Itinerary

Day 1:
Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2:
Arrival in Dublin, Ireland. Check into your hotel. At 3 p.m. meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for an afternoon orientation drive through statue-lined O’Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares, and past St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Visit Oscar Wilde’s TRINITY COLLEGE, famous for the 1,200-year-old Book of Kells and the magnificent Old Library. Before dinner join your Tour Director for a toast to happy touring with a congenial group. (D)

Day 3:
Dublin–Ennis. Horse-racing country this morning. Drive across the Curragh to visit the IRISH NATIONAL STUD at Kildare, whose fine thoroughbreds command respect on the racecourses of the world. Lots more to see: the Rock of Cashel where St. Patrick preached; Tipperary, made famous in a wartime marching song; finally Limerick, where an orientation drive acquaints you with St. Mary’s Cathedral, King John’s Castle, and the Stone where the Treaty of Limerick was signed in 1691. Tonight’s suggestion for a very special night out: attend an optional banquet at Bunratty Castle. (FB)

Day 4:
Ennis. West Coast Excursion. Your day excursion along Ireland’s spectacular Atlantic coastline begins with a drive to the 668-foot CLIFFS OF MOHER, where you savor the breathtaking panorama of the Clare coast. A scenic route across the limestone plateau of The Burren takes you 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. Drive into the unspoiled region of Connemara and at Moycullen visit a MARBLE FACTORY. This afternoon a special treat: at RATHBAUN FARM watch the farmer shear a sheep and maneuver a flock with the help of a sheep dog. Then enjoy a traditional tea in the 150-year-old thatched farmhouse. (FB)

Day 5:
Ennis–Ring of Kerry–Killarney. After a short drive via Clonderlaw Bay to Killimer, cross the Shannon estuary by ferry. Continue on to Killorglin on Dingle Bay, the setting for Ryan’s Daughter, to join the spectacular "Ring of Kerry" for a 100-mile panoramic drive around the island’s southwestern tip. Take your photos of the Lakes of Killarney from Ladies View, then spend the night in the popular resort of Killarney. (FB,D)

Day 6:
Killarney–Waterford. Across the Kerry Mountains and through County Cork to Blarney, renowned for its magical Stone of Eloquence. Time for lunch, to walk up to the castle, and to shop for traditional Irish handicrafts. In the afternoon proceed via Cork to Waterford, a stronghold founded by the Danish Vikings, and look forward to a visit to the world-famous WATERFORD CRYSTAL FACTORY. Before dinner why not join an optional pub tour? (FB,D)

Day 7:
Waterford–Dublin. An exciting agenda today: Enniscorthy, site of the final battle of the Great Rebellion of 1798; Ireland’s oldest HANDWEAVING MILL at Avoca; the Wicklow Mountains; the Glendalough VISITOR CENTER with its fascinating audiovisual show Ireland of the Monasteries, and 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. (FB)

Day 8:
Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (FB)

Dates & Prices

DUBLIN
Orientation drive, visit Trinity College

KILDARE
Guided tour of the Irish National Stud

LIMERICK
Orientation drive

CLIFFS OF MOHER
Savor the spectacular views

CONNEMARA
Visit a marble factory

RATHBAUN FARM
Visit and afternoon tea

SHANNON
Cross the estuary by ferry

RING OF KERRY
Scenic peninsula drive

BLARNEY
Visit the famous woolen mills

WATERFORD
Guided tour of the Waterford Crystal factory

AVOCA
Guided tour of the handweaving mill

GLENDALOUGH
Guided tour of St. Kevin’s center of Irish Christianity
 

Itinerary

Day 1:
(Sat.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2:
Arrival in Shannon, Ireland. To Limerick. (Sun.) After checking into your hotel, free time to relax and perhaps enjoy the hotel’s leisure amenities or explore the city. At 5 p.m. depart for Bunratty Castle for a special welcome banquet in the company of your Tour Director and traveling companions, with dinner, wine, and entertainment included. (D)

Day 3:
Limerick–Killarney. (Mon.) Spend an interesting morning in Limerick. After an orientation tour, the first stop is at the HUNT MUSEUM, with its vast collection of art and antiquity, amassed by John and Gertrude Hunt and given to the people of Ireland. Next, step further back in time for a fascinating visit to KING JOHN’S CASTLE in the medieval heritage precinct. After lunch, follow the shores of the Shannon estuary and head south to the popular resort of Killarney, your destination for the next three nights. (FB,D)

Day 4:
Killarney. Excursion to Garinish Island and Ring of Kerry. (Tue.) A day full of splendid scenery. Via Macroom head for the southernmost coast of County Cork and Bantry Bay, one of the largest natural harbors in Europe. At Glengarriff board a private boat for the short crossing to GARINISH ISLAND, whose warm waters attract colonies of seals. Follow the winding paths between the strong-scented flowering trees and shrubs of this lush, tropical island garden. Later, take the mountain route, with its panoramic coastal vistas, for a visit to pretty Kenmare before joining the road known as the “Ring of Kerry” to follow part of the popular scenic drive on the southwestern tip of Ireland. Via Sneem and along winding lanes bordered with fuchsia and rhododendrons, pause for the breathtaking panorama of the Lakes of Killarney from Ladies View. Tonight, an entertaining optional evening in Tralee with dinner and tickets for Siamsa Tire National Folk Theatre. (FB)

Day 5:
Killarney. Dingle Peninsula Excursion. (Wed.) Panoramic views on Dingle Peninsula, where the 32-mile Slea Head drive affords magnificent vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. At the BLASKET ISLANDS CENTRE, which is dedicated to the native Irish language and culture, learn about the way of life and unique literary achievements on the string of remote offshore islands evacuated by the last inhabitants in 1953. Visit Dingle, then pass miles of white sandy beaches, setting for the film Ryan’s Daughter. Back in Killarney, a special optional treat would be a fun-filled, horsedrawn jaunting car ride through the national park with a stop for photos of Ross Castle set amidst some of the most spectacular scenery in Ireland. (FB)

Day 6:
Killarney–Dublin. (Thu.) An interesting day’s drive with a stop first for photos of the Rock of Cashel where St. Patrick preached. Later, horseracing country and a visit to the IRISH NATIONAL STUD at Kildare, whose fine thoroughbreds command respect on the racecourses of the world. Drive across the Curragh and, later this afternoon, arrive in the Irish capital. Dinner is included at your hotel this evening. (FB,D)

Day 7:
Dublin. (Fri.) A day to experience the vibrant atmosphere of Ireland’s "Fair City." Your orientation drive includes statue-lined O’Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Then a highlight visit to Oscar Wilde’s TRINITY COLLEGE, famous for the 1,200-year-old Book of Kells and the magnificent Old Library. The rest of the day is free for you to further explore the city on your own. Tonight, join your Tour Director for an optional dinner evening at the Guinness Storehouse. (FB)

Day 8:
Dublin. Wicklow Excursion. (Sat.) Vistas of the Wicklow Mountains appear as you head south towards Glendalough. At its VISITOR CENTRE see the engaging audiovisual tour Ireland of the Monasteries and let your Local Guide explain the ruins of one of the centers of Irish Celtic Christianity founded by St. Kevin. Nearby, pause to take in the spectacular views during your visit to POWERSCOURT HOUSE and GARDENS. Return to Dublin after lunch for more free time in the city. Tonight, your Tour Director will have recommendations for a fitting farewell to Ireland. (FB)

Day 9:
(Sun.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (FB)

Dates & Prices

LIMERICK
Orientation drive, guided tour of the Hunt Museum, visit King John''s Castle

GLENGARRIFF
Private boat to Garinish Island

DINGLE PENINSULA
Visit the Blasket Islands Centre

KILDARE
Guided tour of the Irish National Stud

DUBLIN
Orientation drive, visit Trinity College

GLENDALOUGH
Guided tour of St. Kevin''s center of Irish Christianity

POWERSCOURT
Visit the house and gardens
 

Itinerary

Day 1:
(Wed.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2:
Arrival in Dublin, Ireland. (Thu.) Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax in the Irish capital. Before dinner join your Tour Director and traveling companions for a toast to happy touring. (D)

Day 3:
Dublin. Boyne Valley Excursion & City Tour. (Fri.) Motor north to the lovely Boyne Valley, scene of a bloody 17th-century battle. Near Drogheda, visit the BOYNE VALLEY VISITOR CENTRE and KNOWTH, where your Local Guide explains a fascinating passage-grave dating from the Bronze Age. Return to Dublin through historysteeped landscapes. Your afternoon orientation tour takes in statue-lined O’Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Visit Oscar Wilde’s TRINITY COLLEGE, famous for the 1,200 year-old Book of Kells and the magnificent Old Library. Tonight your Tour Director will suggest an optional dinner outing to a fine Dublin restaurant. (FB)

Day 4:
Dublin–Sligo. (Sat.) Horse-racing country this morning. Drive across the Curragh to the IRISH NATIONAL STUD at Kildare, whose thoroughbreds command respect on the racecourses of the world. Then north to Longford for a visit to STROKESTOWN HOUSE for a guided tour of the restored 1740s mansion, a stroll through its fine gardens, and at the Famine Museum, an insight into the circumstances of the Great Irish Famine of the 1840s. On the way to Sligo, stop at Boyle for photos of the Cistercian Abbey ruins. (FB,D)

Day 5:
Sligo–Galway. (Sun.) South to Knock, a village that attracts pilgrims from all over the world since townsfolk saw apparitions. Via Westport head for the unspoiled region of Connemara, an area known for its hardy breed of ponies. Visit KYLEMORE ABBEY, a massive yet graceful castle acquired by Benedictine nuns as a precious heirloom for Ireland. At Moycullen visit a CONNEMARA MARBLE FACTORY before arriving in the port city of Galway. Tonight’s recommendation: join your Tour Director for an optional evening at Dunguaire Castle, where the intimate banquet has an enlightening literary theme. (FB)

Day 6:
Galway. Excursion to the Aran Islands. (Mon.) At Rossaveal, board a comfortable, modern ferry for the 45-minute crossing to Kilronan on Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands, where Gaelic is the first language of the islanders. Your fascinating day continues with a visit to the ARAN HERITAGE CENTRE; after a lunch break, board a minibus to enjoy your local driver-guide’s commentary on a tour of the island, ending with a visit to clifftop DUN AENGUS, one of the most spectacular and dramatic prehistoric stone forts in Europe. After a call into the VISITOR CENTRE, time to shop for unique hand-knitted Aran sweaters before boarding your ferry back to the mainland. There are plenty of dining options in Galway center. (FB)

Day 7:
Galway–Limerick. (Tue.) At RATHBAUN FARM this morning, watch the farmer shear a sheep and maneuver a flock with the help of a sheep dog. Then enjoy your morning coffee and home-baked scones in the 150-year-old farmhouse. Take the scenic route across the desolate limestone plateau known as The Burren, and stop for photos of prehistoric Poulnabrone Dolmen. At Kilfenora, take in THE BURREN CENTRE where the audio-visual and displays bring to life this remarkable region. The newly restored ancient cathedral and mysterious Celtic crosses in the churchyard form an important center of early Irish Christianity: Kilfenora is Ireland’s smallest diocese. At the CLIFFS OF MOHER, rising 668 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, savor the breathtaking panorama of the Clare coast. Tonight, why not join your Tour Director for a traditional Irish night, a fun ceili of song and dance in the setting of a village barn at Bunratty. (FB)

Day 8:
Limerick–Killarney. (Wed.) On this morning’s Limerick city tour view the Treaty Stone and St. Mary’s Cathedral, and visit KING JOHN’S CASTLE in the medieval heritage precinct. South now via quaint Adare with its thatched cottages to the popular resort of Killarney, your destination for the next two nights. Tonight an entertaining optional evening in Tralee with dinner followed by tickets for Siamsa Tire National Folk Theatre. (FB)

Day 9:
Killarney. Ring of Kerry Excursion. (Thu.) Join the famed “Ring of Kerry” for a 100-mile panoramic drive around the island’s southwestern tip. Plenty on which to focus your camera here: sparkling seascapes, mountains dotted with brightly colored farmhouses, winding lanes bordered with subtropical vegetation, and the breathtaking panorama of the Lakes of Killarney from Ladies View. Back in Killarney a special treat: a fun-filled horsedrawn JAUNTING CAR RIDE through the national park with glorious vistas of the Lakes of Killarney and ancient Ross Castle. (FB,D)

Day 10:
Killarney–Waterford. (Fri.) Across the Kerry Mountains drive into County Cork for a visit to Blarney, renowned for its castle and magical Kissing Stone. Time for lunch, to walk up to the castle, and to shop for traditional Irish handicrafts. In the afternoon proceed via Cork, Youghal, and Dungarvan to Waterford, a stronghold founded by the Danish Vikings in 853. Here enjoy a visit to the world famous WATERFORD CRYSTAL FACTORY. (FB,D)

Day 11:
Waterford-Dublin. (Sat.) Today’s agenda: Enniscorthy, site of the final battle of the Great Rebellion of 1798; Ireland’s oldest HANDWEAVING MILL at Avoca; POWERSCOURT HOUSE and GARDENS with stunning views of the Wicklow Mountains. Back in Dublin tonight, your Tour Director will have recommendations for a fitting farewell to Ireland. (FB)

Day 12:
(Sun.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (FB)

Dates & Prices

BOYNE VALLEY
Guided tour of the Bronze Age passage-grave at Knowth

DUBLIN
Orientation drive, visit Trinity College

KILDARE
Guided tour of the Irish National Stud

STROKESTOWN HOUSE
Guided tour of the house and Famine Museum, and visit the gardens

KNOCK
Visit the religious site

KYLEMORE
Visit the Benedictine abbey

CONNEMARA
Visit a marble factory

ARAN ISLANDS
Ferry to and from Inishmore, visit the Heritage Centre, take a minibus tour with a driver-guide, visit Dun Aengus and its visitor centre

RATHBAUN FARM
See the farmer at work and enjoy morning coffee in the
farmhouse

KILFENORA
Visit The Burren Centre

CLIFFS OF MOHER
Savor the spectacular views

LIMERICK
Orientation drive, visit King John’s Castle

RING OF KERRY
Scenic peninsula drive

KILLARNEY
Horsedrawn jaunting car ride

BLARNEY
Visit the famous woolen mills

WATERFORD
Guided tour of the Waterford Crystal factory

AVOCA
Guided tour of the handweaving mill

POWERSCOURT
Visit the house and gardens
 

Itinerary

Day 1:
Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2:
Arrival in Shannon, Ireland. To Limerick. After checking into your hotel, free time to relax and perhaps enjoy the hotel’s leisure amenities or explore the city. This evening, a special Irish welcome: enjoy a traditional Irish night, a fun ceili in the setting of a village barn with dinner, wine, and entertainment all included. (D)

Day 3:
Limerick–Galway–Clifden. A day full of spectacular scenery. Motor to the CLIFFS OF MOHER, rising 668 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. Savor the breathtaking panorama of the Clare coast then cross the limestone plateau of The Burren. Next, a special treat: at RATHBAUN FARM watch the farmer shear a sheep and maneuver a flock with the help of a sheep dog. Then enjoy your morning coffee and home-baked scones in the 150-year-old thatched farmhouse. In Galway, a vibrant city with a great seafaring tradition, hear about the infamous Lynch Stone, commemorating the day Mayor James Lynch Fitzstephen hanged his son for murder. Call at a MARBLE FACTORY as you head into Connemara, a stunningly beautiful and remote region of mountains, rivers, and lakes. Spend the night at Clifden, a small fishing town in the far west. Discover that Marconi chose the town as the site of the first transatlantic telegraph station in 1907 and that it was here that Alcock and Brown landed from Newfoundland on the first transatlantic flight in June 1919. (FB,D)

Day 4:
Clifden–Bundoran. A fascinating start to the day—visit KYLEMORE ABBEY, the massive castle acquired by the Benedictine nuns, for a visit to the restored house, church, and gardens. Pause at Westport before continuing on to Knock, a village that attracts pilgrims from all over the world since the townsfolk saw apparitions. On the way to the resort of Bundoran stop at Drumcliff on Sligo Bay to visit the grave of native son and poet W.B.Yeats. (FB,D)

Day 5:
Bundoran. Donegal Excursion. A day dedicated to wild and beautiful Donegal. Follow the scenic Atlantic coast around Donegal Bay with its small fishing ports, hidden beaches, and vistas of the Blue Stack Mountains and Finn Valley. Visit the ancient town of the same name, founded by the Danish Vikings and home of the O’Donnell Clan. Here you have time to shop for hand-knitted woolen goods and other crafts from the region. Later, call on the BELLEEK POTTERY FACTORY, renowned for its exquisite cream-colored Parian china. (FB,D)

Day 6:
Bundoran–Belfast. A rich string of Northern Ireland attractions awaits you today. A fascinating walking tour of Derry with a Local Guide takes in the Guildhall, old city walls, and St. Columb’s Cathedral. Pass Dunluce Castle, a romantic ruin clinging to its clifftop, and visit awe-inspiring GIANT’S CAUSEWAY, composed of thousands of strangely symmetrical basalt columns jutting out to sea. Follow the scenic Antrim coast t