9-Nights Scenic Ireland - Classic Group

Sligo

Sligo is the capital of the North West region and one of Ireland's largest towns. It accounts for one third of the population of Sligo County with some 20,000 residents. However, because of its regional status as a regional growth centre and gateway to the North West, its daily population expands to over 42,000. Sligo town is situated on the Garavogue River and is a thriving tourist, commercial and administrative regional centre. Sligo is a beautiful county with a long Atlantic coastline, unspoilt countryside, mountains, lakes and countless other natural attributes to be seen. One of the world's most famous poets, and Sligo's adopted literary son, W.B. Yeats was inspired by the breathtaking landscape that abounds around Sligo, which prompted much of his poetry and his famous refrain - "Sligo, land of heart's desire". The Regional Arts Centre houses a collection of J.B.Yeats paintings (brother of W.B Yeats) among other works of interest. Sligo hosts the International Yeats Summer School, an International Choral Festival, and a comtempary music festival to name but a few. Sligo offers an excellent quality of life, with a wide range of sport and recreational facilities available. The Regional Sports Centre offers various pitches, indoor basketball courts, badminton, tennis, indoor soccer, a gymnasium and weights room, and a superb swimming pool. Championship golf courses compliment Sligo's extraordinary array of out door amenities. For the more energetic there are well developed GAA, Soccer and Rugby complexes. Other pursuits within the greater Sligo area include water-skiing, world class surfing, sailing, scuba-diving, sea and fresh water fishing, canoeing and mountaineering. Sligo Airport also hosts one of Ireland's most active flying clubs. Sligo boasts a very vibrant nightlife, with a selection of nightclubs, live entertainment theatres and cultural attractions that offer variety and opportunity to meet all tastes.

Galway

Galway is a city, a county, and an experience to be savoured and remembered. The historic city of the tribes dances to a beat uniquely it's own. There is a certain chemistry and vibrancy to this friendly university city, which many delight in, and few forget. Music, festivals, horse racing, pubs, restaurants, shops, theatres and most of all -Galway people, combine to create this atmospheric medieval city of culture. From this pulsating heart the rest of the county flows. Galway Bay, immortalised in song, its beauty unchanging. Scenic Gaeltacht areas including the Aran Islands. Connemara, with the picturesque town of Clifden as its capital. Mountains, castles and stone walls, banks of turf, long sandy beaches, clear lakes, joyful leaping streams and flowing rivers. The mighty Shannon, delightful countryside punctuated by pretty villages, traditional pubs. Photo used with permission from Joe Desbonnet, www.galway.net

Killarney

Developed by Lord Kenmare as a tourist town in the 18th century, Killarney is now the major tourist centre and accommodation base in Kerry. It is the centre for the Ring of Kerry tour, the focal point for the Killarney National Park and the Kerry Way Walking Trail.

Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a medieval city of 22,000 acclaimed internationally as a centre for craft and design. Technology, Tourism, Craft & Design and food processing are the main industries. Each year the city hosts for a number of international festivals and cultural events. The city s characterised by many beautifully restored buildings and winding slipways - it is small and compact enough to explore on foot, yet full of fascinating historical buildings and contemporary shops, design galleries and restaurants. The ancient city of Kilkenny was named after a 6th century monk St Canice.His memory lives on in the beautifully restored St Canices Cathedral built overlooking the city in the thirtheenth century. The Normans arrived in the 12th century and their legacy remains in the beautifully restored Kilkenny Castle

Dublin

Dublin enjoys one of the loveliest natural settings in Europe. Dublin attracts visitors from around the world with its old world charm and friendly atmosphere. Most of the architecture dates from the 18th century, when Dublin enjoyed great prominence and prosperity. Also of interest are stately Georgian houses which front Merrion Square. O'Connell Street is considered the commercial center of Dublin. Perhaps the most memorable feature of Dublin is the traditional pub, where visitors can enjoy conversation over fine Irish brew. The city also offers many fine parks, including St. Stephen's Green and Phoenix Park. National Gallery's renowned collection includes works by such famous masters as Rembrandt and Monet. Trinity College's Old Library is home to the most cherished treasure, the Book of Kells, a manuscript of the Gospels. Admire Christ Church Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Enjoy the exhibits in impressive National Museum. Self-guided walking tours include Old City Trail, Georgian Heritage Trail and the Cultural Trail.