Failte Ireland - Ireland Buyers Guide 2018

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’s 5,000 years of history. DAY 1 Start your day at Cork Harbour . 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 on these shores. He and his followers were wiped out in a plague, but Cobh has thrived ever since, and today is a colourful town with deep connections to the past. The last port of call for the Titanic, as well as a historic departure point for hundreds of thousands of emigrants over the centuries, Cobh’s history is laden with heartache. Take the Titanic Trail guided walking tour to hear these stories and also step inside the Titanic Experience Cobh , and Cobh, The Queenstown Story – to explore the story of both. Allow 3 hours to enjoy the sites of Cobh Lunch in Cobh If you have more time: Visit nearby Cork City and you’ll discover history, culture and fantastic restaurants all in easy walking distance. Immerse yourself in its 17th century alleys and visit its city centre, set on the River Lee. Head north and let the beautiful greens of the scenery wash over you as you drive into the heart of Tipperary’s Golden Vale . Soon you’ll see the Rock of Cashel 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 get a sense of 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.Walk 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 Mitchelstown Caves , and enter a world without sun, without time, a world where man almost feels an intruder and where nature reigns supreme. There’s also Cahir Castle situated on a rocky island on the River Suir. It is one of Ireland’s largest and best-preserved castles. Allow 60 minutes for either experience. Drive along the Butler Trail to Waterford. Overnight & Dinner Waterford City 82 IRELAND’S ANCIENT EAST SAMPLE ITINERARY 5,000 YEARS OF HISTORY IN 7 DAYS TO HELP YOU PROGRAMME IRELAND’S ANCIENT EAST, HERE IS A SUGGESTED ITINERARY FOR YOU TO CONSIDER WHICHWILL HELP YOUR CLIENT, BE THEY GROUP OR FIT, TO NAVIGATE THIS AREA. FOR OTHER SAMPLE ITINERARIES IN IRELAND’S ANCIENT EAST PLEASE EMAIL BUSINESSDEVELOPMENT@FAILTEIRELAND.IE Cork Harbour Rock of Cashel, Co. Tipperary