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The Emerald Isle is made famous by its uniquely spectacular scenery, historic sights and the friendliness of Irish culture. This guided tour transports you to the wonderful scenery of Dublin, Ballina, Galway, Limerick, Killarney and Waterford. Visit medieval ruins, Castles, the steep Cliffs of Moher, and the Ring of Kerry. Experience a sheep farm, and of course, have lunch at a traditional pub.
10 Days • fr. $3,279
Céad míle fáilte—a hundred-thousand welcomes! Check into your hotel. At 3 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for an afternoon orientation drive through statue-lined O’Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares, and past St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Oscar Wilde’s Trinity College. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel.
Dinner
THE GIBSON HOTEL
Horse-racing country awaits this morning. Drive across the Curragh to the Irish National Stud at Kildare, whose thoroughbreds command respect on the racecourses of the world.
Then, head north to Longford for a guided tour of Strokestown House, the 1740s mansion with its fine gardens. Experience an insight into the circumstances of the Great Irish Famine of the 1840s at the Famine Museum.
Overnight in Ballina, famous for its hospitality and internationally renowned for its exceptional salmon fishing in the Moy River.
Breakfast, Dinner
BALLINA MANOR HOTEL
Via Westport, head for the unspoiled region of Connemara, an area known for its hardy breed of ponies. Visit Kylemore Abbey, a massive yet graceful castle acquired by Benedictine nuns as a precious heirloom for Ireland.
At Moycullen, visit the Joyce family at their Marble Workshop before arriving in the port city of Galway.
Tonight’s recommendation: an optional evening at Dunguaire Castle, where the intimate banquet has an enlightening literary theme.
Breakfast
GALMONT HOTEL AND SPA
At Rossaveal, board a comfortable, modern ferry for the 45-minute crossing to Kilronan on Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands and where Gaelic is the first language of the islanders. Your fascinating day continues with a presentation about life on Inishmore by an island historian. After a light lunch at Tí Joe Watty’s pub, board a minibus to enjoy your driver/Local Guide’s commentary on a tour of the island. End with a visit to clifftop Dun Aengus, one of the most spectacular and dramatic prehistoric stone forts in Europe.
Back in Kilronan, board your ferry back to the mainland. There are plenty of dining options in Galway this evening.
Breakfast, Dinner
GALMONT HOTEL AND SPA
Enjoy a real Irish farm experience at Rathburn Farm this morning. Try your hand at scone baking, and learn from the farmer about sheep shearing and herding. Afterwards, enjoy coffee and your scones, fresh from the oven.
Take the scenic route across the desolate limestone plateau known as The Burren, and stop for photos of prehistoric Poulnabrone Dolmen. At the Cliffs of Moher, rising 668 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, savor the breathtaking panorama of the Clare coast.
This evening, why not take part in a unique optional dinner excursion to Bunratty Folk Park?
Breakfast
LIMERICK STRAND HOTEL
This morning, make your way to Foynes for a guided tour of the Flying Boat Museum. Board and explore the world’s only full-size replica of a Boeing B314 “Clipper.” In the flight simulator, re-enact the thrilling experience of crossing the Atlantic in a 1930s long-range flying boat. You will also be treated to an Irish coffee demonstration, complete with a sample of the classic drink.
Then, enjoy the wonderful views during the Slea Head drive on Dingle Peninsula, stroll through quaint Dingle, and maybe catch a glimpse of Fungi, the resident dolphin.
Dinner will be at a local pub on the peninsula.
Breakfast, Dinner
THE ROSE HOTEL
At Killorglin, join the famous Ring of Kerry for a 100-mile panoramic drive around the island’s southwestern tip. Plenty to focus your camera on here: sparkling seascapes, mountains dotted with brightly colored farmhouses, winding lanes bordered with subtropical vegetation, and the breathtaking panorama of the Lakes of Killarney from Ladies View.
Stop in the popular resort town of Killarney and enjoy a special treat: a fun-filled horse-drawn Jaunting Car Ride through the national park with glorious vistas of the Lakes of Killarney and ancient Ross Castle.
Overnight Tralee.
Breakfast, Dinner
THE ROSE HOTEL
Across the Kerry Mountains, drive into County Cork for a visit to Blarney, renowned for its castle and magical Kissing Stone. Time for lunch, to walk up to the castle, and to shop for traditional Irish handicrafts.
In the afternoon, proceed via Cork, Youghal, and Dungarvan to Waterford, a stronghold founded by the Danish Vikings in 853. Here, enjoy a visit to the House of Waterford Crystal.
Breakfast, Dinner
GRANVILLE HOTEL
Today starts sin Enniscorthy, site of the final battle of the Great Rebellion of 1798.
Next visit Ireland’s oldest handweaving mill at Avoca followed by a visit to Glenalough, the early Christian monastic site founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. See the engaging audiovisual Ireland of the Monasteries, then your Local Guide will show you the remains of this ecclesiastical settlement.
Back in Dublin tonight, join your traveling companions for a fitting farewell to Ireland: an optional cabaret evening with dinner, followed by dance, song, and laughter.
Breakfast
THE GIBSON HOTEL
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Breakfast
All rates listed are per person based on double occupancy and are subject to change without notice. Your land package pricing will be confirmed and guaranteed once your deposit is received and applied to the booking, except where price increases may result from increases in government taxes or fees. Room configurations are subject to availability. Guests added to your party after the booking are priced at the prevailing rate at the time they are added.