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Day 1: Bunratty & Medieval Banquet
After arrival at Shannon Airport, proceed to the CIE Tours desk in the Arrivals Hall. CIE Tours staff will arrange a group transfer to your Bunratty hotel. Complimentary transfers are available between 7:00 am and 12:00 noon. If your flight arrives later than 12:00 noon, you'll have to make your own way to the hotel. Spend the day at leisure in Bunratty. There’s plenty to do right beside your hotel – Bunratty Folk Park, Durty Nelly’s Pub and shopping. This evening meet your fellow travelers over a welcome drink and join in the fun of a medieval banquet at nearby Bunratty Castle. (D)
Day 2: Cliffs of Moher & Killarney
Drive to the coast to view the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, which rise to almost 700 feet above the wild Atlantic breakers and stretch along the coast for five miles. Then head south for a short ferry ride across the River Shannon. Stop in the charming village of Listowel for a stroll around before continuing through the mountainous countryside to Killarney. Take a look around this bustling and compact town before checking in to your country home and meeting your Irish family. In the evening drive to the Gap of Dunloe to Kate Kearney’s Cottage for dinner. Afterwards sit back and enjoy traditional Irish entertainment with popular songs, dances and a lot of laughs. (B,D)
Day 3: Ring of Kerry
Admire breathtaking vistas of mountains, cliffs and beaches on Ireland’s most popular drive – the 100-mile Ring of Kerry. Enjoy the variety of scenery as you travel to the westernmost part of the Iveragh Peninsula. Stop at the Gap of Dunloe to view the Essence of Kerry, an audiovisual show that highlights the region. Cross to Valencia Island by bridge to visit the Skellig Experience, which explains how early monks lived in harsh conditions on the rocky offshore islands. Today the islands form a haven for seabirds. Take a brief walk around the colorful village of Sneem and pause at Moll’s Gap for stunning views of the Lakes of Killarney. Return to Killarney and enjoy a home-style dinner with your host family this evening. (B,D)
Day 4: Blarney & Titanic Walk
Leaving Killarney, head to the Blarney Woollen Mills where you can find excellent Irish merchandise. You will have time to walk around the village green or, if you feel energetic, you will have the opportunity to climb Blarney Castle to kiss the “Stone of Eloquence.” Drive through the outskirts of Cork to the harbor town of Cobh, the last port of call for the Titanic. Take a guided walk around this picturesque town and the dockside with a local historian to see places relating to the Titanic’s last scheduled stop. Travel north past the Galtee Mountains and stop for photos at the Rock of Cashel on the way to the charming little city of Kilkenny. (B,D)
Day 5: Kilkenny Castle & Abbey Tavern
This morning tour the massive Kilkenny Castle, home of the Butlers, Earls and Dukes of Ormonde, who held power over the region for centuries. The castle was first built in 1192 and was constantly remodeled until the 19th century. See wonderful paintings and furniture as you learn about the history of the region. Travel into the metropolitan area of Dublin to your hotel in the upmarket area of Ballsbridge. Drive to Howth on the north side of Dublin to the Abbey Tavern. Here sit down to a traditional dinner followed by a great show with plenty of Irish music and intricate step dancing. (B,D)
Day 6: Dublin Tour & Dublinia
Take a half-day guided tour of Dublin, founded by Vikings over 1,000 years ago. See elegant Georgian squares with townhouses and their famous brightly-painted doors, view the lush vegetation of St. Stephen’s Green and the stark figures of the Famine Memorial on the banks of the River Liffey, drive along O’Connell Street and pass the General Post Office where the 1916 Rebellion started. Finally visit Dublinia and the Viking World, which explains the Viking and Norman influences on the development of Dublin and shows how people lived during the 13th to the 16th centuries. The balance of the day is at leisure and you may choose to return to your hotel or use your voucher for an open-top bus tour and visit Guinness or Jameson. (B)
Day 7: Depart for Home
After breakfast, take the group coach transfer to Dublin Airport. (B)
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