Day 1Wed. BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT
Day 2Thu. ARRIVAL IN DUBLIN
Dublin, the capital of Ireland
, IRELAND
Check into your hotel. At 3 pm, meet your traveling companions for an afternoon orientation drive through statue-lined O’Connell Street
O’Connell Bridge
and elegant Georgian squares to St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Trinity College
Enjoy the beautiful campus of the renowned Trinity College
. Your Tour Director will have some suggestions for dining tonight.
Day 3Fri. DUBLIN-BOYLE-SLIGO
On your first day in the Irish countryside discover why this is known as the “Emerald Isle.” Motor north through history-steeped landscapes, with Ireland’s typical round towers and castle ruins, to the legendary Hill of Tara. See mighty Trim Castle, then across the River Boyne and via the agricultural and angling center of Mullingar to Longford, the county capital. On the way to Sligo take your pictures at scenic Carrick-on-Shannon and the Cistercian abbey ruins at Boyle. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 4Sat. SLIGO. NORTHERN IRELAND EXCURSION
At Drumcliff, see the grave of native son and poet W.B.Yeats. Then, step across the border into Northern Ireland to visit the Belleek Pottery factory, renowned for its exquisite cream-colored Parian china. Then follow the route through Omagh to the fascinating city of Derry, where a walking tour with a Local Guide takes in the old city walls and St. Columb’s Cathedral. In the afternoon, shop for hand-knitted woolen goods in Donegal town. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 5Sun. SLIGO-GALWAY-CLIFFS OF MOHER
Visit the Cliffs of Moher and see some of Ireland’s most spectacular views
-ENNIS
South to Knock, a village that attracts pilgrims from all over the world since the townsfolk saw apparitions. Then to Galway, a vibrant city with a great seafaring tradition, where you hear about the infamous Lynch Stone, commemorating the day Mayor James Lynch Fitzstephen hanged his son for murder. Cross the limestone plateau of The Burren to visit the spectacular 668-foot Cliffs of Moher. Tonight, a chance to attend an optional medieval castle banquet. (Breakfast)
Day 6Mon. ENNIS-ADARE-DINGLE PENINSULA-KILLARNEY
Take in the beautiful scenery of the Killarney National Park
Skirting the city of Limerick, head to Adare, a village known for its prize-winning thatched cottages. Breathtaking scenery this afternoon on the Dingle Peninsula, where the 32-mile Slea Head drive affords magnificent vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. See the Blasket Islands and hear about the way of life and unique literary achievements of its inhabitants, prior to their evacuation in 1953. The next two nights are spent in the popular resort of Killarney. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 7Tue. KILLARNEY. RING OF KERRY
Enjoy the beautiful views along the Ring of Kerry in Ireland
EXCURSION
At Killorglin, join the road known as the “Ring of Kerry” for a 100-mile coastal panoramic drive: sparkling seascapes, mountains dotted with brightly colored farmhouses, winding lanes bordered with subtropical vegetation, and spectacular views of the Lakes of Killarney from Ladies View. Back in Killarney, a special optional adventure: take a horse-drawn jaunting car along the national park lakeshore for pictures of Ross Castle
Ross Castle, located in Killarney National Park
. Tonight, enjoy the optional outing to Tralee for dinner, and a performance at Siamsa Tire, Ireland’s National Folk Theatre. (Breakfast)
Day 8Wed. KILLARNEY-BLARNEY-WATERFORD-TRAMORE
More scenic splendor as you head over the Kerry Mountains into County Cork. Stop in Blarney, famous for its Stone of Eloquence, with time at your leisure to see the castle and shop for Irish crafts and handmade crystal. After lunch, drive past Cork, the country’s second-largest city. Youghal and Dungarvan are further milestones on your way to Waterford, where a walking tour of the city with a local guide is included. Spend the night at the nearby seaside resort of Tramore. An optional pub tour
Why not join an optional pub tour?
might be fun this evening. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 9Thu. TRAMORE-AVOCA-GLENDALOUGH-DUBLIN
Highlights on your northbound journey: Enniscorthy, site of the final battle of the Great Rebellion of 1798; a visit to Ireland’s oldest handweaving mill at Avoca; views of the Wicklow Mountains; and Glendalough with its ruins of a center of Irish Christianity founded by St. Kevin. Back in Dublin tonight, your Tour Director will have recommendations for a fitting farewell to Ireland. (Breakfast)
Day 10Fri. YOUR HOMEBOUND FLIGHT ARRIVES THE SAME DAY
(Breakfast)
AIRPORT TRANSFERS
Airport transfers may be included when you make your flight arrangements. Click Here for more information.