Grand Literary Tour of Ireland – 10 Day Tour

Itinerary

Day 1: Depart for Ireland

Board your overnight flight en route to Dublin.

Day 2: Dublin, Trinity College, Book of Kells, Joyce Center & Dublin Writers Museum

Arrive in Dublin and enjoy a private transfer to the centrally located Westbury Hotel. After lunch, visit Trinity College and see the Book of Kells. Enjoy a lovely afternoon at the James Joyce Center and a visit to the Dublin Writers’ Museum.

Day 3: County Wicklow, Glendalough, Avoca, Martello Tower & Joyce Museum

After a full Irish breakfast, depart on an excursion to County Wicklow, taking in the monastic sites and lake at Glendalough followed by a visit to the Avoca Hand Weavers. En route back to Dublin, stop in Sandycove to visit Martello Tower and Joyce Museum.

Day 4: Newgrange, Mellifont Abbey, Monasterboice & Sligo

Depart Dublin this morning after breakfast and head to Sligo in the northwest. Visit local literary spots along the way to learn about local writers and poets. Have lunch at a local pub en-route. Visit the Famine Museum in Roscommon to learn about the events of the 1840’s that gave rise to mass immigration from Ireland to the U.S. Continue to Cromleach Lodge for a 2-night stay.

Day 5: Yeats Country, Lissadell House, Drumcliff Churchyard, Ben Bulben & Glencar Waterfall

Sligo, home of William Butler Yeats, is aptly known as Yeats Country. His brother Jack B. Yeats is one of Ireland’s most famous painters whose works go for seven and eight figures. Visit Lissadell House where Yeats lived and wrote much of his work.

Carry on towards Drumcliff, the churchyard where Yeats is buried and where you may read his epitaph: “Cast a Cold Eye on Life, On Death Horseman Pass By!” Yeats asked to be buried “Under Bare Ben Bulben’s Head,” the table mountain that can be seen for miles. Afterward, visit Glencar Waterfall and the Lake Isle of Innisfree. Visit many ancient ruins  throughout the beautiful Sligo countryside.

Day 6: County Mayo, Westport, Delphi Valley, Connemara & Galway

Depart Sligo and head south through some beautiful Mayo country-side and visit the planned town of Westport, home to Matt Molloy, the flautist of the Chieftains. You can see Clare Island in the bay, once home to the infamous pirate queen, Grace O’Malley. Continue south via the spectacular Delphi Valley to Clifden. After lunch and more exploration, continue through Connemara to see the Twelve Bens, thatched cottages, and stone walls before arriving in Galway for a 2-night stay the Twelve Hotel.

Day 7: Coole Park & Galway City

This morning visit Coole Park, which has deep literary connections with Shaw, Yeats, Synge, Gregory and O’Casey to name a few. Enjoy the afternoon in Galway City, exploring, shopping and sightseeing. There are many great pubs and restaurants in this attractive university town, well known as the literary and drama capital of the west.

Day 8: The Burren, Cliffs of Moher, Doolin & Adare

Depart Galway and drive to County Clare. Don’t miss the chance to walk on the Burren, with its lunar landscape, druidic altars, and exotic plant life. Visit the inspiring, mighty Cliffs of Moher. Continue to Dunraven Arms for a 2-night stay. Explore the estate and perhaps enjoy some time at the spa.

Day 9: Limerick City, King John’s Castle, Treaty Stone & Literary walking tour

After breakfast this morning head into Limerick for an enjoyable day, including a tour of King John’s Castle. See the famous Treaty Stone and visit St. Catherine’s Cathedral. Enjoy a literary walking tour of Limerick, made famous by Frank McCourt.

Day 10: Depart for Home

Transfer to Shannon Airport for your return flight home.