Day 1, Sun. Arrive in Dublin, Ireland
Welcome to Dublin! Upon arrival, you are met and
transferred to your hotel. At 2 p.m. your
voyage of discovery begins on a city tour with your
Tour Director that brings to life Dublin’s
architectural treasures and history stretching back
more than 1,000 years. Visit St. Patrick’s
Cathedral, founded in 1190, tour Dublin’s
beautiful Georgian squares, walk the cobbled
courtyards of Trinity College to its famed
library and see its truly unique world treasure –
the 8th century Book of Kells. Back at your
hotel, join your Tour Director and fellow travelers
for a Welcome Dinner and a tour briefing.
Day 2, Mon. Dublin / Blarney / Killarney.
Drive through the Curragh, the heart of Ireland’s
equestrian country, and view the Rock of Cashel, an
impressive pre-Christian settlement. The dramatic
limestone rock, crowned with secular and religious
buildings, dominates the flat countryside for miles
around. Travel on to County Cork to visit Blarney
Castle with its magical stone that gives the
gift of eloquence for a kiss. There is time to stop
at Blarney Woollen Mills to shop for
Waterford crystal and other handicrafts
before continuing on to bustling Killarney. The town
on the lakes is famous for its lively pubs and open,
Cheerful atmosphere, full of what the Irish call
"craic!" – Gaelic for fun.
Day 4, Tue. The Ring of Kerry.
Travel the road that winds around the beautiful
Iveragh Peninsula, better known as The Ring of
Kerry. It is undoubtedly one of the most magical
places in all Ireland. Here mountains, valleys,
lakes and sea blend into a landscape that is often
breathtaking beyond words. Later, back in Killarney,
the balance of the day is at leisure.
Day 5, Wed. Cliffs of Moher / Connemara.
This morning cross the Shannon estuary by ferry
and enter County Clare. Stop for a walk along the
Cliffs of Moher, rising approximately 700 feet
above the pounding Atlantic waves. Then travel north
across the Burren, a suddenly
stark and barren landscape. Drop in for afternoon
tea at Rathbaun Farm and meet a Galway
farming family as they carry out their everyday
chores. Watch as the farmer shears a sheep and
maneuvers his flock with the help of his dog. Next,
on to tour Galway, "City of the Tribes," including
lovely Galway Cathedral.
The rest of your day is free.
Day 6, Thu. Connemara Excursion
In the west of Ireland, the starkly beautiful
mountains of Galway and Mayo drop down to the coast.
Little whitewashed cottages are scattered over a
land of mountains, brooks and rivers. Visit
Kylemore Abbey, a castellated neo-Gothic
mansion, occupied by the Irish Benedictine community
of nuns who came from Ypres after World War I. The
balance of the evening is free.
Day 7, Fri. Connemara / Cong (Ashford Castle).
Today experience Connemara, a land of rocky
mountains, sparkling brooks and rushing rivers.
Then, drive on to Cong, a village with a deliberate
old-world feel, and the setting for The Quiet
Man, filmed here in the 1950s and starring John
Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. Cong is also where you
enter into the grounds of majestic Ashford
Castle. Ashford Castle provides a romantic
backdrop in superior surrounds, offering guests both
relaxation and comfort. There are many opportunities
to explore the vast estate with fishing on Lough
Corrib, equestrian pursuits, golf, falconry and
trail walking. Or simply relax in the castle’s
luxurious interiors and enjoy your favorite
novel or pamper yourself at the Spa. Dining at
Ashford Castle ranks among the finest culinary
experiences in the world.
Creative cooking, an inspired use of seasonal
ingredients and an innovative menu await you at
dinner tonight.
Day 8, Sat. Cong / Dublin.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning and
perhaps a stroll on the estate. Then cross the
midlands to Dublin where the balance of the day is
free for independent activities and maybe some last
minute shopping.
Day 9, Sun. Depart Dublin.
Transfer to the airport. Your homebound flight
arrives the same day.