Superior & First Class Hotels/B&Bs - 7 or 9 Day Coach Tour
For a real Irish welcome stay in Irish homes, sample country cooking and chat with host families. Three special evenings, Bunratty Castle Banquet, Irish night of laughter and song, dinner and ballads at a traditional Irish pub in Dublin, for fond memories of Ireland.
Day 1: Bunratty & Medieval Banquet
You will begin your Irish Holiday at Shannon Airport with a complimentary hotel transfer. These transfers are available between 7:00 am and 12:00 noon. If your flight arrives later than 12:00 noon,you will need to organise your own transfer. Spend your day at leisure in Bunratty. There’s plenty to do right beside your hotel – Bunratty Folk Park, Durty Nelly’s Pub and plenty of great shops to cater for all your shopping needs. In the evening discuss your tour with your tour director over a welcome drink. You will also be invited to join in on the fun at a medieval banquet at Bunratty Castle. (D)
Day 2: Cliffs of Moher
On day 2 drive to the coast for a perfect view of the Cliffs of Moher. With a rise of almost 700 feet and enjoy the costal stretch of up to 5 miles.
Next, you will head south for a short ferry ride across the River Shannon where we recommend that you stop at the charming village of Listowel for a stroll around before continuing through the Irish scenic route to Killarney. Killarney is always a firm favourite with visitors as it a small compact town full of traditional Irish pubs and restaurants. Check into your home and meet your Irish family. In the evening, drive Kate Kearney’s Cottage for dinner followed by a night of traditional Irish entertainment with popular songs, dances and craic! (B, D)
Day 3: Ring of Kerry & Skellig Experience
The Ring of Kerry is a popular route that everybody should experience at least once in their lifetime. The route will allow you to admire breathtaking vistas of mountains, cliffs and beaches on Ireland’s most popular drive. On the 100-mile Ring of Kerry, you can enjoy the variety of scenery as you travel to the westernmost part of the Iveragh Peninsula.
Along the route, drive through Killorglin and Cahirciveen to cross by bridge to Valencia Island. Visit the Skellig Experience, which explains how early monks lived in harsh conditions on the rocky offshore islands. Today the islands form a haven for seabirds which provides revellers with beautiful views. Why not take a brief walk around the colourful village of Sneem and pause at Moll’s Gap for stunning views of the Lakes of Killarney. In the evening, return to Killarney for a traditional Irish home-style dinner with your host family. (B, D)
Day 4: Blarney & Waterford Crystal
On day 4 you will leave Killarney Co. Kerry and head to Cork. The first stop is the Blarney Woollen Mills where you can find excellent Irish products including clothing and merchandise. You will have time to walk around the village green and the town of Blarney. A must at Blarney is to kiss the famous Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle.
You will then leave Blarney and drive to the harbour town of Cobh, which you may know was the last port of call for the ill fated Titanic. We recommend you take a guided walk around this picturesque town and dockside with a local historian who will show you all the places relating to the Titanic’s last scheduled stop.
Travel to Waterford and visit the House of Waterford Crystal to see how molten glass is transformed into elegant tableware and magnificent trophies. At your lesuire, browse around the shop and showrooms. Then you will travel to the charming little city of Kilkenny for your next overnight stay. (B, D)
Day 5: Kilkenny Castle & Irish Evening
On the morning of day 5, take a tour of the massive Kilkenny Castle, home of the Butlers, Earls and Dukes of Ormonde, who held power and influence over the region for centuries. Built in 1192, you will learn the history of the castle as well as receiving a glimpse of what live would have been like back then through the original paintings and furniture of the era. The craft workshops which are located in the former stables of the Castle, are also worth a look.
Travel into the capital city of Ireland and enjoy its splendour. Check into your Dublin hotel and enjoy some free time – why not use this to explore or take in some shopping? In the evening, enjoy a traditional Irish dinner which will be followed by a great show with plenty of Irish music and step dancing. (B, D)
Day 6: Dublin Tour & Kilmainham Gaol
During your story in Dublin, take a half-day guided tour. Founded by the Vikings over 1,000 years ago, take in the elegant sites such as the Georgian squares and the famous brightly-painted doors of the townhouses. Don’t forget to visit the Famine Memorial on the banks of the River Liffey along with taking in the sights and sounds of St. Stephen's Green. And last but not least, take some time out to visit Kilmainham Gaol to see how penal establishments were operated in past centuries. Learn all about the leaders of the 1916 Uprising who were imprisoned and shot here. These leaders revolutionised Irish history. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. You may decide to return to your hotel or use your voucher for an open-top bus tour with a visit to either Guinness or Jameson included. (B)
Day 7: Depart for Home or Clonmacnoise Monastic Site
For those of you who choose our 7-day tour, complimentary group transfers are provided to Dublin Airport. The times are 6:00 am, 9:00 am or 12:00 noon. (B) We recommend you book your flights with these times in mind.
Those who have chosen the 9-day program will leave Dublin and travel across the rolling pastures of Ireland’s heartland to visit Clonmacnoise. Set on the banks of the River Shannon, this monastic settlement was founded in 545 AD by St. Ciaran.
Visiting Rathbaun Farm is a must. You will see traditional farming methods and vintage farm machinery as well as lots of farmyard animals that are roam freely on the land. We highly recommend that you sample some home-baked scones with tea or coffee before embarking on your drive to Galway city. (B, D)
Day 8: Connemara & Galway Bay
You will catch a glimpse of the Aran Islands as you drive alongside Galway Bay. Next you will stumble upon the breathtaking scenery of Connemara with its granite hills and the small but stunning lakes.
Enjoy lunch at a traditional Irish pub. Eddie’s Pub in Clonbur is famous for it’s traditional Irish food. Take a walking tour through Cong to see places associated with the movie, “The Quiet Man” which was made in the village in 1952. Return to Galway and enjoy some free time. Perhaps look around the city and later dine at your leisure. (B, L)
Day 9: Tour Ends at Shannon Airport
You will transfer from Galway to Shannon Airport, which is a distance of 60 miles. Your tour ends at 10:30 am. If you need to arrive at Shannon Airport before 10:30 am, your tour director will coordinate an early group transfer once you are on tour.
When booking flights home, note that Galway is 60 miles from Shannon Airport and the drive takes 1.5 hours. So we advise you avoid booking an early morning flight so you won’t have to spoil your last night in Ireland with an early morning flight. (B)
Br=Breakfast, L=Lunch, Di=Dinner
Hotels on this tour
- Bunratty Castle Hotel, Bunratty (1 night)
- Town & Country Homes, Killarney (2 nights)
- Ormonde Hotel, Kilkenny (1 night)
- Bewley's Ballsbrigde Hotel, Dublin (2 nights)
- Harbour Hotel, Galway (2 nights - 9-day tour only)
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