One week allows you to combine Dublin with a first glimpse of the west. Two weeks offers a much more comfortable pace to explore several regions such as Connemara, Kerry, Cork, or the Atlantic coast.
Following in the footsteps of the druids and legends of Ireland
This trip in brief
- An 8-day trip to Ireland following in the footsteps of the druids and Celtic legends.
- Stops: Dublin, Newgrange and Hill of Tara, Uisneach, Clonmacnoise, Rathcroghan, Galway, Carrowmore and Knocknarea.
- Included: 7 nights with breakfasts, 7 dinners, local French-speaking guide, coach and entrance fees to the planned sites.
- Starting from €2,975 per person, program adaptable to your group.
Why choose a Celtic legends tour in Ireland?
A Celtic legends tour of Ireland offers a unique perspective on the island, quite unlike the typical tourist routes. Over eight days, the journey follows the traces left by millennia of beliefs, myths, and traditions. The landscapes themselves become the guiding thread for an immersion in Ireland's spiritual and cultural history.
Your adventure begins in Dublin. The National Museum of Ireland offers a first introduction to the Iron Age and Celtic culture. Next, the journey takes you to the Boyne Valley. There you will discover Newgrange, one of the most impressive megalithic monuments in Europe.
The Hill of Tara then reveals the importance of royalty in ancient Irish traditions. Next, Uisneach leads you to another key location in the island's mythology. This hill was once considered its symbolic center.
The Celtic legends tour of Ireland takes on an even more mysterious dimension at Rathcroghan. In ancient tales, this Connacht landscape is closely linked to Samhain. Nearby, the Oweynagat cave was even described as one of the gateways to the Otherworld.
However, this route is not limited to pre-Christian beliefs. In Clonmacnoise, you will discover how traditions evolved with the arrival and development of Christianity in Ireland.
Finally, the journey reaches the Atlantic coast. Galway offers a different atmosphere with its lively streets and vibrant music scene. From the city, a day trip to Sligo allows you to discover Carrowmore and Knocknarea.
This Celtic legends tour of Ireland is therefore particularly suited to travelers passionate about history, mythology and heritage.
Discover also our Tailor-made trips to Ireland.
To further explore Irish heritage, also consult the official website of Tourism Ireland.
Following in the footsteps of the druids and legends of Ireland: travel itinerary
Dublin and the origins of Celtic culture
Your adventure begins in Dublin.
Accompanied by your guide, discover the archaeological collections of the National Museum of Ireland. Gold torcs, votive objects and Iron Age remains provide a better understanding of Celtic society.
Your guide also revisits the role of the druids in the stories and historical knowledge we possess today. This introduction lays the necessary groundwork before embarking on a journey through the great Irish myths.
Night in Dublin.
Newgrange, Boyne Valley and Hill of Tara
Leave Dublin for the Boyne Valley.
First, discover Newgrange, a megalithic monument built around 3200 BC. Its famous interior passage was designed to let in sunlight at the time of the winter solstice.
Continue on to the Hill of Tara. A former symbolic center of Irish royal power, this hill occupies a major place in the country's legends.
Depending on the schedule, you can also discover some of the activities of the Púca Festival, dedicated to Samhain and Irish mythology.
Night in the Boyne Valley.
Uisneach, the mythological center of Ireland
Head towards the heart of the island to reach the Hill of Uisneach.
In ancient traditions, this hill represented the symbolic center of Ireland. Stories tell of chieftains and druids gathering there during major seasonal festivals.
Discover in particular the Cat Stone, an imposing rock formation associated with many legends.
From the heights, you can also enjoy a vast panorama of the landscapes of central Ireland.
Night in Athlone.
Clonmacnoise and Irish spirituality
Discover Clonmacnoise, one of the main monastic centers of medieval Ireland.
Founded in the 6th century on the banks of the Shannon, the site preserves church ruins, remarkable high crosses and numerous religious remains.
Your guide will explain how Irish Christianity gradually incorporated and transformed some older traditions.
The peaceful setting of the monastery also offers a beautiful respite by the river.
Night in Athlone.
Rathcroghan and the Oweynagat cave
Head out today to one of the sites most closely associated with Samhain.
Rathcroghan was once the capital of the kingdom of Connacht. Burial mounds and ancient structures still dot the surrounding landscapes today.
Next, discover Oweynagat, the mysterious "cave of cats". In Irish mythology, it is described as a passage to the Otherworld.
Ancient stories tell of supernatural creatures that could emerge from it during the night of Samhain.
Night in Roscommon.
Galway and Atlantic Ireland
Take the road to Galway.
Discover the colorful streets of this port city and its particularly lively atmosphere. Galway is also one of the major centers of traditional Irish music.
Stroll through the Latin Quarter, discover the pubs and enjoy the West Coast atmosphere.
Depending on the program of your stay, cultural events may also complement this day.
Night in Galway.
Carrowmore and Knocknarea
Head towards County Sligo.
Your first stop takes you to Carrowmore, a vast collection of megalithic monuments set in a landscape dominated by mountains.
Then continue on to Knocknarea.
At the summit is a huge cairn traditionally associated with Queen Medb, a major figure in Irish mythology.
The climb also allows you to enjoy superb views of the Atlantic and the Connacht landscapes.
Return and overnight stay in Galway.
Return to Dublin
Leave Galway and cross the landscapes of central Ireland one last time.
Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a last moment in Dublin before heading to the airport.
- 7 nights in selected accommodations with breakfast included
- French-speaking local guide during the stay
- Coach adapted to the size of the group
- Entrance fees to the sites mentioned in the program
- 7 dinners
- Brightside Travel Assistance
- Return flights to Ireland
- Optional activities
- Meals not mentioned
- Drinks
- Personal expenses
- Tips