Ireland Explorer

Take the morning to discover the suburbs of Dublin.  You will pass the famous Abbey Theatre and head out across the north of the city to the 14th century Castle at Malahide. The Castle, which is set in magnificent gardens, has some of the finest Irish period furniture and contains famous portraits from the National Art Gallery. Continue on to the award winning village of Malahide, then trace the coastline to the fishing village of Howth. Enjoy magnificent views of Dublin Bay from Howth Head. Return to Dublin along the coast, via north city villages whose lore and legend are recounted by your guide. In order to give as much flexibility as possible, we have not included entrance fees and these can be paid in person on site.

Here are some suggestions for a pleasant couple of hours in Dublin: Have a stroll through the little-known Iveagh Gardens, which rival those of St. Stephen’s Green but on a lesser scale and with fewer people, then cut through St. Stephen’s Green and head toward Merrion Square. On a Sunday the square is lined with local artists’ work that you can check out before heading into The National Gallery, which overlooks this same square. Head to the art gallery of The Royal Hibernian Academy (25 Merrion Sq.) or visit 29 Merrion Square to get a glimpse of what genteel life was like in Dublin in the late 18th century; Be sure to walk through the main gates of Trinity College and stroll around Parliament Square before heading to the old library to see the Book of Kells. After a quick stop off at The Kilkenny Shop (6 Nassau St.) and The Avoca Handweavers shop (Suffolks Street), head to The Powerscourt Townhouse Centre (between South William and Clarendon streets), a beautiful 1774 building that houses various small boutiques and one-off designer stores of mostly Irish designers.

Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Here are a few suggestions: L’Ecrivain- 109a Lower Baggot St. Tel.: (01) 666-1919. Have a drink at the comfortable bar before heading upstairs to the stylish and airy restaurant, or out to the patio if weather allows. Chapter One- 18/19 Parnell Sq. Tel.: (01) 873-2330. Located in the basement of Dublin Writers Museum (the former Jameson Whiskey family home), Booking approx 3 months prior essential.Brownes Brasserie- 22 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2 Tel.: (01) 638-3934 . Part of Browne’s townhouse hotel, located in St. Stephen’s Green, this restaurant oozes charm.

Your guide will meet you at your hotel and accompany you on a private walking tour of the City of Dublin. Please let your guide know if there are any sights of particular interest to you. (No entrance fees included). In order to give as much flexibility as possible, we have not included entrance fees and these can be paid in person on site.

Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Here are a few suggestions: Pasta Fresca- 3 - 4 Chatham St. Tel.: (01) 679-2402. Il Baccaro- Meeting House Square (southeast corner), Temple bar.Tel.: (01) 671-4597. Have a wander through the Gallery of Photography (nearby on Meeting House Square) heading to dinner. Ely Bar - Ely Place (just off Lower Baggot Street) Tel.: (01) 676-8986.

Spend the afternoon as you wish, perhaps visiting one of the many attractions such as the Guinness Storehouse or the Jameson distillery.

Located in the heart of the St James’s Gate Brewery, the Guinness Storehouse is Ireland’s No. 1 Dublin Tourist attraction. The state of the art interactive museum and audio visual exhibition takes one on an incredible journey through the history and making of Guinness and includes some very entertaining advertisements that were used throughout the past fifty years. Finish off your discovery by sipping on a complimentary pint from the birds eye viewing room located at the top of the building and take in the panoramic views of the city and coast.

The Jameson Distillery provides a fascinating visit of its factory and introduces the visitor to the various stages that go in to the process of premium whiskey. At the end of the tour you can sit down and do a tutored vertical tasting of various whiskeys from around the world and you'll be sure to appreciate Jameson's premium whiskey all the more!

Other places of interest in the city include St Patrick's Cathedral, Christchurch and Trinity College incorporating The Book of Kells. You may also enjoy Irelands historic and cultural resourses at the world class museums on Kildare Street. There is also excellent shopping on Grafton Street and nearby Nassau Street as well as Dublin's European Style Boulevard of O'Connell Street.

Sit back and relax on your private transfer from Dublin to Galway.

Walk along high Street in Galway for a pleasurable way to pass an hour or two. Start at Kenny's Bookshop on High Street. The labyrinth is both an art gallery and quality bookshop with second hand and new books. All along the short cobblestoned stretch of the road, known as High street are small, interesting unique shops. Kelly's Crafts has a good range of goods, especially knits and pottery. Three Bags Full will sell you the wool to knit your own sweater or jacket. A left turn at the bottom of High Street brings you to Cross Street and The Silver Lining Gift Shop which sells glassware, China and novelty gift items. Traditions sells Aran knits, and across the road in the Curiousity Corner, the shelves are spilling over with all kinds of lovely, unusual gifts. To the right of High Street, is La Maison, a shop selling quality European made gifts. Opposite is Judy Green's Pottery Workshop selling pretty, handthrown pottery. Large items can be wrapped and posted home to you. Exclusive, very attractive designer knitwear is sold at Margaret Joyce in Quay Street directly opposite is Twice as Nice, where one can find a fine selection of vintage linen, lace and clothes. The Quay Lane Gallery is a small shop at the bottom of Quay Street which sells framed prints, as well as original work. Next door is Cobwebs, widely considered the prettiest shop in Galway with a delightful, seemingly infinite stock of pretty goods on display.

You will have the services of a Driver-Guide with private vehicle for a half day today. Depending on your interests, your Driver-Guide will bring you to various sights. In order to give as much flexibility as possible, we have not included entrance fees and these can be paid in person on site.

Explore West Clare with your private vehicle and guide. West Clare is among Irelands most rugged and dramatic landscapes with shifting and sculpting stone creating unforgettable scenery such as the Cliffs of Moher, Burren Plateau and Islands. We recommend a visit to visit to the spectacular Aillwee Caves in Ballyvaughan at the heart of The Burren. The ancient Dolmen at Poulnabrune is a relic to the intelligence of the first settlers in this remote lunar like landscape. The villages of Ballyvaughan and Kinvarra are quaint and two of the most pleasant and photogenic in Ireland. Seafood is a specialty of this region and there are many fine pubs serving fresh portions of mussels and oysters, notably Monks in Ballyvaughan, Cornerstone in Lahinch and Moran's in Clarinbridge.

Connemara is one of Ireland most wild and beautiful regions best explored in a full day touring. There are lots of wonderful villages from Clifden, the alpine like Capital to Leenane on the banks of Killary Fjord as well as Roundstone with its beautiful beaces on the Western coast. The jewel of this rugged mountainous region is Kylemore Abbey and Walled Gardens as well as a serene chapel on the banks of the lake adorned with local Connemara marble and stained glass. A hike along the wilds of Killary Harbour as well as the deep valley at Delphi is also an option.

You will have the services of a Driver-Guide with private vehicle for a full day today. Depending on your interests, your Driver-Guide will bring you to various sights. In order to give as much flexibility as possible, we have not included entrance fees and these can be paid in person on site.

Sit back and relax on your private transfer from Galway to Dublin.