11 Days ~ Ireland
Tour Pace
Ireland’s compact landscape means driving distances are not great. Therefore, the tour pace is relatively easy going. This is complemented by the two-night stays in Killarney, Cong and Dublin.
DAY 1 – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Dublin.
DAY 2 – ARRIVE DUBLIN
Welcome to Ireland, a country blessed with great natural beauty; from the remote wilderness of Connemara and the dramatic mountains and peat bogs of Kerry, to the soaring Cliffs of Moher and the peaceful, ruined, monastic settlement of Glendalough. Experience all this plus you’ll enjoy elegant accommodation and superb cuisine with a distinctively Irish warmth and hospitality. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to your hotel, the luxurious Four Seasons, located within the Royal Dublin Society Show Grounds. This Georgian style property offers premier rooms in a period style ambience. This evening join your Tour Director for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Four Seasons.
DAY 3 – DUBLIN – CORK
Travel through the serene Wicklow Mountains to the ruins of the 6th century St. Kevin's monastery, nestled in the wooded valley at Glendalough. On to the ancient town of Waterford with its colorful terrace houses, cafés and bars overlooking the quayside. At the Waterford Crystal Factory, enjoy a tour and watch master craftsmen at work in the centuries old tradition of glass blowing and engraving. There is time afterward to enjoy the splendid showrooms and perhaps select a special piece of the sparkling glass to take home. End the day in Cork, Ireland's second largest city.
Hotel: Hayfield Manor. (B,D)
DAY 4 – CORK – KILLARNEY
Visit Cobh, a Victorian seafront town. The Heritage Centre brings the Queenstown (as Cobh was once named) story alive, with exhibits, photographs and original film footage. Next is Blarney Castle with its magical stone that bestows the gift of eloquence for a kiss. Wander across to the Blarney Woollen Mills for traditional Irish crafts and knitwear. Then on to Killarney and your beautiful hotel and spa set on a lush hill overlooking the lakes.
Hotel: Aghadoe Heights. (B,D)
DAY 5 – THE RING OF KERRY EXCURSION
The road that winds around the beautiful Iveragh Peninsula is better known as ‘The Ring of Kerry.’ Here mountains, valleys, lakes and sea blend into a breathtaking landscape. Return to Killarney and enjoy a jaunting car ride to Muckross House, an elegant mansion set on the shores of Muckross Lake. (B)
DAY 6 – KILLARNEY – NEWMARKET-ON-FERGUS
This morning, visit the Flying Boat Museum at Foynes, which became the centre of the aviation world from 1939 to 1945. On July 9th 1939, Pan Am's luxury Flying Boat, the ‘Yankee Clipper’ landed at Foynes. This was the first commercial passenger flight on a direct route from the USA to Europe. Later, stop at the picturesque village of Adare. Tonight dine in splendor at Dromoland Castle. The castle dates back to the 16th century and is one of the most famous baronial castles in Ireland. Its romantic gardens, luxurious accommodation, prestigious dining room, and splendid wood and stone carvings, combine old world charm with the facilities the new world demands. (Selected departures will stay at Adare Manor, an elegant 19th century manor house surrounded by formal gardens and parklands. It offers luxurious rooms, fine dining, an indoor pool, and a championship golf course.)
Hotel: Dromoland Castle/Adare Manor. (B,D)
DAY 7 – NEWMARKET-ON-FERGUS – CONG
Drive west into Clare to see the Cliffs of Moher. These limestone ramparts rise approximately 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. Then, north across the Burren, a stark landscape dotted with rare flora. Next see Galway Cathedral. Then, drive through Headford and into the majestic grounds of Ashford Castle. Stately Ashford Castle was the country estate of Lord Ardilaun and of the Guinness family for almost a century, until it was transformed into a luxury hotel in 1939. Set on the north shores of Lough Corrib, Ashford offers the finest in country living – an elegant dining room, a lavishly decorated Great Hall, beautiful grounds, a 9-hole golf course, and fishing or cruising on the lake.
Hotel: Ashford Castle (B,D)
DAY 8 – CONNEMARA EXCURSION
Today's excursion will be spent in the remote west of Ireland, heart of the Gaeltacht (gaelic speaking area). Visit Kylemore Abbey, a castellated neo-Gothic mansion. Journey back via Recess and the Maam Valley with time to enjoy Ashford Castle and all its splendor before an exquisite dinner. (B,D)
DAY 9 – CONG – DUBLIN
Travel to Carrick-on-Shannon. Stop for a morning cruise aboard ‘Moonriver’ and enjoy coffee and scones. Return to Dublin and enjoy your city centre hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure.
Hotel: Westbury Hotel. (B)
DAY 10 – DUBLIN SIGHTSEEING
Your Tour Director reveals historic Dublin today. Pass Christ Church on the way to stately St. Patrick’s Cathedral, a legacy of religious power from the 12th century. On to Trinity College, the seat of learning at the heart of Dublin. Walk across the cobbled squares to the old library and see one of Ireland’s greatest treasures – the 8th century Book of Kells. Spend the afternoon exploring the city’s shops, squares, galleries and museums or relax in a café or pub. (B)
DAY 11 – RETURN TO USA
Your tour comes to an end with transfers to Dublin Airport. (B)
