Highlights:
Bunratty * Limerick * Adare * Killarney * Blarney * Waterford * Kilkenny * Kildare * Dublin * Kylemore Abbey * Galway Bay * Galway * Cliffs of Moher
Day 1- Arrive Dublin
On your arrival in Ireland, you are transferred to your hotel. After check-in the afternoon is free to relax and unwind. This evening we will enjoy a Welcome Dinner and drink with our Tour Director and fellow travelling companions. (Welcome Dinner) Hotel: Jurys Ballsbridge
Day 2 - Dublin – Kildare – Waterford
After breakfast we make our way to Kildare to the Irish National Stud, where we will enjoy a walking tour to see some of the finest stallions in the world. We will also have time to visit the Japanese garden. We continue to Kilkenny where we view the medieval city dominated by its Norman Castle and ancient Cathedral. Finally on to Waterford. (Full Breakfast / Dinner) Hotel: Waterford Marina
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Day 3 - Waterford – Kenmare Bay (Kerry) (2 nights)
After a hearty Irish breakfast this morning our day will begin with a visit to the Waterford Crystal Factory to see how crystal is created. Then along the scenic coast to Youghal – the fishing village where Moby Dick was filmed – and through Cork to Blarney Castle. We visit the Castle to kiss the stone and acquire ‘the gift of the gab’. Finally past the beautiful area of Killarney Lakes for our 2-night stay in Kenmare. (Full Breakfast / Dinner) Hotel: Kenmare Bay (2 nights)
Day 4 - Ring of Kerry Excursion
Enjoy a full day of spectacular scenery through plunging cliffs and lakes, granite mountains and jagged coastlines as we tour the 'Ring of Kerry'. Our route passes Killorglin (of Puck Fair fame), Daniel O'Connell's Cahirciveen, the fishing village of Waterville and Moll's Gap in the Black Mountains before returning to our hotel at Kenmare Bay. (Full Breakfast)
Day 5 - Kenmare Bay – Limerick
This morning we drive through the Glanaruderry Mountains and into County Limerick. We pause a while in Adare – with its thatched cottages, it is one of the prettiest villages in Ireland. Then on to the mouth of the river Shannon and to Limerick, where our arrival an orientation tour shows us St. Mary's Cathedral, King John's Castle and the Treaty Stone. Then we visit the Bunratty Castle and folk park before going on to our hotel in Limerick. (Full Breakfast)
Hotel: Radisson SAS
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Day 6 - Limerick - the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren – Connemara – Galway Bay
We travel to Lisdoonvarna – a spa with sulphur and Chalybeate springs located in the curious area of the Burren – a haven for geologists and botanists because of the unusual rocks and flora. We drive to the coast with views of the Aran islands as we stand at the beautiful Cliffs of Moher. Then we head north into the beautiful but barren mountainous region known as Connemara – bounded on the South by Galway Bay, to the east by Lough Corrib and to the north by Clew Bay. We will enjoy beautiful coastal scenery before making our way to Galway, where an orientation tour shows us Lynchs Castle and the Spanish Arch. (Full Breakfast / Dinner) Hotel: Corrib Great Southern/Quality
Day 7 - Galway Bay – Sligo
Departure this morning for County Sligo, an area rich in ancient ruins. First through Tuam, with its curious Protestant Cathedral of St Mary. Then on past Dunmore, with a ruined abbey said to have been founded in 1428 on the site of an alleged monastery of St Patrick. Finally via the small market town of Tobercurry to splendid Sligo Bay and our overnight hotel. Time to relax or to take an excursion to Drumcliff to see the church where Yeats is buried and across the border into Northern Ireland to visit the famous pottery at Belleek in County Fermanagh. Tonight we enjoy a dinner of local specialities in a typical restaurant. (Full Breakfast / Highlight Dinner) Hotel: Ramada Silver Swan
Day 8 - Sligo – Dublin (2 nights)
Today we travel via Boyle – famous for its Cisterian Abbey – and via Longford along the valley of the mighty River Shannon back to Dublin. You’ll have time to perhaps visit a Stately Home or beautiful Monastic site this afternoon. Perhaps try some Dublin Bay prawns and Guinness in a typical pub this evening! (Full Breakfast)
Hotel: Jurys Ballsbridge (2 nights)
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Day 9 - Dublin sightseeing and at leisure
Morning sightseeing tour with a local guide includes views of St. Patrick's Cathedral, Phoenix Park and visits Trinity College to see the Book of Kells. Then free time to perhaps explore or shop. Tonight, why not celebrate the end of the tour with some good old Irish humour at a famous Cabaret show? (Full Breakfast)
Day 10 - Depart Dublin
Time to bid farewell as we transfer you to Dublin Airport. (Full Breakfast)
Best of Ireland Optional Excursions:
Dublin Malahide Stately Home
Malahide is both a castle and a stately home, and has been the seat of the Talbot family since the reign of Henry II. Today, it is the home of the National Portrait Gallery of Ireland as well as one of the finest collections of Georgian furniture and antiques in the country. There are fine gardens, wonderful views of Dublin Bay and even a famous miniature railway close by. 17 (€)
Glendalough. The Glen of the Two Lakes
This is one of the most important monastic sites in Europe dating back to the 7th century. This sacred site is famous for its tranquil beauty - set amidst the rolling countryside of County Wicklow, the garden of Ireland. 18 (€)
Shannon Castle Banquet
The banquet is held in the great hall of the Castle: we dine, we’re entertained by the court jester, the Castle musicians and the ladies and gentlemen of the medieval court, in the splendour of a by-gone age. There’s fine music, singing, dancing, good food and laughter. It won’t be long before you join in with the ‘court entertainers’ taking home warm memories of this delightful evening. 60 (€)
Irish Celi Evening
Enjoy the great atmosphere or ‘craic’ at our ceili evening. Traditional Irish music and dancing and the chance to sing along to some familiar Irish melodies. Dinner is included on this fun evening. 54 (€)
Killarney Jaunting Car Ride
Take a traditional pony and trap ride through the streets of Killarney and into the beautiful Bourne - Vincent National Park. Your ‘Jarvey’ will tell you stories about Killarney - remember he has probably kissed the Blarney Stone once or twice! 17 (€)
Dublin Dinner and Cabaret
Over an excellent dinner you’ll enjoy a non-stop show featuring comedy, dance, song, music and fine food. Ireland’s musical history unfolds in a cabaret that will delight you long after the night has ended. The cast will have you tapping your toes and joining in the fun, and it’s all wrapped up in the spirit of Irish humour. We will even serve you an Irish Coffee at the end of dinner, it will put you in the mood for Ireland’s best night out. 64 (€)
Muckross House and Gardens
The oak clad mountains provide a dramatic backdrop to the beautiful gardens around Muckross House. Towering Azaleas and Rhododendrons vie with each other for your attention amid the quiet meandering walks along the shores of the Killarney Lakes. The 18th century house, standing amid twenty thousand acres of park is a microcosm of Irish history. It contains wonderful examples of furniture and paintings. Keep an eye out for the brooding portrait of King James VI for whom Shakespeare wrote Macbeth, or Countess Catherine of Desmond painted in the 136th year of her age. Guided visit 15 (€)
Irish Pub Experience
Why not join in the fun and laughter of one of the cosiest pubs in the country? Traditional Irish music tops the evening and before you know it you’ll be joining in the songs and laughter. (A drink of your choice is included). 20 (€)
Excursion into Northern Ireland & the Belleek Pottery Factory
An opportunity to witness the art of the beautiful pottery manufacturing at Belleek in county Fermanagh, Northern Ireland.
Dinner and Show in Killarney
Enjoy dinner in one of Killarney's well known restaurants and afterwards sit back and be entertained at one of the town's famous shows, where the best of Irish entertainment is brought to you live on stage.
65 (€)
River Shannon Cruise
A unique opportunity to take a cruise on the majestic River Shannon through the beautiful rolling countryside of counties Leitrim and Roscommon. Famed in song and steeped in legend, the Shannon offers 258km of cruising waterway and is the longest river in the British Isles. Our cruise includes tea and coffee and homemade Irish scones on the luxurious “Moon River” Pleasure Cruiser. 21 (€)
Killarney Lakes. Boat Trip
Cruise on the lower lake of Killarney. We view Ross Castle, Mcgillycuddy Reeks and Inisfallen Island whilst listening to a lively local commentary. 15 (€)
An Evening of Irish Entertainment
A chance to experience Irish hospitality in the best Folk tradition. Enjoy a glass of wine whilst being entertained by the people who live and work in the area. 24 (€)
Dublin. Theatre & Dinner
Dublin has a great literary heritage. Join us for dinner and a performance at one of Dublin's Theatres.
75 (€)
Waterford Walk
Join our local guide for a dip into some of the fascinating history of Waterford, followed by a drink at a local pub. 20 (€)
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