Ireland’s a country that has never lost a shared sense of community. Even in towns and cities, the
pace of life is gentler here; people stop to chat in the streets, they’re happy to give directions to
tourists, they’re glad you’ve come and they’re sorry to see you go. Ireland has much to offer
everyone. From storybook castles to magnificent gardens, wide open spaces to the bustle of
international cities, breathtaking natural scenery to man made megalithic structures, Ireland
opens her arms and welcomes you to explore her ancient sites, traverse her green fields and
discover her treasures. The scenery is gorgeous, the weather is mild (though changeable), there is
a rich cultural heritage to discover, and a wealth of music and stories to share. But the real joy of
Ireland lies in the friendliness of the people, the warmth of their welcome, and the ease with
which they make you feel at home.
HIGHLIGHTS
- 7 Nights at 4 star hotels
- Muckrose House
- Cliffs of Moher
- St Patricks Cathedral
- Wicklow National Park
- Adare Village
- Blarney Castle
- Trinity College
- Book of Kells
- Old James Whiskey Distillery
INCLUSIONS
- Round trip airfare
- Airline fuel surcharges and
taxes and fees
- 7 Nights First Class Hotels
- 11 Meals (7 B, 3D)
- Sightseeing per itinerary
- Professional Tour Manager
- Baggage handling
- Hotel Transfers
- Day 1: Your trip begins with an overnight transatlantic flight to Dublin, Ireland. Relax and enjoy the in-flight meal service and on-board entertainment.
- Day 2: Welcome to Dublin, Ireland: Upon arrival at the Dublin airport, you will be met by your C I Destinations driver/guide and transfer to your castle hotel This evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel. (D)
- Day 3: This morning we will depart to Limerick via Glendalough. We will enjoy a visit to the Glendalough Visitors Centre. The Visitor Centre has an interesting exhibition on Glendalough detailing the history, archaeology, and wildlife of the Wicklow area. You will continue on to Limerick and check into your hotel. Tonight is sure to be a highlight as you enjoy dinner and entertainment at Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet. The evening begins with a mead reception in the Great Hall of the castle, then downstairs to enjoy a four-course meal with red and white wine. This will be followed by the world renowned Bunratty Castle Entertainers accompanied by harp and violin. Limerick will be your home for the next two nights. (B,D)
- Day 4: Today we will travel to the magnificent Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most spectacular sites. The cliffs reach their highest point just north of O' Brien's Tower. The cliffs boast one of the most amazing views in Ireland. On a clear day, the Aran Islands are visible in Galway Bay as well as the valleys and hills of Connemara. Included in the tour is the Atlantic Edge Exhibition and Interpretive Centre. You will now travel through the Burren Region, which is an exceptional part of Ireland that is best known for its natural beauty. This afternoon you will enjoy a panoramic city tour of Galway. The city is a delight with its narrow streets, old stone and wooden shop fronts, restaurants, and busy pubs. (B)
- Day 5: Limerick to Killarney: Following breakfast, you will depart for your city tour of Limerick. Limerick is the main city of County Limerick and is Ireland’s third largest city with a population of over 80,000. It is often referred to as the sporting capital of Ireland because of its excellent sports facilities and passionate devotion to rugby. The city has recently achieved fame as the setting for Frank McCourt’s best-selling autobiography, Angela’s Ashes. Travel through Adare Village, which is a picturesque village with small thatched cottages dotted throughout the town. Upon arrival in Killarney enjoy a jaunting cart ride in Killarney National Park. You will now continue to the Muckross House and Gardens. Muckross is a magnificent Victorian mansion built in 1843, and is one of Ireland’s leading stately homes. The gardens of Muckross house are famed for their beauty worldwide. Killarney will be your home for the next two nights (B)
- Day 6: Ring of Kerry - Killarney: Today you can enjoy a superb tour of the Iveragh Peninsula, which will give you the opportunity to discover the Ring of Kerry. Take in spectacular scenery - mountains, peat bogs, lakes, and magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean. Leaving Killarney you will pass through Killorglin, famous for its Puck Fair. Then to Glenbeigh, where the cliff road affords panoramic views of the Dingle Peninsula and Dingle Bay. Passing through the peat bogs, you will arrive at the seaside town of Waterville. Continue to Sneem Village, famous for its brightly colored houses. (B)
- Day 7: This morning you depart for Dublin. Along the way, you will visit the Blarney Castle. The castle attracts visitors from all over the world. Built in 1446, the castle is famous for its Blarney Stone. By kissing the stone, you will gain the gift of eloquence. Enjoy some time for shopping at Blarney Woollen Mills, which is what is perhaps the largest quality craft shop in Ireland. You will continue to travel further north to Kilkenny. Here you will enjoy some free time exploring the streets. Following your stop in Kilkenny, you will continue to Dublin, which will be your home for the next two nights. (B)
- Day 8: Dublin's Fair City: Enjoy your full Irish breakfast this morning before departing on a panoramic city tour of Dublin. It is the ideal introduction to “Dublin’s Fair City”. The tour will introduce you to the principle sites. You will visit the elegant Georgian squares, famous for its architecture and, of course, its famous doors. (Highlights of the tour will be a visit to Trinity College, to view the 8th century Book of Kells and the long room with its 200,000 books.) No visit of Dublin would be complete without a visit to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. This afternoon you will visit the Old Jameson Whiskey Distillery which is located in the heart of Old Dublin. This old barley storehouse, once the centre of Distilling in Dublin, was renovated in 1998 and converted into a museum where all his secrets of Irish whiskey’s distillation will be revealed. Tonight we will enjoy a farewell dinner as we all share our favorite memories of Ireland. (B,D)
- Day 9: Dublin/USA: After a final breakfast, transfer to Dublin Airport for your departure flight home, where you will take many lifelong memories of this amazing country with you. (B)
