IRELAND
Malahide Castle ©Tourism Ireland
An Epic Cruise of Irish History & Heritage Our hotel makes a great base from which to explore all of Dublin’s fantastic attractions, including the surrounding area, without paying the Dublin price tag! As well as Dublin, we have included excursions to Malahide Castle, Irish National Stud & Gardens and Lullymore Heritage Park. With a duration of 2.5 hours, the Dublin Bay Cruise is a real treat – what a fabulous and relaxing way to take in some of the city’s highlights! PACKAGED ITINERARY Day 1 Arrival We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner. Day 2 Dublin Bay Cruise to Howth & Malahide Castle This morning we head to Dublin Bay to embark on a stunning 2.5 hour cruise from Dublin City to Howth via Dun Laoghaire Harbour . As we sail we take in the incredible city views from the water, including the magnificent Convention Centre, the Tom Clarke Bridge (commonly known as the East-Link Toll Bridge), Dublin Port and Docklands and Poolbeg Lighthouse. We pass Dalkey Island, Clontarf and the North Bull Island Nature Reserve, as well as Baily and Kish Bank Lighthouses. Look out for Ireland’s Eye island, inhabited only by the beautiful bird and seal colonies, the picturesque Lambay Island and Howth Harbour with its many seals swimming in the harbour. Upon arrival in this traditional fishing village we have time for a wander, perhaps enjoying a late lunch in one of the renowned fish restaurants. (Please note: if preferred, a packed lunch can be arranged with the hotel to be eaten during the cruise.) This afternoon we visit Malahide Castle & Gardens where we enjoy a 45 minute guided tour , gaining an extraordinary glimpse into the life of the castle and the Talbot family who resided here for 800 years. Day 3 Irish National Stud & Gardens & Lullymore Heritage Park This morning we visit the Irish National Stud & Gardens where we enjoy a guided tour to learn about the lives of the magnificent horses bred and stabled here. We can also visit the Irish Racehorse Experience, an interactive exhibition which guides us through the process of buying a horse at auction, choosing a trainer, jockey and so forth, before reaching the atmospheric ‘Race Day’. Through a simulator, we get to sit on our racehorse and find out how our investments fare in a race! The final Living Legend room overlooks the paddocks and the retired ‘legends’ that live on the farm. There are also beautiful gardens, including the Japanese Gardens and St Fiachras Garden, to enjoy. This afternoon we embark on a guided tour of Lullymore Heritage Park , a unique site offering an insight into the Irish peatlands and the people who lived and worked within it. We discover its heritage, from Pagan worship right through to the industrial revolution, and how key it was to the industrial use of peat. The park encompasses 60 acres of meandering trails and exhibitions which can be experienced on the Peatlands Heritage Railway. During our visit we try our hand at traditional turf cutting with an expert local guide and tuck into tea/coffee and scones in the café. Day 4 Epic Ireland & Dublin On arrival in Dublin, we visit EPIC, the Irish Emigration Museum . This fascinating and fully interactive museum tells the story of why 10 million people left Ireland and the impact they had on the world. We spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring the city’s many attractions, including the Jeanie Johnston tall ship, which transported those fleeing from the famine, the Guinness Storehouse, Jameson Distillery, St Patrick’s and Christ Church cathedrals, The Book of Kells and Trinity College and Dublin Castle, among others. Day 5 Departure After breakfast, we make our way home.
EPIC, the Irish Emigration Museum
River Liffey, Dublin
Irish National Stud St Fiachras Garden
Hamlet Court Hotel Enfield, County Meath Plus
This family run hotel is a real gem. Located in the small village of Johnstownbridge, just minutes from the M4, the hotel offers exceptional service, personal touch and a warm Irish welcome. All 30 spacious bedrooms are to a great standard and are well decorated in a homely style. The traditional restaurant serves home cooked food whilst the traditional authentic Irish bar is a welcoming space where guests can enjoy a drink. • Ground floor rooms • Lift • Bar • Restaurant • Tea/coffee in room • Coach parking is on site & free of charge 4 Nights Half Board Inclusions • Return ferry crossing UK - Ireland • Porterage • Welcome tea/coffee • Choice of menu • Tea/coffee after dinner
• Brown bread & Irish coffee making demo • Live music in the bar on 1 night • Live music with Irish dancers on last night • 2.5 hour cruise Dublin City to Howth • Guided tour of Malahide Castle & Gardens • Guided tour of Irish National Stud & Gardens • Guided tour of Lullymore Heritage Park
with tea/coffee & scones • Entrance to Epic Ireland
01732 879191 | sales@albatrosstravel.com | www.albatrosstravel.com
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