Grand Literary Tour of Ireland

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 Westbury Hotel for a two-night stay. After lunch, visit Trinity College and the Book of Kells, a beautiful manuscript created by Celtic monks ca. 800. Enjoy a lovely afternoon exploring the world of Joyce’s Dublin at the James Joyce Center, located in a restored Georgian townhouse. Visit the Dublin Writers’ Museum, where Dublin’s literary celebrities from the past three hundred years are brought to life through their books, letters, portraits, and personal items.

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

After a full Irish breakfast, depart on an excursion to County Wicklow. Visit Glendalough (the “valley of the two lakes”) and be sure to bring your camera; Glendalough, home to the ruins of an ancient monastery, is ”one of the most beautiful places in Ireland,” according to Lonely Planet. Visit the Avoca Handweavers, a family-owned company known today for both quality crafts and wholesome home-cooked food. En route back to Dublin, stop in Sandycove to visit the James Joyce Tower and Museum; Joyce spent six nights in the tower in 1904 and it is the setting for the first chapter of Ulysses.

Day 4: Newgrange & Sligo

Depart Dublin this morning after breakfast and head toward Co. Sligo in the northwest. Visit Newgange Megalithic Passage Tomb, a kidney-shaped structure built in 3200 BC and stretching over one acre. Time permitting, explore 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, Drumcliff Churchyard, Ben Bulben & Glencar Waterfall

The beautiful landscapes and folk lore of Sligo inspired poet William Butler Yeats, and Sligo is aptly known as Yeats Country. His brother Jack B. Yeats is one of Ireland’s most famous painters, and his works go for seven and eight figures. In the town of Sligo, visit the Yeats Society’s photo and art galleries, and cafe.

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 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 countryside 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 theTwelve Hotel, recently recognized for its environmental excellence.

Day 7: Coole Park & Galway City

This morning visit Coole Park. Coole Park was once the home of Lady Augusta Gregory, dramatist, folklorist, and co-founder of the Abbey Theatre with Edward Martyn and William Butler Years. In the 20th century, Coole Park was the centre of the Irish Literary Revival. 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 “Angela’s Ashes” author Frank McCourt.

Day 10: Depart for Home

Transfer to Shannon Airport for your return flight home.