10 days Best of Ireland ( Summer 2018 )
Ravishingly beautiful and enchanting to explore, you'll soon learn why the Irish say if you're lucky enough to be Irish, you're lucky enough… Visit the Connemara region, an unspoilt part of Western Ireland featured in John Wayne's 'The Quiet Man'. See the stronghold of the O'Donnell Clan and beautiful Adare, one of Ireland's prettiest villages.
| Day | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive Dublin – Afternoon Sightseeing | Write your own lively tale of legends and iconic landscapes during this epic encounter with Ireland's treasures. We begin our journey in the whimsical capital of Dublin joining a Local Specialist to see the sights. Irish history takes centre stage this evening as we visit Glasnevin Trust for an informative and poignant tour with a Local Specialist where we'll hear stories about some of the country's bravest characters and enjoy a Welcome Reception of drinks and canapés with our fellow travellers and Travel Director. Hotel Ballsbridge Meals Welcome Reception |
| 2 | Dublin – Co. Wicklow – New Ross – Waterford | Meander through the scenic countryside of County Wicklow, The Garden of Ireland, and on to New Ross - the ancestral home town of John F. Kennedy. Gain a Cultural Insight into the plight of the starving Irish emigrants who boarded the Dunbrody Famine Ship to flee the potato famine before arriving in Waterford, where we'll stay overnight. This afternoon, we celebrate the centuries-old craft of flint glass creations during a Cultural Insight tour at the House of Waterford Crystal where we'll see talented master craftsmen at work. Hotel Dooley's/Fitzwilton Meals Full Breakfast Dinner |
| 3 | Waterford – Youghal – Blarney – Co. Kerry (2 Nights) | Journey via the historic seaport town of Youghal, once home to Sir Walter Raleigh, and pursue the 'gift of the gab' at Blarney Castle where you'll have a chance to kiss the famous stone. Arrive in Co. Kerry for a two night stay. Hotel Killarney Towers/Manor West Tralee Meals Full Breakfast Dinner |
| 4 | Ring of Kerry Excursion | Ireland's breathtaking Ring of Kerry takes centre stage today as we embark on a scenic drive past its mountains, lakes and lush green countryside - unquestionably one of the most magical and varied places in Ireland. We'll see Daniel O'Connell's Cahirciveen, the fishing village of Waterville, Moll's Gap and Black Valley, whose remoteness saw it become the last area in Ireland to receive electricity. Meals Full Breakfast |
| 5 | Co. Kerry – Adare – Bunratty – Limerick | Meandering through the windswept countryside with rugged landscapes, we arrive in Adare, one of the prettiest villages in Ireland. Enjoy views of St. Mary's Cathedral, the Treaty Stone and the 13th century King John's Castle at the heart of Limerick during your orientation tour. Delve into Ireland's fascinating day-to-day of life in the 18th and 19th centuries during an included visit this afternoon to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, before continuing to your hotel. Hotel Radisson/Greenhills Meals Full Breakfast |
| 6 | Limerick – Cliffs of Moher – Galway (2 Nights) | We journey to the magnificent Cliffs of Moher and see the history of these imposing sheer cliffs that plunge into the Atlantic waters below, brought to life with a visit to the 'Atlantic Edge' exhibition. Later, we arrive in Galway enjoying some time at leisure to see its beautiful stone Cathedral or stroll through Eyre Square. Hotel Connacht Meals Full Breakfast |
| 7 | Connemara Excursion and High Tea at Westport House | Connemara's 'savage beauty' is yours to explore today as we tread in the footsteps of Oscar Wilde who described its "wild mountainous splendour" as magnificent. Admire the views on this scenic drive to Kylemore Abbey, now a Benedictine monastery, where we will embark on an included visit to the country's most romantic castle and walk through its exquisite Victorian Walled Garden. Our journey takes us to Westport House where we'll indulge in a memorable Be My Guest afternoon tea with tales of the Pirate Queen, and enjoy Banoffee and Baileys flavours in the Old Kitchens of this stately 16th century home. Meals Full Breakfast Be My Guest Dining Dinner |
| 8 | Galway – Knock – Donegal – Sligo | Heading north, we stop in the pilgrimage town of Knock to view the Marian Shrine where villagers witnessed an Apparition of Our Lady in 1878. We continue to Drumcliff to see the final resting place of the beloved Irish poet W.B Yeats set against the backdrop of the Benbulben Mountains - his simple headstone inscribed with a self-penned epitaph. Our next stop is in Donegal to view the castle which was once the stronghold of the O'Donnell Clan. We arrive in Sligo this evening, our home for the night. Hotel Clayton Meals Full Breakfast |
| 9 | Sligo – Dublin | Meandering south to Dublin, we enjoy some free time to enjoy the village atmosphere of this lively multicultural city. Walk down Grafton street and admire the colourful street performers, stroll along the Liffey and cross the Ha'penny Bridge. This evening, we close the chapter on an epic journey through Ireland, joining our fellow travellers for a memorable Farewell Dinner. Hotel Clayton Meals Full Breakfast Farewell Dinner Day 9 |
| 10 | Depart Dublin | After a hearty Irish breakfast, we bid our Travel Director and fellow travellers a fond farewell as our Irish holiday comes to an end. Transfers are available. Conditions apply. Meals Full Breakfast |