave reputed to be the Gateway to the Otherworld or the Gateway to Hell. Spend the rest of the afternoon in fascinating Galway, where we join the festive seasonal atmosphere just in time to experience the famous Macnas Halloween Parade, full of brilliant costumes, fireworks, music, street food, and dance, creating a magical-realist world brimming with fizzing light, and infusing the streets with spices and aromas.

        Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

        Day 4 – The Wilds of Connemara Read More

        Day 4

        The Wilds of Connemara

        Leaving the city behind, we head for the wilds of Connemara. Though a popular place to visit in the summer months, by autumn, we’ll likely have much of the wilds to ourselves. Heading to the Connemara seashore, you’ll join a seashore foraging expert to learn about the Atlantic Coast’s edible seaweeds. Later, we visit a shellfish farm to learn about aquaculture in Connemara and taste some of the fresh seafood dishes incorporating seafood grown on the farm and sea plants foraged along the shore.

        Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

        Day 5 – The Ancient Hill of Uisneach Read More

        Day 5

        The Ancient Hill of Uisneach

        The Hill of Uisneach in the heart of Ireland has played a part in almost all of the significant events in Ireland, be it political, cultural, religious, mythological, or geographical. In many ways, the Hill of Uisneach is the epicentre of Ireland and is still revered as an ancient sacred site. The centre of Ireland, the enigmatic hill, is one of the world’s most sacred and historic sanctuaries in many ways. The view from the top of Uisneach is both beautiful and far-reaching. Immerse yourself in Ireland’s fascinating ancient history by visiting the Hill of Uisneach with a local expert and archaeologist who will bring to life the history of this long-sacred place.

        Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

        Day 6 – Dublin & Depart Read More

        Day 6

        Dublin & Depart

        On your final day, enjoy a leisurely morning and breakfast at your accommodation in Dublin before heading home or continuing onwards to your next destination.

        Meals Included: Breakfast

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        Private Departures
        The Origins of Halloween

        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: €4,695

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        Private Departures
        The Origins of Halloween

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        Trip Details

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        Accommodation Read More

        While visiting Ireland, expect Deluxe level of accommodation. Relax in boutique hotels, stately guesthouses, and beautiful manors. Each Deluxe accommodation has been chosen for its high comfort standards and service, its scenic location, and its lovely amenities.

        On this deluxe tour, you will experience all of the excitement of a hiking adventure paired with the comfort and luxuriousness of deluxe accommodations. More than just a place to sleep, your accommodations play an active role in your Irish experience.

        Inclusions Read More

        This trip includes the following:

        • 5 nights accommodation in hand-picked, family-run guesthouses, B&Bs & boutique hotels
        • Meals as indicated, incl. all breakfasts and lunches
        • The services of an experienced and knowledgeable guide/driver throughout
        • All transport throughout the trip, starting and finishing in Dublin
        • Activities as stated in the itinerary, including:
          • Dublin historical walking tour
          • Guided tour of Glasnevin Cemetery
          • Guided tour of St Michan’s Church Crypt
          • Seashore foraging & shellfish farm
          • Archaeological tour of the Hill of Uisneach

        Speak to an Expert

        Darragh Devaney

        One of our team members, Darragh is Wilderness Ireland’s Operations Manager. As the team’s resident bike expert, Darragh has helped research, design and even guide nearly all of Wilderness Ireland’s bike trips. When not in the office, Darragh can usually be found exploring a little-known corner of Ireland on two wheels or camping in the countryside with his family.

        Ask Darragh a Question

        Our holidays reviewed
        in your own words

        It was an amazing trip. Great cycling, great food and great people. I can truly say that this trip has improved my cycling. I have gained confidence and skills!

        Karen Alexopoulos
        Deluxe Bike Tour - The Kerry Peninsulas
        Reviewed on 12/08/2019

        Rated 4.94 out of 5 based on 1,453 reviews

        Read More Reviews
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