Luxury Tour Operator Ireland | Ancient Ireland: Top Places to Visit
A customized tour of Ireland means uncovering the ancient lands of the saints and scholars. The island is steeped in so much history it’s difficult to list all the sites that should be seen and where to start. With a private driver in Ireland it means you can make the most of your time in the emerald isle and see as many places as possible without worrying about planning the best routes or navigating the sometimes tiny country roads here. Below are just a few of the ancient discoveries in Ireland, there are many, many more.
Newgrange | Small Group Tours Ireland
Brú Na Bóinne, located in the heart of the Boyne Valley in County Meath, has been the focus of human settlement for at least 6,000 years. Traces of this activity still survive on the landscape but it is the remains of the prehistoric period, in particular the magnificent tombs of the Neolithic or Late Stone Age. Brú Na Bóinne is the Irish translation of ‘Palace of the Boyne’ and is home to Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth, with Newgrange being the largest and most well-known site. It contains tombs similar to the designs of the pyramids in Egypt. The site was the first in Ireland to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 and every year a special Solstice winter celebration is held at the site. Discover Ireland’s legendary and ancient area of county Meath.
Hill of Tara | Discover Ireland Tours
The Hill of Tara is also located near the River Boyne in Meath. It is an archaeological complex that runs between Navan and Dunshaughlin and contains a number of ancient monuments. According to tradition, it was the seat of the High King of Ireland (Árd Rí na hÉireann). The hill itself is 500 feet high and has some of the most panoramic views of the plains of Meath. Tara consists of two linked ring fort enclosures, one from the Iron Age and the other, called Ráith na Ríogh, the Fort of the Kings. At the very center of the Royal Seat stone of destiny, according to legend, upon being touched by Ireland’s new king would let out a scream heard throughout the entire island. A private tour of Ireland is recommended to discover these ancient secrets held here.
Rock of Cashel, County Tipperary | Driver Guided Tours Ireland
A trip to Ireland must include the iconic Rock of Cashel in the heart of Tipperary. Carraig Phádraig, more formally St. Patrick’s Rock, it is also known as Cashel of the Kings. According to local mythology, the Rock of Cashel originated in the Devil’s Bit, a mountain 30 km north of Cashel when St. Patrick banished Satan from a cave, resulting in the Rock’s landing in Cashel. Cashel is reputed to be the site of the conversion of the King of Munster by St. Patrick in the 5th century. After the 12th century the buildings on the rock were gifted to the Church.
Blarney Stone and Blarney Castle, County Cork | Luxury Irish Private Guided Tours
Your private Irish driver can escort to Blarney Castle (Caisleán na Blarnan, in Irish). Although it’s partially in ruins, the castle has been rebuilt twice since its’ original structure of wood, in the 13th Century it was replaced with stone before being demolished in the 15th Century and rebuilt again by the King of Munster, Cormac McCarthy.
One of the famous features of the castle is the Blarney Stone. For a fun family vacation package in Ireland, kissing the stone is a must on your list of things to do in Ireland! For over 200 years millions of people have been travelling to Blarney specifically to kiss this magical stone, though its power’s are questioned it doesn’t stop people visiting from all over the world to kiss it.
Carrowore Megaltihic Cemetery, Co. Sligo| Ireland Driver Guides
Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery is the largest cemetery of megalithic tombs in Ireland and is also among the country’s oldest and also in Europe, dating back to around 4000BC – 4500BC. With monuments ranging from five thousand to five thousand eight hundred years old. They are mainly ancient stone circles, although some of them have central passages to explore. Archaeologists have recorded over 60 tombs of which 30 are visible. Take a unique personal tour of Ireland to explore ancient landmarks such as Carrowmore.
Skellig Michael | Bespoke Guided Tours of Ireland
The Skellig islands were formed during a period mountain formation some 374-360 million years ago off the coast of county Kerry next to the Blasket Islands. Skellig Michael towers 714ft. above sea level. On the summit of this fascintating rock you will find a spectacular well preserved sixth century monastic settlement. A visit to this popular tourist attraction may well be the highlight of your vacation to Ireland.
Céide Fields, Co. Mayo | Personal Chauffeur Driver
A personal Irish Tour of the Céide Fields is no ordinary field trip. This field spans some 1,500 hectares in the north of County Mayo. The area is considered by many to be one of the most extensive Stone Age visitor attractions in the world, with a series of field systems, ruined dwellings and megalithic tombs dating almost 5,000-6,000 years old. The discovery of the Céide Fields originally began in the 1930s when a local man noticed piles of rocks which were uncovered as he cut away some peat for fuel. A later discovery uncovered the lives and day to day habits of Stone Age people in Ireland.
Cliffs of Moher | Personal Driver Ireland
The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s top Visitor attractions. The Cliffs are 214m high at the highest point and range for 8 kilometres over the Atlantic Ocean on the western seaboard of County Clare. O’Brien’s Tower stands proudly on a headland of the majestic Cliffs. From the Cliffs one can see the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, as well as The Twelve Pins, the Maum Turk Mountains in Connemara and Loop Head to the South. The Cliffs of Moher take their name from a ruined promontory fort “Mothar” which was demolished during the Napoleonic wars to make room for a signal tower. Your Personal Chauffeur Ireland will bring right to the cliff pathway and be waiting for you to return from a refreshing walk, breathing in Irish air.
The Burren | Family Tours Ireland
The Burren National Park is a short journey from the cliffs in your private driven vehicle. The name Burren is from the Irish word ‘boireann’ meaning rocky place, and it certainly is! Mainly formed of limestone rock the Burren stretches over 15,000 Acres and is the smallest National Park in Ireland. There have been many tombs found around the Burren, made from the rocks, the famous being the Portal Dolmen, proving people have lived in the Burren for over 5,000 years. It’s a very different landscape during your trip to Ireland as there’s no lush green grass and it’s easy to forget the the vast area of rock landscape is still the Emerald Isle.
We can help you plan any part of your luxury vacation in Ireland and if you have any questions please do contact us and we’d be happy to help. If you are interested in an Irish Vacation Package and would like more information, please click on the Enquire button below. All the best, Mike Ryan.
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