Starting at 10:00, we travel across the city heading south past Ballyneety to the world famous archeological site at Lough Gur, where settlement dates back 5000 years. Over 30 ancient sites and monuments can be identified in the immediate vicinity of the lake consisting of megalithic tombs, stone circles, hut sites, ancient fields and roads, standing stones, caves and castles. The people who settled here were Ireland's first farmers. The Interpretative Centre is located in two linked buildings which are modeled on huts excavated in the 1930's and 1940's. We have time to relax and stroll around this ancient settlement with words of wisdom from our guide.
Back on the coach we travel into county Tipperary via Birdhill to Ballina and its sister town Killaloe on the shores of Lough Derg on the majestic River Shannon. We can explore the narrow streets of this lovely town and have lunch in one of the many pubs, restaurants and cafés or take the optional cruise on the lake. Historical information on the area is displayed at the Boru Interpretive Centre.
From Killaloe we take the scenic route along the course of the Headrace Canal via Ardnacrusha and Parteen to return to Limerick, where our tour ends at the Merchant's Quay coach park at 14.00 or at your accommodation.