DAY 1
Meet and assist upon arrival at the Dublin airport. Transfer to hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
DAY 2
Dublin Sightseeing. Our sightseeing tour of Dublin includes the elegant squares of Ireland's 'fair city' and a visit to the impressive Castle. We also see famous O'Connell Street and the historic Customs House. This evening we enjoy a Welcome Drink and maybe join an optional dinner in a local restaurant?
DAY 3
Dublin - Waterford. This morning we drive to Kildare, where we visit Ireland's National Stud, one of Ireland's main racehorse breeding centers. Some of the most expensive stallions on earth have been kept here. We also visit the Japanese Gardens nearby, laid out by Eida, a Japanese landscape artist invited to Ireland at the turn of the century. Then to the architectural gem of Kilkenny, where we visit the magnificent 13th century Kilkenny Castle, home of the powerful Butler family for over 500 years. We tour the castle with its splendid picture gallery and also see the more modern Kilkenny Design Centre, before continuing to ancient Waterford, founded in the 9th century by the Vikings. Our overnight stay is at Dooley's Hotel, a traditional hotel in the centre of town. (B,D)
DAY 4
Waterford – Cork. We see history before our eyes this morning in Waterford as we view Reginald's Tower, the remains of the old city walls and the two Georgian cathedrals. We also tour the Waterford Crystal factory with an opportunity to select that special piece to take home, before driving to Blarney to see the famous stone of at 15th century Blarney Castle. Next we admire – rather eloquently! – a beautiful display of Waterford Crystal at Blarney Mill, before seeing St. Finbar's cathedral in historic Cork. While here you might like to visit Cobh, from where so many settlers left for New World? Tonight we stay at the Quality Shandon Court Hotel. (B)
DAY 5
Cork – Tralee. A day of scenic splendour as we drive up the lovely valley of the river Lee into the majestic Derrynasaggart Mountains. Then we see Irish scenery at its most wonderful as we make our way onto the Dingle Peninsula, spectacular setting for the film “Ryan's Daughter”. The great cliffs, the wide skies, the ocean all around, make this a special place to which people long to return. From dramatic Slea Head at the peninsula's far end, we now make our way to the legendary town of Tralee with its 18th century architecture, majestic houses and wide streets. Our home for the next two nights, is the Abbey Gate hotel, known for its traditional Irish hospitality. (B,D).
DAY 6
Tralee – Ring of Kerry Excursion. Our excursion today takes us around the Ring of Kerry on one of the greatest classical scenic tours – into a magical world of towering cliffs, lush lake lands, remote villages and above all, Ireland's highest mountain range. A sense of the unhurried pace of Irish life surrounds us as we view the three peaceful Lakes of Killarney. Before returning to Tralee, we take a memorable highlight ride with the locals on one of Killarney's famous Jaunting cars. (B)
DAY 7
Tralee – County Clare. Leaving Tralee this morning we drive via picturesque Adare to ancient Limerick, where we see 12th century St. Mary's Cathedral and medieval King John's Castle . We then visit the remarkable Bunratty Folk Park, which takes us back to the days of Old Ireland and shows us in fascinating detail how the people lived and worked. We walk down the authentic late 19th century “village street” with its pawnbroker, grocery and post office. Our two night stay is at the Clare Inn, spectacularly located amongst beautiful countryside. Tonight perhaps enjoy a medieval banquet at a nearby castle? (B).
DAY 8
Galway Excursion. This morning we drive to the awesome Cliffs of Moher, rising 700 feet out of the Atlantic Ocean, giving us a breathtaking view of the Clare coast. Then through the Burren, a strange rocky landscape rich in wild orchids, to fabled Galway. Here, we see St. Nicholas Cathedral, the Spanish Arch and Eye Square, Dedicated to the memory of the late President John F. Kennedy. Now we continue to the World famous Connemara marble factory for a tour before returning to our hotel where we enjoy a Highlight dinner. (B,HD)
DAY 9
County Clare – Bundoran. Today we drive past the ecclesiastical center of Tuam, en route to historic Clonalis House, ancestral home of the O'Connor family, direct descendants of the last High Kings of Ireland. Here we meet the family and enjoy a tour before driving through County Sligo with its great association with poet W.B. Yeats. Then on to Drumcliffe churchyard to see Yeat's resting place and finally a visit to the ancient Court tomb at Creevykeel before arriving at the seaside resort town of Bundoran. Tonight we stay at the Great Northern Hotel in a scenic setting overlooking Donegal Bay (B,D).
DAY 10
Bundoran – Ballycastle. Today takes us to Donegal town, famous for its tweed, where we see the stronghold of the great O' Donnells, before crossing into Northern Ireland and the ancient city of Derry where we see its historic walls. Then it's off to photograph the spectacular Giants Causeway and to hear the legends that surround this unique city, which shows us City Hall, Belfast Castle and Queen's University. Tonight we stay at the posthouse City Hotel. (B)
DAY 11
Belfast – Dublin. This morning we travel alongside the Mountains of Mourne to Drogheda, then take a short drive along the Boyne, where William of Orange Defeated the forces of Catholic King James. We now return to Ireland's lively capital, Dublin where there's time for some last minute shopping or sightseeing. Tonight is free to perhaps take in a famous Irish Cabaret show? (B)
DAY 12
Dublin. It's time to farewell beautiful Ireland as our tour ends today after breakfast with a transfer to Dublin Airport (B).