Start in Ireland’s capital and explore Dublin’s architectural treasures and history. Stop at the Rock of Cashel, visit the village of Blarney, travel the Ring of Kerry and see the fascinating Cliffs of Moher. This 9 Day Tour will lead you to every highlight of Ireland and will show you the beauty of its unique landscape. Enter into the grounds of majestic Ashford Castle, a romantic backdrop in superior surrounds, offering both relaxation and comfort.
DAY 1 - Depart USA
Board your overnight transatlantic flight.
DAY 2 - Arrive in Dublin, Ireland
Welcome to Dublin! At 2 p.m. your voyage of discovery begins on a city tour with your Tour Director that brings to life Dublin’s architectural treasures and history stretching back more than 1,000 years. Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, founded in 1190, tour Dublin’s beautiful Georgian squares, walk the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College to its famed library and see its truly unique world treasure – the 8th century Book of Kells. Back at your hotel, join your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Drink and Dinner. (D)
DAY 3 - Dublin / Blarney / Killarney
Drive through the Curragh, the heart of Ireland’s horse country. Stop at the Rock of Cashel, an impressive pre-Christian settlement. The dramatic limestone rock, crowned with secular and religious buildings, dominates the flat countryside for miles around. A local guide will point out some of the cathedrals and historic sites on an orientation tour. Then continue on to the village of Blarney. There is time to browse through Blarney Woolen Mills to shop for Irish knitwear and crafts. Don’t miss the chance to walk across to Blarney Castle with its magical stone that gives the gift of eloquence for a kiss. Afterwards, head to colorful Killarney. The town on the lakes is famous for its lively pubs and open, cheerful atmosphere, of what the Irish call “craic!” – Gaelic for fun. (B,D)
DAY 4 - The Ring of Kerry Excursion
Travel the road that winds around the beautiful Iveragh Peninsula, better known as the Ring of Kerry. Here mountains,valleys, lakes and sea blend into a landscape that is often breathtaking beyond words. Stopping at Torc Waterfall for photos, there is a chance to join a leisurely hike with a qualified guide. You will walk along the lakeshore and past the farmlands of the Muckross Estate, admiring the spectacular scenery. Walk by West Meadow Bay and visit Muckross Abbey. For those who do not want to join the hike, the motorcoach will return you to Killarney, where the rest of the day is free.(B)
NOTE: The walk is about 2½-3 hours long and travels over wooded paths and lakeshore trails. While there are no mountains to climb, walkers need to be fit, have good walking shoes, sunscreen and raingear.
DAY 5 - Killarney / Cliffs of Moher / Connemara
This morning cross the Shannon estuary by ferry and enter County Clare. Stop for a walk along the Cliffs of Moher, rising approximately 700 feet above the pounding Atlantic waves. Then drop in for Afternoon tea at Rathbaun Farm and meet a Galway farming family as they carry out their everyday chores. Next, on to tourGalway, including Galway Cathedral. The rest of your day is free. (B,AT,D)
DAY 6 - Killary Fjord Excursion
Head out for Killary Fjord, boasting some of the finest scenery in Ireland. At Killary Harbour, board a boat for a cruise through the calm waters of the bay. As you relax on board, enjoy the uninterrupted views of the harbor, bay and the mountains beyond. Later, returning to your hotel, stop at lakeside Kylemore Abbey, a castellated neo-Gothic mansion, occupied today by a Benedictine community of nuns. (B,D)
DAY 7 - Connemara / Cong (Ashford Castle)
Today experience Connemara, a land of rocky mountains, Sparkling brooks and rushing rivers. Your Tour Director will also reveal a hidden treasure. Then, drive on to Cong, where you enter into the grounds of majestic Ashford Castle , a romantic backdrop in superior surrounds, offering both relaxation and comfort.There are many opportunities to explore the vast estate with equestrian pursuits, golf, falconry and trail walking. Or simply relax in the castle’s luxurious interiors and enjoy your favorite novel or pamper yourself at the Spa. Dining at Ashford Castle ranks among the finest culinary experiences in the world. An inspired use of seasonal ingredients and an innovative menu await you at dinner tonight (jacket and tie required for men). (B,D)
DAY 8 - Cong / Dublin
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning and perhaps a stroll on the estate. Then cross the midlands to Dublin where the balance of the day is free. (B)
DAY 9 - Depart Dublin
Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)
B=Breakfast, AT=Afternoon Tea, D=Dinner
Hotels on this tour:
The Burlington, Dublin
Scotts Hotel, Killarney
Connemara Coast Hotel, Connemara
Ashford Castle, Cong
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