When one thinks of Ireland, the words lush and green come to mind, hence the Emerald Isle, a romantic name for a romantic place. Does the Ireland of legend exist?
Absolutely…from the lakes of County Leitrim and Roscommon to the breathtaking wildness of County Donegal to the solitude of Connemara, Ireland weaves an enchanting spell. With each footstep, you’ll be walking on history. Be awed by the prehistoric monuments at Brú na Bóinne and the remarkable ruins of Ireland's rich monastic past at Glendalough and Clonmacnoise.
The Irish are renowned for smiling faces, quick wit, laughter and friendliness. The strong indigenous culture of Ireland is expressed in Irish music, the lilting Irish language (Gaeilge) as well as with the Gaelic games. (Interesting aside: There is no word for yes and no in the Irish language!) Ireland’s culture has significantly influenced other cultures, particularly in literature, including the famous poets, W.B. Yeats and Oscar Wilde, who called Connemara a savage beauty.
See Ireland as never before. Book one of our luxurious tours of this beautiful country and experience the rich Irish heritage in depth. Fine Travel knows the cities and the back roads of Ireland. We can tailor an Irish adventure to you, featuring the most sought after destinations as well as the splendid nooks and crannies most travelers never see.
Embark on a 25-day Irish getaway with our Britain and Ireland In Depth tour, and after a fascinating experience in England, arrive in Ireland by ferry. In Killarney, enjoy the 100-mile panoramic drive around the Ring of Kerry, visit the spectacular Cliffs of Moher, Knock and Belleek. The Giant’s Causeway, towering hexagonal basalt columns, is a spectacle to behold. In Belfast, the Titanic Exhibition is a fascinating stop on the tour. This magnificent journey returns across the Irish Sea and through North Wales to Liverpool for a trip to the Beatles Story. The In Depth tour lives up to its name, and it is impossible to summarize the experiences each of 25 memorable days brings. Here, we have concentrated on Ireland.
Witness the exquisite craftsmanship of Belleek Irish Porcelain on a guided tour. Using materials and techniques passed down since 1857, every flower, shamrock, and brush stroke has been carefully applied by hand.
Climb the battlements of Blarney Castle and kiss the Blarney Stone and never be at a loss for something to say again. The Irish are well-known for their eloquence.
In Waterford, visit the famous crystal factory. The company was founded in 1783 by brothers William and George Penrose, and the reputation they built for glass of unsurpassed beauty and quality has survived the intervening centuries. You’ll be mesmerized by the production process.
Dublin has much to offer among them a tour of the Guinness Storehouse to learn the history and traditions behind the production of this black stout. Alec Guinness started selling the dark beer in 1778. It is rumored the Irish give nursing mothers a pint of Guinness. You might even try your hand at pouring a perfect pint!
From ancient castles to geographical monuments experience the beauty of Ireland on our Country Roads of Ireland tour. Isn’t off-the-beaten-track the best way to see a country and immerse yourself in its history and culture, both of which abound in Ireland?
For the horse lover, in Kildare, a tour of the Irish National Stud will be an unforgettable highlight. Colonel Hall Walker, its founder, became the most successful breeder of the age, enjoying his finest hour when King Edward VII led MINORU, born and raised at the Stud at Tully, into Epsom's winner's enclosure following a famous victory in the 1909 Derby. The skeleton of the legendary racehorse Arkle is housed in the Horse Museum. The Irish National Stud's Japanese Gardens is renowned throughout the world and the finest of their kind in Europe. Traditional foxhunting remains lawful in Northern Ireland. Pony trekking in Ireland is a glimpse of heaven from horseback.
In Carrickfergus, drive around the imposing castle. Carrickfergus Castle greets all visitors with its strength and menace. It represents over 800 years of military might.
At Clonalis House, meet the family and tour the home of the descendants of the last High Kings of Ireland. Aboard a jaunting car ride, a local Jarvie fashions tales of the history, legends and folklore of Killarney. Kylemore Abbey is one of Ireland’s most romantic buildings. Relax and enjoy the scenic drives to Antrim coast, Connemara, and the Ring of Kerry—a landscape of towering cliffs, verdant lake lands and scenic villages.
The Irish call the warm feeling resulting from lively music, drink, good food, laughter, and conversation caic. After touring the Emerald Isle, there will be a wealth of caic to share with your new friends. As the Irish would say Sláinte!