Duration: approx. 4 hours

Near the seaside town of Malahide stands a huge castle set in 250 acres of grounds. The castle’s core dates from the 12^th century, but later additions, such as its rounded towers, have given it a classic fairytale appearance. Originally a fortress, the building served as a stately home for the Talbot family until 1973. Your visit will show you superb examples of Irish craftsmanship and period furniture: the candle lantern in the entrance hall, the winding stone stairway, the oak-beamed Great Hall and the carved panelling of the Oak Room. Part of the Portrait Collection, on loan from the National Gallery, can be seen at the castle. It includes portraits of the Talbot family as well as other figures such as Wolfe Tone. You will have time to browse in the small castle gift shop, where all items are of Irish origin, before continuing on to the town of Malahide. You will stop here at a typical Irish pub to enjoy an authentic Irish coffee – that wonderful combination of whiskey, double cream, strong black coffee and a heaped tablespoon of sugar.

As a drink, Guinness has become synonymous with Ireland and more particularly with Dublin. Set at the heart of Dublin, the St. James Gate Brewery first brewed the world’s creamiest, smoothest and most famous stout more than 230 years ago. Starting with an informative audio-visual presentation, your brewery visit then continues with a guided tour of the premises, including plenty of information on the history of Guinness. In the brewing section, you can see, hear and smell the ingredients as they make their way through a series of vast machines and fascinating processes on their way to becoming Guinness. After the tour, you can relax and enjoy panoramic views of Dublin at the circular bar whilst sampling some of the famous “black stuff”. Just a few hundred yards from where it is brewed, there really is no better place to savour the flavour at its best. You will also have time to browse in the shop where you will find an exciting and wide variety of Guinness-themed gifts. The tour concludes with a short panoramic drive through Dublin.