Easter in the Heart of Ireland

Join us on a memorable journey through the Emerald Isle this Easter, based in the charming heritage town of Birr. This traditional Irish market town, renowned for its elegant Georgian architecture dating back to the 1740s, offers the perfect setting to explore Ireland’s hidden heartland of rich history and culture. We visit the impressive Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, the historic riverside city of Limerick, the medieval charm of Kilkenny and a tour of the magnificent Birr Castle with its award-winning gardens and fascinating science centre. We will also enjoy a relaxing cruise at Shannonbridge, taking in the tranquil beauty of the River Shannon and its surrounding landscapes.

COUNTY ARMS HOTEL

Dating back to the early 19th century, the hotel is ideally located in the heart of Birr, just a short stroll from local shops, restaurants and pubs. The hotel features a spacious lounge, cosy bar and restaurant that overlooks the gardens plus a leisure club and wellness suite featuring a fully equipped gym, swimming pool, sauna and steam room. All bedrooms are equipped with TV, Wi-Fi, a hairdryer and tea and coffee-making facilities. Lift to all floors.

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS TRAVEL PACKAGE

Accommodation with dinner and breakfast
Three course lunch on Easter Sunday
Guided tour of Kilbeggan Distillery
Admission to Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
Shannonbridge River Cruise
Birr Castle & Gardens Discovery Tour
Return Irish Sea crossings

Excursions as described in the tour itinerary
Return coach travel from your local pick up point

Day One

We travel to Holyhead for our Irish Sea crossing to Dublin, then continue west to Kilbeggan where we visit the Kilbeggan Distillery, one of the world's oldest whiskey distilleries. Following our tour and a tasting session, we then continue to Birr where we commence our stay at the County Arms Hotel.

Day Two

This morning we visit Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, a captivating ensemble of well-preserved 19th-century houses and cottages, offering a glimpse into a bygone era where time seems to have stood still. This afternoon we visit the city of Limerick, the country's first-ever Irish City of Culture set on the waters of the River Shannon. Here we have some free time to discover the city attractions including the renovated castle.

B, D

Day Three

We visit Kilkenny, Ireland’s most historic and compact city with origins dating back more than 1,500 years. A city rich in medieval heritage which is evident in the treasure trove of historical buildings and landmarks such as St. Canice’s Cathedral, the imposing Butler Castle and medieval abbeys.

B, D

Day Four

Today we enjoy a guided tour of the beautiful Birr Castle & Gardens. Over 400 years old and family-owned, it is home to the 7th Earl of Rosse. We will learn about the rich heritage and explore the award-winning gardens and parkland which feature more than 4000 species of trees and plants. Following our visit we return to our hotel for lunch before we travel to Shannonbridge where we will enjoy a scenic and relaxing 1-hour river cruise from Shannonbridge to Clonmacnoise, taking in the stunning natural beauty of the Shannon waterway.

B, L, D

Day Five

We travel back to the ferry port at Dublin for our return sailing to Holyhead and on home to North Wales.

B=Breakfast Included, L=Lunch Included, D=Dinner Included

Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.

Name	Address	Distance
Abergele	Abergele, Bowling Green Bus Stop
Bangor, Beach Rd IRE	Bangor, Nelson Pub Beach Road
Bangor, Deiniol Rd IRE	Bangor, Old Post Office Bus Stop Deiniol Road
Bethel	Bethel, Primary School Bus Stop
Bontnewydd	Bontnewydd, Bus Stop Near Chip Shop
Bryngwran	Bryngwran, School Entrance
Caergeiliog	Caergeiliog, Outside Sportsmans Pub
Caernarfon, Campbell Road	Caernarfon, Bus Stop Bottom of Campbell Road
Caernarfon, Leisure Cent.	Caernarfon, Bus Stop opposite Leisure Centre
Caernarfon, Morrisons	Caernarfon, Morrisons Bus Stop
Caernarfon, Waterloo Port	Caernarfon, Waterloo Port Bus Stop
Caernarfon, Y Glyn	Caernarfon, Y Glyn Bethel Road
Colwyn Bay	Colwyn Bay, Railway Station Bus Stop
Criccieth, Medical Centre	Criccieth, Medical Centre Bus Stop
Gaerwen IRE	Gaerwen, Bus Stop Opposite Stermat
Gwalchmai	Gwalchmai, Opposite Clock
Holyhead	Holyhead, Bus Stop Outside Ferry Terminal Entrance
Llanberis, Maes Padarn	Llanberis, Bus Stop Opposite Maes Padarn
Llanberis, Spar	Llanberis, Outside Spar Shop
Llandudno	Llandudno, Mostyn Broadway Coach Park Bus Stop
Llandudno Jct. Station	Llandudno Junction, Station Hotel Bus Stop
Llandygai IRE	Llandygai, Bus Stop Opposite Castle Entrance
Llanfairfechan	Llanfairfechan, Castle Bridge Bus Stop
Llanfairpwll	Llanfairpwll, Pringles Car Park (Parking not permitted at Pringles car park)
Llangefni IRE	Llangefni, Tafarn Y Rhos
Llanrug	Llanrug, Arvonia Garage
Menai Bridge	Menai Bridge, Library Bus Stop
Penrhyn Bay	Penrhyn Bay, Post Office
Penygroes	Penygroes, Bus Stop Opposite Co-op
Porthmadog	Porthmadog, Tesco Bus Stop
Pwllheli	Pwllheli, Bus Station
Rhos on Sea Ire	Rhos on Sea, The Cayley Arms Bus Stop
Rhos on Sea, Hickorys	Rhos on Sea, Bus Stop Opposite Hickorys Restaurant
St. Asaph	St. Asaph, Bus Stop Outside Petrol Station
Valley	Valley, Opposite Valley Hotel
Y Felinheli, St. Marys	Y Felinheli, St Mary's Church Bus Stop
Y Felinheli, Victoria	Y Felinheli, Victoria Hotel Bus Stop