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HAUNTED IRELAND -
HAUNTED IRELAND
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Tailor-Made Private Group - Sample
A journey to the most haunted places in Ireland – Tour the dark corners where claims of afterlife exist!
Wicklow Gaol: Over the years, the paranormal activity at Wicklow Gaol, has earned the building the reputation of one of the most haunted places in the world amongst famous places such as Alcatraz, Salem and the Stanley hotel. A dark sordid history of brutality, corruption, tales of torture and overcrowding. Some of the strange unexplained events and encounters reported: men seen walking from cell 19 to the end of the walkway – some people have commented that he held his hands behind his back. Unexplained eerie cold mist seen on the corridors leading to the second floor cells, sightings of a women in a 19th century dress, a pull on your thigh from a little girl who has appeared in the schoolroom.
Huntington Castle: A tranquil time capsule that is one of Irelands most historical and fascinating treasures. Experience its otherworldly feel as you explore the dark interior and creaking corridors.
Kilkenny Castle: Locals claim a ghostly woman who roams the corridors and wanders lost and lonely through the castle gardens, referred as the ‘White Lady’ to be the spirit of Lady Margaret Butler, the paternal grandmother of Anne Boleyn, second wife of King Henry VIII of England.
Charleville Castle: Singing in the middle of the night, screams, laughter, Psychics and paranormal investigators say the ghost of an 8-year old girl named Harriet, the youngest daughter of an earl, who died in the main staircase of the castle. For years, numerous paranormal investigators and psychics from around the world have investigated the castle.
Loop Head Lighthouse: Has witnessed plenty of shipwrecks and drowning’s. Are there signs of afterlife in the walls and grounds of this 19th century beacon? Paranormal investigations confirm the residual energy and presence of spirits.
Leamaneh Castle: A stronghold of the O’Brien clan, Conor O’Brien and his wife Mary MacMahon owed this property in the 1630’s. Nicknamed Red Mary (Maura Rua – in Gaelic), because of her fiery, foul temper and her flaming red hair. It is said that she would punish servants that displeased her by hanging them from the castle windows, the men by their neck, the women by their hair. After 25 husbands, none lasting more than one year and a day. The locals put an end to her, taking her to a hollow in a tree she was fastened there and left to die. She never escaped but her spirit did and haunts the castle and a number of places in the area.
Cliffs of Moher: Stark and foreboding reminder of the power of nature, described as breathtaking. As you wander the wind torn landscape you may feel the whisper of death. One misstep would lead to your death. Numerous stories of death surround the cliffs.
Leap Castle: Its history is stained in blood and death, love affairs and babies born. Leap Castle has gained widespread attention from around the world due to its reputation of harbouring spirits and has attracted paranormal investigations worldwide and featured on TV shows including Scariest Places on Earth, Most Haunted, Ghost Hunters and Ghost Adventures. Sean Ryan of Leap Castle and his wife share stories of what they hear and see in their home. Most would refer to these apparitions as ghosts; Sean refers to them as spirits. He describes the regular visions as people with a haze around them. The sounds of footsteps, doors opening and closing and crowds talking. There is a spirit of a lady who touches off people. Many guests have felt her spirit.
Battlefield of Aughrim: A vast cemetery still haunted by the screams of the massacred Jacobite Army, thousands of bloody, mutilated bodies lay for more than a year until only their bones were left. One point in the field where blood gathered in large pools is still known as The Bloody Hollow.
Belvedere House: A story of mistrust, jealousy and revenge. The ghost of Mary Molesworth allegedly haunts the property.
Hill of Tara: Once a political and spiritual capital, The Royal Court, the seat of ancient kings, Tara was a sacred place of the dwelling for gods and was the entrance to the underworld.
St. Michan’s Church: Enter through large metal chained doors and down a narrow stone stairway, await the burial vaults containing the mummified remains of many of Dublin’s most influential 17th, 18th, 19th century families.
Day 1 – Dublin - Kilkenny
Depart Dublin airport, onboard our luxury coach, for a short drive to the Wicklow Mountains for a visit to Wicklow Gaol. Over the years, paranormal activity at Wicklow Gaol has earned the building the reputation of one of the most haunted places in Ireland. Wicklow Gaol was, for many years, a place of horrendous atrocities in which prisoners were subjected to torture, starvation and death. Many believe with its dark and sordid history, the building harbour the spirits of those who previously lived or worked here.
Next, we make our way to the little village of Clonegal in Co. Carlow, home of Huntington Castle, a tranquil time capsule, that is one of Irelands most historical and fascinating treasures. Built in 1625 by First Lord Esmonde, this replaced an earlier stronghold that had been built in the 15th century on the site of an ancient monastery. Its interior of dark, creaking corridors and atmospheric rooms, crammed with an eclectic mix of tapestries, suits of armour, dusty old books, stuffed animals and family portraits, has a decided otherworldly feel.
This evening, join your group for a welcome dinner at Kyteler’s Inn, a Medieval Century building. Learn about the former owner, Alice Kyteler who was accused of Witchcraft, Heresy and Murder. In her time she gained much notoriety not least because she acquired four husbands and a considerable fortune. Her enemies eventually conspired to accuse her of witchcraft and have her burned at the stake. Was it she or her maid that met this horrified death?
Overnight in the atmospheric city of Kilkenny, a city that embraces an age-old past, narrow cobbled lanes, remnants of its city walls, St. Canice’s Cathedral with its majestic tower, all overlooked by Kilkenny Castle. Given its mystic charm, bursting with tales of the paranormal.
Accommodation: Hibernian Hotel Kilkenny (1 night)
Meals: Lunch, Welcome Dinner, Kytelers Inn
Included Visits: Wicklow Gaol, Huntington Castle
Day 2 – Ennis
Enjoy a full Irish breakfast, and then set off to explore Kilkenny Castle. The castle continues to generate stories of the white lady roaming the gardens and riverbanks below. She also wonders the corridors and staircases. The people of Kilkenny believe this spirit to be that of Lady Margaret Butler, born in the castle in either 1454 or 1465. She married Sir William Boleyn and through her eldest son Thomas, she was the paternal grandmother of Anne Boleyn, second wife of King Henry VIII of England. It is said that her spirit returned to her Kilkenny home upon her death.
Next, we visit Charleville Castle. The castle is reputed to be haunted by a little girl named Harriet, youngest daughter of the third Earl of Charleville, who died tragically in the main staircase of the building at the age of 8 in April 1861. Her presence in the castle has been reported many times by many different people... Singing in the middle of the night, laughing, screams, etc. Some people think they have caught her on their cameras as they can see shadows or mists on the pictures they took within the castle... Others have also said to have seen an image of a little girl with a blue and white dress, with golden curls with blue ribbons in the hair. For years, numerous paranormal investigators and psychics from around the world have investigated the castle. Charleville Castle appeared on Living TV's Most Haunted and ABC Family's Scariest Places On Earth, as well as on Ghost Hunters International. Check into your hotel. Evening at leisure.
Accommodation: Old Ground Hotel (2 nights)
Meals: Full Irish Breakfast
Included Visits: Kilkenny Castle, Charleville Castle
Day 3 – Ennis
Ireland, being an Island on the edge of the Atlantic, the amount of shipwrecks along our coast is estimated to be in excess of 12,000. Loop Head Lighthouse, located at the mouth of the Shannon Estuary, is steeped in maritime history with its origins dating back to the 1670’s. The existing tower was constructed in 1854 and operated and maintained by a keeper who lived within the lighthouse compound. The days of the lighthouse keeper had come to an end in the 1990’s when automation of the light was brought in. The past is not forgotten. Loop Head lighthouse holds a lot of residual energy in its walls and rugged cliff tops. Paranormal investigators have visited this site on a number of occasions. Energies are rampant; ghosts looking for lost comrades, others looking for release, having been lost at sea, “ the spirit needs to be set free” the tales of the “Ferry of the Damned” and “The Ferryman”.
Next we visit Leamaneh Castle. This is by far the most haunted place in Ireland. A stronghold of the O’Brien clan, Conor O’Brien and his wife Mary MacMahon owed this property in the 1630’s. Nicknamed Red Mary (Maura Rua – in Gaelic), because of her fiery, foul temper and her flaming red hair. It is said that she would punish servants that displeased her by hanging them from the castle windows, the men by their neck, the women by their hair. After 25 husbands, none lasting more than one year and a day. The locals put an end to her, taking her to a hollow in a tree she was fastened there and left to die. She never escaped but her spirit did and haunts the castle and a number of places in the area.
Meals: Full Irish Breakfast
Included Visits: Loop Head Lighthouse, Leamaneh Castle
Day 4 – Co. Offaly
This morning, we have a visit to the Cliffs of Moher. Laid out by Cornelius O’Brien in the early 1800’s, for people of the area to walk and look out onto the Atlantic Ocean. Bird watchers and nature enthusiasts marvel at the beauty and spectacular scenery.
This afternoon, spend time with Sean Ryan and his wife of Leap Castle. Learn of the spirits that share their home. Sean describes the regular visions as people with a haze around them. The sounds they hear are footsteps, doors opening and closing and crowds talking. These are spirits, and possibly you may feel a ladies touch as we wander the rooms. Shows have been televised about Leap Castle, “Ghost Adventures” and “Most Haunted” to mention a few.
As the day draws to a close, we arrive at our hotel. A humble abode for the next (3) nights, Kinnitty Castle. This was a Norman Castle, built in 1213 and home to Druids and poets alike. A Gothic-style castle hotel that has changed hands on numerous occasions, destroyed by fire during the war of independence, and rebuilt to its current state in 1928. Listen in the night for footsteps and laughter from the Geraldine room. Look out for the famous ghost the Monk of Kinnitty. Several areas of the hotel are said to leave visitors uneasy. Kinnitty Castle was the subject of an investigation by UK television’s “Most Haunted”. Sleep well!
Accommodation: Kinnitty Castle (3 nights)
Meals: Full Irish Breakfast
Included Visits: Cliffs of Moher, Leap Castle
Day 5 – Co. Offaly
The Battlefield of Aughrim, Co. Galway is believed to have had the highest number of lives lost in any single battle in Ireland. The battle was the extension of the war between William of Orange (the Netherlands) and James 11 of England and Scotland. James 11 had been defeated at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690 but the campaign continued with this decisive battle at Aughrim 7,000 men may have lost their lives. The Williamite army had taken their dead off the battlefield for burial. The Jacobites (army of James 11) casualties however were left where they had fallen for years, until it is said “till the foul of the sky” and “the strays of the earth devoured them”. As we walk through this open death site, feel the power of the departed souls. People who have visited the site claim to have seen apparitions on the field, the smell of gun-smoke floating in the breeze. Some have made claims of being touched by unseen hands, and also of being overcome with an intense feeling of fear, possibly due to the lingering emotion of intense fear from the troops witnessing a blood filled pool of their comrades. The energy and magnetism of a force greater than science can explain.
Meals: Full Irish Breakfast
Included Visits: Battlefield of Aughrim, Co. Galway
Day 6 – Co. Offaly
A short drive this morning brings us to Belvedere House in Co. Westmeath. The house holds a story of mistrust, jealousy and revenge. Robert Rochford married Mary Molesworth, both from prestigious families in their communities,
The ghost of Mary Molesworth allegedly haunts the property. An unhappy relationship, Mary being accused of having an affair with her brother-in-law, who lived in the nearby estate, was imprisoned in one of the rooms of Belvedere house for 31 years. Her sanity was questionable on her release and her ghost can be seen at a window of the house. A wall was built between the two houses, the Jealous Wall to prevent Mary from seeing into the house of her brother-in-law. It is said that maybe, Charlotte Bronte’s book Jane Eyre, was based on this event.
This evening join your group for a ‘Farewell dinner.
Meals: Full Irish Breakfast, Group Farewell Dinner
Included Visits: Belvedere House
Day 7 – Dublin
Depart for Dublin this morning, the capital city of Ireland. Along our way, we visit the Hill of Tara, in Co. Meath. Once a political and spiritual capital, The Royal Court, the seat of ancient kings, Tara was the sacred place of the dwelling for gods and was the entrance to the underworld. St. Patrick is said to have come to Tara to confront the ancient religion of the pagans at its most powerful site. In the early 20th century a group of Israelites came to Tara with the conviction that the Arc of the Covenant was buried here. No Arc was found, but they did discover some Roman coins and some post-holes indicating that substantial buildings may have been erected on this site. A new theory suggests that Tara was an ancient capital of the lost kingdom of Atlantis. Though the Hill has lain unploughed and deserted since the curses of Christian priests fell upon it, on the calm air of summer evenings, at the twilight hour, wondrous music still sounds over its slopes, and at night long, weird processions of silent spirits march round its grass-grown rath and forts.
As we arrive in Dublin, enjoy a panoramic city tour taking in a visit to St. Michan’s Church. The church, originally founded in 1095, is the oldest parish church on the north side of Dublin.
Under the church, through large metal-chained doors and down a narrow stone stairway, are burial vaults containing the mummified remains of many of Dublin’s most influential 17th, 18th and 19th century families. Mummies are exposed because their coffins have decayed over time. Deep into the vaults, the atmosphere changes. Several people have reported hearing whispering around them while others report the feeling of being watched. Some have experienced “being touched by unseen hands”.
Accommodation: Iveagh Garden Hotel (1 night)
Meals: Full Irish Breakfast
Included Visits: Hill of Tara, Dublin City Tour, and St. Michan’s Church.
Day 8 – Dublin
This morning transfer to the airport ‘OR’ extend your stay in Ireland.
Meals: Full Irish Breakfast
Exclusive Further Afield Travel and Tours Private Small Group
8 Days | Activity Level - Leisurely | Special Interest | limited to 24 guests
Dining Summary: 7 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinners
Personalize your Vacation: There is plenty of opportunity to personalize your travel arrangements. Further Afield Travel and Tours can provide group airfare, additional nights at the beginning or end of your tour and prepaid gratuities. Please inquire.
Travel Insuarnce: Please inquire for individual rates.
The advertised price is in Canadian Dollars and includes security & local taxes per the itinerary.
Group price is based on minimum of 18 guests. Trips with less than 16 guests may be subject to cancellation.
We reserve the right to deviate from the tour itinerary, inclusions or hotels should circumstances dictate.
WHATS INCLUDED
Highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser and friend overseas
Professional driver and comfort of a luxury air-conditioned coach
We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door
Hotel and restaurant tips are included
7 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinners
WHATS NOT INCLUDED
No early check in/late check out
International, domestic and internal airfares
Travel insurance, visas and items of personal nature
Gratuities to Travel Director, Coach Drivers and local Experts
Travel insurance is requried for all guests covering all applicable dates of travel. This insurance must cover, trip interruption, personal injury, medical expenses, evacuation and repatriation coverage including during pandemic events. Insurance should include coverage for covid-19 related complications and quarantine expenses. Proof of insurance is required.
Cancellations: 91 days and over prior to departure – loss of per person deposit, 90 – 61 days prior to departure – 50% per person of the total trip cost, 60 – 31 days prior to departure 75% per person of the total trip cost, 30 – Day of departure/no show – 100% per person of the total trip cost.
Additional supplier penalties may apply depending on the date of cancellation.
Amendments: An administration fee of $125 may apply to any changes made to your booking once confirmed, including but not limited to changes in pre/post trip accommodation and transfers. Please note that name changes are not allowed and flight changes are subject to availability and airline policies.
Refunds: No refund is available if cancellations occur after the trip has commenced or in respect to any trips, accommodation, meals or any other services not utilized.
Itinerary Changes & Trip Cancellation: Further Afield Travel and Tours reserves the right to vary itineraries should circumstances dictate, as well as cancel or reschedule any tour departure in accordance with operating requirements, or circumstances beyond its control. The advertised tours require minimum numbers to depart. Should these not be met, Further Afield Travel and Tours reserves the right to cancel arrangements.
Trip Membership: Any person aged 12 or more is eligible, through if less than 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. The Travel Director may at his/her discretion, require any person to withdraw from any trip if he or she deems the person’s acts or conduct offensive or a nuisance to other passengers, and we shall have no further liability.
Air: Airfare is NOT included and is an additional cost.
Baggage Allowance & Porterage: Porterage of one suitcase per person is included in the trip price for arrival & departure from hotels in Europe. Due to limited coach capacity, the dimensions must not exceed 30” x 18” x 10” (76x46x25cm) and weight should not exceed 23km (50 Lbs). Charges may be levied in the event these limits are exceeded & the promise to transport you may be invalidated.
Disclaimer: We do our utmost to ensure that the information posted on our website is correct at time of publication, however trip details and promotions are subject to change without notice by the suppliers and operators involved. We update the information as soon as possible when changes are advised to us, however we cannot assume responsibility for such changes made by the suppliers and operators. Terms and conditions per supplier. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor. Contact us for the most up to date pricing and availability.
Further Afield Travel and Tours is a retail travel agency licensed under the Ontario Government Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations, Travel Industry Act 2002 - Registration No50021919. Funds on deposit are protected by the Compensation Fund, administered by TICO (Travel Industry Council of Ontario) as defined by the Ontario Travel Industry Act 2002 and Ontario Regulations 26/05.
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