Day 1 - Depart the U.S.
Depart your gateway city and take an overnight flight across the Atlantic.
Day 2 - Arrive in Dublin / Panoramic Tour
On arrival at the Dublin airport, you will be met by your tour guide and escorted to the coach. Drive to Man O’ War Public House for breakfast. Then head into Dublin city center for an orientation drive. Dublin is one of the liveliest capitals in Europe but there are plenty of historical places also. Head to your hotel, where after checking in, you’ll have some free time to rest or explore on your own. This evening join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.
Accommodation: Davenport Hotel - 2 nights
Day 3 - Dublin Discovery / Merry Ploughboy
This morning discover central Dublin with its public buildings, elegant Georgian townhouses and squares, modern sculptures and busy shopping hubs. Tour Dublin Castle and see the State Apartments. Also visit Trinity College to see the Old Library and the Book of Kells, an 8th century illuminated manuscript of the gospels. In the afternoon meet a representative of the Dáil for tea. The National Parliament consists of the President and two houses: Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann. After your visit, the remainder of the afternoon is free for independent activities.
This evening drive to The Merry Ploughboy Pub for dinner followed by a lively show of traditional Irish songs, dancing and music.
Day 4 - Powerscourt Gardens / Kilkenny Castle
Leave Dublin and travel south into the Wicklow mountains. Visit the splendid Powerscourt Gardens, which encompass sweeping terraces and superb antique sculptures. Set in a valley, the gardens offer glorious views of both the spacious grounds and the surrounding countryside. Continue south through Kildare to Kilkenny. Take a guided tour around Kilkenny Castle. The castle was first built in 1192 and was added to over the centuries. Restored to 1830s splendor, it houses wonderful paintings and furniture. Continue on to your hotel in Clonmel near the town of Waterford. Check into your room with some time to settle in before dining at the hotel restaurant.
Accommodation: Minella House Hotel - 1 night
Day 5 - Blarney Woolen Mills / Kinsale Ghost Walk
This morning visit the Waterford Crystal Factory (if open) to see how skilled craftspeople create masterpieces of glass. Watch all stages of production from the blowing of molten crystal to the final polishing. Then motor along the south coast to the Blarney Woolen Mills, which has an excellent range of Irish products of all types. Then drive to the resort town of Kinsale, a popular yachting center and considered “the Gourmet Capital” of Ireland. After checking into your hotel, you may want to stroll around the steep streets with brightly-painted houses and flowers. For dinner choose from one of the many fine restaurants and pubs. Later, join your fellow travelers on a ghost walk, which combines the town’s history with street theatre and humor. Your tour starts beside the medieval well in the back of Kinsale Tap Tavern.
Accommodation: Trident Hotel - 2 nights
Day 6 - Kinsale Walking Tour / English Market
This morning explore Kinsale with a local guide on a short walking tour around this delightful town. Visit Charles Fort, which was constructed in the late 17th century and has been associated with some of the most momentous events in Irish history. Later in the afternoon drive to Cork city to immerse yourselves in the scents and tastes of the English Market dating back to 1610. Experience foods from all over the world as well as traditional Cork products. Return to Kinsale where your evening is free.
Day 7 - Skibbereen / Killarney
Leave Kinsale and drive along the coastline of Cork, popular for sports and vacations. Stop to have a look around the lovely town of Skibbereen which still retains a strong authentic local feel. Then drive to Kenmare and on to Moll’s Gap for views of Killarney and its three lakes and mountains. Arrive at your hotel with some time to relax. Tonight join your fellow travelers for dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Accommodation: The Brehon Hotel - 3 nights
Day 8 - Ring of Kerry / Kate Kearney’s Cottage
Just outside Killarney visit the world famous Muckross Gardens. Many exotic trees and shrubs flourish in its mild climate and sheltered location. After your visit, explore the Ring of Kerry ‑ 100 miles of marvelous scenery consisting of the highest peaks in Ireland on one side and a coastline scattered with golden beaches and rocky headlands on the other. Travel through Glenbeigh and Cahirciveen and on to Waterville and the colorful village of Sneem. Stop at Moll’s Gap for a view of the three lakes of Killarney with the mountains and the town in the background. Return to your hotel with some time to refresh or look around a bit before dinner.
This evening enjoy dinner and entertainment at Kate Kearney’s Cottage, which is picturesquely situated at the entrance to what must be the most beautiful glaciated valley in Ireland, the Gap of Dunloe. This traditional Irish evening consists of a superb meal and traditional entertainment, including musicians and costumed dancers doing the jig and other traditional sets.
Day 9 – Free Time / Jaunting Car Ride
This morning is at leisure. You may wish to enjoy a spa treatment at the hotel's Angsana Spa, take in a round of golf or just relax. In the afternoon head to Moriarty’s, one of Ireland’s premier clothing and gift stores. After shopping, continue on to the Gap of Dunloe. Take a jaunting car ride to experience the area’s beautiful scenery of the Tomies and Purple Mountains on one side and Magillycuddy’s Reeks on the other. There are also lovely lakes in this area, including Black Lake, otherwise known as Serpent Lake, where St. Patrick is reputed to have drowned the last snake in Ireland. After your ride, return to your hotel with time to refresh before dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Day 10 - Tea & Scones / Dunboyne
This morning, leave Killarney’s lovely mountains and drive north through the rich dairy country of Cork and Tipperary, known as the “Golden Vale.” Stop near Cashel to visit a sheep farm for tea and home-made scones and see a demonstration of sheepdog skills. Stop for photos at the Rock of Cashel, a stately limestone outcrop topped with medieval ruins. Then relax as you drive north to the village of Dunboyne and check into your hotel. This evening after dinner, enjoy traditional Irish music and entertainment in the Cellar Bar - a wonderful way for you to end this fantastic tour of Ireland.
Accommodation: Dunboyne Castle Hotel – 1 night
Day 11 - Depart for home
Sadly, today your Irish vacation has come to its final day. Transfer to Dublin Airport in good time to check in for your flight back to the United States.
