Tours

Viking Medieval Tour

Viking Longships first arrived in Ireland in 795 AD Originally these Scandanavian pirates attacked Monasteries and settlements along the East Coast in search of Gold, Treasures and Slaves. By 830AD these small raids were replaced by vast fleets of up to 50 ships venturing into the country and raiding the great monastic sites of Clonmacnoise and Clonfert.

Discover how the Vikings started to build setlements such as Dyflin ( Dublin ) fortifying these bases along the East Coast of Ireland creating trading routes along the eastern part of Europe bringing with them advanced techniques for maritime exploration, farming, commerce and local government until their expulsion from Ireland at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014.

The Norman Invasion of Ireland in 1170 commenced The process of over 800 years of English rule in Ireland. Originally invited into Ireland by the deposed High King Diarmait Mac Murchada The Normons under Strongbow quickly overcame local opposition and Established strongholds in all parts of the country through Feudal castles and estates replacing the Monastic sites with Eccleastical settlements and fortified towns.

Journey through Medieval Dublin visiting the sites of the City Walls the Great Cathederals of Christchurch and St Patricks. Learn about the development of Dublin from a settlement to a city meeting the characters noted for fame and infamy. Climb the Stairway to Heaven or Hell depending on your starting point. Learn how the Normans over the centuries became embedded in Irish culture becoming More Irish than the Irish themselves.

Dublin Famine Tour

In 1845 a potato blight phytophthora infestans Originating in the Andaen Region of South America Reached Europe. For most of Europe this led to Significant food shortages and loss of life. For Ireland The impact was devastating creating a famine which Lasted 7 years killing over 1 million people creating Mass emigration and population decline lasting over 100 years.

Learn about the events which directly contributed to the dependence of a large section of the population on the potato crop for subsistence. Discover how economic objectives by the ruling classes and underlying prejudices directly influenced the government response to the famine with disastrous consequences.

Journey through the key institutions of the city And the key actors who influenced the course Of the response to the potato blight. Learn how The response changed over time influencing both The timing and nature of the response to the crisis Hear the stories of the victims of the famine and how Many payed the ultimate price with their lives as a Direct consequence of the mismanagement of the Crisis

In all crisis there are heros and villans. Hear About some of the great sarcrifices made by individuals and organisations to prevent Starvation and disease and give voice to the
Vulnerable. Learn about the Irish diaspora Of over 90 million in all corners of the globe And their direct impact on the world over The past 150 years.

Georgian Dublin

Following on from the Penal Laws the 17th centuary Settlement of Ireland brought about substantial growth And prosperity for both the Ascendency and Middle classes. This new found wealth led to the development of the great Country estate homes and town houses for the wealthy. Vast Sections of Dublin were built in the Classic Georgian style characterised By set piece squares architectural symmetry incorporating graceful Squares and Terraces of townhouses and Mansions.

Discover how Irelands first property bubble Emerged throughout the 18th century and How the city began to enjoy the fruits of a New found prosperity in the construction of Elegant properties and estates to rival London Learn about the principle architects and designs And how they influenced the development of Dublin to become the second city of the Empire.

Travel back in time and experience what life was Like in 18^th century Dublin. Learn about the key Architectural features of the period incorporating. The unique features of buildings of the period. Hear the lifetime achievements of some of the Residents including authors, statesmen, revolutionaries, Their lives and influence on future generations.

Revolutionary Dublin

Monday 24^th May 1916 Dublin was enjoying the Easter holidays. Dubliners enjoyed a stability despite The empire experiencing stalemate in the trenches of Belgium. Home Rule was scheduled for the end of the War. Citizens and Officials had grown accustomed to men In uniforms parading through the streets. Unbeknownst to almost Everyone a small group of Volunteer leaders members of the Irish Republican Brotherhood planned an uprising which became Known as the 1916 Rising.

The 1916 Rising was the catalyst which ultimately
Led to Irish independence. Discover how the secret
Plot by the I.R.B. was doomed to failure from the
Discovery of the shipment of German arms to the Rebels .Learn how the tactics deployed failed to Achieve any military objective but in its failure Initially derided by Dubliners and the subsequent Action by the military authorities in executing the Leaders of the Rising lead to the as described by the Poet W B Yeats” A terrible beauty is born”.

Following the execution of the leaders and the internment Of any suspected rebels attitude to the Rising changed In The 1919 General Election Sinn Fein won over 70 of the 100 Seats in Westminister. On the day of the First Dail sitting a raid ( Pic 30 & 31 ) On an RIC party in Soloheadbeg Tipperary was the first engagement In the War of Independence which lasted over 2 years resulting in a Truce in June 2021 and subsequent Anglo Irish Treaty in December 1921.

Learn how the War of Independence was conducted and How it differed from previous rebellions incorporating Gurella tactics, Flying Columns and reprisals by the Black &
Tans led to condemnation within the United Kingdom and Further afield resulting in international pressure which
Ultimately led to the Treaty. Discover the significant role Intelligence played in the conduct of the War and its chief Exponent Michael Collins.

The Anglo Irish Treaty signed in December 1921 Paved the way for limited independence for Ireland. Collins described his signing of the Treaty as akin to Signing his own “ Death Warrant “. The subsequent Ratification by the Dail of the Treaty in January 1922 Led to a deep divide within the I.R.A. resulting in the Civil war and ultimately the Death of Michael Collins In his native Cork in June 1922.