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.

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.

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

Activity Level: Moderate

Glendalough 

Glendalough has been a place of pilgrimage since the 6th century when St. Kevin lived there as a hermit and ascetic, attracting followers and establishing a monastery there.  Little is known for certain about Kevin, since the many stories we have were first written centuries after his passing. These stories and myths continue to fascinate and offer inspiration today.

St. Laurence O’Toole was abbot in the Glendalough monastery and initiated reform before being appointed Archbishop of Dublin in 1162. It is believed that he remained a monk at heart and returned to Glendalough on retreat frequently.

Wicklow Jail:

Wicklow Gaol is a historic prison located in the town of Wicklow in Ireland, which gained notoriety for the brutality of the prison wardens, and the harsh treatment suffered by its inmates, many of them who were imprisoned for crimes as petty as stealing a potato. The prison was closed down in the 20th century, however there are tales that some of the spectral inmates never left.

In 1798, almost a century after Wicklow Gaol first opened, the Irish Rebellion of 1798, known also as the Rising, broke out. This was a local uprising against British rule in Ireland, which ended in defeat for the rebels. County Wicklow was a major area of conflict, and its gaol was used to imprison rebels who were captured. Many of them were executed and their corpses disposed of by throwing them into waters offshore from fishing boats. Several prominent rebels were also imprisoned in Wicklow Gaol. Two of the most famous inmates of Wicklow Gaol during this time were William “Billy” Byrne, and James ‘Napper’ Tandy.     

You will do an investigation this evening of the Jail.

Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and other conditions beyond our control.

Activity level. Moderate

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.

Itinerary subject to slight change depending on weather and other conditions beyond our control.

Activity level: Moderate/hard

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.

Activity Level: Easy

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.

Activity Level: Easy

Ring of Kerry

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.

Itinerary subject to slight change depending on weather and other conditions beyond out control.

Activity Level: Easy

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.

Itinerary subject to slight change depending on weather and other conditions beyond our control.
Activity Level: Easy

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.

Itinerary subject to slight change depending on weather and other conditions beyond our control.

Activity Level: Moderate to hard

Strokestown House

Encounter the voices of the famine through original documents produced by people whose lives were tied to the Strokestown Park Estate.

Discover what simple everyday objects, from farming tools to worn-out shoes, can tell us about the lived experience of famine at different levels of Irish society.

Learn about the political, social, economic, and environmental factors that played a part in the Great Irish Famine and contributed to its devastating human cost.

Ballinamuck 1798 Center

By far the biggest event in the history of Drumlish/Ballinamuck was the Battle of Ballinamuck, fought on 8 September 1798 over an area where the village now stands. A small French army had landed at Killala Bay, Co. Mayo, just over two weeks earlier, and was joined by local Irish volunteers. After fighting its way eastward, and having been joined by more Irish rebels on its way through  Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim, it was met at Ballinamuck by vastly superior British forces. Its leader, General Humbert, had under his command 800 French regular soldiers and about 1000 Irish volunteers, who were armed with pikes and would have had minimal military training. His opposite number, the British general Lake, had perhaps 20 times that number of regular English, Scottish and Hessian soldiers, including cavalry, as well as militia men, who came from other Irish counties and would not have been a match for trained soldiers.

Clontarf Castle

 Hoards of Viking warriors driven from Clontarf Strand by Brian Boru, High King of Ireland.
As the battle raged Brian was slain by the fleeing Viking mercenary Brodir as he knelt in prayer, close to where Clontarf Castle stands today.
But the victorious Irish would ultimately have their revenge: Brodir was later captured and brutally executed by Ulf the Quarrelsome.

This is also where you will retire for the night before we bring you to catch your flight home in the morning.

Itinerary subject to slight change depending on weather and other conditions beyond our control.

Activity Level: Easy

After a hearty breakfast in Clontarf Castle we will transport you back to Dublin airoport.  We will wish you a safe flight home and hope to see you again soon!