Nine Days Exploring The South of Ireland
- Michelle's Monologues
- 4 days ago
- 9 min read
Ireland, also known as the Emerald Green Isle, is a must-visit for everyone. With lots to see and do, delicious food & drink, crafts & textiles, culture and history, Ireland has something for all ages. This last group trip was with a group of 11, taking in the highlights, including unique train trips, a behind-the-scenes tour at Waterford Crystal, Kissing The Blarney Stone, and taking a relaxing Viking Boat trip down the River Shannon, and more. Here is what you too can experience over nine days exploring the south of Ireland.
Nine Days Exploring The South of Ireland
Ireland is really accessible via plane, train, coach, and ferry. Over the years, I have travelled with all means of transport to and from Ireland. Though I was excited to take a slightly different route from London to Holyhead and then onwards by ferry to Dublin. Which way will you choose to travel to Ireland?
Day 1
An early start (9am) from London's Euston Train Station to Holyhead Ferry Port. Avanti's West Coast Train Line service is very comfortable, and this route offers beautiful coastal views across the 4-hour journey. The Stena Line Ferry was delayed, which gave ample time to explore Holyhead before checking in as walk-on passengers for the 3.5-hour sailing to Dublin. (Please note: Do check in any large items of luggage, as it's a complimentary shuttle bus service to and from the port terminal/vessel in both directions. The shuttle can be very busy, with limited seating and no dedicated luggage space. If you need any assistance, please do mention this when checking in and again at the customer service desk once on board the ferry).
Stena Line Ferry crossing from Holyhead to Dublin offers a regular service with two vessels. On this day, we sailed on board the large Stena Adventurer taking full advantage of the plus lounge with complimentary drinks, snacks, wifi, and comfortable large seats. There is also the option to purchase and order from a wide range of hot food from the menu at your seat. The smooth crossing went by in the blink of an eye. It was then time to join our luxury coach (pre-booked for the entire time in Ireland).
With the delayed ferry, it was straight to the pre-booked dinner at the centrally located Dublin Hilton Charlemont Hotel before a well-rested night in one of the contemporary guest rooms.
Day 2
After a delicious buffet breakfast with both a hot and cold selection at the Dublin Hilton Charlemont Hotel, it was time for our guided tour of Dublin. It was a real hit. Margaret was very knowledgeable and a talented singer, giving us renditions of some Irish tunes. The guided tour took in the highlights and some hidden gems throughout the city, as well as a rest stop at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre.
After a delicious bowl of soup for lunch at Kilkenny's, it was time for our self-guided tour of the Guinness Storehouse (22 Euros), including a pint of Guinness at the Gravity Bar. The multi-level warehouse has several exhibitions, including how Guinness is made, history and marketing throughout the years. You can also opt to purchase additional options such as "The Stoutie" a picture-perfect pint featuring your selfie on the head of the iconic black and white stout (8 Euros), and also to pour your own pint of Guinness at the Guinness Academy (12 Euros). The Guinness Stoutie is created with a Ripple Maker, printing your photo directly onto the creamy head of your pint of Guinness. I just had to see it in action (wink). On the top-level you can relax and take in the incredible views across Dublin from the Gravity Bar. (Fully accessible, with cafe and gift shop). Please do book ahead to avoid disappointment.
The rest of the afternoon, free time to explore Dublin's incredible museums, art galleries, do a bit of shopping in both independent shops, Arnotts (Ireland's oldest and largest department store since 1843), Dunnes (Irish department store), or perhaps some antique hunting on Francis Street. Don't miss the opportunity to visit Trinity College and see the historical Book of Kells!
Some items you might like to purchase that are authentic to Ireland include Aran knitwear, Irish Linen, Waterford or Connemara Crystal, Connemara marble, Celtic jewelry (Celtic Knot designs and the famous Claddagh ring), Irish Whisky (Jamisons), food's such as shortbread, Butlers chocolate, award-winning local preserves and Barry's Tea.
The evening concluded with a delicious three-course dinner at the Dublin Hilton Charlemont Hotel.
Day 3
After breakfast, checking out and transferring by coach to Athlone for a scenic one-way (90-minute) Viking Boat Tour along the River Shannon to Clonmacnoise (Irish: Cluain Mhic Nóis) Monastery (founded in 544 by Saint Ciarán, from Rathcroghan, County Roscommon. The site's ruins include a Cathedral, two round Towers, three high crosses, nine Churches and over 700 Early Christian graveslabs. Allow an hour to 1-hour and 30-minutes).
The Viking Boat tour was really interesting. Lots of insights into the local history and serve the best Irish coffee on board!
Free time for lunch, walk along the river in Athlone before a guided tour at the contemporary Luan Gallery. (Athlone Castle is currently closed).
We visited the Award-winning Municipal Visual Art Gallery - Luan Gallery on National Drawing Day (May 16th), for a guided tour of the Divergent Lines Exhibition. The guided tour gave us all a real insight into the works, about the artists and what inspired them, not only what they had created, but also the materials that were used. It can be challenging at times to interpret contemporary pieces of art. The guided tour brought a greater understanding and exhibits to life. We also got to meet the talented Irish artist Michael Wann and hear about his process and techniques. The Luan Gallery is located on the beautiful banks of the River Shannon, in the Cultural Quarter of Athlone.
Checking into Athlone Sheraton Hotel for two nights. Dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Day 4
Highly recommend the delicious porridge for breakfast at Athlone Sheraton Hotel. There are lots of other options, but the porridge was really good!
A short walk to Athlone Railway Station for the train to Galway Ceannt.
Coach transfer to Connemara Celtic Crystal for a guided tour, then a scenic coach drive through Connemara National Park to the historic Kylemore Abbey.
Kylemore Abbey, a Benedictine monastery and iconic visitor attraction set in 1,000 acres of mountainside in Connemara, Co Galway, Ireland, was built in 1868 by Mitchell Henry as a romantic gift for his wife. The neo-Gothic castle is owned and run by the Benedictine community have been in residence here since 1920. Don't miss a visit to the Victorian Walled Garden. The Heritage Garden displays only plant varieties from the Victorian era.
It can get particularly busy. Please book ahead and try to visit early or later in the day.
Taking the coach to Westport for the train returning to Athlone. (The train was replaced with a bus service, and with a long wait, so we opted to jump back on board our private coach back to the Athlone Sheraton Hotel).
Delicious 3-course dinner served in the hotel restaurant.
Day 5
An early start (7.30am), with a dramatic scenery coach trip through Burran National Park to the Cliffs of Moher. The Cliffs of Moher, with its incredible geology formed over 300 million years, flora and fauna living on the edge, and steeped in myths and legends.
Part of the UNESCO Global Geopark, it has an abundance of natural beauty. It was a dreich day, shrouded in dramatic clouds, and after the wind-swept wander, the delicious hot chocolate was very welcoming in the award-winning visitor centre.
Don't miss the 4D experience!
Did you know that the cliffs represent the dramatic entrance to the Horcrux Cave in the movie Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)?
Short 20 -minute ferry crossing from Killimer Ferry Terminal to Tarbert (please don't confuse with Tarbert in Scotland) and lunch at Listowel Arms Hotel (soup & sandwich, coffee/tea).
A visit to the unique Lartigue Monorail and Museum is well worth a visit!
The Lartigue Monorail between Listowel and Ballybunion operated for 36 years, closed October 1924. Today, you can travel on the full-scale diesel replica!
Straight to the 15th-century Knappogue Castle for a 3-course medieval banquet, with traditional costumes, storytelling, music and dancing.
Late check-in at the 4* Bunratty Castle Hotel.
Day 6
Slightly later start (8.20am) to take the coach to the colourful Irish town of Cobh (pronounced "Cove"). Did you know Cobh was the departure point of The Titanic? We loved our visit to the Titanic Experience, the fascinating displays and exhibits. Time for lunch and exploring the Cobh Heritage Centre. The Cobh Heritage Centre has many objects from several ships, including The Titanic and The Lusitania. It is a wealth of information across three centuries of Irish immigration (Annie Moore, the first immigrant processed through Ellis Island, New York in 1892) and maritime history. Located in a restored Victorian Railway Station.
Afternoon visit to Blarney Castle and the opportunity to kiss the Blarney Stone.
Did you know that if you kiss the Blarney Stone, it is said, you will receive the gift of the gab?
I am not sure about that, but I thoroughly enjoyed returning after 20 years to wander in the beautiful landscaped gardens. Allow at least two hours for your visit (it can sometimes take up to an hour to get to the top of Blarney Castle (medieval keep dating back to 1446) & kiss the stone alone!).
Dinner served at the hotel restaurant (19.30pm).
Day 7
After a delicious full Irish breakfast, it was time to board the coach for the train from Limerick Junction to Waterford Plunkett Railway Station.
The 2-hour and 30-minute journey went by quickly, passing through lush green farm pastures, wooded river valleys and historic towns including Tipperary and Carrick-on-Suir.
Free time for lunch and a stroll around Waterford before a behind-the-scenes tour at Waterford Crystal.
The House of Waterford Crystal began in the 1700s! With highs and lows throughout the years, today it is going strong in the heart of Waterford, producing 45,000 pieces each year using traditional methods. One of the greatest pieces created was the Times Square New Year’s Eve Millennium Ball – an estimated 1.2 billion people watched with awe and amazement as the six-foot diametric crystal ball was lowered down the pole during the New York year 2000 countdown.
Soon it was time to re-board the coach for a private charter on board the Suir Valley Railway. The heritage narrow-gauge train that runs along the River Suir offers open-air carriage views of rolling farmlands, the Waterford Greenway, and the Mount Congreve Gardens. It is said to be one of Ireland's most scenic.
Tonight, checking into and pre-booked dinner at The Talbot Hotel, Wexford.
Day 8
Meeting after breakfast with luggage (10am). It was free time this morning to spend in Wexford. The group was interested in the Irish National Heritage Centre with over 9,000 years of history. Only a short drive away, this incredible site is well worth a visit!
After the fascinating visit to the Irish National Heritage Centre, it was time to return to Wexford O'Hanrahan Railway Station for the train returning to Dublin. The 3-hour 15-minute journey was very relaxing. If you sit on the right-hand side of the train travelling forwards, you can admire the nesting seabirds, including guillemots and Cormorants on the nearby cliffs.
Coach transfer from Dublin Connolly Railway Station to The Hilton Charlemont Hotel for our final night in Ireland.
Tonight the entertaining Celtic Night at the Arlington Hotel with a three-course dinner.
Day 9
All good things must come to an end. Today, we made our return journey from the hotel to the Port of Dublin for the Stena Line Ferry back to Holyhead, and a quick transfer onto the awaiting Avanti West Coast Service train back to London Euston Train Station. (It was a bit of a mad rush catching the train with the delayed ferry service. Please do give yourself ample time between the ferry and catching a train).
It was overall a great tour, with a couple of hiccups along the way (delayed ferries, train/bus replacements and shortage of selected dishes onboard Avanti Train. Ah, the joy of travel. Highlights: the incredibly skilled glassworkers at both Connemara and Waterford Crystal, Medieval Banquet, Celtic Night, unique train journeys, River Shannon Viking Boat Tour, 4D Experience at Cliffs of Moher, Titanic Experience and of course, the picture-perfect pint of Guinness.
I hope you have enjoyed reading Nine Days Exploring The South of Ireland and are feeling inspired to visit the beautiful Emerald Green Isle, Ireland.
Until next time..
Happy Travels,
Michelle x
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