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History – Castles & Churches

Ireland

History – Castles & Churches

€3200 per person

Step back in time as you visit historic castles, churches and delve into the rich history of Ireland.

This tour is a captivating journey through the cultural and architectural heritage of the midlands and County Clare. From a River Shannon Viking boat trip to Clonmacnoise, founded in 544 to the Tower houses, erected by both Anglo-Irish and Gaelic families between circa 1400 to circa 1650, They stand as iconic structures in Ireland’s historical landscape. These fortified residences reflect the tumultuous times of the medieval and early modern periods, showcasing a blend of architectural prowess and strategic defense measures.

Your accommodation

We have five rooms with double beds, accommodating up to five couples plus one room with three single beds. As this is a Georgian Farmhouse not all bathrooms have private bathrooms

This tour is ideal for family or friend groups or book solely and meet new people !

Meals

All meals are included during your stay with us. Our chefs are passionate about quality and nutrition ensuring your meals are lovingly prepared and with opportunities to sample various café’s and restaurants. Any special requests are catered for.

6 Days/ 7 Nights
16+ Age
  • Dress Code
    Casual. Comfortable athletic clothing, hiking shoes, hat and warm jacket.
  • Included
    Airport Transfers
    Entry Fees
    Meals
    Personal Guide
  • Not Included
    Alcohol
    Genealogy search
    Soft Drinks
1

Day 1 - Birr Castle and Science Museum

Birr Castle, a magnificent Gothic Revival castle from the 17th century that is still the Parsons family’s home today, serves as the attraction’s focal point. A guided tour of the castle allows visitors to discover its lavish interiors, elaborate furnishings, and fascinating history. The spectacular Great Telescope, which was once the greatest telescope in the world, and the lovely grounds that encircle the castle are highlights.
2

Day 2 - Portumna Castle and Portumna Workhouse

Portumna Castle in Ireland’s County Galway is a magnificent example of Jacobean architecture. The superbly preserved early 17th-century castle is renowned for its exquisite architecture and craftsmanship. The castle was initially built by the De Burgo family, a well-known and wealthy family in Ireland, and it served for many years as a lavish residence for nobility. Portumna Castle offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the past and is a magnificent example of Irish architectural heritage today. Workhouses were built in Ireland for the poor of Ireland. Take a tour in one of 163 workhouses built between 1840-1852 in Portumna, Co. Galway. This is a 75 minutes immersive tour which walks you through the buildings which housed the families, talks you through the at times harrowing accounts and view a hologram depiction between a priest and a renowned Master who disappeared in the dead of night.
3

Day 3 - Rock of Cashel & Tour of Cashel Cheese Creamery

The Rock of Cashel, commonly referred to as St. Patrick’s Rock, is a significant historical landmark in Ireland’s County Tipperary. It is a stunning cluster of medieval buildings built atop a limestone outcrop that dominates the surrounding area. It is frequently referred to as one of Ireland’s most significant and dramatic archaeological sites and is steeped in history and legend. As you visit the mediaeval buildings on our trip, including the famous Round Tower, Cormac’s Chapel, and the Cathedral, you’ll be transported back in time. The tour guides will provide a thorough historical background while telling enthralling tales and anecdotes that will take you back in time to tales of the monarchs, saints, and warriors who have left their imprint on this important site. A Cashel Blue Cheese tasting of both sheep and cows milk (This can be a blind tasting if you fancy a bit of fun!) A 10 minute film giving you an insight to the cheese-making philosophy, the history, and how the cheeses are made. A tasting of cheese curd, young cheese and mature cheese, thereby giving you an insight into how cheese develops and matures.
4

Day 4 - River Shannon Cruise

On the banks of the River Shannon in central Ireland, Clonmacnoise is a well-known monastery structure that was founded in the sixth century. Sail here on a privately booked viking tour to fully immerse yourself in the history of this area. For history buffs and others interested in religious and cultural heritage, it is one of Ireland’s most significant early Christian sites and a must-visit location.
5

Day 5 - The Burren and Coastal Drive, Cliffs of Moher

Tour of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark. One of Ireland’s favourite visitor experiences, the Cliffs of Moher tower over the rugged West Clare coast. Walk the safe, paved pathways and view the famous Cliffs on Europe’s western frontier and enjoy the spectacular vistas over the Atlantic Ocean and the Aran Islands.
6

Day 6 - Kilkenny Castle and Medieval Town tour

Tour of Kilkenny Castle and the medieval city. Few buildings in Ireland can boast a longer history of continuous occupation than Kilkenny Castle. Founded soon after the Norman conquest of Ireland, the Castle has been rebuilt, extended and adapted to suit changing circumstances and uses over a period of 800 years.Today, Kilkenny Castle is open to visitors all year round and is largely a Victorian remodelling of the thirteenth century defensive Castle.Each year, hundreds of thousands of visitors come to see this grand country house and walk through its fifty acres of rolling parkland with mature trees and an abundance of wildlife.Other features include a formal terraced rose garden, woodlands and a man-made lake, which were added in the nineteenth century.

Location

Based in Bellefield House, the tours takes us through the heart of Ireland.

Originally built as a hunting lodge Bellefield House has undergone a variety of changes in its 200 or so year lifetime. In the 1950s and 60s it was well known as Bellefield Stud and bred many well known horses of the time. After this the outbuildings went into decline and in 2004 it was purchased and restored by the late architect Angela Jupe, she spent the last 17 years of her life restoring the house, gardens and outbuildings to what many recognise today. Bellfield now is a much more modest but still large 28 acres. This includes a 1.8 acre wall garden as well as pasture, woodland, plantation and some bog.

Booking enquiries

For further information on this tour or to arrange holiday dates not shown, please contact Emma at emma@greendoortours.com to discuss other options. Our tours are perfect for group bookings for family trips, celebrations or friends holidays. Emma will be happy to arrange alternative holiday dates for your trip. Just pop us a message below and we will be back in touch with you asap.  
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