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Day 1: Arrive Shannon - Bunratty Castle Banquet
Land at Shannon Airport and locate the CIE Tours desk in the Arrivals Hall for a complimentary group transfer to your nearby hotel, available between 7:00 am and 12:00 noon. If your flight arrives later than 12:00 noon, you must make your own way to the hotel. At 2:00 pm take a drive to the coast to view the Cliffs of Moher, an awesome wall of rock that plunges into the Atlantic Ocean. Return to your hotel where you’ll have free time to take a stroll through the Bunratty Folk Park or visit the cosy Durty Nelly’s Pub. Join your fellow travellers for a welcome drink before heading to 15th century Bunratty Castle for a jolly medieval-style dinner where the Lords and Ladies serenade you with favourite songs. (D)
Day 2: Flying Boat Museum, Dingle Peninsula & Killarney
Drive through the outskirts of Limerick and alongside the River Shannon to visit Foynes Flying Boat Museum. In the early days of flight, during the 1930’s and early 1940’s, Pan Am Clippers from the United States and Europe landed here. The museum recreates the infancy of aviation through memorabilia. Journey into the mountains of County Kerry and out along the Dingle Peninsula for glorious scenic views of mountains and sandy beaches. Stop for a while in the town of Dingle before going up the Connor Pass for panoramic views. Then head to Killarney and check in to your hotel in the centre of town. (B,D)
Day 3: Jaunting Car Ride & Moll’s Gap
Take a traditional horse-drawn jaunting car ride to Ross Castle to view Lough Leane, largest of Killarney’s lakes. Drive to the delightful town of Kenmare where traditional buildings are gaily painted and enhanced with flowers. At the vantage point of Moll’s Gap, view the mountains and continue along part of the Ring of Kerry to enjoy the scenery. Pause at Ladies’ View before stopping at Muckross House. Take a guided tour through this lovely 19th century mansion to admire elegant antiques while learning about the previous owners and their important guests. Return to Killarney where you will have some free time before dinner. (B,D)
Day 4: Cobh, Dungarven & Waterford
Travel through the mountains of Kerry and make a brief stop at the Blarney Woollen Mills. Next visit Cobh Heritage Centre, located in the old train station through which all emigrants passed when travelling to the New Worlds. Displays show the many hardships that travellers endured. Drive to Dungarvan to sample a creamy Irish coffee at the Marine Bar and listen to a local group of musicians play an informal traditional music session. Continue to Waterford and check in to your hotel. After dinner, join a local guide for a stroll around the historic city centre. (B,D)
Day 5: Medieval Kilkenny, Kildare & Dunboyne
Drive north to Kilkenny and stop to look around the town. In medieval times the town was a prosperous trading centre and the narrow streets still follow ancient routes. Travel north to Kildare and visit the Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens. As a nation, the Irish are very interested in horses and the Stud will tell you about the valuable breeding industry. The Japanese Gardens symbolize the “Life of Man” through plants and rocks. Then head to the village of Dunboyne, on the outskirts of Dublin. Check in to Dunboyne Castle Hotel and relax for a while before enjoying dinner followed by some informal music. (B,D)
Day 6: Explore Dublin City
This morning transfer to your Dublin hotel, located in the city centre and within easy reach of all downtown attractions. The rest of the day is free for you to use your independent open-top city bus tour voucher this afternoon. The ticket is valid for a 24-hour period. You may stay on the bus for the entire loop of the city’s main streets and places of interest or get off at 23 stops near major attractions. Take a tour around the Guinness Storehouse or the Old Jameson Distillery and sample a beverage. (B)
Day 7: Depart Dublin
After breakfast, a complimentary transfer to Dublin Airport. (B)
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