Day 1, Sun. Arrive in Dublin, Ireland.
Welcome to Dublin!
Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to your
hotel. At 2 p.m. your voyage of discovery begins on
a city tour with a local guide. Visit St.
Patrick’s Cathedral, founded in 1190, tour
Dublin’s beautiful Georgian squares, walk the
cobbled courtyards of Trinity College to its
famed library and its truly unique world treasure –
the 8th century Book of Kells. This evening,
take a short drive to the fishing harbor of Howth
for dinner and traditional music at the Abbey
Tavern.
Day 2, Mon. Dublin / The Midlands / Sligo / Mayo
Cross midland Ireland and visit one of the
country’s fine old manors, Strokestown Park House
in County Roscommon. This grand estate, built in
the 18th century, has been carefully restored and
still has its original furnishings. The Famine
Museum is located in the former Stable Yards of
the house. It was designed to commemorate The Great
Irish Famine of the 1840's, now regarded as the
single greatest social disaster of 19th century
Europe, and in some way to balance the history of
the "Big House." Continue on to Mayo to visit the
Shrine at Knock. In 1879, the figures of Mary,
St. Joseph and St. John are reported to have
miraculously appeared here in a vision to 15 local
people. Dinner and conversation at your hotel is a
perfect end to a full day’s sightseeing.
Day 3, Tue. Mayo / Connemara
Travel via Castlebar to the picturesque town of
Westport. Enjoy some free time to browse before
setting out for Connemara, Ireland’s historic
western province. Next visit Kylemore Abbey,
a castellated neo-Gothic mansion, occupied today by
the Irish Benedictine community of nuns. Continue
your tour of splendid Connemara, where whitewashed
cottages are scattered over a land of rocky
mountains, sparkling brooks and rivers.
This evening, dine and relax at your elegant
hotel as the sun sets over Galway Bay.
Day 4, Wed. Connemara / Galway / Cliffs of Moher
/ Limerick
This morning visit the impressive Galway
Cathedral before dropping in for refreshments at
Rathbaun Farm. Meet a farming family as they
carry out their everyday chores. Watch as the farmer
shears a sheep and maneuvers his flock with the help
of his dog. Next, cross the Burren, a suddenly stark
and barren landscape dotted with rare flora. Travel
west to the spectacular Cliffs of Moher
rising approximately 700 feet above the pounding
Atlantic waves: the view is truly
outstanding. A celebrated medieval castle banquet
is an option for tonight’s festivities.
Day 5, Thu. Limerick / Ring of Kerry / Killarney
Drive to Adare, renowned as the "prettiest
village in Ireland" with its thatched cottages and
stone walls. Then follow the road that winds around
the Iveragh Peninsula, better known as The Ring
of Kerry It is undoubtedly one of the most
magical places in all of Ireland. Poets, painters,
and musicians have all tried to capture its elusive
charm.
Arrive in Killarney for check-in and dinner at
your hotel.
Day 6, Fri. Killarney / Blarney / Waterford
This morning visit Blarney Castle with its
magical stone that gives the gift of eloquence for a
kiss. Wander across to the Blarney Woollen Mills
to shop for traditional fine knitwear and
crafts. Continue your journey to the ancient Viking
town of Waterford. After dinner in your hotel, take
some time to stroll the mile long quayside.
Day 7, Sat. Waterford Dublin
Begin your day at the Waterford Crystal
Factory. On your guided tour, admire the ancient
skills of local craftsmen as they carefully turn
molten glass into the most exquisite crystal.
Afterwards, wander through the showrooms and perhaps
find an heirloom for future generations for your own
family! Next, on your Waterford walking tour,
your guide brings the city’s fascinating history
alive. On to Dublin in time for some last-minute
shopping.
This evening is free to discover the nightlife
along its squares and cobblestone streets or to join
an optional farewell cabaret for song, dance, dinner
and Dublin wit.
Day 8, Sun. Depart Dublin
Your homebound flight arrives the same day.