Join fellow travelers on an amazing tour of Ireland
$2,499 land only
Limited single space available for a supplemental payment of $849
Our Itinerary
Departure Day – April 30, 2023
Flights depart the USA for Ireland today.
Day 1
Monday, May 1
Welcome to Ireland!
Upon arrival at Dublin Airport, clear customs and immigration and meet our Irish Driver/Guide in the Arrival Hall. A brief stop for tea & scones before continuing our journey south. Along the way, stop for photos of the stately ruins of the Rock of Cashel on their hilltop perch. Arrive in the lovely coastal town of Kinsale. Relax or explore before dinner. Overnight: Trident Hotel, Kinsale (D)
Day 2
Tuesday, May 2
Kinsale, Cork, Ireland.
After breakfast travel the short distance to the Midleton Distillery for a guided tour of the distillery, mills and maltings and the largest pot still in the world. Take advantage of the opportunity to taste some of Ireland’s most famous export. Return to Kinsale. Join a local guide for a short walk around town. Learn about its importance in trading and history in medieval times. The town is also famous for old Georgian houses and charming restaurants serving gourmet food. Overnight: Trident Hotel, Kinsale (B)
Day 3
Wednesday, May 3
After a leisurely breakfast we will set off for the fabled town of Blarney and Blarney Castle where those energetic enough will have an opportunity to climb the 104 steps to kiss the stone located in the battlements and gain “the gift of the gab.” Others may do some shopping at the Woolen Mills. We will arrive in Killarney in the late afternoon. Some time for independent exploration or perhaps a jaunting car ride to Ross Castle through the Killarney National Park. Overnight: The International Hotel, Killarney (B, D)
Day 4
Thursday, May 4
This morning, embark on one of Ireland’s most scenic drives with the country’s highest mountains on one side and a varied Atlantic coastline on the other. Every turn will reveal new vistas of mountains, cliffs, and beaches. Continue to Valentia Island to visit the Skellig Experience, a visitor center telling the story of the neighboring island of Skellig Michael, which you’ll see off the coast. Learn how this island, a filming location for “Star Wars”, was once the austere home of early Christian monks. Stop for a stroll around the quaint, colorful village of Sneem, and at Moll’s Gap for panoramic views of Ireland’s highest mountains. Visit a farm to see a demonstration of skilled sheepdogs herding sheep. Return to Killarney and enjoy a free evening to dine and discover the pubs as you wish. Overnight: The International Hotel, Killarney (B)
Day 5
Friday, May 5
Leave Killarney, taking a 20-minute ferry ride across the River Shannon Estuary before driving along the coast of County Clare to the Cliffs of Moher, a spectacular wall of sandstone soaring almost 700 feet above the Atlantic. Some time here for lunch and to explore this breathtaking site. Dinner tonight in your hotel. Overnight: Strand Hotel, Limerick (B, D)
Day 6
Saturday, May 6
After breakfast visit King John’s Castle in the heart of Limerick City. It’s a mighty fortress with a dramatic history and over 800 years of stories within its walls, which is brought to life in a stunning exhibition. Touch-screen technology will connect you to tales of siege and warfare. Watch out for a dazzling array of CGI animations and ghostly projections. Some free time to explore Limerick and get lunch before travelling east to Kildare. Check into Killashee with time to walk the grounds and relax a little before dinner. Overnight: Killashee Hotel, Kildare (B, D)
Day 7
Sunday, May 7
This morning, a short walk to visit Trinity College’s campus and the Old Library to view the priceless Book of Kells. Next a city tour to see the River Liffey, tranquil St. Stephen’s Green, the seat of government at Leinster House. See some of Dublin’s famous Georgian houses with their brightly painted doors. Next, a visit to the Guinness Storehouse where we can explore exhibits with over 250 years of creative history. Our tour ends in the Gravity Bar with a pint of Guinness and a great view of city. The remainder of the day will be free to explore Dublin independently. Take in the National Museum of Ireland, Kilmainham Gaol or the MOLI (Museum of Literature Ireland). Our tour guide will be glad to make recommendations for you. This evening, meet your fellow travelers for an evening at the Merry Ploughboy Pub for a dinner of Irish specialties and a lively show with traditional music and dancing.
Overnight: Davenport Hotel, Dublin (B)
Day 8
Monday, May 8
After breakfast depart for Dublin Airport where you’ll clear US Customs, Border Protection (Passport) and TSA in time for some last-minute Duty-Free shopping. You’ll arrive back in the U.S. as a “domestic” passenger making it convenient to connect to an onward flight or to exit the airport with ease. Slán abhaile! – Safe home! (B)
B – Breakfast
L – Lunch
D – Dinner
Admissions Included/Tour Highlights Included:
- Airport Transfers
- 7 nights’ accommodations
- Full Irish breakfast daily
- Tea & Scones on arrival
- 4 evening meals
- Dinner & Entertainment at the Merry Ploughboy, Dublin
- Fully escorted via deluxe motor-coach
- Services of an experienced Irish driver/guide
- Porterage of one suitcase per person
- All service charges and local government taxes
Tour Highlights: Rock of Cashel, Walking Tour of Kinsale, Middleton Distillery Blarney Castle, Ring of Kerry, Skellig Experience, Sheep Dog Demonstation, Shannon Ferry, Cliffs of Moher, King John’s Castle, Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College & Book of Kells
