Giant's Causeway

Marvel at the wonders of nature at the Giant's Causeway in North Antrim. No trip to Northern Ireland would be complete with a stop to Northern Ireland's most popular tourist attraction. The Giant's Causeway is known for its hexagonal shaped basalt columns formed by intense volcanic activity formed in the area some 50 to 60 million years ago.

Visit the Giant's Causeway on your next tour of northern Ireland with Celtic Tours World Vacations

96 reasons to be proud of your heritage: Connacht and Ulster

We’ve all read the school history book – words on a page about ‘what’s-his-name’. We’re asked to memorise dates and places and learn off parts of our history that are explained in a few hundred words. If you’re lucky, you might see a drawing of a battle or a painting depicting a King in all his regal finery. Learn More: The Gathering Ireland 2013 - 96 reasons to be proud of your heritage: Connacht and Ulster

Celtic Delight - Escorted Tour of Ireland

Premier Escorted Motorcoach Tour - with a new an exciting itinerary and no hidden extras!

Our Celtic Delight is perfect for those with less time in Ireland that still want a premier tour experience. A great tour featuring Limerick, Killarney, the famous Ring of Kerry, Waterford and Dublin.

Celtic Delight Escorted Tour of Ireland Highlights

• 10 Meals - Breakfast and Dinner 
• Visit Limerick, Killarney, Blarney, Cobh, Waterford, Kilkenny and Dublin 
• New and Updated Itinerary 
• Top Hotels & Entertainment 
•  No Hidden Extras

Celtic Delight Escorted Tour of Ireland Includes

• First Class and Superior First Class hotels throughout 
• Full Irish breakfast daily, except day of arrival 
• Dinner each evening, except one evening in Dublin. Including a traditional medieval castle banquet 
• Full sightseeing by Deluxe Touring Motorcoach Professional Irish driver/guide to escort you throughout 
•  Scenic drive along the Ring of Kerry 
• Visits to: Cobh, Kilkenny Castle, Trinity College and the Book of Kells 
•  Porterage of one (1) suitcase per person 
• Tips and taxes in Ireland. 
• Gratuities to the driver/guide not included 
• Celtic Tours flight bag and portfolio of travel documents

Visit our website for more details on this fabulous escorted tour of Ireland

Celtic Sojourn - Escorted Tour of Ireland

Premier Escorted Motorcoach Tour!

An exciting new itineary featruing Titanic Belfast, scenic Donegal and the Slieve League cliffs, plus enjoy a Medieval Castle Banquet! Take advantage of Early Bird Savings on this tour at $200 per couple! Limited to first come first serve!

Celtic Sojourn Escorted Tour of Ireland Highlights

• 12 Meals - Breakfast and Dinner 
• Visit Dublin, Belfast, Donegal, Galway, Limerick 
•  New and Updated Itinerary 
• Top Hotels & Entertainment 
• No Hidden Extras

Celtic Sojourn Escorted Tour of Ireland Includes

• First Class and Superior First Class hotels throughout 
•  Full Irish breakfast daily, except day of arrival 
• Dinner each evening, including a traditional medieval castle banquet 
• Full sightseeing by Deluxe Touring Motorcoach 
•  Professional Irish driver/guide to escort you throughout 
• Visit to Rathbaun Farm to see an actual working farm, including coffee/tea and Irish Farmhouse scones 
• Panoramic city tours of Dublin and Belfast 
• Visits to: Mellifont Abbey, Titanic Belfast, Giant's Causeway, Glenveagh Castle and National Park, Slieve League Cliffs, Belleek China, Cliffs of Moher
•  Porterage of one (1) suitcase per person 
• Tips and taxes in Ireland. 
• Gratuities to the driver/guide not included 
• Celtic Tours flight bag and portfolio of travel documents

Visit our website for more information about this fabulous tour of Ireland

Irish Rose - Escorted Tour of Ireland

Premier Escorted Motorcoach Tour - with a new an exciting itinerary and no hidden extras!

A scenic and unforgettable jouney through Ireland from Belfast to the Ring of Kerry. Plus, Celtic Tours offeres unbelievable Early Bird Discounts of $250 per couple on this tour (first come first serve), so book early and save!!

Irish Rose Escorted Tour of Ireland Highlights

• 16 Meals - Breakfast and Dinner 
• Visit Dublin, Belfast, Donegal, Galway, Limerick, Killarney 
• New and Updated Itinerary 
• Top Hotels & Entertainment 
• No Hidden Extras

Irish Rose Escorted Tour of Ireland Includes

• First Class and Superior First Class hotels throughout 
• Full Irish breakfast daily, except day of arrival Dinner each evening, including a traditional medieval castle banquet Full sightseeing by 
• Deluxe Touring Motorcoach Professional Irish driver/guide to escort you throughout 
• Visit to Rathbaun Farm to see an actual working farm, including coffee/tea and Irish Farmhouse scones 
• Panoramic city tours of Dublin and Belfast 
• Scenic drive along the Ring of Kerry 
• Visits to: Mellifont Abbey, Titanic Belfast, Giant's Causeway, Glenveagh Castle and National Park, Slieve League Cliffs, Belleek China, Cliffs of Moher 
• Porterage of one (1) suitcase per person 
•  Tips and taxes in Ireland. 
• Gratuities to the driver/guide not included 
•  Celtic Tours flight bag and portfolio of travel documents

Check out our website for more details on this fabulous escorted tour of Ireland

Celtic Dream

Premier Escorted Motorcoach Tour - with a new an exciting itinerary and no hidden extras! Our Celtic Dream tour continues to be one of the best valued tours on the market. Plus, Celtic Tours offeres unbelievable Early Bird Discounts of $500 per couple on this tour (first come first serve), so book early and save!!

Celtic Dream Tour of Ireland Highlights:

• 20 Meals - Breakfast and Dinner 
• Visit Dublin, Belfast, Donegal, Galway, Limerick, Killarney, Blarney, Cobh, Waterford and Kilkenny
•  New and Updated Itinerary Top Hotels & Entertainment 
• No Hidden Extras 

Celtic Dream Tour of Ireland Includes:

• First Class and Superior First Class hotels throughout
• Full Irish breakfast daily, except day of arrival CDB Tour 13-day: 
• Dinner each evening except for one night in Dublin, including a traditional medieval castle banquet and traditional Irish entertainment and dinner in Dublin. CDA 12-Day Tour: Dinner each evening including a traditional medieval castle banquet and traditional Irish entertainment and dinner in Dublin 
• Full sightseeing by Deluxe Touring Motorcoach Professional Irish driver/guide to escort you throughout 
• Visit to Rathbaun Farm to see an actual working farm, including coffee/tea and Irish Farmhouse scones 
•  Panoramic city tours of Dublin and Belfast 
• Scenic drive along the Ring of Kerry
•  Visits to: Mellifont Abbey, Titanic Belfast, Giant's Causeway, Glenveagh Castle and National Park, Slieve League Cliffs, Belleek China, Cliffs of Moher, Cobh, Kilkenny Castle, Trinity College and the Book of Kells, Whitefriar Church, Guinness Brewery Storehouse and Jameson Whiskey Distillery tour 
• Porterage of one (1) suitcase per person 
• Tips and taxes in Ireland. Gratuities to the driver/guide not included 
• Celtic Tours flight bag and portfolio of travel documents

Visit our website for more details! http://bit.ly/MgmXYX

Sunset Kayak Trip - Lakes of Killarney

Watch The Sun Set In The West Over Killarney National Park & Dingle On This Magical Kayak Trip

Kayak silently past rustling islands and sleepy swans. Land at the mystical 6th century abbey ruins on Innisfallen Island and hopefully glimpse some of Ireland's last native red deer. Return by kayak to Ross Castle in twilight, and possibly moonlight, as nightfall creeps over the oak and yew woods.

No Previous Kayaking Experience Is Needed.

Experience this magical adventure on Celtic Tours World Vacations Choose Your Own Adventure self-drive vacation to Ireland.

7 Heritage Sites in Shannon

The spirit of Old Ireland lives on in Shannon. On the wide estuary of the River Shannon, on the open moors or in the deep woodland, bog cotton danced in the breeze admidst a blaze of color from heather, gorse and hawthorn. This is a view of Ireland in ancient times.

Learn about the heritage of Ireland in the Shannon area by visiting these Ireland heritage sites:

Adare Castle
Adare is regarded as a fine example of the medieval fortified castle in Ireland and is one of a number of outstanding castles situated in County Limerick. It is sited on the north bank of the River Maigue in a strategic position on a substantial earlier ringwork where it was able to control traffic on the river. It was an important stronghold of the Earls of Desmond. A strong, square keep forms the defensive core of the castle that stands within a walled ward surrounded by a moat. Beside the river is the great hall, with early 13th century windows looking out on to the river, and nearby is a kitchen and a bakery.

Ardfert Cathedral
A monastery was founded here by St. Brendan 'The Navigator' in the 6th century. There are three medieval churches, an ogham stone and a number of early Christian and medieval grave slabs on the site today. The earliest building is the cathedral which dates from the 12th to 17th centuries. It has a fine Romanesque west doorway, a magnificent 13th century east window and a spectacular row of nine lancets in the south wall. Two effigies of ecclesiastical figures of late 13th to early 14th century date are mounted on either side of the east window. The battlements were added in the 15th century. The pre-12th century block of masonry is clearly visible in the north wall. One of the two smaller churches is a fine example of late Romanesque and the other is a plain 15th century structure with an interesting carving of a wyvern on one of the windows. Access for people with disabilities to exhibition area and viewing point.



Desmond Hall
West Limerick preserves many of Ireland's surviving spacious medieval halls. The Desmond Banqueting Hall is an imposing two-storey structure and was used by the Earls of Desmond for banqueting and entertainment. The Hall, vaulted lower chamber and adjoining tower were all constructed during the 15th century (the hall and chamber were built on the remains of a 13th century structure of similar size). Its restored medieval features include and oak musicians' gallery and a limestone hooded fireplace.

Dromore Wood
An area of approximately 400 hectares (1000 acres), Dromore was established as a nature reserve because of the diversity and richness of its flora and fauna. This richness comes from the fact that it has many different habitat types. These include a river, lakes, turloughs, callows (flodded meadows), limestone pavement, fen peat, reed beds and species-rich woodland.

The reserve has historical and archaeological aspects. The 17th century O'Brien Castle is still standing by the lake edge. This is also the sites of Cahermacrea Castle, Kilakee Church, two ring forts and a lime kiln.

Ennis Friary
This 13th century Franciscan friary, founded by the O'Briens, of Thomond who once ruled much of north Munster, has numerous 15th/16th century sculptures carved in the local hard limestone:

A carved image of St. Francis displaying the stigmata is evident in the nave. He carries a cross staff and wears the Franciscan habit. Under the south arch of the tower, an elaborate tracery canopy of the late 15th century was perhaps part of an ornate tomb.  The corbels supporting this are carved on one side with a bishop and, on the other, the Virgin & Child. An arch between the nave and transept bears, in a niche, an image of "Ecce Home" or "Christ's Pity". His hands are bound and tokens of the crucifixion are arranged about. The magnificent east window, with its five tall, narrow lancets, lights the chancel.  The chancel once contained several royal and aristocratic tombs, among those remaining at the friary are the canopy of the Inchiquin/O' Brien tomb and also the Creagh tomb which incorporates five sculptured passion panels from the much older MacMahon Tomb. Set into the back of this tomb is thirteen carved figures representing Christ and the Apostles, all dating from the mid 15th century.

Listowel Castle
The construction date of the earliest castle at Listowel dates to the 13th century but the present castle was probably built in the 15th century by the FitzMaurices. The castle stands on an elevation on a steep bank, overlooking the river Feale, above the location of a strategic ford. A substantial part of the front of the castle survives consisting of two large, square towers of four storeys, standing almost to the original height of 15.3 metres, connected by a wall of the same height and linked together by an arch on one side. A major programme of conservation works has been undertaken at the castle including the provision of an external staircase to allow public access to the upper levels.

Scattery Island
Located approximately one mile off Kilrush, Scattery Island is home to a monastic settlement founded in the early 6th century by St. Senan who was born locally.

There are the ruins of six churches and one of the highest Round Towers in Ireland, 120 feet high, with it's unusual feature of it's door at ground level.  Scattery has had many invasions down through the centuries; the Vikings invaded during the early 9th century but Brian Boru later recaptured the island.  It is believed that Scattery is a derivation of the Norse word for treasure, which is Scatty.

The main church on the island is Teampall Naomh Mhuire (Cathedral of Saint Mary), situated next to the round tower.  Scattery for a time in the 12th century administered to a diocese.  There is an effigy of a bishop's head on the outside of the east window of the Cathedral believed to be that of St. Senan.  The holy well, called Tobar Sinean, beside the round tower was of great reverence and respect by the islanders.  It was also associated with a pattern held on St. Senan's Feast Day on 8th March.  St. Senan is believed to have died in the year 544 and is reputed to be buried in St. Senan's Bed beside Temple Senan a small 12th Century Romanesque church.

An exhibition of the history of the island is housed in the visitor reception building, which is situated near the pier.


Visit Shannon on your next self-drive vacation to Ireland.

Ireland Video from Celtic Tours with Switchback

Let the spirit of Ireland get under your skin and into your heart. We want you to sing your heart out at our festivals, start off your mornings with a full Irish breakfast and feel like family in our cozy B&B's. Because here, you're always welcome! So go on, Jump Into Ireland with Celtic Tours http://www.CelticTours.com Music kindly provided by Switchback http://www.waygoodmusic.com/index.php

Kylemore Abbey

Kylemore Abbey is the no.1 visitor attraction in the West of Ireland and a ‘must see’ visit for any tour of Ireland. Set in the dramatic Connemara landscape of mountains and lakes, Kylemore is an iconic attraction, famous around the world. From it’s beginnings as a romantic gift in the 1860s to becoming home to the Benedictine Nuns in 1920, Kylemore is steeped in history and tales of tragedy, romance, royal visits, spirituality and education. The Benedictine community welcome visitors to experience the Victorian atmosphere of the restored rooms of the abbey and gothic church explore the magical Victorian Walled Garden, nature trails and woodland walks and much more.



Visit Kylemore Abbey on your next self-drive vacation to Ireland with Celtic Tours World Vacations.

Old Mellifont Abbey

Whether you are traveling to Ireland on a religious pilgrimage or simply to see the beautiful countryside dappled with ancient ruins, Old Mellifont Abbey is a must see.

Old Mellifont Abbey in County Louth, Ireland was the first Cistercian monastery in Ireland. It was founded in 1142 by St. Malachy of Armagh. The most beautiful structure at Mellifont is the lavabo, an octagonal washing house. Built in the early 13th century, it used lead pipes to bring water from the river.

 The Visitor Center houses an interesting exhibition on the work of masons in the Middle Ages with fine examples of their craft on display.

Old Mellifont Abbey is a beautiful ruin and a must see for any traveler to Ireland.

Old Mellifont Abbey is included on a number of Celtic Tours World Vacations escorted tours of Ireland. Check out our website: www.CelticTours.com

Ireland Travel Planner

Ireland Travel Planner


This handy travel guide provides the reader with quick information on travel to Ireland, making it the perfect place to start planning your vacation to Ireland.

Westport Rambler

Ramble through the old world town of Westport, on the shores of Clew Bay in Co Mayo on our Westport Rambler. This exciting new self-drive vacation package to Ireland includes three nights accommodations in the old-world town of Westport and three nights accommodations in Ireland's cosmopolitan capital city of Dublin.

Miles of coastline, old-world shop fronts, tree lined boulevard and plenty of activities (from watersports to equine) make Westport a superb base for discovering the majestic west of Ireland. Whether sailing, horse-back or shopping is your sport - ramble through the old world town of Westport.

Dublin, Ireland's capital city, is a historical and contemporary cultural center. Dublin city is home to many theaters and galleries and is known for its literary contributions from WB Yeats to Bernard Shaw to Oscar Wilde. It is a modern center of education, arts, entertainment and history.

Learn more about this fabulous 6 Night Self-Drive Vacation to Ireland from Celtic Tours World Vacations

Celtic Sojourn - Escorted Motorcoach Tour of Ireland

Discover the charm and zest of Northern Ireland with our Celtic Sojourn. Northern Ireland is a land of immense variety with wave swept coastal drives, hazy mountains, vast open moorland, loughs and glassy lakes and charming towns. Visit WB Yeats country of Sligo, the charming town of Donegal, the historic and scenic Inishowen Peninsula and the spectacular Malin Head. Experience the magic of the North Antrim coast and take a historical tour of Belfast, its harbor and dock area, where the Titanic and her sister ships were built.

Tour Highlights: Medieval Castle Banquet, Cliffs of Moher, Galway Bay, Knock Shrine, The Giants Causeway, Glenveagh Castle, Inishowen Peninsula, Belfast and the Titanic Tour.

Your Celtic Sojourn tour includes:

• First Class and Superior First Class hotels throughout.
• Full Irish breakfast daily, except day of arrival.
• Dinner each evening except for one night in Dublin, including a traditional medieval castle banquet and traditional Irish entertainment and dinner in Dublin.
• Full sightseeing by Deluxe Touring Motorcoach.
• Professional Irish driver/guide to escort you through out.
• Visit to Rathbaun Farm to see an actual working farm, including coffee/tea and Irish Farmhouse scones.
• Lough Foyle Ferry.
• Visits to: Cliffs of Moher, Rathbaun Farm, Knock Shrine, Belleek Pottery Factory, Glenveagh Castle and National Park, Fort Dunree, Moville Pottery, Giants Causeway, Titanic Docks & Pump House.
• Porterage of one (1) suitcase per person.
• Tips and taxes in Ireland. Gratuities to the driver/guide not included.
• Celtic Tours flight bag and portfolio of travel documents

Take the Celtic Sojourn tour of Ireland with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Discover Ireland Through the Camera Lens on Celtic Dream Tour

The magical Emerald Isle provides endless possibilities for photo-ops from cosmopolitan city views and small villages with thatched-roofed cottages to majestic cliffs and emerald green hillsides dappled with castle ruins. Discover Ireland through the camera lens on our Celtic Dream Tour:

Dublin
Take a panoramic tour of Dublin which shows the statue filled O'Connell St., elegant Georgian Houses and Trinity College. See the city from above at the Guinness Storehouse rooftop bar.

Kilkenny
Enjoy free time to browse the quint town of Kilkenny.


Lakes of Killarney
The Lakes of Killarney are a renowned scenic attraction located near Killarney, County Kerry, in Ireland.

Dingle Peninsula
Enjoy the scenic beauty for which this region is renowned and made famous by such movies as “Ryan's Daughter” and “Far & Away.” See the long, sandy stretches of Inch Strand and admire views across the bay to the Iveragh Peninsula. See beehive huts where early Christian monks lived and visit Gallarus Oratory, dating from the 8th century. Stop for some free time in Dingle and drive up the Conor Pass for panoramic views before returning to Killarney.

Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher, in County Clare, are one of Ireland’s top Visitor attractions, with close to 1 million visitors per year. A visit to this majestic natural wonder will and you’ll know why. The Cliffs stand 702 feet high at its highest point, stretching roughly 5 miles, offering breathtaking views of the beauty of Ireland’s west coast and the sheer power of the Atlantic Ocean. Even on a calm day, the great ocean waves ceaselessly pound the shore with white surf continually showing white surf at the base of the cliffs.

Rathbaun Farm
If you are looking for a traditional Irish experience, plan a visit to Rathbaun Farms in County Galway. Here you’ll learn about traditional farming methods, watch the resident border collie herd sheep and chat over tea and scones.

Donegal
Have your cameras ready as you tour scenic and historic Donegal. Visit Glenveagh Castle and National Park. Watch out for the Golden Eagles.

Giants Causeway

The Giant's Causeway, the source of legends of gigantic proportions, is a 50 to 60 million year old landmark of Ireland’s natural and mystical beauty. Located in County Antrim, the Causeway was named the  fourth greatest natural wonder of the United Kingdom and is the most popular tourist attraction in Northern Ireland.

These are just a few of the fantastic opportunities for photographers to view Ireland through a camera lens on the Celtic Dream Tour of Ireland with Celtic Tours World Vacations

NEW! Belfast Titanic Visitor Experience

Opening in March 2012, Titanic Belfast® will be a "must see" visit in any tour of Belfast and Northern Ireland. It is located in the heart of Belfast, on the slipways where RMS Titanic was built. Titanic Belfast® extends over nine galleries, with multiple dimensions to the exhibition, drawing together special effects, dark rides, full-scale reconstructions and innovative interactive features to explore the Titanic story in a fresh and insightful way; from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through her construction and launch, to her infamous maiden voyage and catastrophic demise. The journey goes beyond the aftermath of the sinking, to the discovery of the wreck and continues into the present day with a live undersea exploration centre.

Experience the NEW Titanic Experience on your next self-drive vacation to Ireland with Celtic Tours World Vacations.

Enter to win a Belfast City Stay with tickets to the NEW Titanic Belfast Visitor Experience. Like us on facebook, take a fun quiz to test your knowledge of Belfast and the Titanic (don't worry, we give you hints) and be entered to win a 2 night city stay package for two! Contest ends June 29, 2012.

Serenity by the Lakeside

A perfect 6-Night get-a-way, featuring 3 nights at the beautiful Lakeside Hotel in Killaloe, Co. Clare. Killaloe is made up of charming narrow streets, flanked by old shops along the steep hill looking down over the 13th century cathedral. The town was home to Brian Boru, the High King who united Ireland against the Vikings.This picture perfect town with its Victorian streets and old canal banks was once capital of all Ireland. The Lakeside Hotel makes a perfect base for exploring all that this area has to offer. This perfect get-a-way also includes 3 Nights B&B accommodations, car rental, breakfast daily, 1 dinner, complimentary tour of the Ring of Kerry and more!
Land from $569 PP Sharing before coupon.
Use Coupon Code LOVESERENITY to save $50 PP* Book Now

*Coupon Code cannot be combined with any other discount for same item. Coupon Code expires 4/30/12

Commemorate, Remember and Embark on the history of the Titanic

2012 is the 100th anniversary of the Titanic’s maiden (and only) voyage. Everyone has heard of the fateful Titanic, but many do not know that Ireland played a huge part in the history of the Titanic. In fact, the Titanic was built in Belfast and Cobh, then Queenstown, was the Titanic’s last port of call. To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Titanic, Cobh in County Cork, Ireland will play host to a memorable series of events designed to remember and pay tribute to the Titanic and all who have been involved with her. Whether you are a history buff, had relatives on the Titanic or are just looking for a good excuse to trek over to the Emerald Isle, Cobh is the place to be in 2012. Plan your Ireland Vacation with Celtic Tours World Vacations.

For the last century, the world has been intrigued by the story of the largest passenger liner at the time that many thought was unsinkable. Built in Belfast between 1909 and 1912, the Titanic was the 2nd of 3 huge ocean lines operated by the White Star Line and was the largest ship in the world. The interior of the Titanic held the highest standard of opulence. Extending over 6 floors, the Grand Staircase with its domed ceiling and carved balustrades is probably the most recognizable interior feature of the ship. The Titanic passenger list ranged from the richest people in the world to the poorest; it is perhaps the range of people on board with a wide range of reasons for travel that makes the ship’s story so fascinating. The Titanic’s final port of call was Queenstown, modern day Cobh, Ireland. On the night of April 14th, she struck an iceberg in the North Atlantic and was so badly damaged that she survived for less than 3 hours before she sank. Over 1500 people, two-thirds of the Titanic’s passengers and crew, drowned because there were not enough lifeboats to rescue everyone on board.

The picturesque seaport town of Cobh boasts one of the largest natural harbors in the world, and has a long and interesting maritime history because of it. Being a major transatlantic port, Cobh was the departure point for many Irish emigrants to North America, and was the finalport of call for the RMS Titanic.

Visitors to Cobh will find the Cobh Heritage Center a great place to start in learning about the unique history of Ireland through the 18th and 19th century including mass emigration, the Great Famine and on how criminals were transported to Australia for petty crimes. The Cobh Heritage Center also hosts an interesting and informative exhibit on the Titanic.

The Titanic Experience, due to open on February 1, 2012 in Cobh, is a new permanent visitor attraction situated in the original offices of The White Star Line. The location marks the departure point for the last 123 passengers who boarded the Titanic. The Titanic Experience brings the characters of the Titanic to life through innovative audio visual technology such as cinematic shows, scene sets, holographic imagery and touch screen technology.

Cobh is surely rich in Titanic and maritime history, and 2012 is an exquisite time to visit Ireland to commemorate the history and stories of the people aboard the Titanic. Events are scheduled throughout the year of 2012, with the week of April 9 – 15 set aside for flagship commemoration events.

There is truly something for everyone this year in Cobh. Travel to Ireland just to experience the history of the Titanic, or include a stop to Cobh on your next tour of Ireland with Celtic Tours World Vacations to embark on the history of the Titanic. Cobh is included on many of our Escorted Tours to Ireland and can also make a great stop on your next self-drive tour of Ireland. Check out our website for all of our Ireland vacations!

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Top 10 Blog Posts in 2011 – Ireland Edition

In 2011, we posted over 200 blog posts --- more than half of them were on travel to Ireland. It was hard to choose our top 10, but we narrowed it down. Which one is your favorite - leave a comment and tell us how we are doing, what your favorite 2011 blog post was or what destination you would like to see more information on.

1. The Ancient Art of Falconry
The ancient art of Falconry is reputed to be the oldest sport in the world. Evidence suggests that the art of falconry may have begun in Mesopotamia, China or Mongolia around 2000BC, as a means of catching food for yourself and your family.
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2. Free in Ireland
Everybody loves FREE! And Ireland has plenty of it. Whether you are visiting for the first time or the hundredth, here is a short list of some of the free attractions and activities in Ireland.
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3. Cookery Schools in Ireland
Want to take a cooking class on your next vacation to Ireland? There are many to choose from with classes ranging from traditional Irish cuisine to fusion cuisine.
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4. Plan an Irish Spa Vacation
There are many spas in Ireland to choose from, destination spas, specialized retreats and hotel spas. At Irish spas not only are you pampered but you get stunning scenery wherever you look. Bliss... Here is a list of some of the spas in Ireland to get you started in planning your Irish Spa Vacation.
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5. Castle Hotels in Ireland
Castle hotels in Ireland offer visitors the chance to take a magical step into Ireland’s past, with all the amenities you expect from a luxury hotel with modern conveniences. With many castle hotels in Ireland to choose from, here is a short list of our favorites.
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6. Explore Ancient Ireland: Newgrange
Imagine going back 5000 years to 3200 BC and being one of the 300 people to spend 20 years building the Newgrange passage tomb. Predating Stonehenge by over 1000 years, Newgrange is one monument within the Neolithic Bru na Boinne complex.
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7. Discover Medieval Ireland’s Historic Legends
Step into Ireland’s lively and colorful Medieval past with a medieval themed vacation filled with castle banquet feasts, traditional music and art, spectacular cathedrals, medieval ruins, fully-restored 12th century houses and old world villages – you can even stay in a Medieval Castle and learn about the ancient art of falconry.
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8. Visit Athlone, Ireland
Smack-dab in the middle of Ireland, Athlone is a vibrant town on the banks of River Shannon. Located about an hour and a half from Dublin and Galway, Athlone is a great location to explore the midlands of Ireland.
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9. Ireland – Your Luxury Travel Destination
Ireland was recently voted a top luxury travel destination by Luxury Travel Magazine, "For Europe first-timers or travelers seeking an English-speaking destination, Ireland offers rolling green countryside, quaint bed and breakfasts and hospitable locals that extend warmth and friendliness to visitors. From old to new: Ireland takes on a Robin Hood-esque feel amongst crumbling medieval castles for history buffs and site-seers, to world-class golf courses and resorts, offering some of the most renowned links in the world. Virtuoso advisers recommend it as an alternative in 2012 to London, which will no doubt be bulging with Olympic enthusiasts."
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10. Immense – Complex – Iconic : Rock of Cashel
Eclipsed in legend, the Rock of Cashel is reputed to be the site of the conversion of the King of Munster by St. Patrick in the 5th century. According to local mythology, the Rock of Cashel originated in the Devil's Bit, a mountain 19 miles north of Cashel when St. Patrick banished Satan from a cave, resulting in the Rock's landing in Cashel. The Rock of Cashel was the traditional seat of the kings of Munster for hundreds of years prior to the Norman invasion.
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Turn your world green in the Emerald Isle. Ireland is a truly magical place, with varied landscapes, warm and welcoming people and 40 shades of green. Visit Ireland with Celtic Tours World Vacations.

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