Explore Ireland's rich history on this day trip from Dublin. We’ll visit the Hill of Tara, Trim Castle, Loughcrew's Cairns, and Fore Abbey.
Tour Details
After meeting up at the designated time at the Molly Malone statue on Suffolk Street in Dublin, we'll set off by coach to explore some of eastern Ireland's most fascinating historic places.
After 40 minutes on the road, we'll arrive at Ancient Ireland's most sacred site: the Hill of Tara. This historic ceremonial and burial site was the seat of the High Kings of Ireland according to Celtic tradition. As well as discovering centuries of history, we'll admire breathtaking views of the landscape, including the well-known Coronation Stone and An Forradh monument.
These lush green landscapes will accompany us as we continue to the next stop on our tour, arriving at an impressive Norman fortress known as Trim Castle after a 30-minute drive. It is in fact the biggest Anglo-Norman fortress in Ireland. Our guide will reveal fascinating facts about the surprisingly well-preserved 12th-century ruins as we stroll around and take photos of its grounds.
Continuing onwards, we'll drive 50 minutes to Loughcrew, home to a number of Megalithic passage tombs dating back to 3000 BC. You'll be enchanted by the legendary history of these ancient cairns and the views offered by this spot, the highest point in the county.
Next, we'll hop back into the coach for about 15 minutes and make our way to Fore Distillery. Here, we'll learn about the production process of Fore Valley spirits such as Golden Irish Rum, White Irish Rum and Irish Poitín. While here, we'll also take the time to have lunch. If you wish, you can buy lunch on site, or bring a packed lunch.
From here, we'll make our way to Fore Abbey, the site of Saint Fechin's founding of a Christian monastery in the 7th century. Here we'll discover the history of the sacred site that was home to 300 monks at its height. Did you know that it has been set on fire 12 different times throughout its history?
Finally, we'll head back to Dublin, and you'll be dropped off on Dame Street in the city centre after a total of 10 hours and 15 minutes.