8-Nights Irish Spirit

Galway

Galway is a city, a county, and an experience to be savoured and remembered. The historic city of the tribes dances to a beat uniquely it's own. There is a certain chemistry and vibrancy to this friendly university city, which many delight in, and few forget. Music, festivals, horse racing, pubs, restaurants, shops, theatres and most of all -Galway people, combine to create this atmospheric medieval city of culture. From this pulsating heart the rest of the county flows. Galway Bay, immortalised in song, its beauty unchanging. Scenic Gaeltacht areas including the Aran Islands. Connemara, with the picturesque town of Clifden as its capital. Mountains, castles and stone walls, banks of turf, long sandy beaches, clear lakes, joyful leaping streams and flowing rivers. The mighty Shannon, delightful countryside punctuated by pretty villages, traditional pubs. Photo used with permission from Joe Desbonnet, www.galway.net

Kerry

No matter which direction the area of North Kerry is approached, the great central spine of mountains draws the eye of the traveller like a great symphony draws an audience to a fitting climax. The relatively high mountains and narrow peninsula conjure weather patterns which change the face of the mountains, the surface of the water and the texture of the landscape by the minute. The fretted coastline and deep bays created by the mighty Atlantic play tricks with the light and produce a magical quality which intoxicates the senses.

Wexford

The narrow streets and old quays of Wexford Town remind visitors of its past as a Viking settlement and an old port. Although the Vikings and ships have gone, this area 70 mi/115 km south of Dublin still has some of the most spacious, sunny beaches in Ireland.

As you walk around the town center, you'll catch glimpses of its history in the Westgate Tower, the only one of the original five gateways still standing, and remnants of the old town walls. South of the tower are the ruins of Selskar Abbey. Wexford Harbor is a picturesque spot, with its colorful fishing trawlers. The city's two main attractions—the Irish National Heritage Park and Wexford Wildfowl Reserve—are just on the outskirts of town.

Every October, the city's annual Opera Festival turns Wexford into the cultural center of Ireland. The city seems overtaken with entertainment—operas, street theater, poetry readings and lively pub music. Tickets should be purchased in advance, as the performances tend to sell out. http://wexfordopera.com.

Dublin

Dublin enjoys one of the loveliest natural settings in Europe. Dublin attracts visitors from around the world with its old world charm and friendly atmosphere. Most of the architecture dates from the 18th century, when Dublin enjoyed great prominence and prosperity. Also of interest are stately Georgian houses which front Merrion Square. O'Connell Street is considered the commercial center of Dublin. Perhaps the most memorable feature of Dublin is the traditional pub, where visitors can enjoy conversation over fine Irish brew. The city also offers many fine parks, including St. Stephen's Green and Phoenix Park. National Gallery's renowned collection includes works by such famous masters as Rembrandt and Monet. Trinity College's Old Library is home to the most cherished treasure, the Book of Kells, a manuscript of the Gospels. Admire Christ Church Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Enjoy the exhibits in impressive National Museum. Self-guided walking tours include Old City Trail, Georgian Heritage Trail and the Cultural Trail.