Meet up in Dublin. Free day with loads of options. See my Dublin handout for suggestions. Check in to Wynn’s Hotel, Dublin’s historic gem and one of the sites where the 1916 rebels met to plan the 1916 Easter Rising against British rule: https://www.wynnshotel.ie/

​

Tour Newgrange, the Stone Age passage tomb in the Boyne River Valley that predates the pyramids in Egypt, and learn all about the people that lived in the Boyne River Valley over 5,000 years ago.

Stand atop the Hill of Tara, the ancient seat of the High Kings of Ireland. On a clear day (fingers crossed) you’ll be able to see 16 of Ireland’s 32 counties!

Split into small groups for Black Cab Tours of Belfast, where your driver will explain the history of “The Troubles”, the political/cultural/religious divide which still impacts some daily lives.

Visit the Titanic Museum and learn about the building of the Titanic in Belfast’s Harland and Wolff Shipyard.

Sleep in Belfast

Take a day trip through the breathtaking Glens of Antrim to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Giant’s Causeway, and 16 th century Dunluce Castle, the seat of The House of Greyjoy in “The Game of Thrones.”

Swing by Crosskeys Inn Pub in Toomebridge, Ireland’s oldest thatched pub dating to at least 1654, on the way back to Belfast City for traditional Irish music by award winning local musicians and enjoy dinner and the old- world hospitality of Vincent Hurl and his family.

Sleep in Belfast

Lunch in Derry, the only intact walled city in Ireland, and take a walking tour of its early 17th century walls. Learn about the plantation of Ireland, the Apprentice Boys, and the Siege of Derry aka Londonderry.

On to Donegal with a stop at Grianán of Aileach, a stone fort dating to the 6th or 7th century atop the Greenan Mountain on the Inishowen Peninsula with a stunning view of the surrounding countryside. The site’s significance in Irish history predates the fort itself and is referenced in the annals of Irish mythology and folklore.

Sleep in Donegal Town

Enjoy our first group dinner in the Republic of Ireland.

Take a day Trip from Donegal Town west to Glencolmcille Folk Village via the charming fishing port of Killybegs, and the spectacular Slieve League, whose cliffs are three times the height of the Cliffs of Moher.

Sleep in Donegal Town

Cruise on Lough Gill on The Rose of Innisfree.

Take a guided tour of Shedd Distillery (home of Gunpowder Gin).

Sleep in Sligo Town

Check out of Glass House Hotel and drive south into County Mayo to Westport via the Foxford Woolen Mills to learn about weaving in Ireland and, perhaps, purchase some beautiful blankets or sweaters.

The National Museum of Ireland that features a history of country life in Ireland is our last stop for the day.

Sleep in Westport at Castlecourt Hotel.

Swing by Croagh Patrick after breakfast to climb the (easy) steps to St Patrick’s statue for a spectacular view of Clew Bay and its 365 islands.

Spend the afternoon on a guided trip to Achill Island, the site of the filming of “The Banshees of Inisherin” with Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson. Learn about Grace O’Malley (Granuaile), Ireland’s 16th c. pirate queen who ruled the seas off the west coast of Ireland and was a contemporary and rival to Queen Elizabeth.

Upon return to town, enjoy music at Matt Malloy’s Pub in Westport.

Sleep in Westport at Castlecourt Hotel.

Leave Westport for Dublin Airport via Athlone and Sean’s Bar, said to be the oldest pub in Ireland, dating to 900 AD. Check in to Clayton Hotel, Dublin Airport, enjoy a farewell group dinner, and plan your next visit as IRELAND ALWAYS BECKONS!

In 1992, I began taking my students to Ireland over Spring Break. I was a high school English teacher in Arlington, VA with dual Irish-American citizenship, cousins throughout the country, and a husband who played Irish music professionally. My students convinced me to plan and lead a tour of Ireland. I called over to Ireland, hired a bus and driver, put the Youth Hostels on my credit card (egads!) and we were off. We had a fabulous time, so it became a Spring Break tradition for my students. But the other teachers told me I was CRAZY as I had no insurance or legal protection. So, eventually, I created Eire-Go Tours, LLC. The successes of those early tours led to more tours and, here I am! I retired from teaching in 2020 after 36 years in the classroom and now lead small group tours for people of all ages, but not unaccompanied minors. I am with you 24/7 to make sure that you learn about Irish history, music, dance, language, and culture. My tours are unique in that they offer a mixture of group time and free time where you can explore on your own (no "follow the umbrella!") and no early mornings so you can stay up late enough to enjoy the live traditional music in the pubs which often doesn't start until after 9 pm.

Join us! I love Ireland and know that you will, too.

Francesca ("Ches") Winch

301-613-0751