12 days Irish Classic ( 2017 )
Tours of Dublin and Belfast.
Walking Tours of Belfast, Derry, Westport, Galway and Waterford.
Sheepdog trials with farmhouse tea and scones.
J. B. Keane’s Pub in Listowel for tea and scones.
Horse-drawn jaunting car ride in Killarney..
Irish coffee and music session at the Marine Bar in Dungarvan
Visits and admissions to Dublin Castle, Down Cathedral, St. Patrick Centre, Ulster Folk Museum, Titanic Belfast, Giant’s Causeway, Donegal Castle, Westport House, Ballintubber Abbey, Cliffs of Moher,
Blarney Castle, Blarney Woollen Mills, House of Waterford Crystal and Dunbrody Famine Ship
Walking tours of Belfast, Derry, Westport, Galway and Waterford - See more at: http://www.cietours.com/us/escorted_tour/2017/irish_classic_12d/default.aspx#sthash.GqVseUP9.dpuf
| Day | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dublin Arrival & Dublin Castle | Your Irish trip starts at 2:00 pm when you meet your tour director at your Dublin hotel. Tour Dublin to see elegant Georgian townhouses, pass St. Stephen’s Green and Trinity College and cross the River Liffey to drive along O’Connell Street. Take a guided tour through Dublin Castle, which was the seat of power and government for many centuries. In the evening meet your tour director and fellow travelers over a welcome drink to discuss your trip and dine in your hotel. (D) |
| 2 | St. Patrick’s Grave And Ulster Folk Museum | Drive north to visit Down Cathedral to see St. Patrick’s historical burial site, marked by a huge boulder. Learn about the many stories of his work, life and times in the nearby St. Patrick Centre. On the outskirts of Belfast visit the Ulster Folk Museum to see traditional town buildings of many types, including churches, a bank, police station and doctor’s office. Also see rural cottages showing gardens, crafts, crops and farm animals. Drive to your hotel in central Belfast and relax before dinner. (B, D) |
| 3 | Titanic Belfast & Walking Tour | This morning take a panoramic tour around central Belfast to see Victorian buildings, the imposing City Hall in Donegall Square and the shipyards where RMS Titanic was built in 1912. Visit Titanic Belfast to learn about this ill-fated famous liner through state-of-the-art displays. In the afternoon join a local guide for a walking tour around part of central Belfast and spend time on your own for shopping and dining. (B) |
| 4 | Giant’s Causeway & Derry Walk | Drive north along the Nine Glens of Antrim, for lovely views of mountains, valleys and coastline. This scenic region is the location for “Game of Thrones”. Stop at the Giant’s Causeway, enormous hexagonal columns formed by volcanic activity 60 million years ago. Stop for photos at the riuns of Dunluce Castle and in Derry join a local guide for a short walking tour around the defensive walls that encircle the compact old city. (B, D) |
| 5 | Donegal Castle & Westport | Travel through the rugged countryside of Donegal, renowned for heathery hills, sheep and the many tweeds made from their wool. Stop in Donegal town for a tour of Donegal Castle, built by the O’Donnell chieftain in the 15th century and expanded in the 17th century. Drive around Donegal Bay and through Counties Sligo and Mayo. Drive to Westport and see the main streets and historic buildings on a gentle walking tour. (B, D) |
| 6 | Sheepdogs & Westport House | Drive past the pilgrimage mountain of Croaghpatrick and visit a farm to watch skilled dogs herding mountain sheep. Drive to Leenane to view Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord, and travel past the Partry Mountains. Enjoy a light lunch before taking a guided tour of Westport House. This stately mansion, which overlooks the ocean and contains a wealth of interesting portraits, furniture, silver and porcelain. Enjoy free time in Westport. (B, L) |
| 7 | Cliffs of Moher & Medieval Banquet | Visit Ballintubber Abbey, used for worship continually for 700 years. Travel to Galway for a guided walking tour around the city center. Drive through the Burren to view the majestic Cliffs of Moher, which rise 700 feet above the foaming Atlantic Ocean. Travel inland for a fun evening at either Bunratty or Knappogue Castle to experience a medieval-style banquet with great food, songs and stories. (B, D) |
| 8 | Literary Tea with Scones & Dingle Peninsula | Drive through the outskirts of Limerick and alongside the River Shannon into County Kerry. Sample tea and scones in a pub in Listowel, associated with the writer, J. B. Keane. Journey along the Dingle Peninsula as far as Slea Head for glorious scenic views of hills and coastline. Stop in the town of Dingle for refreshment or a look around before heading to Killarney. (B, D) |
| 9 | Killarney’s Lakes & Jaunting Car Ride | Take a traditional horse-drawn jaunting car ride to Ross Castle for views of Lough Leane, Killarney’s largest lake. Drive to the delightful town of Kenmare for a look around and savor a casual lunch. Travel along part of the awesome Ring of Kerry route to view spectacular mountain scenery at Moll’s Gap and at Ladies’ View. Return to Killarney where the evening is free for independent dining and perhaps visit a pub with live music. (B, L) |
| 10 | Blarney Castle & Traditional Music | Travel to Blarney Castle to climb to the top and kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence.” Also shop at the Blarney Woollen Mills. Drive to Dungarvan to the Marine Bar for a creamy Irish coffee and an informal traditional music session. Continue to Waterford and after dinner join a local guide for a stroll around the historic streets of this old port city. (B, D) |
| 11 | Waterford & Taylor’s Three Rock | Visit the House of Waterford Crystal to see how molten glass is blown into shapes before being hand-cut and polished by master glassblowers and carvers. View priceless trophies in the showrooms. In New Ross explore the Dunbrody Famine Ship which transported people to North America during the 1840’s Famine. In Dublin, this evening’s destination is Taylor’s Three Rock Pub for dinner with traditional Irish songs and intricate step-dancing. (B, D) |
| 12 | Tour Ends in Dublin | Your program ends after breakfast. (B) |