Fairies, Fables & Folklore of Ireland
Faires, Fabels and Folklore
August 20th - August 27th 2012
Let us take you on a mystical journey...
Ireland is a country steeped in tradition and folklore. For generations, Storytellers or Seanachai as they are know in Gaelic Ireland have passed down tales of fairies, banshees, legendary heroes and epic sagas. From mystical stories of mighty Irish warriors to great Druids and Celtic Goddesses, there is more to Ireland than meets the eye.
Hidden beneath the surface is a world forgotten in time and we have sought to bring this world to life. For 8 days, we will take you on a mystical journey travelling through a world of myth and legend, taking in some of Irelands most stunning scenery and renowned sites along the way. So if you want to follow in the footsteps of legends or if you want to open your heart and mind to the “wee folk” of Ireland, then this is the tour for you. An authentic and fun experience is guaranteed.
Tour Fee : 1356.00
Day 1: Arrive Dublin
Our Luxury coach will greet you at Dublin Airport and take you to your city centre hotel. After check in, we allow you some free time to enjoy the many sights of Dublin and to get acquainted with our capital city. In the evening, we meet back at the hotel for a ’welcome to Ireland’ dinner which also provides you with the opportunity to meet your group. Accommodation at the 4* Burlington hotel or similar. Dinner and Breakfast inclusive.
Day 2: Seat of the High Kings & Ancient Mystical Games
After a relaxing morning spent as you please, we will depart Dublin and drive north into County Meath to visit the Hill of Tara, the ancient seat of the High Kings of Ireland. From the most ancient of times, the Hill of Tara had held a place in the hearts of Irishmen unequaled and unique. It stands for ancient splendors and legendary deeds, for memories of kings and champions and for early Christian Saints. Together, we explore the significance of this sacred site. Afterwards, we will visit Teltown to view its famous Ring Fort, a fort of great importance to the Celts as it is a prehistoric burial mound. To conclude, we will make our way to the Hill of Tailte, home of the original Tailteann Games which were steeped in rituals and symbolism. Staying in Meath tonight, accommodation at the 4* Knightsbrook Hotel or similar. Breakfast and Dinner inclusive.
Day 3: Land of Legends & the ancient Kingdom of Ulaid
This morning, we depart the hotel and travel to Louth, known as the “Land of Legends”. Louth was supposedly the birthplace and death place of the legendary hero Cuchulainn. Cuchulainn, in Irish mythology, was the champion warrior of Ulster, an Irish Achilles and larger-than-life fighter whose bouts of temper often caused grief to himself and others. Together, we relive his story. Afterwards, we travel to the city of Armagh, the ancient seat of the High Kings of the Kingdom of Ulaid stopping to visit Navan Fort where we learn of its history and mythology. This evening we travel to Belfast where we will stay over night. Accommodation at 4* Europa Hotel or similar. Breakfast inclusive.
Day 4: Belfast City
Today has been assigned to leisure activity as we provide you with the opportunity to explore Belfast. The city of Belfast is constantly abuzz with happenings and there is never a shortage of things to do. As a people, the residents of Belfast are also renowned for being one of the most hospitable in the world. Take a bus tour of the city’s highlights and see City Hall, Crumlin Road Jail and the Belfast Eye or take a Black Taxi Tour and discover the city’s turbulent past. Enjoy the sites, sounds and tastes of Belfast before retreating to our hotel for dinner. This evening, we will be treated to an hour of storytelling from the beautiful Glens of Antrim, which is steeped in myth and fairytales. Staying in Belfast for a second night. Accommodation at the 4* Europa Hotel or similar. Breakfast and Dinner inclusive.
Day 5 : Giant’s Causeway & the Banshee of Dunluce
After departure from our hotel, we take a scenic drive along the North Antrim coast and through the mystical Glens of Antrim, home to many fairytales. On arrival, we visit the Giant’s Causeway and learn the legend of Finn McCool who built the Giants Causeway to walk to Scotland. The Giants Causeway is the most popular tourist destination in Northern Ireland as the surrounding landscape is some of the most picturesque and stunning that exists in Ireland and perhaps the world. Surrounded by pristine beaches, waters and the occasional small fishing village, travellers to this part of the country will experience the magic, wonder and timelessness of Ireland’s natural beauty. Later we visit Dunluce Castle, a striking cliff top ruin which dominates the landscape and tells a tragic tale of love, death and fairies. Here we discover the tale of the Banshee of Dunluce before making our way to Donegal where we will spend the night. Accommodation at the 4* Harvey’s Point hotel or similar. Breakfast inclusive. 
Day 6: Fort of the Tuatha de Danann & Yeats Country
Today we explore the ancient kingdom of the mystical Tuatha de Danann and visit the site of their ancient seat at the Grianán of Aileach Fort. Afterwards, we make our way to Sligo, ’The Land of Hearts Desire’. Here we see beautiful Ben Bulben and learn the legend of Diarmuid and Gráinne. According to the tale, Diarmuid died on the side of this mountain after being injured by a wild bore. A cave on its peak houses his final resting place. Grainne died of a broken heart soon after and her body was placed with that of her lover. In the afternoon, we visit Lough Gill and hear the myth of how it really got its name before travelling to Enniscrone to see O’Dowd’s Castle where we learn of the mermaid who once reigned as Queen. Staying in Sligo tonight, accommodation at the 4* Clarion Hotel or similar. Breakfast inclusive.
Day 7: Cruachain Aí & Carrowkeel
This morning we will journey to County Roscommon to visit the Cruachan Aí Visitor Centre and learn of the mysticism surrounding the many monuments on display here. In the afternoon, we visit Carrowkeel Megalithic Cemetery, one of the oldest burial chambers in the world and site of the mythical Battle of Moytura which took place between the Tuatha de Danann and the ancient gods of Ireland. Here, we take a guided tour to find out the history and mythology of this stunning place before retreating to our hotel for an evening of fine dining and story telling. Accommodation at the 4* Clarion hotel or similar. Breakfast and Dinner inclusive.What's Included
- 7 night’s luxury accommodation
Dublin 1 night, Meath 1 night, Belfast 2 nights, Donegal 1 night, Sligo 2 nights - 7 breakfasts
- 3 evening meals
- Entry fees to scheduled sites. (Please Note that some sites are subject to change in the event of adverse weather conditions)
- Deluxe Coach with driver
- Experienced Guide
- First Class Hotels
