DAY 1 Arrive Shannon - Ennis On your arrival in Ireland, you are transferred to your hotel in Ennis. This evening, we enjoy a welcome drink with our Tour Director and fellow travelling companions followed by dinner at our hotel. (D) DAY 2 Ennis - Bunratty - Limerick - Killarney (2) After breakfast this morning our day will begin with a visit to nearby Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. Then we head to Limerick where an orientation tour features St. Mary's Cathedral and King John's Castle. Time to explore further or to shop for some souvenirs before we continue to Adare, the prettiest village in Ireland. Then on through County Kerry en route to Killarney, with its beautiful lakes, for two nights. Dinner will be served at our hotel this evening. (FB D) DAY 3 Ring of Kerry Excursion Enjoy a full day of spectacular scenery through plunging cliffs and lakes, granite mountains and endless beaches as we tour the 'Ring of Kerry'. Our route passes Killorglin (of Puck Fair fame), Daniel O'Connell's Cahirciveen, the fishing village of Waterville and Moll's Gap in the Black Mountains before returning to our hotel at Killarney. (FB) DAY 4 Killarney - Waterford This morning after breakfast, we cross into County Cork, stopping at Blarney Castle for a chance to kiss the Blarney Stone and acquire the 'gift of the gab'! Then we pass through Cork on our way to Youghal and along the scenic coast arriving at the Waterford Crystal Factory for an included visit to see how crystal is created. Then on to our hotel for dinner and overnight stay night. (FB D) DAY 5 Waterford - Kildare - Dublin (2) After a hearty Irish breakfast, we make our way to Kilkenny - the medieval city dominated by its Norman Castle and ancient Cathedral. Then we enjoy a highlight visit to the Irish National Stud Farm located outside the historic town of Kildare. Later, we continue to Ireland's capital city, Dublin for our two-night stay. (FB) DAY 6 Dublin sightseeing & at leisure Our morning sightseeing tour in this 'fair city' includes views of Trinity College, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin Castle and Phoenix Park. Then, there's time on your own to perhaps explore this fascinating city further or window shop in O'Connell or Henry Streets. This evening, you may wish to join us at an Irish cabaret. (FB) DAY 7 Dublin - Sligo After breakfast we drive deep into County Sligo, an area rich in ancient ruins. Then we continue to beautiful Sligo Bay and our overnight hotel. Time to relax or take an optional excursion to Drumcliff to see the church where Yeat's is buried and across the border into Northern Ireland to visit the famous pottery at Belleek in County Fermanagh. Dinner is at our hotel tonight. (FB D) DAY 8 Sligo - Connemara - Galway We enjoy a full day of dramatic scenery as we travel into beautiful County Mayo and the town of Westport on the coast at Clew Bay. From here we will continue through the magnificently wild region of Connemara making a stop to see Kylemore Abbey. Then on to wonderful Inagh Valley and more spectacular views as we head to our hotel in Galway. This evening, we will enjoy a typical Irish meal in a local restaurant. (FB) (HD) DAY 9 Galway - Cliffs of Moher - Ennis There's time to explore this morning before we drive through the pretty fishing village of Kinvarra. Then into County Clare and the rocky landscape of the Burren. Next we will continue past Black Head and along the coast to the Cliffs of Moher towering above the Atlantic. Finally, we make our way across country back to Ennis for our final night on this Emerald Isle. This evening, why not celebrate and join us for a farewell Ceili evening along with your fellow travelling companions. (FB) DAY 10 Ennis - Depart Shannon This morning after breakfast it is time to bid a fond farewell to your new-found friends as we transfer you to Shannon Airport for your return flight home. (FB) |