Hidden Heartlands Explorer

Day 1

Depart from your home area travelling to Holyhead for our sailing to Dublin. After crossing we continue by coach to Mullingar and the Bloomfield House Hotel and Spa.

Day 2

This morning we journey the short distance to the traditional market town of Mullingar. Enjoy some retail therapy with two shopping centers and the high street to browse. After lunch, we visit Belvedere House & Gardens. This restored Georgian villa dates back to 1740 and is the former home to Lord Belvedere - a notorious earl who became known as the ‘The Wicked Earl’. Enjoy a guided tour of the house and explore the beautiful 18th-century Victorian walled gardens featuring one of Ireland’s finest horticultural collections of rare and exotic plants.

Day 3

After a leisurely breakfast, we journey west to Clonmacnoise. You will see the ruins of a renowned monastery that was plundered by the Vikings in 842. From here we board a cruise, following in the steps of the Vikings, and journey up the River Shannon to Athlone. Commentary is provided on board and we will have the opportunity to spot wildlife of the river. In Athlone, you have free time to explore at leisure and enjoy lunch. The main landmark is the 12th-century Athlone Castle. There is a bustling high street with boutique shops and the oldest pub in Europe - Sean’s Bar.

Day 4

This morning we head for Dublin where we enjoy free time at leisure. The city centre hosts many attractions, including Trinity College and the Book of Kells, the EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, the Jeanie Johnston tall ship, which transported those fleeing from the famine, the Guinness Storehouse, St Patrick’s and Christ Church cathedrals, and Dublin Castle.  Look out for Molly Malone’s talking statue, enjoy the buskers along Grafton Street, or enjoy a Guinness at The Temple Bar.

Day 5

We depart our hotel this morning and retrace our steps back to the ferry port at Dublin for our sailing to Holyhead.

FB=Full Breakfast, EM=Evening Meal