Dublin and the Welsh Coast (Holyhead - Llandudno - Swansea - Cardiff)

With over 1000 years of history Dublin has experienced many changes, particularly in the last decade. European Union membership and increased prosperity have transformed Dublin into a multicultural city with a thriving economy, ranking it among the top tourist destinations in Europe. An hour walk from the top of Grafton Street, across the Liffey, up O'Connell Street, and farther into north Dublin is a walk through time and, also a glimpse of some of the pieces that must eventually fit together.

Visit Trinity College and the Book of Kells, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin Castle, the Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery, Temple Bar, St. Stephen's Green and the National Museums and so much more!

Holyhead dates from 450 AD, when Celtic King Caswallon defeated Irish invaders on Holy Island. The port of Holyhead is the busiest UK Irish ferry port and is home to the largest seagoing ferry in the world. There are good views over the port from the grounds of St Cybi's church, and also a good view of Skinners Monument on Alltran rock. This obelisk was erected by the people of Holyhead in memory of Captain John McGregor Skinner, a benefactor to the town's poor who was washed overboard from his ship in 1832.

Visit the Holyhead Maritime Museum, Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path, St. Cybi's Church, Holyhead Mountain, Ucheldre Center and much more.

Llandudno is located on the Irish Sea coast in north Wales, just an hour's drive from Cheshire in the northwest of England. It has been a popular seaside vacation destination since the 1860s. The town is situated on the Creuddyn Peninsula between two headlands: the Great Orme, and the smaller Little Orme. The Victorian promenade which takes visitors to the popular North Shore is called 'The Parade'. Llandudno Pier, which is nearly a half-mile long, is the longest seaside pier in Wales. Mostyn Street, Llandudno's high street, is the place to be as it buzzes with activity day and night. Take in a show at the state-of-the-art Venue Cymru, and definitely don't miss a chance to ride the Llandudno Cable Car up to the summit of the Great Orme.

Visit the Great Orme, Llandudno Pier, Venue Cymru, Mostyn Street, Llandudno Cable Car, Great Orme Tramway, West Shore Beach, Great Orme Mines, Little Orme, North Shore Beach, Llandudno Promenade (The Parade), and so much more!

Swansea sits on Swansea Bay and the western bank of the River Tawe. The maritime district is home to Swansea Museum, the oldest museum in Wales, as well as the National Waterfront Museum and the museum dedicated to the life of celebrated Welsh poet Dylan Thomas. In the vicinity there are many parks and nature reserves, and the area in and around Swansea is considered one of the most ecologically diverse and beautiful regions of the United Kingdom. The city is situated on the far eastern portion of the Gower Peninsula, the first area of the UK to be named an 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty'. Swansea is a popular beach and surfing destination, and is also a hub for nightlife, as is the small seaside community of Mumbles that sits southwest of town.

Visit Swansea Bay, National Waterfront Museum, Mumbles Pier, Oystermouth Castle, Clyne Gardens, Swansea Marina, Swansea Museum, Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea Castle, Dylan Thomas Birthplace, and so much more!

Cardiff is the capital of Wales, and the epicenter of political, economical, social, and cultural life in Wales. In the early 19th century, the small town of Cardiff was one of the principal ports in the British Empire, and the area around the port is now a noteworthy tourist area which is home to such buildings as the Welsh National Assembly, the Pierhead Building, and the Millennium Centre. Other noteworthy sights include the city's two grand cathedrals, Cardiff Cathedral (Roman Catholic) and Llandaff Cathedral (Anglican), the latter dating from the 12th century. Cardiff Castle was built on the site of a 3rd-century Roman fort; the castle we see today also dates from the 12th century.

Visit Cardiff Castle, Cardiff Bay, St Fagans National Museum of History, National Museum Cardiff, Caerphilly Castle, Wales Millennium Centre, Mermaid Quay, Llandaff Cathedral, Cardiff Cathedral, Pierhead Building, and so much more!