Dublin •
Waterford • Cork • Kenmare • Ring of Kerry • Killarney • Limerick
• Galway
From Dublin's 'fair city' to the spectacular Ring of Kerry. You'll sing the
praises of the Emerald Isle after a visit to Blarney. History, legend and
folklore with a friendly welcome.
First Class Hotels
Day 1 Depart USA Overnight
flight to Dublin.
Day 2 Arrive Dublin On your arrival in Dublin you are transferred
to your hotel. There's a chance to unwind before an included sightseeing
tour of this 'fair city'. You'll see Trinity College, the Bank of
Ireland, once Ireland's House of Parliament, St. Patrick's Cathedral
and historic Christchurch Cathedral. Then on to Phoenix Park with the
highest Obelisk in Europe, the Wellington Memorial. Later, before dinner enjoy
a welcome beverage with our Tour Director. Hotel: The Mespil
Day 3 Dublin – Waterford Today we make our way to the Irish National
Stud Farm located outside the historic town of Kildare. Next on to
medieval Kilkenny, the marble city of Ireland, to see its ancient
castle before reaching Waterford. We drive past Reginald's Tower dating
from 1002 AD and arrive at the Waterford Crystal Gallery for an included
visit to see how crystal is created. This evening, why not visit an Irish
Pub? Hotel: Marina
Day 4 Waterford – Kenmare (2) We follow the 'sunshine coast' to Youghal,
where Moby Dick was filmed, and on to Cork. Then a visit to nearby Blarney
Castle, gives you the chance to kiss the Blarney Stone and acquire
the 'gift of the gab'. Later, we make our way through scenic Lee River valley
via Macroom, where we see the remains of its castle which was once the home of
William Penn, founder of Pennsylvania. Next we travel over the Derry na
Saggart Mountains and down into Kenmare, famous for its lace, for two
nights. Hotel: Kenmare Bay (2 nights)
Day 5 Kenmare – Ring of Kerry Excursion Our highlight today is the
breathtaking drive around the 'Ring of Kerry'. Spectacular scenery
includes plunging cliffs, lush lakeland, granite mountains and sandy beaches
on County Kerry's largest peninsula. We travel through Moll's Gap and
down over the Black Valley to Ladies View. We continue through Killorglin
(of Puck Fair fame) and on to Cahirciveen with the memorial to St.
Brendan the Navigator and enjoy views of Dingle Bay and the South Kerry
mountains. Next off to the town of Waterville, hideaway of Charlie
Chaplin, and down towards Derrynane, home of Ireland's liberator Daniel
O'Connell. Finally, we return to our hotel in Kenmare.
Day 6 Kenmare – Limerick Today's first stop is at Killarney with
its beautiful lakes. This is the area where the 'Wild Colonial Boy' was born,
remembered in song and legend. On through County Limerick and over the golden
vale, stopping to admire the prettiest village in Ireland, Adare. Next
on to Limerick where an orientation shows us St. Mary's
Cathedral, King John's Castle and the Treaty Stone. Later, we visit the Bunratty
Folk Park before reaching our hotel. Hotel: Gresham Ardhu
Day 7 Limerick – Dublin After a full Irish breakfast we drive via Ennis
and across County Clare to Galway Bay for panoramic views. We stop in
the city of Galway to view its Cathedral. Then across Ireland's rich
farmland we reach the Republic's capital, Dublin. On your final night
why not join your traveling companions at an Irish Cabaret? Hotel: Posthouse Dublin Airport
Day 8 Dublin – USA This morning we transfer to Dublin's Airport for our
return flight to America.
