Irelandโs Ancient East and Wild Atlantic Way
June 10th - June 19, 2024
Join Tommy and Saundra OโSullivan for 9 nights experiencing the best of Ireland from Dublin to County Clare. You won't want to miss this trip, which features many of the O'Sullivans' favorite places on the Emerald Isle as well as musical friends, local tour guides and historians.
We recommend flying into Dublin and out of Shannon for this tour and allowing one additional day on the front and back of the trip in case of travel and luggage delays.
โข9 nights exclusive hotel accommodation
โข9 breakfasts
โข3 group dinners
โข2 group lunches
โขLuxury coach
โขEntrance fees to all group activities
โขActivities planned in 7 counties with a tailored route to minimize driving time
โขPrice per person $2900
Morning pick-up in Dublin. We will have a brief Meet-N-Greet then leave for the Ancient monastic city at Glendalough, CO. Wicklow. The site dates back to the 6th century and is a part of Wicklow's National Park.
Next we will head to Johnny Foxโs, nestled in the Dublin mountains, where weโll have our first group lunch. This pub was built in 1798 and is world renowned for being the highest pub in Ireland.
Our final destination on this first day is the medieval city of Kilkenny, where weโll stay for 2 nights at the 4 star River Court Hotel, overlooking Kilkenny Castle. For those with stamina weโll head to Kilkennyโs longest running traditional Irish music session. Dust off those party pieces and be ready to join in!
NO DRIVING DAY
After breakfast we explore Kilkenny with a guided tour of โThe Medieval Mileโ, followed by a tour of Kilkenny Castle. Then the group will have free time to adventure and explore the many cathedrals and castles of the medieval city before we gather in the evening for a group dinner at the hotel. After dinner we head to the pub for some traditional Irish music and Craic!
We leave Kilkenny and head to Ballvourney west Cork, where we stay for 2 nights at the Mills Inn. Established in 1755, it is one of the best kept secrets of the โrealโ Ireland in west Cork.
Along the way weโll stop at the Kindred Spirit Sculpture, in Middleton followed by the Jameson experience tour at the Middleton Distillery. Once we arrive at the Mills Inn, have a bite, and dust ourselves off, we are invited to a special traditional music concert in Ballyvourney.
Today we explore west Cork and get our first glimpse of the Wild Atlantic Way. Cork is known as the โrebelโ county and had a major roll to play in the War of Independence, as depicted in the movies, The Wind That Shakes the Barley and Michael Collins. We will explore 2 of these important historical sights.
Weโll then journey to Gougane Barra, the tranquil setting of St. Finbarrโs 6th century monastery, followed by lunch and free time in Glengariff. Back to Ballvourney weโll then go. Put on your dancing shoes, set dancing tonight!
Dingle peninsula
We take you to our home ground where we stay for 3 nights at the 4 star Skellig Hotel and Peninsula Spa.
Among the highlights of the next 3 days will be:
Inch Beach
Folk concert at St James Church
Archeological tour of Slea Head
A short hike back west, where the most westerly point in all of Europe is found, and some of the most breathtaking views to be seen on Irelandโs Wild Atlantic way.
Traditional concert at our own OโSullivans Courthouse Pub
And plenty of other special surprises to be announced
Drive to Ennis Co. Clare where we stay for 2 nights at the 4 star Old Ground Hotel a beautifully restored 18th century manor house hotel in Ennis town center.
Free time to explore the medieval narrow streets and lane ways of Ennis will be followed by a group meal at the hotel. After the group dinner, we will meander to the Poets Corner and join in a traditional Irish music session with local musicians.
Drop-off at Shannon airport which is only a 30 minute drive from Ennis.
PLEASE NOTE
This is a summarized itinerary and there are more activities, music sessions and surprises planned that are not detailed. All activities are optional and subject to change due to weather or other influencing factors.
Questions? Contact us at osullivanscourthousepub@gmail.com