Ireland
The Great Irish Literary Tour
Follow us as we traverse Ireland following in the footsteps of some of the world’s finest storytellers. You will visit the places which inspired these writers most memorable works while also visiting iconic locations directly from the page and screen.
- Arrival at Dublin International Airport | Glasnevin Cemetery | Davy Bryrnes Pub | Reside: The Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin
- Literacy day tour of Dublin | Reside: The Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin
- Martelo Tower | Mourne Mountains | Cave Hill | Belfast | Reside: The Merchant Hotel, Belfast
- Lough Neagh | Enniskillen | Sligo | Reside: The Glasshouse, Sligo
- Connemara | Galway | Reside: Glenlo Abbey, Galway
- The Aran Islands | Reside: Glenlo Abbey, Galway
- Cliffs Of Moher | Limerick | Reside: The Savoy Hotel, Limerick
- Traverse The Dingle Peninsula | Reside: The Europe Hotel, Killarney
- Blarney Castle | Rock of Cashel | Dublin Reside: The Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin
- Departure
Day One
Upon arrival at Dublin International Airport, you will be greeted by your Lang Atholl representative who will be your friendly face throughout your experience on the Emerald Isle. Your first stop your experience will be at Glasnevin Cemetery, the largest cemetery in Ireland, was the setting for the Hades Section in James Joyce’s acclaimed novel, Ulysses.
From Glasnevin you will venture into Dublin’s beautiful centre where you will Davy Byrne’s Pub. This historic pub was also mentioned within the book Ulysses which is located only a short distance from your accommodation for the evening.
Overlooking St Stephen’s Green you will find the luxurious, 5 star, Shelbourne Hotel Dublin.
Day Two
Your second day in Ireland will see you remain in Dublin as you take a literacy tour of the city which will see you visit the Dublin Writer’s Museum, The James Joyce Centre, Trinity College Dublin and St Patrick’s Cathedral.
In the evening you will return to The Shelbourne Hotel before you depart Dublin the following morning.
Day Three
On your third day you will depart Dublin as you travel north towards Northern Ireland. Your first stop will will be at the Martello Tower in Sandycove, Co Dublin. The tower is now often known as the James Joyce Tower due to the six nights Joyce spent here in 1904. The opening scenes in Ulysses takes place here.
From Sandycove you will venture into the Mourne Mountains which were the inspiration behind C.S Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia series. Lewis was born in the nearby city of Belfast and frequented the region often.
Your next and final stop for the day will be in the city of Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland. You will have the opportunity to visit many famed sites including Writer’s Square.
In the evening you will reside within Belfast at the city’s premier hotel, The Merchant.
Day Four
On your fourth day you will return to the Republic of Ireland as you travel to County Sligo. As you venture through the beautiful countryside you will pass Lough Neagh. From here you will enter the walled town of Enniskillen. The largest town in County Fermanagh, the oldest building in the town is Enniskillen Castle which was build in 1428.
From Enniskillen you will enter Sligo. The region was home to W.B Yeats and the beautiful county was the inspiration behind many of his works.
You will reside for the evening within Sligo in the modern Glasshouse Hotel.
Day Five
You will depart Sligo as you venture south west as you travel to Connemara, here, you will witness the rugged coastline of Western Ireland. You will see sites such as Connemara National Park, Lough Corrib and Kylemore Abbey.
From Connemara you will venture east to Galway which has inspired many poems and songs through the years. Here you will reside within the boutique Glenlo Abbey Hotel.
Day Six
On day six you will remain in County Galway as you venture onto The North Atlantic Ocean as you visit The Aran Islands, specifically Inishmaan. It was here that JM Synge was inspired to write what is regarded as his best works of Riders to The Sea and The Well of The Saints. You will explore this beautiful land and hopefully find some inspiration of your own.
You will return to the Irish mainland and spend another evening at Glenlo Abbey
Day Seven
You will depart County Galway travelling south as you enter County Clare. You will visit The Cliffs of Moher, which are, a must see while in Clare. The Cliffs were also used as a filming location for Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince.
From Moher you will travel to the city of Limerick. It was here that Frank McCourt penned his novel Angela’s Ashes. Although a story about his tough upbringing in poverty, the city has completely changed and is now a wonderful city with a bustling live music scene.
You will reside for this evening within the beautiful Savoy Hotel, Limerick.
Day Eight
Departing Limerick you will venture south into County Kerry. Here you will traverse the stunning Dingle Peninsula. Often regarded as driving back in time the peninsula is dotted with neolithic sites throughout. You will visit Minard Castle, which is famed for its appearance in the movie Ryan’s Daughter. You will also visit the colourful and picturesque town of Dingle.
As you venture back along the peninsula you will reside for the evening on the edge of Killarney in the scenic Europe Hotel.
Day Nine
As you depart Killarney you will first travel to Blarney Castle, it is here you will also find the Blarney Stone. It is said that kissing the stone will provide you with “the gift of the gab” which will hopefully enhance your writing abilities.
From Blarney Castle you will travel to The Rock of Cashel. This unique fortress stands upon The Rock itself which is said to originate from The Devils Bit.
You will return to Dublin where you will spend your final evening, once more, in The Shelbourne Hotel.
Day Ten
Sadly on day ten we must say our good byes as you are transferred to Dublin International Airport.
