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Ireland 2004: Things to Do & See

Visit the Trip Detail page for a sampling of what we are planning specifically (although, you have the freedom to go anywhere you like) and see the Photo page for some ideas of what we can remember on this adventurous trip.

Itinerary

Please keep in mind that there is much more to see then we would have time for (we could spend more than two weeks here).  The scenery is incredible, and the people, towns, and culture are priceless.  Here's a sampling of things we can experience.

	Breathtaking Sights Ask anyone about Ireland and they'll mention the unforgettable landscapes, seascapes, and mountain scapes. Experience craggy countrysides, bucolic pastures, cozy villages, awe-inspiring cliffs on our journey through the Emerald Isle. Cliffs of Moher Town of Killarney (Muckross House and Gardens; Ross Castle; Jaunting cars) Ring of Kerry (most picturesque drive in Ireland)

 

	Churches, Ruins, and Old Historic Beauty In the U.S., 200 years is considered "old". In Ireland, 2000 years is considered a stately "middle age"! History and monuments dates back further than Roman times and continue through medieval times. Unlike other European countries that were devastated by world wars, Ireland still has many hundreds of well-preserved areas where you can walk the streets and feel what it must have been like thousands of years ago. Kilkenny, Ireland's best preserved medieval town Glendalough, a 6th century monastic settlement Wexford's Viking heritage

 

	Unique Areas to Explore The countryside and "off the beaten path" part of Ireland is a perfect place to explore on foot, bike, car, or hiking. Some of these towns are completely untouched by modern consumerism and are a fresh alternative to our modern age. Quaint town of Adare Seaport city of Cork (2nd largest city in Ireland) Irish cottages; small, untouched towns that date back centuries

 

	Rich History Fascinating buildings, culture, people, and landscape are just waiting for us to explore. Experience a land with centuries of history and culture from Vikings, seaports, immigrants, the Titantic's maiden voyage port, authors, theater, castles, churches, gardens, medieval towns, moors, cathedrals, and much, much more.

 

	Experience Life as a Local The Irish people are the true treasure of this country. They are "people persons" by nature and world-renown for the "gift of gab" as the incredible, disproportionate amount of authors, poets, musicians, storytellers from this country demonstrate. Stop in a pub for a pint of Guinness with the locals Take time off for local music at the nearest gathering place. In this country, even local musicians are world-class. Dublin & a city double-decker tour of Ireland's capital

 

	Medieval Castles Ireland is home to some of the most unique castles and fortresses in the world. Come experience with us these tremendous structures situated in gorgeous countryside, and learn about their remarkable history and beauty. Blarney Castle (& a kiss on the Blarney stone) Medieval Castle Banquet Bunratty Castle & Folk Park (built in 1425) St John's Castle, Limerick

 

	Literary Tours Did you know that Ireland is home to no less than four Nobel prize winning authors? It's a country prized for anyone inspired by such classics as "Ulysses", "Gulliver's Travels",  "Angela's Ashes", "Waiting for Godot" or the latest U2 disc. Dublin alone offers several museums devoted to Joyce, Yeats, and Shaw, including the distinguished Dublin Writers' Museum, the James Joyce Tower, Yeats museum, and Shaw's birthplace. Following is a sampling of the literary giants we can sample. Jonathan Swift (1667 - 1745) Bram Stoker (1847 - 1912) Oscar Wilde (1854 - 1900) George Bernard Shaw (1856 - 1950)  Nobel Prize, 1925 W. B. (William Butler) Yeats (1865 - 1939)  Nobel Prize, 1923 James Joyce (1882 - 1941)       Samuel Beckett (1906 - 1989)  Nobel Prize, 1969 William Trevor (1928) Brian Friel (1929) Frank McCourt (1931) Seamus Heaney (1939)  Nobel Prize, 1995 Roddy Doyle (1958)

 

	HMS Titantic Explore Your Heritage From 1848 - 1950 over 6 million adults and children emigrated from Ireland. Over 2.5 million departed from Cobh, making it the single most important port of emigration. This center is devoted to the history and records of their journey. Come explore your Irish roots. In addition, there is detailed information about the Titantic, which sailed on her maiden voyage from Cobh (then known as Queenstown) in 1912. Also, you'll find a memorial to the Lusitania (sunk in 1915) here. Cobh Heritage Centre

 

	Hiking, Biking, Sports Ireland is a gorgeous country with rich, hidden areas off the beaten path. Experience it on foot, hiking trails, bikes, and country paths.   And while you are there, take some time off of your sightseeing for golfing, sailing, fishing, tennis, watersports, etc.

 

	Adventure through the Countryside Don't forget to experience life off-the-beaten path. Ireland is perfect for daily strolls, weekend trails, and seeing the country outside of the normal tour areas. The Dingle Peninsula is particularly fascinating. Hiking and biking are possible.

 

	Shopping & Sightseeing There is terrific shopping in this history known for the fine craftmanship of wood and glass. There are also magnificent gardens to walk through. County Wicklow (called the garden of Ireland) Gardens of Powerscourt Blarney Woolen Mills Waterford Crystal factory

 

	Dublin Dublin is Ireland's treasure -- a city rich in history, culture, and activity (theater, shopping, nightclubs, etc.). Spend a few days sampling the best that is there.  Here's a small view of the things we can experience. Art Galleries National Gallery: Includes the W.B. Yeats Museum Royal Hospital and Irish Museum of Modern Art The Municipal Gallery of Modern Art     Libraries Trinity College Library: The Book of Kells The Chester Beatty Library Marsh's Library The National Library Royal Irish Academy Library Museums National Wax Museum Guinness Brewery and Museum National Museum Collins Barracks Museum of History Dublin Writers' Museum Natural History Museum Churches St. Patrick's Cathedral (dating from 1191) Christ Church Cathedral (dating from 1030)

 

	Cliffs of Moher The majestic Cliffs of Moher rise from the Atlantic Ocean to a height of nearly 600 feet and extend for a distance of 7 miles from Hag's Head due west of Liscannor to a point beyond O'Brien's Tower. They take their name from a ruined fort, Mothar, which was demolished during the Napoleonic wars to make room for a signal tower. O'Brien's Tower is the best location from which to view the Cliffs. From this vantage point one can see the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, as well as The Twelve Pins and the Maum Turk Mountains. See some amazing photos of the cliffs here.

 

	Medieval Kilkenny Kilkenny is a medieval city acclaimed internationally as a center for craft and design. This medieval city is characterised by many beautifully restored buildings and winding alleyways - it is small and compact enough to explore on foot, yet full of fascinating historical buildings and contemporary shops, design galleries and restaurants. Check out some amazing photos or their official web site.

 

	Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula The Ring of Kerry is part of an unspoiled Ireland that has attracted visitors for hundreds of years. Its spectacular beauty is beyond question and it is a natural center for outdoor pursuits including golf, watersports , cycling, walking, riding and the very best fishing for salmon & trout. Check out some amazing photos and more photos..