9-Nights Irish Legends Self-Drive

Galway

Galway is a city, a county, and an experience to be savoured and remembered. The historic city of the tribes dances to a beat uniquely it's own. There is a certain chemistry and vibrancy to this friendly university city, which many delight in, and few forget. Music, festivals, horse racing, pubs, restaurants, shops, theatres and most of all -Galway people, combine to create this atmospheric medieval city of culture. From this pulsating heart the rest of the county flows. Galway Bay, immortalised in song, its beauty unchanging. Scenic Gaeltacht areas including the Aran Islands. Connemara, with the picturesque town of Clifden as its capital. Mountains, castles and stone walls, banks of turf, long sandy beaches, clear lakes, joyful leaping streams and flowing rivers. The mighty Shannon, delightful countryside punctuated by pretty villages, traditional pubs. Photo used with permission from Joe Desbonnet, www.galway.net

Dunboyne

Dunboyne meaning “Buinne’s stronghold,” is a small town in County Meath, Ireland, just west of Dublin. The town of Dunboyne was settled in the Middle Ages. It was the home of many rebels during the 1798 rebellion against the British rule. Amongst its lush green hills, farmlands and medieval bridges sits the Dunboyne Castle built for the Lords of Dunboyne. This historical architecture became a fine Georgian house and was turned into a convent. It currently functions as a hotel. When visiting Dunboyne, popular attractions include: the megalithic passage tombs of Newgrange and Knowth, an archaeological heritage of the Boyne Valley; the Kells High Crosses decorated with biblical scenes and revered as the country’s most important crosses; King John's Castle built in 1220, the largest and well preserved Norman Castle in Ireland, used as the location for filming Braveheart; and the Newgrange Open Farm in Clane, a family-friendly farm with its own “museum-like” displays of vintage machines.

Killarney

Developed by Lord Kenmare as a tourist town in the 18th century, Killarney is now the major tourist centre and accommodation base in Kerry. It is the centre for the Ring of Kerry tour, the focal point for the Killarney National Park and the Kerry Way Walking Trail.

Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a medieval city of 22,000 acclaimed internationally as a centre for craft and design. Technology, Tourism, Craft & Design and food processing are the main industries. Each year the city hosts for a number of international festivals and cultural events. The city s characterised by many beautifully restored buildings and winding slipways - it is small and compact enough to explore on foot, yet full of fascinating historical buildings and contemporary shops, design galleries and restaurants. The ancient city of Kilkenny was named after a 6th century monk St Canice.His memory lives on in the beautifully restored St Canices Cathedral built overlooking the city in the thirtheenth century. The Normans arrived in the 12th century and their legacy remains in the beautifully restored Kilkenny Castle

Dublin

Dublin enjoys one of the loveliest natural settings in Europe. Dublin attracts visitors from around the world with its old world charm and friendly atmosphere. Most of the architecture dates from the 18th century, when Dublin enjoyed great prominence and prosperity. Also of interest are stately Georgian houses which front Merrion Square. O'Connell Street is considered the commercial center of Dublin. Perhaps the most memorable feature of Dublin is the traditional pub, where visitors can enjoy conversation over fine Irish brew. The city also offers many fine parks, including St. Stephen's Green and Phoenix Park. National Gallery's renowned collection includes works by such famous masters as Rembrandt and Monet. Trinity College's Old Library is home to the most cherished treasure, the Book of Kells, a manuscript of the Gospels. Admire Christ Church Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Enjoy the exhibits in impressive National Museum. Self-guided walking tours include Old City Trail, Georgian Heritage Trail and the Cultural Trail.