This is an 8-night Revolutionary Ireland Tour led by Lorcan Collins, focusing on Ireland’s revolutionary history from 1798 through to 1998, with particular emphasis on Dublin, Belfast, and Derry.
Led by historian, author, podcaster and founder of the 1916 Walking Tour Lorcan Collins. The journey brings Ireland’s history to life through on-the-ground storytelling, site visits, and meetings with individuals connected to key political and historical events. Guests will gain insight from a wide range of perspectives, including figures linked to the IRA and the republican movement as well as former British Army and UVF members, reflecting the complexity of Ireland’s modern history.
The tour begins with two days in Dublin including tours and visiting significant revolutionary sites and museums with Lorcan, including lectures by professors and historians. The journey then moves north for one night in Derry focusing on Bloody Sunday in 1972 followed by Belfast for several days meeting people who were involved in the conflict in the six counties and visiting museums and tours associated with the struggle before returning to Dublin for the final night at the Ashling Hotel.
This immersive experience combines historical storytelling, cultural context, and first-hand encounters to offer a deeper understanding of Ireland’s revolutionary past and its lasting impact today.
8 nights of luxury accommodation in Dublin, Belfast & Derry.
Hearty full Irish breakfast served daily
Private luxury coach with your own local driver for comfort and ease.
Dedicated DOC’S representative delivering unmatched concierge service every step of the way.
DOC'S Tours will assist in recommending the best options for self-booking.
Guests are encouraged to purchase trip insurance to safeguard against cancellations, delays, or other unforeseen disruptions. For your convenience, we recommend TravelSafe as a trusted provider.
Guests will be welcomed by their driver in the arrivals hall before boarding a luxury tour coach to Dublin City. Your journey begins with a walking tour of Dublin’s most important 1916 Rising sites led by renowned historian Lorcan Collins. After lunch, visit Kilmainham Gaol, where 14 leaders of the Easter Rising were executed, and gain insight into its powerful role in Irish republican memory. End the day with dinner and a traditional Irish music session.
Meals - Lunch at the International Bar, Group dinner at the hotel.
Attractions - 1916 Rebellion Walking Tour, Kilmainham Gaol.
Accommodation - The Ashling Hotel, Dublin. (4*).
Entertainment - Mark French and friends Traditional Irish Music Session.
Following breakfast in the hotel the group will explore the places where Ireland’s revolutionary dead are remembered. Visit Glasnevin Cemetery, climb the O’Connell Tower, and visit the famous Gravediggers pub. Continue to Collins Barracks, Arbour Hill, and a private visit to PH Pearse’s birthplace, followed by an exclusive discussion on Pearse with Lorcan Collins and Professor Ruan O’Donnell. That evening visit historian Donal Fallon to discuss the birth of Irish republicanism in the 1790's.
Meals - Breakfast in the hotel restaurant.
Attractions - Glasnevin Cemetery, O'Connell Tower, Collins Barracks, Arbour Hill, Talks by historians.
Accommodation - The Ashling Hotel, Dublin. (4*).
Following breakfast guests will check out and travel north to Derry, a city central to the civil rights movement and the Troubles. Walk through the Bogside, visit Free Derry Corner, and examine the events of Bloody Sunday (1972). Hear first hand testimony from an expert witness whose family was directly affected and visit the Museum of Free Derry.
Meals - Breakfast in the hotel restaurant. Lunch in Derry.
Attractions - Bogside, Free Derry Corner, Museum of Free Derry.
Accommodation - Derry City Hotel. (4*)
Travel to Belfast and begin an in-depth exploration of republican history. Walk West Belfast with former IRA prisoner of war Peadar Whelan, beginning at Divis Tower. Visit the James Connolly Visitor Centre and hear from Seánna Breathnach about Long Kesh, Bobby Sands, and the armed campaign.
Meals - Breakfast in the hotel restaurant. Lunch in James Connolly Visitor Centre.
Attractions -James Connolly Visitor Centre. IRA Prisoner of War walking tour.
Accommodation - Titanic Hotel, Belfast. (4*)
Today offers a rare opportunity to hear multiple perspectives from the conflict. Meet with Laurence McKeown, author and IRA Volunteer who spent 70 days on Hunger Strike. Visit Shankill Road to meet former UVF member and explore loyalist murals. Later, visit the Eileen Hickey Republican Museum. Finish with dinner at the Felons
Meals - Breakfast in the hotel restaurant. Dinner In Felons.
Attractions - Shankill Road, Eileen Hickey Republican Museum. Talk with hunger striker.
Accommodation - Titanic Hotel, Belfast. (4*)
Today the group will explore Belfast’s Market area, where local residents continue community resistance and activism. Meet Pat Magee for a discussion on the Brighton bombing and peacebuilding. Meet a former British soldier, and discuss transformation, conflict, and reconciliation. Visit the Roddy McCorley Centre, home to a remarkable collection spanning over 200 years of Irish republican history.
Meals - Breakfast in the hotel restaurant. Dinner in Roddy McCorley Centre.
Attractions - Belfast's Market area, Roddy McCorley Centre.
Accommodation - Titanic Hotel, Belfast. (4*)
Entertainment - Optional trad session - Maddens.
The group will enjoy a more relaxed day immersed in the atmosphere of West Belfast’s Féile Festival. Attend talks, book launches, and cultural events associated with Féile . This is a valuable opportunity for informal conversations with historians, activists, and local figures.
Meals - Breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
Attractions - Belfast's Féile Festival.
Accommodation - Titanic Hotel, Belfast. (4*)
Today the group will depart for Dublin via Howth, where the Asgard yacht landed rifles in 1914 that would later be used in the Easter Rising. Enjoy Howth’s famous fish and chips, followed with a visit to Howth Dolmen and meet historian Davy Holden for an outdoor talk on ancient Ireland. Guest can also enjoy a walk along Howth Head for panoramic views of Dublin Bay. Conclude the tour with a farewell dinner, presentations, drinks, and a special ballad session with Phelim Drew.
Meals - Breakfast in the hotel restaurant. Farewell dinner in the Ashling Hotel.
Attractions - Howth Harbour & Asgard history, Howth Dolmen.
Accommodation - Ashling Hotel, Dublin. (4*)
Entertainment - A ballad music session with Phelim Drew.
Depart the hotel for Dublin airport this morning.
Meals - Breakfast at the hotel restaurant before check-out.
Departure - TBC
Flight Departure - TBC