All Encompassing Ireland

Trinity College’s Old Library and the Book of Kells Exhibition is a must see for all visitors to Dublin. The Book of Kells is Ireland's national treasure, a 9th-century manuscript documenting the four Gospels of the life of Jesus Christ. The exhibition is on display inside the 18th-century Old Library building and includes access one of the world's most beautiful libraries, the Long Room, which displays 250,000 of Trinity College’s oldest and rarest books.

The highlight of a trip to Dublin is a visit to the home of the 'black stuff'. Arthur Guinness founded the family business in 1759 at St. James's Gate. The Storehouse, impressively built in 1904 as a fermentation plant, is now an interactive museum on several floors, detailing how four simple ingredients are blended to create the famous stout. Finally, pull yourself up to the almighty Gravity Bar on the 7th floor for the most scenic complimentary pint in Dublin. The 360-degree windows afford exceptional views of the city.

Saint Patrick's Cathedral has been at the heart of Dublin and Ireland's history and culture for over 800 years. For centuries it was the largest enclosed space on the island and it remains the largest cathedral in the country. It has been visited by some of Irish history's most influential individuals from Cromwell, William of Orange and King James I, to Queen Victoria and her husband Prince Albert. We can organise a private vergers tour with behind-the-scenes access.

Dublin Castle is the heart of historic Dublin. In fact, the city gets its name from the black tidal pool, which was on the site of the present castle garden, known in Classical Gaelic as 'Dubh Linn'. Generally, the state apartments, medieval undercroft and chapel royal are open to visitors to explore deep into the history of this beautiful city.

Explore one of the largest unoccupied jails in Europe, covering some of the most heroic and tragic events in Ireland's emergence as a modern nation from the 1780s to the 1920s. Attractions here include a major exhibition detailing the political and penal history of the prison and its restoration and the tour of the prison also includes an audio-visual show.

You'll explore County Wicklow on the way to Kilkenny, specifically Glendalough and Powerscourt Estate before enjoying a sheep dog demo. Just south of Dublin, County Wicklow is a wild pleasure garden of coastline, woodland and mountains through which runs the country's most popular walking trail. Stretching 127km from Dublin's southern suburbs to the rolling fields of County Carlow, the Wicklow Way leads walkers along disused military supply lines, old bog roads and forest trails. Along the way, you can explore monastic ruins, handsome gardens and magnificent 18th-century mansions. Here you'll find Glendalough, which gets its name from 'Gleann dá locha' which translates to ‘Glen of the two lakes' in the traditional Irish language. Situated right in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains National Park, Glendalough harbours one of Ireland’s most atmospheric monastic sites.

Next you'll head to Powerscourt Estate. Dramatically situated among Wicklow's mountains, it was originally an important strategic site for the Anglo-Normans who came to Ireland in the 12th century. The gardens are among the most beautiful in Ireland. At the Powerscourt there is an Avoca store and café with a breath-taking view of the gardens. Finally, before reaching Kilkenny, a renowned sheepdog handler will offer you a memorable experience of seeing working border collies in action. The beautiful views and vibrant scenery of Annamoe create the perfect backdrop and a genuine atmosphere where you will be engrossed in the Irish countryside. You will get the chance to see the Wicklow cheviot sheep being managed by expertly trained sheepdogs.

Built from dark-grey limestone flecked with fossil seashells, Kilkenny is also known as 'the marble city'. Its picturesque 'Medieval Mile' of narrow lanes and historic buildings strung between castle and cathedral along the bank of the River Nore is one of the southeast's biggest tourist draws. It's worth braving the crowds to soak up the atmosphere of one of Ireland's creative crucibles – Kilkenny is a centre for arts and crafts, and home to a host of fine restaurants, cafes, pubs and shops.

Explore one of the most recognisable buildings in Ireland. Kilkenny Castle has been an important site since Richard de Clare, Earl of Pembroke, also known as Strongbow, constructed the first castle in the 12th century. The history is full of legends and stories involving earls, witches and visits from royalty. Marvel at the grand country house and wander among the beautifully manicured gardens and 50 acres of lush parklands. There's also a tearoom and even orienteering trails to discover.

Founded in the 6th century, worship has taken place at this site for over 800 years. The Cathedral has wonderful stained glass that includes two windows from the Harry Clarke Studio. The Round Tower is the oldest standing structure in Kilkenny City and you can enjoy climbing the Round Tower capturing great views of the city (weather permitting).

The world-class 45km Waterford Greenway runs from Waterford to Dungarvan along the route of an old railway line. Along the way you’ll travel over two stone viaducts and have the opportunity to stop at some local villages. The famous Mount Congreve Gardens are along the route and you’ll also encounter stunning sea views as you cycle the final stage into Dungarvan.

En route to Cork, you'll enjoy a visit to Waterford City, which was founded by the Vikings some 1,100 years ago and had extensive trading links with Viking Settlements overseas. In the nineteenth century the city was the birthplace of the actor Charles Kean and the composer William Vincent Wallace, both, by coincidence, born in the same house! Discover over 1,000 years of history including four national monuments, two Cathedrals be introduced to the range of rakes, rogues, reprobates and revolutionaries who enlivened the city's history.

Before heading to Cork, you'll enjoy a visit to The House of Waterford Crystal. This large modern complex combines a retail shop and cafe with a factory offering a tour that shows how world-famous Waterford crystal is produced. The highlight is the blowing room where you can watch skilled artisans transform blobs of red-hot molten glass into delicate crystalware. The tour ends, inevitably, in the shop, where you can wonder at the twinkling displays that range from a €30 bottle coaster to a €30,000 crystal version of Cinderella's carriage.

For over 200 years Dublin was the home of Jameson, but in 1975 the whole operation moved to the green expanses of Midleton, in county Cork and today, every drop of Jameson is produced here. This new home provided the space needed, as well as proximity to barley farmers and freshwater in abundance, key ingredients in Jameson Whiskey! Visit the workplace of Jameson to see for yourself where it all happens. After you receive a hundred thousand welcomes, be guided around these amazing grounds where you will come face-to-face with the largest pot still in the world, see our new micro-distillery in action, experience our live maturation warehouse and much more. With so many things to see, do, taste and learn, there really is no time like the present to explore the past.

Dating to 1788, this is one of the oldest covered markets of its kind known to exist in the world with a great selection of delicious Irish produce. Although it might not be the largest, it is a bustling and pretty place. Lunch is available in the upstairs café and restaurant.

The unique yachting harbour of Kinsale is one of many colourful gems strung along the coastline of County Cork. Narrow, winding streets lined with a fantastic range of top quality shops and boutiques with many unique designs and great gift ideas, galleries, lively bars and superb restaurants, and a handsome natural harbour filled with yachts and guarded by a huge 17th-century fortress make it an engrossing place to visit.

This vast 17th-century fortification would be worth a visit for its spectacular views alone, but there's much more here. The 18th and 19th-century ruins inside the walls make for some fascinating wandering. It's 3km southeast of Kinsale along the minor road through Scilly; if you have time, hike there along the lovely coastal Scilly Walk.

Cobh (pronounced 'cove') is located on a glittering estuary, dotted with brightly coloured houses and overlooked by a splendid cathedral. It's popular with Corkonians looking for a spot of R&R, and with cruise liners. Each year around 75 visit the port, the second largest natural harbour in the world (after Sydney Harbour in Australia). Cobh was also the final port of call for the Titanic. Here, a poignant museum commemorates the fatal voyage's point of departure.

Learn about the chilling history that haunts this beautiful island habitat. Hear about the horror of the convict’s treatment when Spike was the world’s largest prison. You will hear about mass graves and murders and be brought to areas no day tour can go, through underground tunnels and cells that are sure to chill as much as they excite. Do you dare to visit Spike Island After Dark?

In the tourism game for more than 250 years, Killarney is a well-oiled machine set in the midst of sublime scenery spanning lakes, waterfalls and woodland spreading beneath a skyline of 1000m-plus peaks. Competition keeps standards high and visitors can expect to find good restaurants, great pubs and comfortable accommodation. Very busy in summer, Killarney is perhaps at its best in the late spring and early autumn when the crowds are manageable, but the weather is still good enough to enjoy its outdoor activities.

Ideally positioned for exploring the Ring of Kerry and the Beara Peninsula, but without the coach-tour crowds of Killarney, Kenmare (Neidin, meaning 'little nest' in Irish) is a pretty spot with a neat triangle of streets lined with craft shops, galleries, cafes and good-quality restaurants. One of the few planned towns in Ireland, Kenmare was laid out on an X-shaped street plan in the late 18th century by the marquis of Lansdowne as the showpiece of his Kerry estates. It earned its living as a market town and fishing port. The Market House and the Lansdowne Arms Hotel still survive from this period – pick up a copy of the Kenmare Heritage Trail from the tourist office to discover more.

This 179km circuit winds past pristine beaches, medieval ruins, mountains and loughs, with ever-changing views of the island-dotted Atlantic, particularly between Waterville and Caherdaniel in the peninsula's spectacular southwest. If you want to get further off the beaten track, explore the interior of the peninsula on foot, along the eastern section of the Kerry Way from Killarney to Glenbeigh, or by car or bike on the minor roads that cut through the hills, notably the Ballaghisheen Pass or the Ballaghbeama Gap!

Slea Head Drive is a 50km loop around superbly preserved structures from Dingle's ancient past including beehive huts, ring forts, inscribed stones and early Christian sites. Set against staggeringly beautiful coastal scenery, the landscape is especially dramatic in shifting mist.

Framed by its fishing port, the peninsula's charming little 'capital' manages to be quaint without even trying. Some pubs double as shops, so you can enjoy a Guinness and a singalong among screws and nails, wellies and horseshoes. Dingle town is a truly cosmopolitan, creative place. In summer its hilly streets can be clogged with visitors; in other seasons its authentic charms are yours for the savouring. Although Dingle is one of Ireland's largest Gaeltacht towns, the locals have voted to retain the name Dingle rather than go by the officially sanctioned – and signposted – Gaelic name of An Daingean.

A popular sporting tradition in medieval times, falconry reveals the skill and power of these magnificent birds of prey. Watch from the beautiful French formal gardens at the front of the Manor as the raptors take their flight from towers and turrets. As the birds glide and soar with fast-pace and unmatched skill, you will remain mesmerised by the majesty of these creatures.

Settle into a beautifully appointed carriage for a meandering 45-minute exploration of Adare Manor's enchanting 840-acre estate. There are many touches included to ensure a relaxed and comfortable journey, from toasty Irish lambswool blankets to an elegant table equipped with wine coolers and cup holders. You can pre-order drinks with the team before setting off on your tour - perhaps a bottle of champagne or a warming Irish coffee.

Set sail from Doolin on a one-hour journey to the beautiful Cliffs of Moher. The cruise sets out from Doolin Pier and follows the cliffs as they climb to their magnificent height. You cannot but marvel at their scale when you are craning to admire them from sea level.

The Burren (meaning 'great rock') stretches across northern Clare, a windswept, lunar-like landscape of barren grey limestone that was shaped beneath ancient seas, then forced high and dry by a great geological cataclysm. Wildflowers in spring give the Burren brilliant, if ephemeral, colour amid its stark beauty. Villages throughout the region include the music hub of Doolin on the west coast, Kilfenora inland and charming Ballyvaughan in the north on the shores of Galway Bay. South of Ballyvaughan, a series of severe bends twists up Corkscrew Hill. Built as part of a Great Famine relief scheme in the 1840s, the road leads to prehistoric and Iron Age sites including Gleninsheen Wedge Tomb, Poulnabrone Dolmen and Caherconnell Fort. Throughout the region, there are fantastic opportunities for walking and rock climbing. A part of the Burren forms the Burren National Park, the smallest of the six National Parks in Ireland.

Brightly painted pubs heave with live music, while restaurants and cafes offer front row seats for observing buskers and street theatre. Remnants of the medieval town walls lie between shops selling handcrafted Claddagh rings, books and musical instruments, bridges arch over the salmon-stuffed River Corrib, and a long promenade leads to the seaside suburb of Salthill on Galway Bay, the source of the area's famous oysters. While it's steeped in history, the city buzzes with a contemporary vibe, thanks in part to students, who make up a quarter of the population.

Enjoy a walking tour of the city and experience the best of Galway’s local cuisine. Your local private guide will show you Galway’s hidden food treasures, from new artisans to traditional family businesses. Indulge your taste buds and get to see the best of this vibrant city.

Michael Gibbons is one of Ireland’s leading field archaeologists. He was born and raised in the Connemara region. He has worked with the Department of Antiquities in Jerusalem and for the Museum of London City Excavation Programme. Michael is a member of the Nautical Archaeology Society and his current research interests include the archaeology of Irish uplands and islands, in particular the maritime pilgrimage tradition. He has carried out detailed research on some of the most important of these including Skellig Michael World Heritage Site.

If you’re feeling very adventurous and it’s a clear day, why not climb Croagh Patrick? It is renowned for its Patrician Pilgrimage in honour of Saint Patrick, Ireland's patron saint. It was on the summit of the mountain that Saint Patrick fasted for forty days in 441 AD and the custom has been faithfully handed down from generation to generation. The Black Bell of Saint Patrick was a highly venerated relic on Croagh Patrick for many years.

From fly fishing lessons to half and full day trips, your guide will tailor your experience to suit your ability and preferences. Suitable for total beginners and competent fishermen alike, the majority of fishing trips take place from traditional wooden boats on Lough Corrib, offering spectacular scenery and incredible views of Ashford Castle from the water. Opt for a full day experience and you will enjoy a delicious picnic lunch on one of the islands and even the chance to cook your catch.

Get your learning gloves on at the oldest established Falconry School in Ireland. The school at Ashford Castle offers you the chance to fly a Harris hawk around the breathtaking estate of Ashford Castle in a private Hawk Walk. Within no time you will have one of the majestic birds on your arm in the picturesque woodland grounds of the castle. This is an experience you're not likely to forget, especially when your hawk first swoops down from a tree and lands on your gloved fist.

Lough Gill (meaning bright or radiant lake) is a freshwater lough mainly in county Sligo but partly in County Leitrim. Paddle your way around Lough Gill taking in picturesque views of its surrounding woodlands of Hazelwood and visit its many historic islands.

Sweeping down from the mountain of Slieve League are some of the highest cliffs in the world. From the top it's a steep 609m to the Atlantic down below. The nearby centre is full of information on the cliffs and surrounding areas.

This folk museum is made up of six replica thatched cottages with original artifacts an utensils. Overlooking Glen Bay Beach in South West Donegal, this unique living museum was built and is maintained by locals, allowing a fascinating insight into the hardships of rural Irish life between 18-20th centuries. Don't forget to explore the craft shops to peruse locally-made knitwear or stop by the tearoom for a bowl of warming soup and an Irish coffee.

The largest tract of land in the wildest part of Donegal, Glenveagh National Park incorporates moorland, mountains, lakes and woods within its 40,000 acres of wilderness. The park, the second largest in Ireland, was once owned by the American millionaire Henry P. McIlhenny and is now in the hands of the Irish government. You may be lucky enough to catch sight of soaring golden eagles which have been reintroduced into the area or chance upon a shy red deer.

Occupying the most northerly point of the island of Ireland, Malin Head is an example of the beautiful rugged coastal landscapes to be found here. The scenic beauty of the area has captured the imagination of artists and even filmmakers, with Star Wars: The Last Jedi filmed in Malin Head. Nature lovers can enjoy spotting marine wildlife like seals, dolphins and sea birds while the Grianán of Aileach stone ring fort offers a stunning view of six surrounding counties. At low tide, you can also spot the wreck of the Twilight ship at the Five Finger Stand which sank in 1889.

Northern Ireland's second largest city continues to flourish as an artistic and cultural hub. Derry's city centre was given a striking makeover for its year as the UK City of Culture in 2013, with the new Peace Bridge, Ebrington Square and the redevelopment of the waterfront and Guildhall area making the most of the city's splendid riverside setting. There's lots of history to absorb here, from the Siege of Derry to the Battle of the Bogside and Bloody Sunday. A stroll around the 17th-century city walls that encircle the city is a must, as is a tour of the Bogside murals, along with taking in the burgeoning live music scene in the city's lively pubs.

This 17th century fortification makes Derry the only walled city in Ireland wander along or take a guided tour. On the walls you’ll find the Guildhall, which houses an interactive museum telling the history of the city as far back as the plantations, and St Columb’s Cathedral.

En route to Belfast you shall make a stop at the magical UNESCO World Heritage site The Giant's Causeway and Dunluce Castle. For centuries countless visitors have marvelled at the majesty and mystery of the Giant's Causeway. At the heart of one of Europe's most magnificent coastlines its unique rock formations have, for millions of years, stood as a natural rampart against the unbridled ferocity of Atlantic storms. The rugged symmetry of the columns never fails to intrigue and inspire our visitors. To stroll on the Giants Causeway is to voyage back in time. Meanwhile, the iconic ruin of Dunluce Castle bears witness to a long and tumultuous history. First built on the dramatic coastal cliffs of north County Antrim by the MacQuillan family around 1500, the earliest written record of the castle was in 1513.

Enjoy a Black Taxi tour of the city with a local and learn more about the history of the city as you go. See the famous Catholic and Protestant murals that depict the colourful history of the city. Learn about what life was like in the city during the Troubles and sign your name on the world famous peacewall.

Located in the heart of Belfast, on the very slipways where the Titanic was built, Titanic Belfast is spread over nine galleries, with multiple dimensions to the exhibition. Drawing together special effects, dark rides, full-scale reconstructions and innovative interactive features to explore the Titanic story in a fresh and insightful way; from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through her construction and launch, to her infamous maiden voyage and catastrophic demise. The journey goes beyond the aftermath of the sinking, to the discovery of the wreck and continues into the present day with a live undersea exploration centre.

You are invited to join in a bread making class an 18th-century thatched cottage on the shores of beautiful Strangford Lough in County Down. Traditional griddle breads such as soda bread, potato bread, and wheaten breads are made in the farmhouse kitchen here and the local bread maker will be show you how to make these breads using local ingredients and traditional methods. Roll up your sleeves, put on an apron and have a go yourself, or simply sit back relax and enjoy the fruits of someone else's labour! Once the griddle breads are ready and have cooled down a little you will sit around the farmhouse family table and enjoy a lunch of local produce, finishing with traybakes, a Northern Irish sweet treat. You will be given a copy of all the traditional bread recipes so that you can try making them at home. Afterwards, enjoy a tasting of local gins.