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Day 1: Georgian Dublin & National Gallery
Land at Dublin Airport where you pass through immigration and customs controls. Go to the CIE Tours desk in the Arrivals Hall to arrange a group transfer to your hotel between 7:00 am and 12:00 noon. If your flight arrives later, you will need to transfer to the hotel at your own expense. Your hotel is located in the heart of Georgian Dublin. At 3:00 pm take a leisurely walking tour with a local guide to learn about the development of elegant Georgian mansions 200 years ago. Walk through the lovely gardens of Merrion Square and into the National Gallery, which features centuries of European collections and many Irish artists. In the evening meet your tour director and fellow travellers for a welcome drink. The evening is free for independent dining.
Day 2: Book of Kells & Theatre Evening
This morning drive around central Dublin’s public buildings, colourful parks and bustling shopping streets. See the River Liffey, wide O’Connell Street, tranquil St. Stephen’s Green, and pause at the Famine Memorial. Visit Trinity College’s campus and the Old Library to view the priceless 8th century Book of Kells. The afternoon is at leisure and you may use your open-top bus tour voucher and visit Guinness or Jameson. Dine at the Cellar Restaurant in your hotel before heading to the world-famous Abbey or Gate Theatre for a performance. (B,D)
Day 3: Rock of Cashel & Sheep Farm Visit
Depart Dublin and travel south to visit the Rock of Cashel, where Brian Boru was crowned King of Munster in 977. See the 12th century highly-decorated Cormac’s Chapel, the large cruciform cathedral and a round tower. At a nearby farmhouse sample home-made scones with tea and watch trained dogs round up sheep. Stop in the picturesque village of Adare to view cosy thatched cottages that line the main street and on to Killarney, famous for its scenic location. Check into your hotel and enjoy a superb dinner in the fine restaurant. (B,D)
Day 4: Ring of Kerry & Killeen House Restaurant
Today experience the Ring of Kerry drive where every bend in 100 miles of road reveals breathtaking views of mountains and Atlantic Ocean. You will have stops to admire or photograph scenic vistas. At the tip of the peninsula visit the Skellig Experience, which shows the austere conditions of monastic life on the nearby rocky islands. Return through the attractive village of Sneem and pause at Moll’s Gap for panoramic views of Killarney. In the evening savour delicious cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere at award-winning Killeen House Restaurant, a few miles outside the town. (B,D)
Day 5: Cliffs of Moher & Dromoland Castle
Take a ferry ride across the River Shannon Estuary to visit the Cliffs of Moher, majestic walls of rock, which extend five miles along the coast. Journey through part of the Burren Country to your lovely castle hotel. After check in you may choose to relax in the wonderful setting or take a short drive to Bunratty Village for an opportunity to visit Bunratty Castle and Folk Park or the 200-year-pub of Durty Nelly’s. In the evening enjoy gourmet dining in the elegant hotel setting. (B,D)
Day 6: Ennis Walking Tour & Ashford Castle
Drive to the marketing town of Ennis, a centuries-old settlement with narrow, twisting streets. Join a local guide for a walking tour around the main points of interest, including Ennis Friary. Travel into Galway for a brief drive through the city centre and enjoy free time to browse around on your own. Continue north to Cong for a 2-night stay at the famous Ashford Castle Hotel. Arrive in time to explore the grounds, go riding or play golf. In the evening drive to the nearby village of Clonbur for an informal dinner with local entertainment at Burkes Pub. (B,D)
Day 7: Connemara & “The Quiet Man” Walk
Travel through Connemara to admire sweeping views along the Inagh Valley to Leenane. This village was the location for the movie of “The Field.” Embark on a catamaran cruise aboard the “Connemara Lady” around Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord. As you sip an Irish coffee, see remains of houses and potato patches abandoned during the 1840’s Famine as well as stunning scenery. Return to Cong, famous for the making of the 1952 movie of “The Quiet Man” and take a short walking tour to see movie locations. Dine in Ashford’s lovely restaurant and afterwards listen to music in the Dungeon Bar. (B,D)
Day 8: Museum of Country Life & Belleek China
Outside Castlebar visit the Museum of Country Life to view exhibits of domestic goods and a movie showing how country people lived during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Travel through the stark landscape of County Mayo into County Sligo, associated with the poet, W. B. Yeats. View his grave, situated near the distinctive outline of Ben Bulben Mountain. Continue to Belleek for a tour of the Belleek Pottery Factory, founded in the mid-19th century to create employment. Your next hotel is situated in glorious scenery a few miles outside Donegal town and is noted for its outstanding cuisine and views. (B,D)
Day 9: Slieve League Cliffs & Donegal
Drive to the fishing port of Killybegs and on to Teelin to view Slieve League sea cliffs, the highest in Europe reaching 1,972 feet. The cliffs drop straight down to the wild Atlantic waves creating marvellous views. Enjoy coffee or tea with home-baked scones before driving through the majestic Glengesh Pass to Ardara. Visit Triona Design to see demonstrations of spinning, weaving and knitting. Spend some time in Donegal town before returning to your hotel. (B,D)
Day 10: Derry Walk & Giant’s Causeway
Travel to Derry for a walking tour with a local guide to see the medieval city walls, the Diamond and St. Columb’s Cathedral. Pause for photos at the ruins of Dunluce Castle before visiting the Giant’s Causeway, enormous hexagonal columns formed by volcanic activity over 60 million years ago. Continue south to experience wonderful views of mountains, valleys and bays along the “Nine Glens of Antrim.” Continue south to your hotel in the coastal resort of Newcastle at the foot of the Mourne Mountains. (B,D)
Day 11: Mount Stewart & Belfast
Visit Down Cathedral to learn about Saint Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint, and see his reputed burial place. Cross Strangford Lough by ferry to explore Mount Stewart House and Gardens. The house tour includes world-famous paintings and furnishings and the gardens have been nominated a World Heritage Site. See the highlights of Belfast with a local guide, including Victorian buildings, the Harland and Wolff Shipyards, where the Titanic was built and areas around the Shankill and Falls Road. Enjoy a pub lunch at the ornate Victorian bar, Crown Liquor Saloon, before returning direct to your hotel. (B,L,D)
Day 12: Battle of the Boyne & Abbey Tavern
Drive south past the Mourne Mountains to Drogheda to visit the Battle of the Boyne Centre. Learn about the 1690 conflict between King William III and his father-in-law, King James II, for dominance over the British throne and religious power in Ireland. Then travel into Dublin and check in to your hotel once again. Enjoy a farewell dinner at the Abbey Tavern’s Loft Restaurant in Howth and then head downstairs for a lively show of traditional Irish songs and a display of step-dancing. (B,D)
Day 13: Depart Dublin for Home
Complimentary group transfers are provided to Dublin Airport to arrive at 6:00 am, 9:00 am or 12:00 noon in good time to check in for your journey home. (B) |
