Exploring the Arts & Literature of Ireland

Day 1 : Ireland Bound

Begin your Irish adventure with an overnight flight to the Emerald Isle.

Day 2 : Emerald Isle

Upon arrival in Dublin, meet your Tour Director in the Arrivals Hall who will assist you in boarding the transportation to our accommodations at the Maldron Hotel Kevin Street. Your host, Heather Ordover from the CraftLit Podcast, will meet you upon arrival at the hotel. The hotel will secure your belongings and you will be able to begin exploring Dublin.

Tonight meet your fellow travelers over a welcome dinner at the hotel.

Day 3 : Dublin

Each morning of our journey begins with a full Irish breakfast.

Today in Dublin, view the amazing illuminated manuscript, The Book of Kells, and many other literary treasures at Trinity College's beautiful college library. We will then visit St Patrick's Cathedral where Jonathan Swift was Dean from 1713 - 1745.

After lunch, we will explore the National Museum of Ireland near the Collins Barracks and appreciate its decorative arts displays.

Finish the day at the Guinness Storehouse tasting room to learn how to pour a perfect pint before heading back to our hotel.

Day 4 : Brontë Country & Irish Linen

This morning we travel north to Belfast. On the way, we visit the tiny village of Drumballyroney to see the Brontë Homeland Interpretative Center. This village is where Patrick Brontë (originally Brunty), father to the famous Brontë family of authors, was born and lived until 1802 before moving to England.

After lunch, we learn about world-famous Irish Linen with a visit to the Lisburn Linen Center and Museum where we learn the history of this beautiful fabric.

We arrive at the Grand Central Hotel late in the afternoon before enjoying a delicious dinner at Robinsons Bar.

Day 5 : Belfast

We visit Titanic Belfast, the world’s largest tourist attraction dedicated to the Titanic. It celebrates the region’s maritime heritage and commemorates the birthplace of the world’s most famous ship, extending over nine interactive galleries.

This afternoon, Northern Ireland’s largest city comes alive on a sweeping tour of Belfast including notable political murals that we learn about to enrich our understanding of Belfast yesterday and today.

Day 6 : Giant's Causeway & Derry

This morning we drive through the beautiful Dells of Antrim on our way to visit Giant's Causeway, an amazing UNESCO World Heritage site and unique geological wonder of natural basalt columns that provide unmatched landscapes and surreal views.

Tonight we overnight at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Letterkenny, a bonny market town rated the country's "tidiest."

In the afternoon, we drive to the historic walled city of Derry. We'll walk the city walls with an expert guide and learn about the long and troubled history of this city.

Day 7 : Ulster American Folk Park

We begin our day learning about three centuries of Irish immigration at the Ulster American Folk Park, an open-air folk museum in County Tyrone. Explore up to 30 buildings and learn about skilled artisans from earlier eras by observing costumed interpretive guides scattered throughout the property.

We then tour Belleek Pottery, known the world over for its delicate basketwork appearance and shamrock accents. We'll tour the factory and learn how this enchanting pottery is created and hand painted.

Tonight our accommodations are in charming Donegal.

Day 8 : Irish Lace & Brú na Bóinne

On our ride back to Dublin, Heather Ordover will discuss several Irish authors including Yeats who frequented the area near Sligo, nearby. Her insights, observations, and quirky sense of humor will enhance your appreciation of Irish authors and surely add to your reading list!

We stop to visit the Carrickmacross Lace Gallery that showcases the 200-year-old Irish craft. Browse the enchanting pieces and even take home some of this elegance for yourself or purchase a kit to try your hand at this beautiful craft.

The afternoon brings us to UNESCO World Heritage Ireland, Brú na Bóinne on the River Boyne. We stop in the visitor centre and witness the archeological landscape home to three giant passage tombs. Dating back 5,000 years, these tombs are among the world's most fascinating Stone Age monuments.

Tonight we arrive back in Dublin for our last two nights where we stay once more at the Maldron Hotel Kevin Street.

Day 9 : Free Day in Dublin

Today is a full free day to explore all that Dublin has to offer. Your Tour Director will have many great ideas for you. You may visit the National Museum of Ireland to see the Celtic gold and bog bodies, visit the Kilmainham Gaol to learn about the fight for independence, the Irish Famine ship, explore the Dublin Writers Museum, or just stroll, shop, or drop into a pub to enjoy the craic with the locals!

Tonight we enjoy a farewell dinner including entertainment by an Irish storyteller and musicians.

Day 10 : Homeward Bound

We venture homeward with a smile on our faces, memories to last a lifetime, and the Song of Ireland singing in our hearts.