Heading south of Dublin, we travel through the Wicklow Mountains via the picturesque Sally Gap pass to our first stop at the famous Glendalough.

You follow the winding paths to Glendalough, site of an awe-inspiring 6th century monastic city with numerous churches, crosses and a well preserved stone tower. Founded by St Kevin the site is no stranger to myths and legends with some believing the saint himself banished a monster that lived in the lake. Fact or fiction there is no doubt that St Kevin chose a perfect location for this hub of early Christian learning, sitting nestled amongst hills and valleys formed by Ice Age glaciers. You bid farewell to this moving place and find a cosy spot for a spot of lunch in the traditional market town of Kilcullen.

After lunch you travel onwards to the Rock of Dunamase and the Celtic ruins of Dunamase Castle that sit in a defensive location surveying the ancient plains of County Laois. An early Christian settlement, the keen location couldn't stand up to the pillaging Vikings in 842 when it transformed into one of the most important Anglo-Norman strongholds in Laois. Later, we cross the peat bogs and go to ‘Ireland's Prettiest Village', Adare. This quaint spot has a superb collection of thatched cottages and old structures, including the ruins of a 15th-century Franciscan Monastery. You'll stop here for a short comfort break and some refreshments before moving on.

You depart County Limerick and enter County Kerry on your way to your home for the night in Dingle. There is time for a quick stop in the small village of Blennerville, home to Ireland's largest windmill which is a quirky addition to the otherwise classically Irish skyline. You then head for the windswept Dingle Peninsula, one of the nation's strongholds of Irish language and culture surrounded by roaring waves and epic cliff faces. We will stay in the town of Dingle for the next two nights where you can enjoy the infamous ‘hardwear pubs' and the bustling bohemian atmosphere.