Pre-Historic Ireland Tour

Further to the huge success of our Neolithic Orkney and Beyond tour, we have constructed a new tour to look at the Neolithic period in Ireland. Following in the footsteps of Ireland’s first farmers, after a lecture from Dr David Saunders on the first evening, the tour starts with an introductory visit to the prehistory section of Dublin’s Archaeological Museum and includes visits to the Brú na Bóinne valley which includes the world renown Newgrange Chambered Tomb and its neighbour, some might say, the even more beautiful Knowth Chambered Tomb.

The tour then moves to Sligo on the west coast of Ireland taking in guided tours of the Hill of Tara and the Loughcrew Megalithic Cemeteries on route. After a one-night stay in Sligo, which includes a second lecture from Dr David Saunders and a 3-course dinner with wine at the hotel, the tour winds its way back to Dublin taking in a guided tour of the Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery before stopping for lunch at the picturesque Carrick-on-Shannon. Previous Neolithic tours have received rave reviews from clients fascinated by the knowledge and enthusiasm for his subject shown by our expert, Dr David Saunders.

YOUR EXPERT TOUR LECTURER

Dr. David Saunders

David is a prehistorian and expert in Palaeolithic cave art, with a doctorate from the University of Buckingham. He has undertaken over a decade of excavations at various significant prehistoric sites, including Blick Mead near Stonehenge.

His passion for early human expression is matched by his deep knowledge of the animals and signs depicted in ancient cave art. David’s tours bring this fascinating subject vividly to life.

ITINERARY 

Day 1: London to Dublin
Fly from London Heathrow to Dublin and transfer by coach for check-in to the hotel for a two night stay. Evening welcome drink at the hotel, then a lecture from Dr David Saunders, followed by a group dinner.

Day 2: Sites near Dublin
Morning visits to National Museum of Ireland, and Dublin Archaeological Museum to view the Prehistory and Bog Bodies exhibition which features a reconstructed Passage Tomb as a backdrop to the tools, pottery, and objects belonging to Neolithic farmers. Afternoon tour to Brú na Bóinne, Ireland's richest archaeological landscape, and famous for the spectacular passage tombs of Newgrange, Knowth, and Dowth which were built circa 3200 BC. We take a guided tour of Newgrange.

Day 3: Dublin to Sligo
Morning visit to the Hill of Tara with a guided tour of the Hill and chambers. As well as being important since the late Stone Age, all old Irish roads lead to this critical site - it was the seat of the high kings of Ireland in the Early Christian Period. Next visit to Loughcrew Megalithic Cemetery, dating to 3000 B C. Cairn T is one of the largest tombs in the complex, and features some of the most beautiful examples of Neolithic art in Ireland.
Continue on to Sligo for one night stay. Talk from David followed by dinner at the hotel.

Day 4: Carrowmore and Carrick-on-Shannon, then Dublin
Morning guided visit to Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery, the oldest and the densest concentration of Neolithic tombs in the country, constructed almost 6000 years ago. Drive back to Dublin via Carrick-on-Shannon.

Day 5: Dublin to London
Free time in Dublin before for return flight to London.

NB: Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion.

Tour Grading: This tour has been graded as Demanding due to the amount of walking involved at each site, and also due to the limits involved with visiting the caves, for example low height, sometimes poorly lit spaces and also the floor may be slippery and uneven underfoot.
On Day 2, the afternoon tour starts at the visitor centre, then shuttle bus to the tombs. The passage and chamber at Newgrange is low and narrow and is not be suitable for visitors with claustrophobia or mobility issues. There is no actual access to the chambers at Knowth - external view only. 
On Day 3, the Cairn T visit is subject to conservation works. The climb up is very steep - visitors should wear suitable footwear and take care on uneven ground.
On Day 4, the tour of Carrowmore is through meadow fields and mown pathways – care should be taken in wet conditions. Sturdy walking shoes/boots are recommended. Access to the Listoghil central tomb is by stepping over the low kerbstones. Please visit the mobility page of our website, or call our team if you need any further information prior to booking.

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 22 passengers.

INCLUDED

• Return airfares from London Heathrow to Dublin
• Three nights' bed and breakfast at four-star Riu Plaza The Gresham Hotel, Dublin, based on twin share or double occupancy
• One night bed and breakfast at three-star Riverside Hotel, Sligo, based on twin share or double occupancy
• 2 dinners
• All guided tours and admissions as per the itinerary
• Coach transfers and touring as per the itinerary
• Tour Lecturer David Saunders throughout
• Tour Manager throughout

NOT INCLUDED

• Double for sole use supplement - £488
• Holiday insurance 
• Meals other than those stated 
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc
• Porterage and gratuities

HOTELS

Riu Plaza The Gresham Hotel, Dublin
Elegant four-star hotel located in the heart of Dublin offering a restaurant, bar, coffee bar, fitness centre, and modern bedrooms with TV, WIFI, safe, hairdryer, iron, and tea & coffee making facilities.

Hotel Website

Riverside Hotel, Sligo
Comfortable three-star hotel located a short walk to Sligo Abbey. Enjoy stunning views from the Mill Bar & Restaurant, terrace, and cafe. The modern bedrooms include TV, telephone, iron, and tea & coffee making facilities.

Hotel Website

MORE INFO