Deluxe & Superior First Class Hotels - 7 or 8 Day Coach Tour
The Irish Heritage tour is ideal for first time visitors to Ireland, regardless of heritage. Concentrate on the southern part of the "Emerald Isle" and visit all the places you've heard about on a comprehensive sightseeing program. Stay in central deluxe and superior first class hotels with full breakfasts and most dinners included and celebrate special evenings at a medieval banquet in a 15th century Irish castle
Day 1: Bunratty &
Medieval Banquet
Your tour will begin at Shannon Airport with a group transfer
to your hotel. These are available between 7:00 am and 12:00 noon. If your
flight arrives later than 12:00 noon, you will need to transfer to the hotel at
your own expense. On the afternoon of day one you are at leisure to rest after
your journey or take a stroll on your own through Bunratty Folk Park. The park
is conveniently located close to your hotel. Join your fellow travellers for a
welcome drink before heading to the 15th century Bunratty Castle for a medieval-style
dinner and entertainment. (D)
Day 2: Cliffs of
Moher & Irish Coffee
On day 2 you will drive west through Ennis and Lahinch to
see the stunning Cliffs of Moher. Next you will travel cross the wide River
Shannon Estuary on a short ferry ride to Tarbert. You will travel along the
river shore to Foynes. Here you will visit the Flying Boat Museum. Irish coffee
was first created here and you will learn how to make a perfect one! Drive
south to Killarney, a world-famous town due to its exquisite location beside
lakes and mountains. Check in to your hotel in the town centre and enjoy some
free time before dinner. (B, D)
Day 3: Killarney
& Ring of Kerry Tour
On day 3 you will be invited to embark on Ireland’s most
popular scenic drive, the Ring of Kerry, where you will find great scenery. Enjoy plenty of breaks to admire the natural
beauty with plenty of opportunities to take photos. Next you will cross to
Valencia Island by bridge to visit the Skellig Experience and learn about early
Christian monks who lived on the isolated, rocky islands and about the prolific
bird life today as there is now a bird sanctuary in this location. Pass through Waterville, where the iconic Charlie Chaplin loved to holiday, and the
colourful village of Sneem. Stop at Moll’s Gap for great mountain views and
spend some time at the 19th century Muckross House and Gardens to admire elegant antiques
and learn about the history of the mansion. Enjoy a walk through the lovely
gardens before returning to Killarney. (B, D)
Day 4: Blarney Castle
& Cobh Heritage
Today you will depart Killarney and travel through Macroom
to visit the famous Blarney Castle where you may climb to the top to kiss the
famous Blarney stone. Shop till you drop at the Blarney Woollen Mills for
quality Irish-made good
You will bypass Cork City as you will travel to Cobh next. While you are here, visit the
Cobh Heritage Centre, which traces the history of emigration from Ireland to
new worlds. Learn about the grim travelling conditions for the many Irish
emigrants who were passengers on the early sailing ships and steam vessels.
Follow the coastal route via the town of Youghal to Waterford and check in to your hotel. In the evening you will be invited to
take a gentle walk with a local historian who will reveal Waterford’s Viking
and medieval past. (B, D)
Day 5: Waterford Crystal
& Glendalough Monastic Site
On the morning of day 5 tour the House of Waterford Crystal
to learn about glass blowing and cutting and see one-of-a-kind masterpieces. You
will then leave Waterford and head north through the scenery of the Wicklow
Mountains on your way to Glendalough. Learn about St. Kevin’s 6th century
monastery in the Glendalough Visitor Centre and walk through the site to
explore its round tower, church ruins and Celtic crosses. Continue to your next
hotel, which is an elegant Victorian mansion, that overlooks Dublin Bay and Dun Laoghaire Harbour. Enjoy a meal at a Traditional Irish pub, followed by a
lively show filled with traditional Irish song and dance. Why not take some time to try some Irish
step-dancing? (B, D)
Day 6: Dublin Tour
& Kilmainham Gaol
On day 6 you will be invited to enjoy a half-day guided tour
of Dublin, which was originally founded by Vikings over 1,000 years ago. See elegant
Georgian townhouses with their famous colourful doors. Cross the River Liffey to
view O'Connell Street along with the General Post Office where the 1916 Rebellion
began. The Famine Memorial is a must see before visiting Kilmainham Gaol where
you can learn about the leaders of the 1916 Uprising who changed Irish history.
The afternoon is free so that you may use your independent open-top bus tour
and Guinness or Jameson vouchers. How you dine tonight is completely up to you.
There are plenty of fine restaurants scattered the area that can cater for a
range of needs. (B)
Day 7: Return Home or
Dromoland Castle Hotel
Those of you on this 7-day tour will take complimentary
group transfers to Dublin Airport to arrive at 6:00 am, 9:00 am or 12:00 noon.
(B) Those on the 8-day tour will leave Dublin and drive to the Irish National
Stud to see some of Ireland’s finest horses and learn all about them. We
suggest taking a walk around the Japanese Gardens before driving through the
centre of Ireland to the stunning Dromoland Castle Hotel.
Relax in the elegance and surroundings of this wonderful
fairytale resort. Before you leave you will experience an elegant farewell
dinner in the oak-panelled dining room –the perfect way to spend the last
evening of your Irish tour! (B, D)
Day 8: Home from
Shannon
A group transfer to nearby Shannon Airport where your tour
concludes at either 7:30 am or 10:30 am is available. Check in for your flight
in good time and you may like to shop at the duty-free shops. If you need to
arrive at Shannon Airport for an earlier flight, you will need to arrange this
yourself.(B)
Br=Breakfast, Di=Dinner
Hotels on this tour
-
-
Malton Hotel, Killarney (2 nights)
-
Granville Hotel, Waterford (1 night)
-
Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire, Dublin (2 nights)
- Dromoland Castle Hotel, Newmarket-on-Fergus (1 night - 8-day tour only) or Adare Manor Hotel, Adare (1 night) for June 3 Departure
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