Belleek Conference Tour

The valley of two lakes. Renown for it’s 6^th century monastic site founded by St. Kevin. The valley was formed during the last ice age which left a moraine across the valley mouth. The Poulanass waterfall plunges into the valley from the south, created a river delta, dividing the original lake in two.

Wander through the ancient city of Kilkenny. It began as an early 6^th century ecclesiastical centre, following the Norman Invasion Kilkenny Castle and a series of walls were built to protect the citizens of the Norman Merchant town.

One of the most unique Castle buildings in the world. Few buildings in Ireland can boast a longer history of continuous occupation than Kilkenny Castle. Founded soon after the Norman conquest of Ireland, the Castle has been rebuilt, extended and adapted to suit changing circumstances and uses over a period of 800 years.

Today, Kilkenny Castle is open to visitors all year round and is largely a Victorian remodelling of the thirteenth century defensive Castle.

The Mosse Pottery creates beautiful tableware that gets used everyday. It looks looks beautiful, feels good in the hand and is tough enough for everyday use. Priveliged to have a base in such a natural setting as Bennetsbridge, where the old mill was repurposed as a pottery and its hydro electric power was restored to fire the kilns.

It’s more than just a pottery, it’s a love affair.

Explore the Waterford Viking Triangle. This is the ‘old town’ of Waterford City. It’s a compact area that is just a short walk from the city’s shopping area. It’s a quirky place, with interesting nooks and crannies for you to explore. This is where you can enjoy some of the key attractions of Ireland’s Ancient East, including the House of Waterford Crystal, the award winning Medieval Museum, Bishop’s Palace and Reginald’s Tower.‌

The visit to Waterford Crystal allows you to experience the sheer divinity of fine crystal, as well as the masterful techniques that create such opulent visions of beauty. Imagine the times. In 1783, when Beethoven was publishing his first works and the world’s first hot air balloon was launched in Paris, in Waterford City George and William Penrose petitioned Parliament for aid to establish the manufacture of flint glass in their Waterford Glass House.

Evidence of Ireland’s unique and distinctive history is all around us, in the many monument sites and features to be seen across the island. But where can you go to see how people lived? What if you could compare a Stone Age settlement with a Viking Settlement and see how they differed and what they had in common? That is the idea behind The Irish National Heritage Park.

The Rebellion of 1798, led by the United Irishmen and based on the principles of the French Revolution of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity was an attempt to achieve a democratic and equal Ireland. The Rebellion lasted from May to September 1798 and in County Wexford alone, some 20,000 people lost their lives in a four week period. The last major battle of the Rebellion, the Battle of Vinegar Hill took place on the 21^st June 1798 was the last major pitched battle fought on Irish soil.

Wicklow Gaol is an unforgettable journey through an original prison building, telling the stories of the men, women and children imprisoned here under British rule over two centuries of turbulent history.

The 7,500 year old passage grave is part of the Bru na Boinne complex together with Newgrange and Dowth. This ancient entire mound is encircled by 127 kerbstones, many of which are decorated with megalithic art. The Knowth site contains a third of all the megalithic art in Western Europe.

The Belleek Pottery logo includes a wolfhound. Here we meet a descendant of that proud and huge breed of hound for photographs and a question and answer session with the owner, who is also one of the wolfhound’s top breeders in Ireland.

Originally a convent of the Poor Clare Sisters, the building dates back to 1872 and retains many of its architectural features. Today, it is home to a diverse array of exhibitions which communicate Cavan’s story within Ireland’s broader historical context.

The Museum’s outdoor space features the Award-Winning WWI Trench Experience, a permanent outdoor reconstruction which has been replicated according to the manual produced by the Irish Guards and used by the Royal Irish Fusiliers at the Somme, as well as The 1916 Rising, Battle of the Somme and Road to War - Path to Reflection Exhibitions.

Stay overnight at the Killyhevlin Hotel which will be your base for the next five days.

There are ruins from different time periods on site; the earliest being St Molaise’s house 6^th Century and the round tower which are 12^th Century.

Access to Devenish Island is only by water ferry. The tower interior has been restored and it is possible to get a view from the top of the structure.

There are plenty of things to see and do at Florence Court. Discover unique pleasure grounds with mountain views and sweeping vistas across the Fermanagh landscape. Or take a stroll through the historic walled garden with its native Irish apple orchard, home to over 180 heritage trees. Historic features include the old Icehouse and an early 19th-century water feature.

The Walls surrounding the old city of Derry were built between 1613 and 1619. Remarkably, they remain almost perfectly preserved.

The tour has been described by many as possibly the Best Value Walking Tour on the Island of Ireland.

With over fifty natural and built attractions in the region, such as Derry’s Walls, The Bogside, The Peoples Gallery (Murals) The Bloody Sunday Story, The History of the Apprentice Boys, The Marching Season Traditions. The walking tour has been listed by many as one of the best experiences they have had on their travels anywhere.

A local Harpist will entertain the lunchgoers and this will complete the trio of emblems in the Belleek Logo.

The Irish Harp is traditional to the Celtic Nations of Europe. It is associated with the Gaelic ruling families of the Middle Ages.