Failte Ireland Buyers Guide for Group and FIT Organisers

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This is a tour of epic proportions, delving deep into our past and sweeping through more than 5,000 years of history. Along
the way you’ll be blasted with sea air at lighthouses, walk through haunting passage graves, visit iconic monasteries and
get to grips with the mighty Vikings as they swept through the island. It’s a journey that will bring you through dramatic
green landscapes, peaceful gardens and lovely coastal villages.Welcome to Ireland’s Ancient East.
DAY 1
Start your day at , you can almost hear the history whispering on the salty sea breezes. Legend has it that around
1000BC, one of the first colonists of the island, Neimheidh, landed in the port of Cobh. He and his followers were wiped out in a
plague, but has thrived ever since, and today is a colourful town with deep connections to the past.
Allow 2 hours to enjoy the sites of Cobh
As last port of call for the Titanic, as well as historic departure point for hundreds of thousands of emigrants over the centuries,
Cobh’s history is laden with heartache. Step inside the , and Cobh, – to explore
the story of both.
Allow 1 hour for this experience
Lunch in Cobh
Heading north you’ll pass through the busy town of Fermoy, with its 13th century Cistercian abbey, before reaching the horseshoe-
shaped Rippling with myth and legend, the area here has a history stretching back 6,000 years. Look into the waters
and see if you can see any sign of Gearóid Iarla, who was banished to the depths by the Goddess Áine… or so the legend goes.
Allow 1½ hours to enjoy the sites of Fermoy and Lough Gur
Let the beautiful greens of the scenery wash over you as you drive into the heart of Soon you’ll see the
emerging out of the landscape like a fairytale castle. It’s one of Ireland’s most iconic sites and as you walk up the
steep hill to the entrance, you’ll understand why. Huge, craggy and imposing – this is where St Patrick is said to have converted
the King of Munster to Christianity in the 5th century, accidentally stabbing him in the foot with his crozier in the process. Explore
the Gothic cathedral, see Ireland’s oldest frescoes in the 12th century chapel and take in the stunning views of one of the greenest
parts of Ireland.
Allow 1 hour for this experience
If you have more time: Stop off at considered to be one of the best show caves in Ireland and one of the
finest limestone caves in Europe.
Allow 45 minutes for this experience.
Overnight & Dinner
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IRELAND’S ANCIENT EAST
SAMPLE ITINERARY
5,000 YEARS OF HISTORY IN 7 DAYS
TO HELP YOU PROGRAMME THIS AREA, HERE IS A SUGGESTED PROGRAMME FOR YOU TO CONSIDERWHICH
WILL HELP YOUR CLIENT, BE THEY GROUP OR FIT, TO NAVIGATE THIS AREA. FOR OTHER SAMPLE ITINERARIES FOR
IRELAND’S ANCIENT EAST PLEASE EMAIL