Thanks to the redevelopment of the old Ballinamore-Ballyconnell Canal , linking the mighty Shannon waterway and Lough Erne this can be a wonderful way to visit County Cavan on Ireland tours.

This new Shannon-Erne waterway weaves together streams , rivers , and lakesthrough 39 miles of wild unspoilt countryside , free of cities and major industries. You will see many hidden gems if you choose to take a cruise on tours of Ireland.

It is now possible to sail the lenght of the Shannon , then along the canal , through the Erne system to Belleek. A total of 239 miles seeing a lot of authentic Ireland.

Cavan town itself grew up around an Abbey , though nothing remains but an eighteenth century tower.

The town is very subdued but worth a stop.

At Ireland Luxury Tours http://www.irelandluxurytours.com we can organise these cruises with crew and everything you would need.

The little pub/restaurant beside it….known as “Durty Nellys”  http://durtynellys.ie/contact/  Call into this pub on a Friday evening and there are often local singers joining in with the local pianist….all unrehearsed and very genuine. The food is great too.

The Vikings recognised the original sites strategic importance for protecting trade and fortified it during their stay. In fact you can still see the moat.

The first castle on the site was built by the Normans but they lost control.

Then in 1460 the Macnamaras built the castle that stands today.

Also in the grounds stands Bunratty Folk Park which is a complete reconstruction of a nineteenth century village.

Although it is extremely touristy the castle and village are worth a visit on any tours of Ireland that take you close.

But the real hidden gem is the little pub on a Friday night !!!

It is in County Armagh and rich with Irish history and folklore.

Its dynasty held power for 700 years until defeated by the Collas brothers , who moved their power base back onto the hill at Armagh.

A hundred years later , in 445 A.D , Saint Patrick declared the hill the site of his primacy and first bishopric. Having converted the local chieftain he built his cathedral here.

Later , between the ninth and eleventh centuries the city was repeatedly pillaged by the Vikings.

Its a great wee hidden gem on tours of Ireland , and also accessible on our extended Belfast tours.

But if you are on Ireland tours there are a few hidden gems in Newry.

Firstly you have the Catholic Cathedral which looks bland from the outside but has a most interesting interior.

The Town Hall is also worth a look as it is built on a bridge over the river Clanrye and is half in County Down and half in County Armagh.

The Newry and Mourne museum contains Nelson’s table from H.M.S Victory and a lot of information on local history.

Lastly there is Bagenal’s Castle which was once a Cistercian Abbey. It was actuallly found within a former bakery !!

So….if you are on tours of Ireland or extended Belfast tours consider a wee stop in Newry !!

If you fancy an overnight stay we recommend the Canal Court Hotel  http://www.canalcourthotel.com

The town sits at the mouth of the two northernmost Antrim glens , Glenshesk and Glentaisie.

There is a beautiful marina and some great local pubs. There are also some nice shops.

Ballycastle is where the ferry to Rathlin island leaves from…..weather permitting ! There are also some “water taxis” available.

In June Ballycastle holds the Ould Lammas Fair , which is Irelands oldest fair , dating from 1606.

The stallholders do a roaring trade in Dulse (a tasty edible seaweed) and Yellowman (a bright coloured hard toffee).

There is a memorial to Guglielmo Marconi to commemorate the inventor of the wireless. He made his first transmission between Ballycastle and Rathlin in 1898.

Nearby , in the middle of a very good golf course , is Bonamargy Friary , founded around 1500…..the whole thing is very interesting , and a real hidden gem.

Try our extended Belfast tours and visit Ballycastle. Or on any of our tours of Ireland build in a trip along the Causeway coast.

With the Titanic anniversary (100 years since the tragedy) , and the opening of the new Museum plus the Irish Open Golf Competition.

Add to that the Olympics , and people touring Ireland as an extra , and it is a boom year.

So to avoid disappointment with hotels , restaurants , or transport book your Belfast tours early. If you are a golfer you will need to get tee off times arranged very early.

Contact Ireland Luxury Tours http://www.irelandluxurytours.com for details of our Belfast tours and beyond.

We have great deals available for the North coast , Giants Causeway , Devenish Island , Lough Erne , Mountains opf Mourne , Ards Peninsula , and many more.