Discover Ireland’s lively capital and explore Dublin’s grand architectural treasures and history by visiting St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Trinity College. Travel to the heart of Ireland’s equestrian country, view the unforgettable Rock of Cashel and stop at the beautiful Blarney castle to kiss its magical stone. Explore the fascinating west coast and chance a glimpse down the precipice from the Cliffs of Moher.
Day 1: Depart USA
Board your overnight transatlantic flight.
Day 2: Arrive in Dublin, Ireland
Welcome to Dublin, Ireland’s lively capital city! At 2 p.m., your voyage of discovery begins on a city tour with a local guide that brings to life Dublin’s grand architectural treasures and history stretching back more than 1,000 years. Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, tour Dublin’s beautiful Georgian squares, walk the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College to its famed library and its truly unique world treasure the 8th century Book of Kells. Later, meet your Tour Director for a Welcome Drink, then join the “Dublin Literary Pub Crawl.” You are transported away from everyday life to the richness of Ireland’s famous writers including Joyce, Shaw, Yeats, Wilde, Beckett and Behan. Each group is led by actors on a trail from pub to pub no props, no lights, no make-up, just the voice and personality of the actor. Nothing like it exists anywhere else in the world.
Day 3: Dublin/ Blarney/ Killarney
After driving through the Curragh, the heart of Ireland’s equestrian country, view the unforgettable Rock of Cashel. The dramatic limestone rock crowned with secular and religious buildings dominates the flat countryside for miles around. Travel on to County Cork and the village of Blarney. There is time to stop at Blarney Woollen Mills to shop and to visit Blarney Castle with its magical stone that gives the gift of eloquence for a kiss. Your Tour Director will also reveal a hidden treasure q today. Then on to bustling Killarney. The town on the lakes is famous for its lively pubs and open, cheerful atmosphere, full of what the Irish call “craic!” Gaelic for fun. (B,D)
Day 4: The Ring of Kerry
Travel the road that winds around the beautiful Iveragh Peninsula, better known as The Ring of Kerry. 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 splendid 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 at leisure. (B)
NOTE: The walk is about 2.5-3 hours long and travels over wooded paths and lakeshore trails. While there are no mountains to climb, walkers need to be fit and have good walking shoes, sunscreen and raingear.
Day 5: Killarney/Cliffs of Moher/ Limerick
This morning, cross the Shannon estuary by ferry and enter County Clare to walk along the Cliffs of Moher. Then north across the Burren. Drop in for refreshments at Rathbaun Farm and to meet a farming family as they carry out their everyday chores. Watch as the farmer shears a sheep and maneuvers his flock with the help of his dog. Next, on to Limerick for a Farewell Irish Coffee at your hotel. Tonight, why not attend an optional Medieval banquet at Bunratty Castle. (B)
Day 6: Limeric/ Depart Shannon
Your homebound flight arrives the same day. A transfer to the Radisson Airport Hotel in Dublin is also available, arriving at approximately 4:30 p.m. Extra nights can be booked in Limerick or Dublin. (B)
B=Breakfast, D=Dinner
Hotels on this tour:
The Burlington, Dublin
Killarney Towers, Killarney
The George Hotel, Limerick
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