Driving Through Legends: Self-Guided Tours of Ireland’s Mythical Sites

Ireland’s emerald landscapes aren’t just steeped in beauty, they’re woven with the threads of ancient myths and legends. From powerful sorcerers to mischievous fairies, these fantastical tales come alive across the island, waiting to be discovered by curious adventurers.

And what better way to explore these Irish mythical sites than at your own pace, behind the wheel, on a self-guided tour?

Embrace the Whispers of Giants

Your journey begins at the Hill of Tara, the legendary seat of Ireland’s High Kings. Imagine the whispers of ancient druids as you explore Lia Fáil, the coronation stone said to cry out beneath a true king. Continue to Newgrange, a prehistoric passage tomb older than the pyramids, where sunlight illuminates the inner chamber on the winter solstice, echoing an ancient sun god ritual.

Seek the Otherworldly

Step into a realm of fairies and banshees at the Poulnabrone dolmen, a portal to the Otherworld according to Celtic lore. Legend tells of souls dancing within its chamber at night. In County Kerry, explore the enchanting Killarney National Park, where you might just glimpse the elusive leprechaun guarding his pot of gold at the end of a rainbow.

Journey Through Folklore

Travel the Wild Atlantic Way, following the footsteps of Diarmuid and Gráinne, lovers on the run from an angry king. Legend says their enchanted canoe journey took them along this dramatic coastline. In Connemara, discover the Twelve Bens, each peak rumored to be the home of a mythical Fianna warrior, protecting the land.

Beyond the Scenic Route

While the breathtaking scenery will leave you speechless, dive deeper by visiting local storytelling festivals and pubs where myths and legends are kept alive through music and spoken word. Chat with locals who might regale you with tales passed down through generations, adding a personal touch to your mythical discoveries.

Uncover Your Own Legend

As you explore these mythical sites, consider how your own family history might be entwined with these ancient stories. My Ireland Family Heritage can help you unlock the secrets of your Irish ancestry.

 

Our expert genealogists can trace your Irish roots and uncover stories from a time when myths and legends were part of everyday life. We can also plan personalized family history tours that take you to ancestral lands where these myths might have originated, connecting you to the cultural tapestry.

So, buckle up, crank up the Celtic tunes, and embark on your own self-guided tour of Ireland’s mythical sites. Contact us today and start your unforgettable journey!

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Customised Genealogy & Historical Tour

Review of My Ireland Heritage Tours Presented on Trip adviser Oct 2024 By • Family TomBarron2013 New York City, NY2

Once in a lifetime experience

Oct 2024 • Family

We highly recommend My Ireland Heritage for anyone who wants to learn and be guided to their Irish “roots” and much, much more. Sean Quinn and Ian Darragh of My Ireland Family Heritage have deep knowledge or the areas we wanted to visit in Meath, Sligo and Kilkenny. While we knew about one side of the family history back to 1690, there was nothing known about the other that arrived in the US in the 1870s.

Ian, Sean, and Nicola did thorough research on our localities and locations from which our ancestors left for America in 1849 and later. In addition, Ian and Sean did separate day-long “recons” in advance of our time with them, seeking out local people and the specific properties with maps and whatever records still available. Their results were absolutely outstanding! In both our cases, they found and took us to our still-existing cottages and shops from the early 1820s.

It was so enjoyable to be with Ian for three days and for a special day with Sean. Whether it was the Newgrange World Heritage sites 5,500 years old , the Battle of the Boyne 1690 , or the local cemeteries and churches of our ancestors. Ian was especially attentive to my wife throughout the travels after she twisted her ankle in a rain-soaked old cemetery.

Throughout the process of trip preparation over months to giving us the final, wonderful books of Meath and Sligo, Aisling was highly professional and responsive with all the many details. The bound books she prepared are treasures! Thanks to all for truly exceptional experiences.

Newgrange World Unesco Site 5500 years old
Battle of the Boyne 1690 AD
Customised Historical Tours Trim Castle
Entrance stone at Newgrange

Self Drive Product

Review of My Ireland Heritage Tours Presented on Trip adviser by Shelley L @ sjlively

Exceptional in every way!

Over the last few months of preparing for our trip, every single detail was meticulously attended, not only professionally, but helpfully, and in such a friendly manner, that I felt as if I knew Sean, Aisling and Ian before I even stepped off the plane.

The amount of work these wonderful people put into our personal history is mindboggling. My mother was an avid amateur genealogist, and had worked for decades to bring to light the trail our family took, but our resources are limited.

Sean knows exactly where to look, and was able to fill in so many gaps that had eluded us for generations. Some of the information he found, unbeknownst even to him, actually solidified the findings we had amassed over the years. Ours was a family in coal mining – I only found on our tour that they had originated from a mining area, and their arrival on the  border coincided exactly with the decline in the mining industry in County Wicklow.

I would have been overjoyed simply with the knowledge of why they left when they did, about 12 years before the famine. Breaking through our brick wall of great grandparents even farther back on the family tree was a dream come true, but to be able to set foot on not only the area they lived, and find that the house is still there was overwhelming. Seeing the family church and cemetery where our ancestors and extended family still rest is a truly moving experience.

The care taken by this company in each and every aspect of the journey cannot be overstated. Only about 2 weeks prior to my trip, Sean contacted me to let me know that he had also stumbled across some of my husband’s family name in the process and included them as well in his research. How often can anyone say that they not only got what they paid for, but more than they ever imagined? I can say that. They were even kind enough to answer a few follow-up questions after my return home, as I was so stunned on my tour with Ian that I didn’t think ask at the time.If you have the opportunity to make the trip to Ireland, contact My Ireland Family Heritage before you go.

If your family was there, Sean will go above and beyond to find them. Even without family, contact them anyway. Ian is a walking encyclopedia of history, and so fun to talk to. Aisling will make sure every “I” is dotted, and every “T” is crossed.  Thank you so much for the trip of a lifetime, and the opportunity to pass on everything we have discovered to future generations

The Consultation at Hotel / Office or by Phone opens all doors
Genealogy gets you off the Beaten Track to see the Real Ireland

Unique to Every Address with My Ireland Family Research