For many people their first experience of Ireland is to meet someone with the lilting accent and to hear first hand a few humorous songs and stories from “the old sod.” For most others it is only through films that they get a glimpse of the Emerald Isle and a sense of why millions of people visit the “Land of the Saints and Scholars” each year. Visiting Ireland is not just about the songs, stories and culture of this proud land but also to witness first hand the majestic and breathtaking scenery that you will remember from some of those famous and award-winning films shot in Ireland. And while you’ll have the opportunity of viewing these movies during the trip, we strongly recommend taking time out and viewing them in the comfort of your homes
In this unique 10-day program we invite you not only to visit the places you will have seen in these incredible films but to immerse yourself in them; and in the culture and craic of Ireland. You’ll learn why these stunning locations were selected whilst listening to a detailed narration of Ireland’s history, its people, its culture, its language and its legends… And, best of all, YOU WILL BE FILMED as you visit these film locations and other sites; and (after the last night’s Gala Dinner) you’ll not only enjoy YOUR FILM, but take it home with you as a lasting memory of what we are confident will be an amazing trip…
DAY 1: ARRIVAL INTO DUBLIN.
Guests are met as they arrive into Dublin airport and taken on a short panoramic tour of Ireland’s capital city before checking in at The Shelbourne, “Ireland’s Finest Address.” 2 nights in deluxe king rooms. After some time to relax and freshen up we include a special cocktail reception hosted by a leading official of the Irish Film Industry. You’ll learn first hand why Ireland was selected for the films we are featuring on the trip. This is followed by a “Welcome to Ireland” dinner. And for those who have yet to see it, we’ll arrange you can view a copy of tomorrow’s focused film, “Leap Year” in your room after dinner.
DAY 2: DUBLIN AND FILMS!
A full day to immerse yourselves into Irish Filmmaking! Today’s film focus is “Leap Year” starring Amy Adams and Matthew Goode. The tour also includes the Book of Kells at Trinity College. Tonight the featured films available to rent and watch in your rooms are: “Into The West”, “Braveheart” and “Moby Dick.”
DAY 3: FILMS AND CORK!
After breakfast we departure Dublin and head south into the picturesque Wicklow Mountains. Today’s film focus is 3-fold – “ Into the West” starring Gabriel Byrne, Ellen Barkin, Colm Meane.. “Braveheart” starring Mel Gibson, and (later, as we drive through Youghal) the classic “Moby Dick” starring Gregory Peck, Richard Basehart and Bernard Miles. We’ll also visit Glendalough and Waterford. In Cork it’s an overnight at the 5 star Hayfield Manor in superior rooms. Tonight the featured film available to watch in your room is “Michael Collins.”
DAY 4: FILMS AND KILLARNEY!
Today’s film focus is 2-fold – “Michael Collins” starring Liam Neeson and Julia Roberts and “The Wind that Shakes the Barley” starring Cillian Murphy and Padraic Delaney. We head west to visit Béal na mBláth (the place where Michael Collins was ambushed and assassinated on 22nd August 1922 and also sites connected with “The Wind that Shakes the Barley.” Visits to Sams Cross near Woodfield (where Michael Collins was born) and Clonakilty (where there is a statue to him that was unveiled by Liam Neeson.) Later travel on via Bantry Bay and Kenmare to Killarney. Check into the 5 star Muckross Park Hotel for 2 nights in deluxe rooms. Tonight the featured films available to watch in your room are: “Ryan’s Daughter” and “Far and Away.”
DAY 5: FILMS AND THE DINGLE PENINSULA!
Today’s film focus is on the stunning scenery of the Dingle Peninsula and visits to locations associated with “Ryan’s Daughter” starring Robert Mitchum, Sarah Miles, Trevor Howard and John Mills and “Far and Away” starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman. Return to Killarney and tonight the featured film available to watch in your room is “Angela’s Ashes.”
DAY 6: FILMS AND LIMERICK AND CONG!
Depart Killarney this morning and travel via Adare to Limerick City and visit locations associated with the film “Angela’s Ashes” starring Emily Watson and Robert Carlyle. Later it’s on to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park for an included visit and then north via Galway to Cong and 2 nights at the famous Ashford Castle in deluxe rooms. Tonight the featured films available to watch in your room are: “The Quiet Man” and “The Field.”
DAY 7: FILMS AND CONNEMARA!
Today explore Connemara, including a visit to Kylemore Abbey and the villages of Clifden and Roundstone. Visits to locations where the all-time classic “The Quiet Man” starring John Wayne, Maureen O’Hara and Barry Fitzgerald, and “The Field” starring Richard Harris and John Hurt were filmed. An evening to relax and enjoy the atmosphere of Ashford Castle.
DAY 8 : “THE GREAT HUNGER” AND “GOD’S COUNTRY.”
This morning a very special experience as we meet with a family whose ancestors survived (barely) “The Great Hunger” and whose emotional story (told so passionately by Tom Hennigan) will leave many in tears… Later on via Sligo (possible Poetry Reading by the Yeats Society) and into “God’s Country”_ - beautiful County Donegal. 2 nights at the 5 star Harvey’s Point Country Hotel. Tonight (after an included gourmet dinner) the featured films available to watch in your room are: “Dancing at Lughnasa” and “The Secret of Roan Inish.”
DAY 9: FILMS AND DONEGAL!
Today we take a tour of parts of County Donegal featured in the films “Dancing at Lughnasa” starring Meryl Streep, Michael Gambon and Catherine McCormack and featuring the MUNDY FAMILY (!) and the children’s favourite “The Secret of Roan Inish” starring Jeni Courtney. Also included will be a traditional music session with lunch at Leo’s Tavern (home of the Brennan family, including Enya) before returning to Harvey’s Point for dinner and overnight.
DAY 10: DUBLIN AND A REALLY SPECIAL FILM FINALE!
Today we include a visit to the Ulster American Folk Park before travelling to Dublin for a final overnight at The Ritz Carlton at Powerscourt. There will be some free time before an included Farewell Dinner followed by a private screening of a future top secret blockbuster. “In Quest of the Classic Irish Film Trail” with YOU AS THE STARS! It will highlight your very own Irish adventures throughout the 10-day tour and will be specially edited for you to keep as a memento!
DAY 11: FAREWELL. After breakfast you will be privately transferred to Dublin Airport.
The Tour itinerary above is based on a minimum of 8 people and is fully escorted - The itinerary can be tailor made to suit individuals on request
Prices vary depending upon the accommodations selected and duration of the stay - please email us by CLICKING HERE and we will be back to you within 24 hours with a price. The tour can be stated at any Irish Airport or ferry port and we have great rates for the Stena Ferries into Ireland and flights with Aer Arann from Glasgow to Donegal Airport
BOOK THIS ROUNDTRIP