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PROGRAMMES

Ireland’s Ancient East

Ireland’s Ancient East is a unique touring region taking in an amazing 5,000 years of history. From passage tombs like Newgrange (older

than the Egyptian pyramids) to Palladian Mansions like Powerscourt and Castletown; from monastic sites to medieval castles and high

crosses harking back to Early Christian Ireland, nowhere in Europe offers such a wealth of heritage in such an intimate geographical space.

This is the perfect opportunity to have a personal journey of discovery in this relaxing, off the beaten track, lush beautiful landscape that

has attracted warring settlers for millennia. Meet the locals and get ready to have a memorable immersive experience meeting the best

storytellers in the world who will enthral with stories of a time of contrasts, a time of empire, rebellion, innovation and industry.Walk

around incredible monastic sites where Early Christians established flourishing communities. Stand inside castles battered by brutal sieges

and bloody battles, and wander the gracious manor houses and delightful gardens of the aristocracy. You can do everything from board

a replica Famine ship to follow in the footsteps of the Vikings.With some of the best storytellers in the world, the intrigue, romance and

incredible tales of Ireland’s Ancient East are yours to discover.

TheWild AtlanticWay

The longest defined Coastal Touring Route in theWorld… Here, the ocean’s force has carved a coast of wild, raw beauty. Huge Atlantic

rollers crash and churn, shaping jagged ocean crags, archipelagos and inlets, sea loughs, surfing strands, and the sheer granite walls of cliffs

that are amongst some of the highest in Europe. Right along this spectacular drive you’re aware of the elemental power of the Atlantic

Ocean, turning from grey to green to azure blue as great weather fronts roll in and through. You’ll drive on routes that ring great peninsulas,

reaching out into the ocean. Tiny roads hug the shoreline then switch back high above the Atlantic swell. You’ll probably see a lifetime’s

rainbows in just one trip. You’ll want to stop often at the many small settlements and towns along the route. Every few miles there are

places to stretch your legs and have a bite to eat. Maybe you’ll hunker down and stay a night or two to get to know the places and the

people… to climb cliffs, surf waves and ride bikes. You could join in the craíc at sessions and festivals, go island-hopping and visit ancient

sites or sit by turf fires in traditional pubs, where you’ll eat the freshest seafood and hear the Irish language, songs and stories. Out here in

the west coast’s remote Gaeltacht regions, Irish is the mother tongue for many folk – and they’ll tell you “fáilte romhat isteach – you’re

most welcome here”. It’s out on these western extremities – drawn in by the constant rhythm of the ocean’s roar and the consistent

warmth of the people – that you’ll find the Ireland you’ve always imagined.

Dublin

Dublin is both a place and a state of mind. This is Ireland’s vibrant capital, a bayside beauty as famous for its heritage as its thriving nightlife.

It’s a city where the Book of Kells, Trinity College and medieval city walls are a stone’s throw from the home of Guinness. It’s a hotbed of

hip cafés, of sizzling restaurants, a place where you’ll feel as comfortable sipping cutting-edge cocktails as cosying up in a centuries-old

snug. It’s a UNESCO City of Literature whose stories range from the pages of Ulysses to the songs of U2. Regularly voted one of the world’s

friendliest cities, crammed with quality accommodation and expert guides, it never fails to provide a warm welcome.Whether kayaking the

river, kicking back at a festival, taking a Viking Splash tour or venturing into the undercroft of Dublin Castle, we guarantee a Facebook feed

full of extraordinary days and happening nights.

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