Day 1 – Depart USA direct to Shannon, Ireland
Day 2 – Arrive Shannon-Kerry
When you arrive you will be met with the broad Irish smile of your driver/guide after clearing Customs. You will then board our deluxe motor coach for a leisurely drive through the picturesque and thatched village of Adare where we will stop in at the Adare welcome center for an audio visual presentation and then on via New Castle West, to our last stop in the famous town of Tralee. Overnight Abbey Gate Hotel, Tralee. (D)
———————- Click Images to Enlarge ———————-
-
- Adare :: Ireland’s prettiest village
-
- Adare :: Blue Door Restaurant
-
- Adare :: Sean Collins Pub
-
- Adare :: The Yellow Cottage
Day 3 – The Ring of Kerry
The Ring of Kerry is one of Ireland’s most popular and scenic drives. View the beautiful coastline of the Inveregh Peninsula and Dingle Bay as we travel through the towns of Glenbeigh, Cahirciveen, Waterville and Sneem. Take in the spectacular beauty of windswept cliffs, still lakes, lost valleys, and rocky mountains. Ample time for photographs and to just delight in your surroundings. The circle is complete as our route takes us onto “Ladies View” then back to Killarney. This evening why not venture into the many quaint Killarney pubs and taverns. Overnight Abbey Gate Hotel. (B & D)
-
- Ring of Kerry :: One of Ireland’s most popular and scenic drives
-
- Ring of Kerry :: View the beautiful coastline of the Inveregh Peninsula and Dingle Bay
-
- Ladies View :: Of the Ring of Kerry, so named for Queen Victoria’s ladies in waiting
-
- Killarney :: Visit Killarney’s quaint streets of shops, pubs and taverns
Day 4 – Kerry & Waterford
Today begins with a stop at the village of Blarney, where you will have the opportunity to kiss its famous Stone and bestow on oneself the gift of eloquence. Travel to Waterford Glass factory, if open, to see their craftsmen at work. Overnight: Tower Hotel & Leisure Centre, Waterford. (B & D)
-
- Village of Blarney :: Home of Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone
-
- Village of Blarney :: After climbing the castle tower, you must lie down, arch your back and bend down to kiss the Blarney Stone
-
- Waterford Crystal Factory :: A glass blower forming hot glass
-
- Waterford Crystal Factory :: Spinning molten glass in a kiln
Day 5 – Waterford, Kilkenny & Dublin
Kilkenny, Ireland’s ancient capital of the Kingdom of Ossory established in 1609. It is often referred to as the “Marble City”. Kilkenny is renowned for its magnificent castle and medieval architecture. Kilkenny Castle was built by the Norman’s who arrived in the city during the 12th century. Set in beautiful grounds next to the river Nore, the castle is well worth a visit! Late afternoon arrival in Ireland’s capital city, Dublin. Overnight: Ballsbridge Towers Hotel. (B)
-
- Kilkenny :: Kilkenny Castle
-
- Kilkenny :: Kilkenny Castle from the River Nore
-
- Kilkenny :: Kilkenny Gardens
-
- Kilkenny :: St. Canice’s Cathedral
Day 6 – Dublin City Tour
Depart our hotel for a panoramic city tour of Dublin, including a visit to historic Kilmainham Jail, which covers some of the most heroic and tragic events in Irish history from 1780 to the 1920’s. Next, we visit the famed Guinness Brewery Storehouse for a tour and learn about the world famous Irish beer and enjoy a sample brew in the rooftop bar. A guide will show you around the Guinness shopping experience as your tour ends. Your half-day sightseeing tour ends in central Dublin, now, you are free to shop or browse or you may stay on board and return to our hotel. Overnight: Ballsbridge Towers Hotel. (B)
-
- Dublin :: Kilmainham Jail – many leaders of Irish rebellions were imprisoned here; some executed, some deported to Australia
-
- Dublin :: Kilmainham Jail – A memorial plague to the Irish Patriots of the 1916 Easter Rising
-
- Dublin :: Guinness’ St. James Gate Brewery since 1749
-
- Dublin :: Guinness Storehouse Museum
Day 7 – Dublin & Giants Causeway
Today our first stop is the ecclesiastical town of Armagh to visit the Church of Ireland Cathedral. It’s then off to Ireland’s northern coastline and the world famous Giant’s Causeway, a unique rock formation which have stood for millions of years. It is a natural wonder not to be missed. Overnight Carlton Redcastle Hotel. (B & D)
-
- Armagh :: St. Patrick’s Cathedral (Roman Catholic) – There are two cathedrals in this ancient ecclesiastical and scholarly city, both built on hills, both named for St. Patrick
-
- Armagh :: St. Patrick’s Cathedral (Church of Ireland) dating from around 445, this was an ancient site of worship for both Celtic paganism and Christianity
-
- Bushmills :: Giant’s Causeway – Home of the Legend of Irish giant Finn McCool and the Scottish giant Benandonner
-
- Bushmills :: Giant’s Causeway – A World Heritage Site since 1986
Day 8 – Letterkenny, Atlantic Coast Drive & Donegal
Today, we visit the Glenveagh Castle and the Glenveagh National Park, with 40,000 acres of mountains, lakes, glens and woods, not to mention its own red deer population. A short drive and we’ll step back in time to the days of St. Colmcille (521-597). The Colmcille Heritage Center offers a fascinating display on the life and times of this outstanding figure among the Irish missionary monks. From here sightseeing continues via Horn Head before returning to Moville for our overnight stay and dinner at the Carlton Redcastle Hotel. (B & D)
-
- Churchill :: Glenveagh Castle
-
- Churchill :: A view looking down the glen toward the castle
-
- Letterkenny :: The interior of Columba’s 1400 year old church
-
- Letterkenny :: Colmcille (St. Colomba) site of Donegal’s patron saint
Day 9 – Letterkenny & Limerick
Early morning departure tour takes us south via county Sligo to Drumcliffe cemetery where W.B. Yeat’s is buried. Onwards through County Roscommon where peat bogs and scattered rocks define its topographical features. The most striking feature is the creation of island-dotted lakes and river meadows by the River Shannon. Next on to Limerick city for your hotel dinner and overnight at the Absolute Hotel. (D)
-
- Drumcliffe :: Local landmark – The Drumcliffe High Cross, located next to the Round Tower
-
- Drumcliffe :: Resting Place of W.B. Yeats ~.~Cast a cold eye on life, on death, Horseman, pass by~.~
-
- County Roscommon :: A grist mill located in Athleague
-
- County Roscommon :: Roscommon Castle – County Roscommon was the hardest hit of all of Ireland’s counties during the Potato Famine of the 1840s. It is estimated, that, as late as 2001 the population was still only 20% of that in 1840
Day 10 – Galway & Connemara
Morning panoramic tour of the majestic Cliffs of Moher, rising some 700ft above the roaring Atlantic Ocean before arriving Galway City for a panoramic tour of its cathedral, Spanish Arch and Eyre Square. Afternoon touring to the unspoiled regions of Connemara with its beautiful mountain views, lakes and tumbling streams. This is a Gaelic speaking area attracting numerous artisans who can be visited at work in their studios. Crafts include: hand weaving, screen printing and marble inlay and carving. Perhaps, tonight you may wish to take in a traditional Irish show after your dinner at hotel. Overnight Absolute Hotel, Limerick. (B & D)
-
- County Claire :: Cliffs of Moher – The cliffs rise to a height of 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean
-
- Galway :: Eyre Square established in 1710. In 1965, the square was officially renamed Kennedy Memorial Park in honour of US President John F. Kennedy.
-
- County Galway :: Connemara – The area around the town of Clifden is rich with megalithic tombs. The famous Connemara Green marble was a trade treasure used by the inhabitants of the prehistoric time. It continues to be of great value today.
Day 11 – Return to USA
Morning departure – Shannon Airport. Ample time for last minute picture taking and airport shopping. (B)
