I reland Luxury tours of discovery into our country’s Cultu ral Heart Exciting Diverse ’ ’ Inspirational Romantic ’ ’ Haunting. Dear Traveller, Welcome to Culture and Heritage Tours. Ireland is a rich and rare land and the team at Culture and Heritage Tours invites you to experience, savour and enjoy our beautiful country with as few limitations as possible. Let us surprise you with a amazing cultural spectrum of a land enriched by warmth, richness, character and history. Let us take you on a journey through our land where you will travel back through time to an historic Ireland, a land where the powerful myths and legends inspire and invigorate. Culture and Heritage Tours give you an insight into the complex Irish culture scene and endeavours, to arouse your curiosity for our country which has not only produced great men like Bram Stoker, James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, W.B Yeats, and Samuel Beckett but is also rated as one of the best destinations in the world for a culture and heritage experience. This year we have brought together the most diverse collection of Irish Tours; providing you with the perfect opportunity to submerge yourself in 'Irish Bliss'. We embrace Ireland's vivid kaleidoscope of picturesque landscapes, magnificent mountains, incredible travel destinations, unique culture and ancient heritage. Each fabulous Culture and Heritage Tour enjoys comfort and style, with well appointed rooms at deluxe hotels and luxury air conditioned coaches. Join us on our 'Invigorating Tours of Ireland' and enjoy Georgian Splendour, Fables and Legends of Old, Ghouls and Ghosts, Mighty Battles, Famous Movie Sets, Inspiring landscapes and Tales of Fearless Warriors. We present to you Ireland's fascinating Culture and Heritage and the diversity of a beautiful landscape as never experienced before. Ireland truly is an artistic and cultural paradise and we are here to ensure you make the best of it. Our team of devoted professionals places emphasis on details and treats every client with individual care. Our business ethos is to provide a personal service and we believe that a perfect service starts with a personal attitude. Culture and Heritage Tours will take care of you and indulge your passion for life. Albert Dawson Managing Director 1 a country rich in Welcome to our country… culture and heritage on the western edge of Europe. It is a country steeped in a deep rooted understanding of where it has come from over the last 7000 years, but also where it has developed into a vibrant modern society with its people spread across the globe. Ireland has a history which encompasses legend and tradition, mystery and fact from a rich tapestry of ancient civilisation. Legend has it that St Patrick drove the snakes out of Ireland, but before that, there were many battles fought with our neighbour’s such as the Vikings and the British. Today, however we are all part of the modern European Union and Ireland works as part of a worldwide community. Culture & Heritage tours brings you on a journey of discovery through history, culture and heritage. Whether it’s a tantalizing visit to Brú na Bóinne visitor centre or the Neolithic burial chamber of Newgrange, which is a UNESCO world heritage site, to a simple headstone marking the burial place of a historic poet or writer, a visit to a remarkable Castle or Great House to a simple workman’s cottage, from the Hill of Tara to the Battle of the Boyne, Ireland sets itself apart from any other country because of the influence of the rock formations and the Gulf stream along the south western coast line. Enjoy the history of our past in wonderful Celtic treasures in the museums and galleries, from the evocative music and storytelling, or let us take you on a journey of discovery to places off the beaten track which have a story to tell with their fortified walled protections, Churches, Monasteries’ and Stone circles all of which make Ireland a place of immense beauty and warmth. Ireland is a country of rich cultural heritage, and Cultural & Heritage tours invite you to join us on a must see journey where we will take you off the beaten track to discover the hidden treasures of our land. 2 Definite Dining in Knowledgeable 3 Departures I reland Guides Definite departures are those tour departure Irish cuisine is amongst the best in the world Our guides are the perfect ‘go to’ as they have a dates that have attained the minimum number and we want you to experience fine dining ‘Irish wealth of knowledge on all things Irish. Culture of people to go ahead, thus confirming operation. Style’. After a long day spent exploring, a hearty and Heritage Tour guides will help you unearth Definite departure dates will be made available dinner is a must and we will recommend the Ireland’s rich history and literary connections on the Culture and Heritage Tours website, www. best eateries in every town and village so you are with stories of authors, saints, sinners and cultureheritagetours.ie. never disappointed. politicians mixing with the dramatic impact of mighty battles and Nordic invaders. Hotels to feel It’s all about at home in the people Customised Culture and Heritage Tours believes that one of The Irish are warm, vivacious and they go out of Travel the most important aspects of any vacation is their way to make you feel welcome. Whether If you don’t find what you are looking for here, accommodation. Because we want your holiday you are having a coffee break in a little café, don’t despair because we can customise any with us to be a magnificent one, we have selected enjoying dinner in one our many restaurants or itinerary just for you. Culture and Heritage Tours some of Ireland’s best hotels and castles for our relaxing in a village pub, you’re sure to enjoy the provide personalised, creative and innovative tours company of the Irish. solutions to overseas travellers with the support of dedicated and professional staff. American Heads: Irish Roots The links between Ireland and America have been celebrated for decades. Over the years millions Our tours at of Irish people have immigrated to America seeking a new life. This a glance... tour explores the Irish American connection and the bond that will Tou rs p6-14 forever unite our countries. We promise to awaken your sense of Terms & Conditions p15-16 Irish belonging. Map of Ireland p15 p6 Fairies, Fables & Folklore Ghouls, Ghosts & of I reland G raveya rd s Ireland is steeped in tradition and Ireland has a deep and rich history folklore; hidden beneath the surface and with that comes a wonderfully is a world forgotten in time. Join us as frightful world of death, tragedy we travel through a world of myth and and lingering spirits. The Irish legend following in the footsteps of landscape remembers and seeks Celtic Goddesses and famous Druids. to remind us of the terrifying past An authentic and fun experience is that lurks beneath the surface. guaranteed. From ghosts to haunted castles and jails, this tour is full of terrifying excitement. Join us if you dare. p7 p8 The Wonderful World 4 Medieval Ireland of Georgian Living The Medieval period in Ireland spans The Georgian era was a time of centuries of change and reform. sumptuous pleasures and playful The Vikings physical reign lasted architecture, as well as bountiful for centuries but their influence banquets and social etiquette. This on our culture and politics will last tour transports you back in time to forever. This tour embraces all things Georgian Ireland. Visit plush town medieval, giving you the opportunity and country houses and see stunning to explore our beautiful country in a architecture and gardens. new and exciting way. p9 p10 Saints & Scholars in I reland on Screen Monastic I reland At a time when the rest of Europe was Throughout the years, Ireland has going through the ‘Dark Ages’, Ireland played host to many great movie was going through a period of religious sets. A variety of productions fulfilment and prosperity. During from Hollywood epics to small this time, monasteries flourished and screen programmes have been grew, trade increased and settlement filmed here. Visit Ireland’s most patterns changed. This tour takes you striking landscapes and learn on a journey of discovery through of the world renowned movies Ireland exploring fascinating monastic filmed on these shores. settlements along the way. p11 p12 From Victory Finding the past, to Infamy exploring the future The beauty, charm and Every year, thousands of people all breathtaking scenery of Ireland over the world undertake research to are well known and loved; however trace their family’s ancestry. Let us beneath this stunning exterior provide you with the tools necessary lies a turbulent past. Culture and to continue your genealogical Heritage Tours invites you to research here in Ireland. Discover the join us on this tour of rebellious world of your ancestors by visiting exploration. From the Battle of the historical and cultural sites, some of Boyne to the Siege of Limerick, we which will be linked to your family. cover it all. p13 p14 Mystery Tour Great Irish Clan Tours 5 of I reland Great Irish Clan Tours are short breaks Are you tired of the average run of of Ireland with a difference. Whether the mill tour of Ireland? Culture and you visit the historic kingdom of the Heritage Tours has created a tour of O’Sullivans in Cork or Kerry or the Ireland that is sure to delight. This beautiful landscape of the Irish Pirate unique tour of Ireland can be anything Queen, Grace O’Malley in Mayo; our you want it to be, just let us know holiday breaks ensure you experience what you want from your Irish trip and beautiful landscapes, together with we’ll do the rest.