Ierland - Autorondreis Zuidwest Ierland, Irish Welcome Tour

Autorondreizen West Ierland

Uw reisspecialist voor N-W Europa en groepsreizen

Irish Welcome Tour - 11 dagen

Deze 11-daagse tour is gebaseerd op aankomst en vertrek Shannon Airport, hoewel dit ook aangepast kan worden bij aankomst en vertrek van een andere locatie/luchthaven. De tour omvat enkele van de meest spectaculaire en ongerepte gebieden van het land, namelijk het zuidwesten en westen van het land.

De eerste 5 nachten zullen in de graafschappen van Cork en Kerry worden doorgebracht, waar u in de gelegenheid bent om de Blarney Stone te kussen en attracties zoals het Cobh Heritage Centre, de Midleton Jameson Distillery, de Ring of Kerry en natuurlijk het mooie schiereiland Dingle te bezoeken. Vanaf hier zult u noordwaarts langs de westkust van Ierland reizen, inclusief bezoeken aan de Cliffs of Moher en de Burren regio in County Clare.

Er is geen twijfel dat de verbeelding van het westen van Ierland u voor altijd bijblijft na uw bezoek aan het geweldige landschap van County Mayo en Galway en de ruige bergen, zoetwatermeren, ongerepte kilometers lange kustlijn en zandstranden. Moerassen waar pony's zwerven en zeldzame heide. Het is niet moeilijk voor te stellen dat deze plaatsen bestaan, maar dat ze bestaan in het midden van de warme en vriendelijke gemeenschappen. In het westen van Ierland waar de Gaelic cultuur bloeit en helft van de bevolking nog steeds Iers als de eerste taal spreekt.

Geniet overdag van de mooiste landschappen van Ierland en ‘s avonds van uitstekende traditionele Ierse muziek in één van de gezellige pubs.

Om u een idee geven van de details die wij bij onze routes voegen, vindt u hieronder het eerste gedeelte van de ruim 35 pagina tellende gedetailleerde routebeschrijving.

Shannon to Kinsale

This route will take just over 2 hours driving time if no heavy traffic is encountered in Limerick or Cork. However, if you intend including the side trip to Cobh near Cork, add at least 30 minutes driving time.

From Shannon take the main N18 south to Bunratty Village, just 10 minutes north of Limerick city and just 10 minutes from Shannon airport. As you approach Limerick follow signs for Cork and the N20.

Limerick City is a not often recognised as a tourist destination, which is a shame because Limerick has a long history with a medieval past dating back as far as the 5th century. Among the most interesting attractions are King John’s Castle and The Hunt Museum. The former is an impressive 13th century military castle featuring an imaginative historical exhibition with two multi-vision shows, battlement walks, and much more. The latter houses the finest private collection of antiquities in Ireland, including works of art by Leonardo da Vinci, Renoir, Picasso and Yeats plus many stunning medieval pieces. Limerick boasts many fine restaurants and pubs with numerous music venues.

King John's Castle

King John’s Castle is a fortified 13th century Castle on ‘King’s Island’ in the heart of medieval Limerick. The castle overlooking the river Shannon opens an exciting window on the lives and stories of the people through political upheaval, war and famine. Archaeological excavations open to the public roll back the mists of time to pre-Norman houses which predate the castle by 100 years, as well as siege mines, garrison and soldiers quarters and sallyport all found under the level of the present courtyard. The castle itself features an imaginative exhibition spanning the castle’s history.

King John’s Castle is a visitor attraction of international standard, in the heart of Limerick’s Medieval District on King’s Island. Features of the visit include: Imaginative historical exhibition, Multi-Vision Show, Excavated pre-Norman houses, fortifications and siege mines, Battlement Walks, Reconstruction of medieval courtyard, Panoramic views of Limerick city, the river Shannon, countryside, King John’s mint where visitors can collect a replica of the original coin.

From Limerick, take the N24 to Tipperary and then the short journey of about 12 miles to Cashel in County Tipperary for the famous Rock of Cashel. Cashel was once the seat of the Kings of Munster and capital of this southern province. The Rock, which rears above the plain, dominated the land routes southwards. Kings of Ireland as well as Munster came to this spot and St. Patrick is known to have preached on the rock and converted the local King, Aenghus, here in the 5th Century. Brian Boru was also crowned King of Ireland on this spot in the early 11th Century. King Cormac built his superb Royal Chapel in the 12th century. Visit Cashel town to experience and understand the historical relationship between the Rock and the town. Turn the key to the rich heritage in Cashel such as the archaeology, fine architecture, fascinating history and folklore of this remarkable town.

Adjoining the Rock of Cashel, you will find the Brú Ború Cultural Centre. This facility incorporates a folk theatre, restaurant, craft centre, information centre and genealogy suite. Traditional Irish music, song and dance are provided for visitors to the centre by world famous, resident Bru Boru Group of Irish musicians and artists during the summer season. Their latest additional facility is the dramatic and thought provoking underground theatre and exhibition which relays the story of Irish song and dance. From Cashel, the small town of Cahir is just a 15 minute drive along the Cork road (the N8). Cahir Castle, once an important stronghold of the powerful Butler family, the Castle retains its impressive keep, tower and much of its original defensive structure. It is one of Ireland’s largest and best-preserved castles. Situated on a rocky island on the River Suir, the Castle’s attractions include an excellent audio-visual show, which informs visitors of all the main sites of the area. There are also several exhibitions and guided tours available.

From Cahir, take the N8 towards Cork.
On the eastern side of the city of Cork just 5 minutes east on the N25 (direction of Waterford), you will have the opportunity to take a small side trip to visit The Queenstown Story (also know as the Cobh Heritage Centre) in the small town of Cobh. Cobh, situated on one of the world’s largest natural harbours, was the last port of call for the ill-fated Titanic in 1912 and was the closest port to the site of the sinking of the Lusitania in 1915. The heritage centre sympathetically recounts these events and tells the story of emigration from Ireland to the United States and Australia from the time of the famine in 1847 up to the 1950s. From Cork City take the N27 in the direction of Cork Airport. At the airport roundabout go straight ahead on the R600 that will take you directly into Kinsale.

Kinsale is a delightful harbour town that has retained its old world charm and character despite being well developed from a tourism point of view with Its beautiful waterside location, local facilities including a yacht marina and historic buildings such as Desmond Castle and Market House. Kinsale styles itself as the gourmet capital of Ireland, boasting numerous excellent restaurants and atmospheric traditional pubs.

De resterende details van deze routebeschrijving ontvangt bij uw boeking/reisbescheiden.