Shades of Ireland

10 Days | from $1949 per person

Description:

From vibrant and history-filled Dublin, across rolling green hills to the dramatic coast, experience all of the charms of Ireland on this magical tour of the Emerald Isle. Live like royalty during an overnight stay on the grounds of a castle. Visit the new House of Waterford Crystal factory. Choose from a selection of Killarney’s best restaurants with our Diner’s Choice program. See the Atlantic from the stunning 700-foot Cliffs of Moher. Experience the world-famous beauty of the Ring of Kerry. Have coffee and scones at a working farm. Explore Dublin with a local guide – either by foot or on a panoramic city tour – it’s your choice! See beautiful Killarney from your seat on an Irish jaunting car. Journey to historic Blarney Castle, lean back and kiss its famous stone!

Itinerary

Day 1: Overnight Flight

Travel to the magical Emerald Isle. Soak in the landscapes of rolling hills and feel the warmth of an Irish welcome. Visit Dublin, Waterford, Killarney and Limerick as this comprehensive tour introduces Ireland’s natural beauty, rich history and most importantly, its hospitable culture.

Day 2: Dublin, Ireland – Tour Begins

Open your tour in Dublin. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for some traditional entertainment during a fun-filled Irish evening. (D)

Day 3: Dublin

Today you decide how you want to explore Dublin. You may choose to set out with a

local guide on a drive to see St Patrick’s Cathedral, St. Stephan’s Green, Grafton Street, and the historic Phoenix Park. Or, you may select a walking tour of the city’s historic center, exploring O’Connell Street, the General Post Office, and the River Liffey. Spend the remainder of your day relaxing or set out to explore more of charming Dublin on your own. (B)

Day 4: Dublin – Kilkenny – Waterford

Travel to Kilkenny to explore the medieval atmosphere of this city situated on the banks of the River Nore. Then, arrive in the historic city of Waterford and visit the House of Waterford Crystal.

Enjoy a fascinating factory tour and browse the retail store housing the largest collection of Waterford Crystal in the world. Complete your day with a leisurely-paced walking tour of this unique city. (B, D)

Day 5: Waterford – Blarney Stone – Killarney

Today, journey to historic Blarney Castle and embrace the opportunity to kiss the famous

Blarney Stone. Legend has it that those who kiss the stone are bestowed with the gift of eloquence.This afternoon, decide how you would like to explore charming Killarney. Enjoy a time-honored jaunting car ride to beautiful Muckross House. Set out on a tour of this stately home and its gardens. Get a glimpse into the elegant lifestyles of the Victorian gentry as you explore the perfectly restored rooms of this magnificent mansion. Or, enjoy a scenic jaunting car ride through Killarney National Park to Ross Castle. Board a traditional boat and sail through the breathtaking lakes in the company of an expert boatman known for their local knowledge and ‘craic’ (amusing nature). This evening it’s Diner’s Choice…tonight your dinner is included and you’ll choose the perfect spot from a ‘menu’ of Killarney’s great restaurants. (B, D)

Day 6: Killarney – Ring of Kerry- Killarney

Travel along one of the most beautiful coastal routes in the world, the Ring of Kerry. At the Gap of Dunloe, shop for traditional Irish goods handcrafted by local artisans. Enjoy pristine ocean scenery as you move through picturesque villages. Continue on as you traverse rugged mountain passes into “Ladies View.” From this spectacular vantage point, one of Ireland’s finest, gaze upon the Lakes of Killarney. Tonight, use your leisure time to sample a true taste of Irish culture. (B)

Day 7: Killarney – Limerick

Today, experience the customs and daily life of a traditional Irish family during a memorable visit to the Molanna Dairy Farm. Continue to Limerick where a panoramic city tour showcases King John’s Castle and the Treaty Stone. Delve into the fascinating history of the “city of the violated treaty.” (B)

Day 8: Limerick – Cliffs of Moher – Galway – Limerick

An exciting day awaits. Journey to the stunning, 700-foot-high Cliffs of Moher for awe-inspiring views of the mighty Atlantic. Then, travel through the vast limestone landscape of the Burren, known for its stark beauty and Neolithic tombs. Continue past scenic countryside into Galway, where a brief city tour introduces “The City of Tribes.” Tonight, enjoy dinner on the town at a local restaurant. (B, D)

Day 9: Limerick – Tullamore/ Kilbeggan – Kingscourt

Start your day with a cross-country journey to Irish Whiskey territory. The ancient towns of Tullamore and Kilbeggan have long been associated with the whiskey industry. Become engaged in the process of whiskey making and enjoy a tasting of the final product during a visit to one of these historic distilleries. Top your day off with an overnight stay on the regal grounds of Cabra Castle, where you toast the end of a fabulous trip during your farewell dinner. (B, D)

Day 10: Kingscourt – Tour Ends

Your tour ends in Kingscourt. (B)

Package Includes:

13 meals included: 8 breakfasts • 5 dinners
Enjoy a hearty dinner and night of traditional Irish entertainment.
Experience a traditional Irish whiskey tasting.
Be treated to a farewell dinner at a castle!
Savor a dinner at one of Killarney’s great restaurants

Accommodations:

Day 1: Overnight Flight* (Not included in price)
Days 2, 3: The Gresham Hotel, Ashling Hotel or Ballsbridge Hotel, Dublin
Day 4: Granville Hotel, Waterford
Days 5, 6: Killarney Avenue, Killarney Towers or Killarney Plaza Hotel, Killarney
Days 7, 8: Absolute Hotel, George Hotel or Savoy Hotel, Limerick
Day 9: Cabra Castle or similar, Kingscourt
(Note: On some dates alternate hotels will be used.)

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