A chance to visit the mountains and see some remains of its Moorish and Roman existence. Silves (The old Moorish Capital) castle and cathedral. Climb the Monchique Mountains to Foia - the highest point of the Algarve. After lunch you will journey over to the beautiful town of Lagos - indoor slave market (the first in Europe), Saint Anthony’s golden church, fort and old town. Afterwards you continue on to Cape Saint Vincent, the most southwesterly point of Europe, known as “the End of the World”.
Trip Itinerary
Board our private Hellfire Express to hear some of the haunted legends that abound further afield than Dublin City Centre at famous landmarks such as St Patrick's Cathedral, Rathfarnham Castle and Kilakee House as we wind our way along the path towards the lonely dark Dublin Mountain range.
Arrive at the Hellfire Club – we disembark the bus and walk up to one of Ireland’s most lonely and infamous places. The burnt out shell of this haunted hunting lodge dating from 1725 is known for its association with Satanism, the supernatural and the occult. Be warned! Although this desolate place is miles from civilisation it has witnessed activities that should not be seen by anyone on this earthly plain. It is not unusual for visitors to experience head and chest tightness as their subconscious picks up on the horrors that this lonely hill has witnessed, it is not a place for the faint hearted!
Once we have arrived you are rewarded with the best view of Dublin in the world! Don't forget your camera - a must for all budding photographers. See why this is the ideal location renowned by the darker side of Dublin gentry in the 1700s.
Our talented storyteller will recount the history of this place, including the destruction of the ancient megalithic monuments, the exhumation of the demonic statue and dwarf skeleton, to the evil rituals and events that took place here such as the black masses, human and animal sacrifices, and the infamous card game with the “cloven-hoofed visitor.”
The historical "Haunted Hellfire" excursion will last approximately 2.5 hours (inclusive of travel time to and from the Dublin Mountains)
Feel free to bring your own torch if don't have a phone. We will however be insisting however that all mobile phones and lights be turned off at certain points on the tour... for your safety!
Finish back at O'Sheas, where you can avail of our special drinks promotions and dance the night away to live music. Why not avail of our "Pour your own Pint Experience" at O'Sheas:
A Pint of Guinness, A Photograph & Certificate -
A Pint of Guinness, A Photograph & T-Shirt & Certificate -
Fingers food for group - just per head
Pint & Stew
Please note that the above extras are not included in your original ticket price.
What you need to bring with you:
1) Your ticket / Online Payment Receipt
Please bring the printout of your online booking or entry may be refused. You can turn up on the night for any tour, but preference will be give to online bookings.
2) Warm Clothes
Please bring very warm gear as much of the tour takes place at the summit of Mont Pellier in the Dublin Mountains and we can assure you it will be cold up there! You can always take off layers but you can't add any more!
3) Wet Weather Gear
Be prepared. Please remember that it does rain in Ireland. You will not enjoy the tour if you are freezing cold and wet so please bring umbrellas and appropriate gear. We run rain, hail or shine.
4) Sturdy Walking Shoes
The Hellfire Club Dublin is perched atop a lonely peak in the mountains. To get there we need to walk for approx 20 minutes uphill. Please bring appropriate shoes for this! You will not enjoy yourself if your feet are sore and/or cold. This is an outdoor walking tour, and a basic level of fitness is required.
5) Flashlights or Mobile Phone with a similar facility
There are no public artificial light sources in the Dublin Mountains, if you do have a handy flashlight please bring it along as the track up the mountain is unsealed and we may be walking in darkness at some points.
The price can vary according to visit date and time selected.
Day
The climb departs from morning to late afternoon (after “dawn” and before “twilight”), exposing the hum and buzz of the city in full swing.
5 Things you need to know before your climb
Health & Safety
Your health and safety is important: If you are pregnant or have any pre-existing health conditions you may need to provide a doctor’s Certificate of Fitness note before you climb. You must have a blood-alcohol reading below 0.05 to climb (the same as if you are driving). You will be asked to complete a BridgeClimb Declaration Form before your Climb. Please be honest about your health so we can ensure your wellbeing is not at risk. All discussions will be confidential.
Preparations
How should you prepare for your Climb: Ensure that you have eaten before your Climb and you’re well-hydrated – the experience can last up to 3 ½ hours. Wear comfortable, enclosed rubber-soled shoes such as running, sport or hiking shoes and don’t forget your sunglasses. It is recommend to wear comfortable clothing. You will be equipped with everything else you need for your Climb! Ensure you arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled Climb time to allow enough time to check in.
Personal Belongings
All your personal belongings can be stored in lockers, including cameras: there are FREE secure lockers for you to keep your personal belongings in, including phones, cameras and GoPros. The Climb Leaders will capture photos of you during your Climb. For safety and security reasons, cameras, video technology and mobile devices are prohibited on the Climb.
Restrictions
You must be 8 years old and 1.2 metres in height, or taller: Children aged 8 to 15 must be accompanied by and are the responsibility of an adult, with a maximum of three children per adult.
Weather Conditions
Climbs operate in all weather conditions: You will equipped with all the gear you need to keep you dry, but remember to bring your own shoes, which should be enclosed, like running shoes. In case of extreme weather conditions like electrical storms or during times of extremely high wind, Climbs may be postponed.
Start your day trip to the East Algarve with a hotel pickup, and then travel by air-conditioned coach to the pretty town of Almancil, roughly 8 miles (13km) northwest of Faro. Head inside the town’s crowning glory, the beautiful Church of St Lourenço (Igreja de São Lourenço de Matos), and marvel at its stunning blue-and-white wall tiles while exploring. The tiles depict the story of St Lourenço who used money from the Catholic Church to pay for the poor until he was caught by the Romans.
Continue to Faro, the Algarve’s capital, for a walking tour of its elegant Old Town. Amble around the charming cobblestone streets and see the Arc da Vila, a monument that was commissioned to mark the entrance to the Old Town after a devastating earthquake in 1755. After exploring the streets, enjoy some free time to sightsee independently or shop for souvenirs to take home.
Meet back up with your guide and travel to the nearby town of Olhão with its bustling fishing port and Moorish-esque neighborhoods and cube-shaped houses. Stretch your legs on a walk around with your guide, and then take a break for lunch at your own expense; your guide will have plenty of restaurant recommendations if you need them.
Your last stop of the day is the beautiful city of Tavira, a town often called the 'Venice of the Algarve' after its location that straddles the River Gilão. Steeped in history, Tavira is home to Roman bridges, Renaissance churches and historical monuments aplenty, but it’s Tavira Castle — a structure thought to date to Neolithic days — that is the town’s most intriguing sight. Pay your entrance fee and then head inside the site to explore the castle's ramparts and ruins.
Leave Tavira in the late afternoon and travel back to your Algarve hotel where your day trip finishes.