Ireland’s Ancient East

Today you will go north of Dublin in an area known as Boyne Valley, which is famous for its cultural and historic heritage. Visit the site of Bru na Boinne, which is home to Ireland’s oldest neolithic passage tombs of Newgrange and Knowth, which date back to 3200 BC. It is also here in Boyne Valley that one of Irelands biggest historic battles took place – the crucial Battle of Boyne. where King William III and his European Protestant allies defeated his Catholic father-in-law James II supported by France. The Battle of Boyne Visitor Centre in Drogheda highlights the events of the battle and its significance in the historic context in an exhibition and a short audiovisual.

 Today your journey continues in the East of Ireland, an area which has been subject to strong Christian, Viking and Norman influences over time. First visit the glacial valley of Glendalough, 'honeypot' of the Wicklow Mountains National Park with its spectacular sceneries, home to one of the most important monastic sites in Ireland, founded in in the 6th century. your road to the South. Ireland saw its biggest human catastrophe in the mid 19th, when the potato crop failed a couple of years in a row and resulted in the big Famine between 1845 – 1849, that left around one million Irish people dead and saw a couple of million people emigrate until 1900. The Dunbrody Famine Ship & Emigrant Experience in New Ross is an authentic reproduction of a 19th century emigrant vessel, which houses world class themed exhibits and the America Hall of Fame. You will follow the footsteps of those who left during the famine by guided tours and costumed performances. 2x overnight in Co. Waterford/ Wexford..

Visit the Viking quarter in Waterford city: a tranquil place, characterized by narrow streets, atmospheric public spaces and an array of cultural & heritage attractions. Head in the Southwest and explore Lismore, a historic town filled with medieval history. The Lismore Castle or the Ballysaggartmore Towers nearby, are truly ravishing. Alternatively visit Hook Lighthouse, the oldest operational lighthouse in the world. It was purpose built 800 years ago by Knight William Marshal. Overnight in Co. Waterford/ Wexford

TIP : If you prefer to be active for a day, explore the Green Way, a very popular cycling route.

Head northwest and take time to stop at the Rock of Cashel, Co. Tipperary. The Rock of Cashel was the traditional seat of the kings of Munster for several hundred years prior to the Norman Invasion.The picturesque complex is one of the most remarkable collections of Celtic 

artarchitecturebe found anywhere in Europe. Then get to Kilkenny and visit medieval historic buildings such as Kilkenny Castle, Canice's Cathedral. Overnight in Co. Kilkenny/Co. Carlow.

On your return to Dublin, make a stop in County Carlow to take a look at the impressive Brownshill Dolmen, amegalithictomb listed as National Monument and built between 4000 and 3000 BC by some of the earliest farmers to inhabit the island. Head to the airport for your departure.