Day 1: Depart for Ireland
We begin our adventure to the Emerald Isle with an overnight flight to Dublin, Ireland. Sit back, rest and enjoy the in-flight service.
Day 2: Welcome to Ireland
We arrive in Dublin and meet our guide who will help transfer us to our city center hotel. After checking into our hotel the remainder of our day will be free to rest or explore down town Dublin on your own. This evening we enjoy an Irish welcome dinner together.
Day 3: Ireland's Midlands, Blarney Castle & Kerry
After breakfast we depart Dublin and travel to the town of Blarney for a visit to Blarney Castle and it’s magical Kissing Stone. We’ll take some time to enjoy shopping at Blarney Woollen Mills. The presence of the Woollen Mills during the famine shielded Blarney from the worst effects of the famine, due to its employment of local workers. The success story at the mills continued until a disastrous fire in 1869. By August 1871, the mill was once again operational with a labor force of 222. In 1976 Chris Kelleher, himself a mill worker, bought the old mill property. Within a short period of time Chris and his family transformed the mill into what is perhaps the largest quality craft shop in Ireland.
Day 4: Ring of Kerry
Discover the famed Ring of Kerry for a 100-mile panoramic drive around the island’s southwestern tip. We’ll take in spectacular scenery - mountains, peat bogs, lakes and magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean. We’ll make a visit to Muckross House, which was built in 1843 by the Herbert Family, in Elizabethan style. This house is one of the prettiest residences of Ireland. Muckross, surrounded by beautiful gardens, is in the heart of the Killarney National Park.
Day 5: Burren & Cliffs
This morning we travel northwards to Tarbert and take a short boat ride across the mouth of the river Shannon to land on Clare’s shore at Killimer. We make our way to the Cliffs of Moher. These majestic cliffs in Ireland rise from the Atlantic Ocean over 600 feet and extend for over4 miles. On a clear day, you can admire the Aran Islands, the Connemara Mountains and the many sea birds that live here on the cliffs. This afternoon we tour the Burren Region. The Burren is a strange and unique region in Europe. “Burren” means “large stones” and its name describes this impressive scenery perfectly well. You will also discover the testimonies of its rich history thanks to countless castles and monastic ruins.
This evening you may want to enjoy an Optional Medieval Banquet at Bunratty Castle for $75 per person. Guests are invited to enjoy an unforgettable evening in the splendor of this magnificent castle.
Day 6 – Kilkenny to Dublin & Farewell
After a final Irish breakfast transfer to Shannon for your departure flight home (transfer under own arrangements) OR travel to Dublin via the medieval city of Kilkenny, which is perhaps the most attractive city in the country. Visit Kilkenny Castle, which was built on the site of a fort founded by Strongbow, the castle was the principal residence of the Butler Family for 600 years. You will visit the superb Victorian style apartments. The Long Gallery shows an interesting collection of paintings. Visit St Canice’s Cathedral. The 13th century gothic cathedral of St. Canice is built on the site of a 6th century Monastic settlement. The city of Kilkenny developed around this settlement. The Cathedral is still very much in use and it is spacious with a bright interior. It has a splendid choir surrounded by beautiful stained glass. Like many of the Cathedrals built during this period it is home to numerous tombs, some very old and important. Continue to Dublin and arrive for an early evening transfer to Dublin Airport for departure flight home or alternatively we can book hotel accommodation for you in Dublin. |
