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Explore the Emerald Isle in depth on this extraordinary vacation. Begin in Dublin with an orientation drive that introduces you to the major attractions. Motor north past castle and tower ruins, stopping for an overnight in Sligo. Pause at the gravesite of poet W.B. Yeats in Drumcliff, then cross into Northern Ireland to visit the Belleek Pottery Factory. Continue to Derry for a fascinating guided tour and also stop in charming Donegal, in Knock, where pilgrims flock to the Marian Shrine, and in vibrant coastal Galway. Visit the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher and overnight in the market town of Ennis. Enjoy an orientation of Limerick and a pause in Adare, known for its remarkable thatched cottages. Drink in the scenery on the Dingle Peninsula and along the spectacular “Ring of Kerry” before spending two nights in Killarney. Next, stop in Blarney, famous for its castle and “Blarney Stone,” as well as in Cork, Youghal, and Dungarvan. Enjoy an included visit to the world-famous crystal factory in Waterford and spend the night at seaside Tramore. Heading north, visit historic Enniscorthy, Ireland’s oldest handweaving mill at Avoca, and Glendalough with St. Kevin’s Irish Christianity Centre ruins. Return to Dublin for the finale of your exciting adventure. |
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City Highlights Visits to Hill of Tara, Boyle, Sligo, W.B.Yeats’ burial place, Donegal town, Knock, Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Adare, Killarney, Blarney, Tramore, handweaving mill at Avoca, Glendalough; orientation drives in Dublin and Limerick Meals 8 full Irish breakfasts (FB); 4 three-course dinners (D) with choice of menus and coffee Hotels: Listed below or equivalent. Rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, porterage, tips, and service chargesDUBLIN Regency (ST), SLIGO Southern (ST), ENNIS Auburn Lodge (ST), KILLARNEY Killarney Court (ST), TRAMORE Majestic (ST), DUBLIN Montrose (ST)
Day 1:
BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT. Day 2: ARRIVAL IN DUBLIN, IRELAND. Check into your hotel. At 3 p.m. meet your traveling companions for an afternoon orientation drive through statue-lined O’Connell Street and elegant Georgian squares to St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Trinity College. Your Tour Director will have some suggestions for dining tonight. Day 3: DUBLIN-SLIGO. On your first day in the Irish countryside discover why this is known as the “Emerald Isle.” Motor north through history-steeped landscapes, with Ireland’s typical round towers and castle ruins, to the legendary Hill of Tara. See mighty Trim Castle, then across the River Boyne and via the agricultural and angling center of Mullingar to Longford, the county capital. On the way to Sligo take your pictures at scenic Carrick-on-Shannon and the Cistercian abbey ruins at Boyle. (FB,D) Day 4: SLIGO. NORTHERN IRELAND EXCURSION. At Drumcliff see the grave of native son and poet W.B.Yeats, then step across the border into Northern Ireland to visit the Belleek Pottery Factory, renowned for its exquisite cream-colored Parian china. Then follow the route through Omagh to the fascinating city of Derry where a walking tour with a Local Guide takes in the old city walls and St. Columb’s Cathedral. In the afternoon shop for hand-knitted woolen goods in Donegal town. (FB,D) Day 5: SLIGO-ENNIS. South to Knock, a village that attracts pilgrims from all over the world since the townsfolk saw apparitions, and Galway, a vibrant city with a great seafaring tradition, where you hear about the infamous Lynch Stone, commemorating the day Mayor James Lynch Fitzstephen hanged his son for murder. Cross the limestone plateau of The Burren to visit the spectacular 668-foot Cliffs of Moher. Tonight, a chance to attend an optional medieval castle banquet. (FB) Day 6: ENNIS-DINGLE PENINSULA-KILLARNEY. This morning’s orientation drive in Limerick acquaints you with King John’s Castle and the Stone where the Treaty of Limerick was signed in 1691. Then via Adare, a village known for its prize-winning thatched cottages. Breathtaking scenery this afternoon on the Dingle Peninsula, where the 32-mile Slea Head drive affords magnificent vistas of the Atlantic Ocean, then pass miles of white sandy beaches, setting for the film Ryan’s Daughter. The next two nights are spent in the popular resort of Killarney. (FB,D) Day 7: KILLARNEY. RING OF KERRY EXCURSION. At Killorglin join the road known as the “Ring of Kerry” for a 100-mile coastal panoramic drive: sparkling seascapes, mountains dotted with brightly colored farmhouses, winding lanes bordered with subtropical vegetation, and spectacular views of the Lakes of Killarney from Ladies View. Back in Killarney, a special optional adventure: take a horse-drawn jaunting car along the national park lakeshore for pictures of Ross Castle. Tonight, enjoy the optional outing to Tralee for dinner, and a performance at Siamsa Tire, Ireland’s National Folk Theatre. (FB) Day 8: KILLARNEY-WATERFORD-TRAMORE. More scenic splendor as you head over the Kerry Mountains into County Cork. Stop in Blarney, famous for its Stone of Eloquence, with time at your leisure to see the castle and shop for Irish crafts and handmade crystal. After lunch, drive past Cork, the country’s second-largest city. Youghal and Dungarvan are further milestones on your way to Waterford, where a visit to the world-famous Waterford Crystal factory is included. Spend the night at the nearby seaside resort of Tramore. An optional pub tour might be fun this evening. (FB,D) Day 9: TRAMORE-DUBLIN. Highlights on your northbound journey: Enniscorthy, site of the final battle of the Great Rebellion of 1798; a visit to Ireland’s oldest handweaving mill at Avoca; views of the Wicklow Mountains; and Glendalough with its ruins of a center of Irish Christianity founded by St. Kevin. Back in Dublin tonight, your Tour Director will have recommendations for a fitting farewell to Ireland. (FB) Day 10: YOUR HOMEBOUND FLIGHT ARRIVES THE SAME DAY. (FB)
Visits to Hill of Tara, Boyle, Sligo, W.B.Yeats’ burial place, Donegal town, Knock, Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Adare, Killarney, Blarney, Tramore, handweaving mill at Avoca, Glendalough; orientation drives in Dublin and Limerick
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Note: All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.
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