The Irish Fortnight Tour

The Book of Kells is one of Ireland’s greatest cultural treasures, housed in Trinity College Dublin. It is an illuminated manuscript created by Celtic monks in the 9th century, containing the four Gospels of the New Testament. What makes it extraordinary is its intricate artwork, elaborate calligraphy and vivid symbolism, all created by hand on vellum (prepared calfskin).

Visitors to Trinity view the Book of Kells exhibition first, which explains how the manuscript was made and the world of the early monks, and then see two pages of the book displayed under controlled lighting. Afterward, many tours continue into the iconic Long Room Library, one of the most photographed library halls in the world.

A large, historic zoo in Dublin’s Phoenix Park, home to over 400 animals from around the world, and a popular family attraction focused on education and conservation. As one of Europe’s largest, Dublin Zoo provides immersive habitats for a diverse range of species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, and engages in global efforts to protect endangered species.

EPIC is The Irish Emigration Museum, an interactive museum in Dublin that tells the story of the 10 million Irish people who have left Ireland and their impact on the world. It uses technology like video galleries and motion-sensor quizzes to explore Irish history, culture, and the global influence of the Irish diaspora. Named “Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction” at the World Travel Awards in 2019, 2020, and 2021, the museum’s exhibits cover topics from why people emigrated, their struggles and successes, and the achievements of Irish people in fields like music, literature, sport, and science.

The Guinness Storehouse in Dublin is Ireland’s most popular tourist attraction, located at the historic St. James’s Gate Brewery. The Storehouse (and brewery) offers a self-guided, seven-floor experience detailing the history, brewing process, and iconic advertising of Guinness. The experience culminates in a complimentary pint at the Gravity Bar with panoramic city views of Ireland’s Capital. During the tour, visitors can expect to learn about the four ingredients, the brewing story and even how to pour the perfect pint, making it an immersive journey from grain to glass.

The Rock of Cashel, also called St. Patrick’s Rock, is an iconic Irish heritage site in County Tipperary. The landmark features a stunning cluster of medieval buildings including a round tower, Gothic cathedral and Cormac’s Chapel (originally the seat of the Kings of Munster before being granted to the Church in 1101). It’s long-lived history and story make it a major centre of power and religious significance with incredible Celtic art and architecture. Legend says St. Patrick converted the King of Munster here in the 5th century. Another story claims the Rock itself was dislodged from the Devil’s Bit mountain (also in Tipperary) by St. Patrick. 

The Jameson Distillery refers to two main locations. The historic Bow Street in Dublin (the original site) which is now a visitor centre with tours, tastings, and cocktail classes. The second location is the Midleton Distillery in Cork which is also the main production facility offering behind-the-scenes tours, tastings, and a bigger experience with a water wheel and warehouses. Both offer immersive tours about John Jameson’s whiskey, but Bow Street focuses on its rich history as the original spot (until 1971), while Midleton showcases modern production and a larger site.

Kinsale is a picturesque, historic harbour town in County Cork, Ireland, famous for its colourful buildings, gourmet food scene (dubbed Ireland’s “gourmet capital”), vibrant arts community, and maritime activities, serving as a popular stop on the Wild Atlantic Way. With a history as a Viking settlement and key military port, it features landmarks like Charles Fort and James Fort, offers sailing, kayaking, and hiking, and boasts many boutique shops, galleries, and excellent seafood restaurants. 

Killarney is a vibrant town in County Kerry, southwest Ireland, famous for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and serving as a gateway to Killarney National Park, the Lakes of Killarney, and the scenic Ring of Kerry. Known for its charming streets, welcoming pubs, traditional jaunting cars, and attractions like Muckross House, Ross Castle, and Torc Waterfall, it offers a blend of outdoor adventure, cultural immersion, and modern amenities, attracting visitors seeking authentic Irish experiences amidst breath-taking landscapes.

The Ring of Kerry is a scenic 179km (111-mile) circular drive route around the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry, southwestern Ireland. It features a mix of rugged coastal landscapes, mountain vistas, and charming towns like Killarney, Kenmare, and Cahersiveen. The drive (or cycle, if you’re up to it) offers many scenic stops and historical sites, including Ladies View, Muckross House, and the starting point for boat trips to the Skellig Islands.

A non-stop drive takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, but it is best to allow at a full day for a more leisurely experience with landmark stops.

The 5-Star Dromoland Castle is/was the ancestral home of the O’Briens, all the way back to Brian Boru himself, Ireland’s most powerful and last High King. In the millennium between his time and ours, it has been the backdrop to grand romances, exciting dramas, and unforgettable events in Ireland’s history. Over the centuries, it has played host to legends and luminaries, sinners and saints, barons and Beatles and just about everybody in between.

Surrounded by five hundred acres of unspoiled woodlands and steeped in a thousand years of eventful history, the 16th century Dromoland Castle is a self-contained world of lighthearted luxury.

The Burren is a unique heritage landscape in County Clare, Ireland, known for its vast limestone pavements and diverse flora, including Arctic, Alpine, and Mediterranean species. It is a UNESCO Global Geopark with a rich history, featuring ancient monuments like the Poulnabrone Dolmen, along with caves, and it is also adjacent to the world-famous Cliffs of Moher. Visitors can hike the marked trails, explore caves, visit historical sites, and enjoy local music and food.

The Cliffs of Moher are a spectacular coastal feature in Country Coare, Ireland, stretching 14km along the Atlantic coast and reaching over 200 meters high. They are a major tourist attraction (possibly Ireland’s most famous) known for their dramatic views, diverse seabird population, and status as a UNESCO Global Geopark. Visitors can walk along paved paths, learn about the cliffs’ history and geology at the visitor center, and enjoy panoramic views of the Aran Islands and Galway Bay.

Nestled in the heart of Connemara, on the Wild Atlantic Way, Kylemore Abbey is a haven of history, beauty and serenity. Built in the late 1800s and home to a Benedictine order of Nuns for the past 100 years, Kylemore Abbey welcomes visitors from all over the world each year to embrace the magic of the magnificent 1,000-acre estate in the heart of the Connemara countryside.

Experience woodland and lakeshore walks, magnificent buildings and Ireland’s largest Walled Garden. Enjoy wholesome food and delicious home-baking in our Café or Garden Tea House. History talks take place three times a day in the Abbey and tours of the Walled Garden take place throughout the summer.

Connemara National Park offers stunning landscapes of mountains (including the Twelve Bens), bogs, heaths, forests and wildlife (such as mountain ship), with free entry and visitor facilities near Letterfrack. Key attractions include the Diamond Hill walk for panoramic views, historical sites like megalithic tombs, Connemara ponies, and various trails ranging from easy nature walks to challenging hikes for experienced trekkers. The park, established in 1980, provides a diverse Irish experience, accessible via its Visitor Centre with amenities like a cafe, playground, and exhibitions.

The Aran Islands (Oileáin Árann) are a group of three rugged islands – Inis Mór, Inis Meáin, and Inis Oírr – off the coast of County Galway, Ireland, renowned for their unique Celtic heritage, Gaelic language, ancient stone forts (like Dún Aonghasa), distinctive limestone landscapes, and traditional Aran sweaters. They are known as the “Islands of Saints and Scholars” for their spiritual sites and strong cultural identity, and they offer visitors a step back in time with bicycles being a primary mode of transport.

The Gleniff Horseshoe is a stunning 10km glacial valley loop in County Sligo, Ireland, offering spectacular views of the Dartry Mountains (including Benbulben), Donegal Bay, and dramatic cliffs. They are all discoverable by car, bike, or foot. It’s famous for its breath-taking scenery, historical sites (such as the old Barytes Mill), and it links to Irish folklore (particularly Diarmuid & Gráinne’s Cave). The route is best driven clockwise for optimal views, with opportunities for hiking trails like the longer Benwiskin Trail.

Harvey’s Point is a highly-rated, luxury 4-star hotel and resort on the shores of Lough Eske, near Donegal Town in the North of Ireland. Famous for its “Donegal Hospitality,” providing a warm welcome. The stunning property is known for its scenic location at the foot of the Bluestack Mountains, exceptional service, gourmet dining with 2 AA Rosettes, and uniquely designed suites. Harvey’s Point offers a relaxing and luxurious retreat that is authentically Irish, with stunning views and activities such as wine tasting and walks.

Sliabh Liag (Slieve League) cliffs in southwest County Donegal, are some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe. They tower over 600m above the Atlantic, nearly three times taller than the Cliffs of Moher, and are a key part of the Wild Atlantic Way. Known for their dramatic beauty, Irish heritage, hiking, and pilgrimage routes – like the challenging One Man’s Pass and the more accessible Pilgrim’s Path – they offer breathtaking views of Donegal Bay and beyond, with visitor centres and facilities available including shuttle services in peak season. Their Gaelic name translates to “Mountain of the Grey Flagstones” or “mountain of stone pillars” in Irish.

The Giant’s Causeway, a stunning geological formation, is a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage site perched on the north coast of County Antrim, Northern Ireland. This iconic site is known for its ~40,000 interlocking, dramatic hexagonal basalt columns formed by ancient volcanic activity, creating stepping stones into the sea and inspiring myths of Irish giants like Finn McCool.

The Titanic Belfast experience in Northern Ireland is a world-leading visitor attraction built on the site where the ship was designed (around) 1907 and built (construction beginning March 31, 1909). This immersive, self-guided experience takes you through nine interactive galleries detailing the ship’s story from conception and construction to its maiden voyage and sinking. Visitors can explore recreations of the ship, experience the shipyard’s atmosphere through special effects and a dark ride, and learn about the city of Belfast’s role in building the legendary liner.

Newgrange in County Meath is a spectacular 5,200-year-old Neolithic passage tomb, older than Stonehenge and the Giza Pyramids. It is famous for its alignment with the winter solstice sunrise that illuminates its inner chamber through a special “roof-box”. Part of the Brú na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage site, this massive, quartz-faced mound features intricate megalithic art and sophisticated engineering. This heritage landmark serves as a ceremonial burial site and a testament to ancient Irish astronomical knowledge. Access to the passage and chamber is by guided tour only, with pre-booking highly recommended, especially in busy seasons.