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Day 1: Arrive Shannon / Bunratty
Arrive in Shannon Airport and go to the CIE Tours desk to arrange a hotel transfer between 7:00 am and 12:00 noon. If your flight arrives later you will need to make your own way to the hotel. Check into your hotel near Bunratty Castle and dine in your hotel. (D)
Day 2: Bunratty Village & Cliffs of Moher
Enjoy a free morning in Bunratty. There are interesting activities within easy walking distance of your hotel – Bunratty Folk Park with its picturesque cottages; Durty Nelly’s Pub is a great place for a drink or lunch; and the Bunratty Woollen Mills has a variety of shops and a snack bar. Meet your driver/guide and group at 12:30 pm in your hotel lobby. Drive to the coast to view the Cliffs of Moher, an impressive wall of rock that rises 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. Continue through the hilly Burren region to Galway to see the main places of interest and browse around the city centre. (B,D)
Day 3: “Quiet Man” Walking Tour & Kylemore Abbey
Drive to the village of Cong where “The Quiet Man” movie was made in 1952. A guided walk will show you places that featured in the production. Drive through Connemara for sweeping views of misty mountains and shimmering lakes. Stop briefly at Kylemore Abbey, a 19th century neo-Gothic mansion. Continue to Clifden, a delightful market town set between the Twelve Bens and sandy bays. In Moycullen watch skilled craftsmen cutting fine crystal at the Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory. (B,D)
Day 4: Yeats’ Grave & Tobernault Mass Rock
Travel through the rugged country of County Mayo to Knock Shrine, a popular place of pilgrimage. In County Sligo view Tobernault Mass Rock, a place of worship during harsh penal times. In the shadow of Ben Bulben, see W. B. Yeats’ grave in Drumcliffe Churchyard. Follow the shoreline of Donegal Bay and stop in Donegal town to look around before continuing your drive through the majestic Barnesmore Gap to Derry. Enjoy free time to relax or take a walk before dinner. (B,D)
Day 5: Derry Walk & Giant’s Causeway
This morning join a local guide for a walking tour around the ancient city, which will include the Guildhall, St. Columb’s Cathedral, the Diamond and 16th century city walls and visit the award-winning Tower Museum. Drive along the north coast, stopping for photos at the ruined Dunluce Castle and explore the Giant’s Causeway, huge hexagonal basalt columns formed over 60 million years ago. The oversized rocks have given rise to many legends. Return to Derry for leisure time before dinner in your hotel. (B,D)
Day 6: Ulster American Folk Park & Cabra Castle Stay
Drive past the Sperrin Mountains to visit the Ulster American Folk Park. The Park traces the story of Ulster emigrants and shows rural lifestyles in both Ireland and Colonial America. Travel south to Kingscourt to your castle hotel, built in 1760. Arrive mid-afternoon so you may relax and enjoy the facilities, including the 9-hole golf course. After dinner in the Court Restaurant, enjoy youthful dancers display intricate Irish step-dancing. (B,D)
Day 7: Dublin at Leisure & open top bus tour
After breakfast, drive to your Dublin hotel, this time overlooking the River Liffey. You will have the balance of the day at leisure so you may take an open-top bus tour and visit Guinness or Jameson and the many other attractions Dublin has to offer. (B)
Day 8: Depart from Dublin Airport
After breakfast, take the hotel shuttle service to Dublin Airport - operates every two hours starting at 7:20 am. (B)
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