Day 1: Depart U.S. for Shannon
Board your aircraft and fly through the night. Relax with in flight meals and entertainment as you cross the Atlantic.

Day 2: Shannon Arrival
Land at Shannon Airport where you pass immigration control, pick up your baggage and go through customs. In the Arrivals Hall you will meet your guide, who will welcome you to Ireland and escort you to nearby Dromoland Castle. Spend the balance of the day relaxing in this luxurious setting which includes a leisure center and golf course. If you wish, depart the hotel at 3:00 pm for a visit to Bunratty Folk Park to walk around traditional cottages, a 19th century town and Bunratty Castle. In the evening meet your fellow travelers and sip a welcoming Irish coffee followed by a superb dinner in the castle's fine restaurant. (D)

Day 3: Cliffs of Moher & Killarney
This morning travel westward to view the Cliffs of Moher, a majestic limestone wall which stretches along the coast for five miles, formed by pounding Atlantic waves. Take a stroll to admire this natural wonder before continuing south along the coast via Milltown Malbay. At Killimer cross the River Shannon estuary by ferry. Journey through Listowel and the mountainous countryside of County Kerry to Killarney and check into your centrally located hotel. You may like to stroll around the town center or take a walk out to Ross Castle. (B, D)

Day 4: Ring of Kerry Tour
Set out on the Ring of Kerry tour, where magnificent views of mountains and Atlantic coastline are concentrated on one peninsula. Plenty of stops will enable you to enjoy the breathtaking vistas and take some photos. Travel to the western tip of the peninsula and return via the colorful village of Sneem. Stop at Moll's Gap for a panoramic view of Killarney's lakes and mountains. Just outside Killarney, take a guided tour of Muckross House, an elegant 19th century mansion set beside the tranquil Muckross Lake. In the evening savor delicious cuisine and friendly atmosphere at Killeen House Restaurant, a few miles outside the town. (B, D)

Day 5: Gap of Dunloe Excursion
Enjoy a leisurely tour to see Killarney from a different angle. Drive to Aghadoe Heights for views of Lough Leane and continue to Kate Kearney's Cottage at the start of the Gap of Dunloe. Take a horse-drawn carriage through the rugged mountain pass and, at Lord Brandon's Cottage, embark on a boat trip through the three lakes of Killarney, the Upper Lake, Muckross Lake and Lough Leane. Dock at Ross Castle and return to your hotel. Enjoy a free afternoon to relax in your hotel or browse around the town of Killarney on your own. (B, D)

Day 6: Waterford Crystal & Wicklow
Leaving Killarney drive into the rich dairy farming country of Cork. Travel via the towns of Mallow and Lismore and the gentle Blackwater River valley to Waterford. Visit the Waterford Crystal Factory to watch skilled craftspeople form molten glass into delicate crystal and see the wide range of fine tableware and trophies displayed in the showrooms. Pass through County Wexford on the way to Wicklow. Arrive at your Victorian luxury hotel and relax in this historic mansion or wander through the charming gardens. Experience award-winning cuisine made from local produce and garden vegetables. (B, D)

Day 7: Mount Usher & Malahide Castle
Breakfast leisurely or take a walk around the gardens before driving to visit Mount Usher Gardens, which were laid out in 1860 and contain over 5,000 different trees and plants. Stop at a farm for tea and home-baked scones and chat with the owners. Drive into the Wicklow Mountains to Glendalough. Learn about the monastery founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century and see the many ruins of churches and a round tower. Cross the mountains into Dublin and check into your hotel. Malahide Castle is reserved exclusively for your group. Tour this historic residence maintained by the Talbot family for over 800 years. Gather in the dining hall for a special 6-course banquet of delicious dishes enhanced by wine and the mellow strains of a string quartet. (B, D)

Day 8: Dublin Discovery
This morning a city sightseeing tour will introduce you to this capital city with its many historic buildings, delightful gardens and lively shopping streets. Drive around the principal areas and visit Dublin Castle, founded in the 13th century. Tour the State Apartments, dating from the Georgian period and containing period furniture and brilliant Waterford crystal chandeliers. Finish your morning with a visit to the award-winning Chester Beatty Library for a tour of priceless collections of early Christian manuscripts. The afternoon and evening are free for independent activities and dining. (B)

Day 9: Belvedere House & Ashford Castle
Leave Dublin this morning and drive west through farming country and marketing towns. Near Mullingar stop to visit Belvedere House, a stately 18th century mansion set in a 160-acre estate. Tour both house and gardens which have been recently restored and opened to the public. Drive west to Ashford Castle to arrive by mid-afternoon so you can enjoy the luxury of the hotel, play golf, or take a stroll through the extensive grounds on the lakeshore. Dining in the castle is an elegant gastronomic experience and the Castle Dungeon provides spirited music afterwards. (B, D)

Day 10: Kylemore & Catamaran Cruise
This morning drive through part of Connemara via Maam Cross and along the picturesque Inagh Valley to visit Kylemore Abbey. This stately 19th century mansion is now an international girls' school. Stroll through the lakeshore grounds to see the newly-restored chapel and the elaborate public rooms in the mansion. Head to Leenane and take a catamaran cruise aboard the "Connemara Lady" around Killary Harbour, Ireland's only fjord. Enjoy lunch in comfort as you admire the scenery all around. Return to your hotel to relax or browse around the village of Cong, famous as the location for the 1952 movie of "The Quiet Man." Experience another superb dinner in the stately dining room. (B, L, D)

Day 11: Connemara & Galway
Spend some free time in Ashford Castle this morning and depart mid-morning for Galway. Travel through the heart of the Connemara region, passing gentle hills, lakes and stretches of peatland. Drive through Costelloe and at Inverin, which lies on Galway Bay, follow the coast road through Spiddal and into Galway. Take a drive around the city center to see the main points of interest and tour Royal Tara China Factory. Check into your newly-refurbished hotel, located on Eyre Square. Enjoy some time at leisure to browse through the compact city center. End your tour with a superb dinner in your hotel. (B, D)

Day 12: Depart for Home
As today is the final day of your tour, depart your hotel by group transfer to drive south via Gort and Ennis to Shannon Airport. Arrive by 10:30 am to check in for your transatlantic flight back home. (B)
 

What Your Tour Includes:

• Round trip flights between U.S. & Ireland

• Sightseeing by luxury coach throughout

• Services of a professional Irish tour director

• Deluxe and castle hotels with private bath/shower for 10 nights

• 10 full Irish breakfasts (B) & 9 dinners (D)

• Ferry ride across the River Shannon

• Horse-drawn carriage and boat excursion through the Gap of Dunloe

• Catamaran cruise of Killary Harbour with seafood lunch (L)

• Visits and admissions to Bunratty Folk Park, Cliffs of Moher, Muckross House, Waterford Crystal Factory, Mount Usher Gardens, Glendalough Visitor Centre, Dublin Castle, Chester Beatty Library, Belvedere House, Kylemore Abbey & Royal Tara China Factory

• All local taxes, hotel service charges & porterage for one suitcase per person

Your Hotels (or similar):

• Dromoland Castle Hotel, Newmarket-on-Fergus (1 night)

• Killarney Park Hotel, Killarney (3 nights)

• Tinakilly Country House, Rathnew (1 night)

• Berkeley Court Hotel, Dublin (2 nights)

• Ashford Castle Hotel, Cong (2 nights)

• Great Southern Hotel, Galway (1 night)