Kilmainham Gaol

Built in 1796, Kilmainham Gaol  has an unique place in Irish History and was where for more than 100 years those who fought against the English occupation of Ireland were imprisoned and where many of them died.

It is a sombre, even chilling, place to visit, but absolutely fascinating.

There is a heavy emphasis during the tour here on putting the gaol in its historic context and visitors will leave with a much deeper understanding of the often complex forces which shaped the Irish nation. 

In 1803 Robert Emmet, leader of an ill-fated rebellion against the English, was imprisoned in Kilmainham before being taken to Thomas St where he was hung and beheaded. The block where he was beheaded is in on exhibit here, as is his death mask .

1916 Commeration walk:

We have a local historian take us on an historic walk around important places in Dublin such as Dublin Castle, City Hall, Four courts, The GPO and the Old Parliament building. He will tell us about events that took place at each venue. 

Robert Emmet Memorial

 Emmet saw himself as a serious revolutionary whose function was to be successful. At the same time, he had to be aware that if his project failed there were inevitable consequences. That does not mean that he was courting those consequences. In Emmet’s case, his dignity and his tragedy derive precisely from the fact that he had the philosophical resources to know that he was facing an ethical dilemma.

One of the great leaders and fighters for Irish freedom.

Garden of Remembrance:

This beautiful garden in the centre of the city was designed by architect Dáithí Hanly and dedicated to the memory of ‘all those who gave their lives in the cause of Irish freedom’. The focus point is a magnificent sculpture by Oisín Kelly, based on the legend of the Children of Lir, in which four children are transformed into swans and remain so for 900 years before becoming human again.

Itinerary is subject to slight change depending on weather and other conditions out of our control.

1916 Commeration

President Higgins led tributes to the 1916 Easter Rising leaders.

A State commemoration ceremony takes place each year at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Arbour Hill, the final resting place of the seven signatories of the Proclamation of the Republic and other executed leaders of the Easter Rising.

Pearse's House

Located at 27 Pearse Street, close by the River Liffey on Dublin’s south side, Ionad an Phiarsaigh–The Pearse Centre occupies the Pearse family home, birthplace of Patrick Pearse. It is centrally located opposite Trinity College on Pearse Street, near Pearse Street Garda Station, Doyles Pub on the corner, and College Green leading onto Dame Street.

Vinegar Hill

The most famous site of the 1798 Rebellion, its current peace, serenity and spectacular views belies its background as one of the bloodiest battlefields in Irish history.  20,000 men, women and children faced 10,000 members of the Crown forces in a battle that lasted only four hours, but left 1,500 dead in a county distraught.

Carrigbyrne Hill:

During the 1798 Rebellion, the area around Carrigbyrne Hill was used as a camp by the United Irishmen, who were in the process of marching on New Ross. The insurgents, who had recently captured the town of Wexford, stopped and camped at an area called “Camp Field”, a day before the Battle of New Ross took place. The next day, in New Ross, over 2,000 Irish rebels were killed as the town’s garrison held out long enough for British reinforcements to arrive.

Waterford

Staying in Waterford tonight, we get there early enough to have the afternoon and evening off.

Youghal, 

Is a market town, and fishing port on the west side of the Blackwater estuary in Cork. It is possible that Danes originally occupied Youghal, but the first known history is that of the establishment of a baronial town by the Anglo-Normans in the 13th century and the granting of a charter by John of England (1199–1216). The town was Fortified with walls and towers, parts of which remain.

Midlton Distillery

With a distilling history dating back to the 19th century, Midleton’s renowned bounty has been said to have drawn whiskey into being.

From its beginnings on the banks of the crystalline Dungourney River, Midleton Distillery’s links with the land run deep and long.

Of course whiskey is also the lifeblood of a people and their aspirations. And this town has always been a pioneering community, from the moment the Murphy family started to distil here in 1825.

Cobh Titanic Museum

On April 11th 1912, 123 passengers came to the busy harbour town of Queenstown (now known as Cobh), to board Titanic bound for New York.
Four days later they would find themselves fighting for their lives in one of the worlds most tragic maritime disasters.
With knowledgeable guides and immersive audio visual displays, we will take you on a unique and emotive journey back in time.

Itinerary is subject to slight change depending on weather and other conditions out of our control.

Charles Fort

Charles Fort is a trace italienne fortification, a bastion fort with one section of the outer wall built in star fashion. It is located at the southern end of the village of Summer Cove, on Kinsale harbour, County Cork,. First completed in 1682, Charles Fort was sometimes historically referred to as the "new fort" - to contrast with James' Fort which had been built on the other side of Kinsale harbour before 1607.

Béal Na Bláth

Head west from the service station  in the small village and through sweeping bends of rough-surfaced country roads, and you come upon a shallow ditch, arguably one of Ireland’s most pivotal historic sites. 

On the left-hand side of the road, looking west, stands a Celtic cross and close by is a short white concrete pillar with a black cross engraved. 

This is the site of the ambush where Irish revolutionary leader Michael Collins died and where the Civil War reached a critical moment on August 22, 1922. 

Collins Center

Michael Collins House, Clonakilty is now a museum dedicated to Irish patriot and revolutionary hero, Michael Collins. We learn about the “Big Fella” himself, his life story entwined with the history of the fight for Irish independence. The museum is presented in an accessible manner through guided tours, interactive displays, audio visuals, artefacts and more, bringing the history to life. For those looking to delve into the history further information boards, history talks and the highly qualified tour guides will more than happily engage in debate and answer any questions you may have.

Itinerary subject to change due to weather or other conditions out of our control.

What can we say about the Ring of Kerry that has not already been said. We will start by visiting the famous Bog Village and from there we will visit Waterville where the one and only Charlie Chaplin came on vacation. We will visit forts and sites of ancient interest but we will also see Molls Gap and Torc waterfall, we might even get to visit Ross Castle too. But you will stay in lively Killarney, so you can enjoy the night life there.

Famine Warehouse

Famine Warhouse 1848, traditionally known as the Ballingarry Warhouse or The Widow McCormack's House, is an Irish farmhouse famous as the site of a skirmish in the Young Irelander Rebellion on 1848 (Ireland's contribution to the  Springtime of Peoples), at which the Irish tricolour was flown for the first time.

The house was owned at the time of the battle by Margaret McCormack, the widow of Thomas McCormack. Rebels led by William Smith O'Brien besieged 47 policemen of the Irish Constabulary. After the loss of two men the rebels retreated, and were later arrested.

Known locally as the Warhouse, it became a National Monument  in 1989, was renovated in 2000–01 and was renamed "Famine Warhouse 1848" 

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park

You get to visit the acclaimed 15th iconic Bunratty Castle  - the most complete and authentic castle in Ireland.
The site on which Bunratty Castle stands was in origin a Viking trading camp in 970. The present structure is the last of four castles to be built on the site. Take a tour of this iconic fortress; hear and see how the lords and ladies of this castle lived; hear stories of battles and bravery and enjoy stunning views across the idyllic Clare countryside. They roam around the folk park and learn how the everyday people lived in times gone by. 

We will pop down to Durty Nelly's pub for a drink before we leave for Galway.

Aughrim Battle site

The award-winning Battle of Aughrim Visitor Centre in Aughrim, Co. Galway, commemorates the Battle of Aughrim, 'Ireland's Gettysburg', fought on 12th July 1691, during the closing stages of the Williamite-Jacobite War.

Experience the Battle of Aughrim Visitor Centre and learn of the fascinating story behind the epic battle between William of Orange, James II and Louis XIV, where 35,000 soldiers took to the battlefield and helped shape European history.

Athlone Visitors Center

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.

Hill of Uisneach

The Hill of Uisneach has featured in nearly every significant Irish Event - be it political, cultural, or religious. The story of Uisneach is the story of Ireland. From our earliest ancestors to the medieval high kings; from the saints and scholars of early Christianity to the freedom fighters and political leaders of the modern era: All have left their mark on the Hill of Uisneach.