Our luxury coach will greet you at Dublin Airport and take you to your city centre hotel. After check in, we visit the National Museum of Ireland, Ireland’s premier cultural institution and home to the greatest collections of Irish culture and heritage material. Afterwards, we visit Dublinia Viking Centre where we learn about the Battle of Clontarf which took place on Good Friday in 1014 between the forces of Brian Boru, the High King of Munster, and forces led primarily by vikings from Dublin. In the afternoon, we enjoy some free time to explore Dublin City. Staying overnight in Dublin, accommodation at the 4* Burlington Hotel or similar. Breakfast inclusive.

Today, we learn about the most infamous Rebellion in Irish history, the 1916 Easter Rising. The Easter Rising (Irish: Éirí Amach na Cásca) was an insurrection staged in Ireland during Easter Week, 1916. The Rising was mounted by Irish republicans with the aim of ending British rule in Ireland and establishing an Irish Republic. Afterwards, we visit Kilmainham Jail which was built in 1796 and has an unique place in Irish History. It was here Irish Rebellions who fought against the English occupation of Ireland were imprisoned and where many of them died. To conclude, we enjoy a colourful 1916 walking tour of Dublin to learn more about the events of that week. In the afternoon, we drive to Meath where we visit the Battle of the Boyne Interpretive Centre to learn about this famous battle, still celebrated in Ireland today. Later, we make our way to County Cavan where we will stay overnight. Accommodation at the 4* Cabra Castle Hotel or similar. Breakfast and Dinner inclusive.

This morning, we depart Cavan and travel to Enniskillen where we visit Enniskillen Castle and Museum. Here we learn the military history of the castle and about its use as a barracks.  In the afternoon, we travel to Boyle in County Roscommon to visit King House and discover how it is linked to Enniskillen Castle. While here, we will also learn of its history as a Connaught Rangers Barracks. In the evening, we will set about on our journey to the heart of Ireland, the pretty town of Athlone where we will stay overnight. Accommodation at the 4* Athlone Springs Hotel or similar. Breakfast inclusive.

This morning, we will visit the army barracks in Athlone which is currently being used by the Irish Defence Forces. Here we learn of its history and see how it works today. Afterwards, we visit the town’s Museum to learn of the Siege of Athlone before departing for Aughrim. Together, we hear about how this attractive village once played host to the bloodiest battle fought in Ireland, the Battle of Aughrim. Later we will make our way to Galway City, where we will stay overnight. Accommodation at the 4*  Galway Bay Hotel or similar hotel. Breakfast inclusive.

Today, we drive further south to the City of Limerick where we will visit King John’s Castle. King John’s Castle is a 13th century Castle on ‘King’s Island’ in the heart of medieval Limerick City.  The Castle overlooks the majestic River Shannon offering wonderful views of the City. While here, we also see the Treaty Stone which was erected in 1865 and learn about the two great sieges of Limerick. In the afternoon, we have some free time to explore the city, taking in its many sights and shops before making our way to kinsale in County Cork where we will stay overnight. Accommodation at the 4* Trident Hotel or similar. Breakfast and Dinner inclusive.

Kinsale is amongst the prettiest towns in Ireland and also has a rich history. In the morning, we visit Charles Fort and James Fort which are situated on opposite sides of the harbour. Both forts acted as a defence mechanisim for entrance to the harbour. Later in the day, we will visit the regional museum and Desmond Castle to find out about the Battle of Kinsale.  Together, we will discover the quaint streets and beautiful sites of the town and the surrounding area. In the evening, we will leave Kinsale to visit Barryscourt Castle in the village of Carrigtwohill before making our way to Waterford where we will stay overnight. Accommodation at the 4* Granville Hotel or similar. Breakfast inclusive.

After we depart our hotel, we will travel to Wexford to find out about the 1798 Rebellion which was staged at various locations throughout the country. Afterwards, we visit the National 1798 Centre in Enniscorthy and learn about the events of that year and the people involved. Later, we make our way to Boolavogue to visit the Fr Murphy Centre, one of the most infamous people associated with the rebellion. Driving north, we will see the Dwyer McAllister Cottage in the Wicklow Mountains, before making our way back to Dublin for our final night. Accommodation at the 4* Burlington hotel or similar. Breakfast and Dinner inclusive.

All battled out and ready for some rest, we depart Dublin for the journey home.