Itinerary LYC-1: Dublin & beyond 4 nts from GBP 399pp

A lively and prosperous city, Dublin boasts that perfect blend of proverbial Irish charm and European chic. A short break specially designed if you would like to enjoy Dublin and explore more of the Irish countryside and sights outside the city, but would prefer not to drive.

You will have 4 nights in a comfortable base close to the centre and enjoy both a tour of the city, and a tour to explore the Wicklows or the historic site of Newgrange.

What to see and do

Once home to literary greats such as James Joyce, George Bernard Shaw and Oscar Wilde, the city boasts an abundance of Georgian architecture, as well as cosy bars and lots of great restaurants. Enjoy them all by walking in the area around Merrion Aquare and St Stephens Green, wander into Trinity College, with the famous Book of Kells on display, head to the Guinness Storehouse to sample this most famous of drinks in its historic homeland, pay a visit to one or both of the city cathedrals, cross the Liffey on the Ha'penny bridge and visit the GPO, site of the famous 1916 Easter Rising, and take in the Dublin Writers Museum, or catch an Irish play at the Abbey Theatre. 

Tours included

As an introduction to the city we have included a guided city bus tour, as well as a three day "Dublin Pass", offering many discounts on visitor attractions in the city.

Then, so you can see more of the countryside, we have also included a day tour  of your choice either:

The Glendalough Valley in Wicklow Mountains National Park The two glacially carved lakes in this gorgeous valley have attracted people and wildlife since earliest times. In the 6th century, St. Kevin founded a 'Monastic City' whose ancient churches, high crosses and round tower remain to this day. Ireland does not get more beautiful. The nearby Heritage Centre has a small museum beautifully detailing the history of the area.

or

A tour to Newgrange, Knowth, Tara and Prehistoric Ireland. A thousand years before Stonehenge and the Pyramids, the Stone Age farming community along the Boyne River erected a series of huge mounds. The mound at Newgrange was aligned to catch the rays of the sun on the winter solstice. At this time the rising winter sun illuminates rock art, 185 feet inside a stone passageway. The scale is titanic and visitors can walk inside for a short reenactment of that timeless event. Inside and outside the mound at Newgrange and Knowth are the greatest assemblage of prehistoric rock art to be found anywhere in Europe - all still in place. The nearby Hill of Tara, ancient home of the High Kings of Ireland, is a prehistoric landscape dotted with ritual monuments.

Your hotel
Enjoy the best of both worlds in this welcoming guest house. Comprising two imposing Georgian townhouses, it is situated in a remarkably peaceful leafy avenue just to the South of Dublin city centre. Yet you are just a short walk from St Stephen’s Green, a pint or two of Guinness in a local bar, or a delicious meal in one of Dublin’s many fine restaurants

Prices & Dates

This holiday can be arranged throughout 2010.

The price is £399 per person for 4 nights on a bed & breakfast basis, which includes the two tours described, as well as a Three day Dublin Pass, offering many discounts on attractions. This is based on two sharing a double or twin room ensuite.

Travel to Ireland

We would be delighted to book your travel to Ireland for this holiday.

The most convenient ferry routes is the overnight Liverpool to Dublin or the much shorter routes from Holyhead in Wales to Dublin or Dun Laoghaire.

There are direct flight connections to Dublin from numerous UK airports including London, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Leeds, Manchester, Luton, Southampton and Edinburgh.

All these holidays include a map of Dublin & Ireland with recommended routes from your specified starting point, suggestions on places to see and visit depending on your personal interests and our expertise to help you get the most from your holiday.

All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels.

The McKinlay Kidd Guarantee

All our holiday prices include a service charge of £8 per person per night towards the costs we incur in researching, planning and designing your holiday.

We guarantee to refund this service charge if you believe that arranging your holiday through McKinlay Kidd has not met your expectations for value. All we ask is that you write to us within 7 days of your return and explain your reason for claiming the refund. This will ensure that we can improve the experience for all our future guests.