Best of Ireland

Day Wise Itinerary

• Day 1

  DUBLIN

  Welcome to Dublin, Ireland’s capital and its largest, most cosmopolitan city, at the same time one of the smallest capitals in the European Union. Your expert local guide will take you on an unforgettable sightseeing tour of the city. Admire Dublin’s finest Georgian architecture including its famed doorways while walking around St Stephen’s Green, the oldest and largest park in Dublin’s city centre and Merrion Square in the government district. Visit Trinity College, Ireland’s premier university that was found by Queen Elizabeth I in 1592. In the library of Trinity College you will see the Book of Kells, an extravagant illuminated manuscript dating from the 8th century. See General Post Office (GPO) building on O’Connell Street playing a crucial role during the 1916 Easter Rising and visit the Kilmainham Gaol that played a key role in Ireland’s struggle for independence and was the site of mass executions following the 1916 Easter Rising. Visit the Old Jameson Distillery. This evening, meet and get to know your companions and Tour Director at a Welcome Pub Reception, which includes a typical pub meal and drinks.

• Day 2

  DUBLIN - DOOLIN - CRUISE TO ARAN ISLANDS AND CLIFFS OF MOHER - GALWAY

  Cruise under the magnificent Cliffs of Moher - rising 203 metres (755 feet) above the Atlantic Ocean, one of Ireland’s most famous natural features. Enjoy the spectacular journey below the world famous cliffs. Sail to the Aran Islands located at the mouth of Galway Bay. Visit Inis Oirr Drive across the mysterious limestone landscape known as the Burren. See the city of Galway - a little Irish pearl with its narrow streets, fast flowing river and ramshackle shop-fronts. You will visit the Eyre Square where in its centre is Kennedy Park honouring a visit by John F Kennedy in 1963 and St Nicholas Collegiate Church dated 1320 with several interesting tombs.

• Day 3

  GALWAY - NEWMARKET-ON-FERGUS - SHANNON - LIMERICK - ADARE - KILLARNEY (2 NIGHTS)

  Drive south, pass Newmarket-On-Fergus and Shannon. Explore Bunratty Castle and Folk Park dedicated to life in Ireland during the 18th and 19th century. See the town of Limerick, where the film “Angela’s Ashes” was set. Enjoy views of St. Mary’s Cathedral, King John’s Castle and the Treaty Stone, where the Treaty of Limerick was signed in 1691. Stop in the village of Adare, famous for its main street lined with thatched cottages and colorful gardens. Arrive for accommodation in Killarney.

• Day 4

  KILLARNEY - RING OF KERRY

  Travel through the Ring of Kerry - one of Ireland’s premier tourist attraction with 179km/111 miles circuit around the Iveragh Peninsula featuring dramatic coastal scenery. Admire plunging cliffs, shimmering lakes, granite mountains and jagged, wind-swept coastlines.

• Day 5

  KILLARNEY - BLARNEY - CORK - COBH

  Kiss the Blarney Stone at the famous Blarney Castle and acquire “the gift of the gab”. Arrive in the beautiful city of Cork. Visit the English Market and see St Anne’s Church. Climb-up the Shandon Tower for magnificent city views and chance to ring the bells. Visit Cobh known from 1850 until the late 1920s as Queenstown, a seaport town on the south side of Great Island in Cork Harbour, home to Ireland's only dedicated cruise terminal.

• Day 6

  CORK - YOUGHAL - WATERFORD - KILKENNY - DUBLIN (2 NIGHTS)

  Take a scenic coastal drive north through the fishing village of Youghal, where Moby Dick was filmed. See the 12th century Reginald’s Tower in Waterford, followed by a tour of Waterford Crystal Showroom where you have the opportunity to buy some fine crystal souvenirs. See the Kilkenny Castle and visit the Smithwick’s Brewery, Ireland’s oldest operating brewery.

• Day 7

  DUBLIN - KILDARE - BLESSINGTON

  Today enjoy an excursion to the Irish countryside. Visit the Irish National Stud in Kildare to learn about the valuable breeding industry. See magnificent horses before walking around the delightful Japanese Gardens, established over a century ago. Visit Blessington, one of the biggest towns in West Wicklow. See the Blessington Lakes and the Wicklow Mountains. Tonight enjoy Farewell Dinner with your fellow travellers in Johnnie Fox’s Pub, one of Ireland’s oldest and most famous traditional Irish pubs, also famed as the highest pub in the country. Also see one of the top dancing performances in the country - traditional Irish Celtic Dance - at famous “Hooley Night”.

• Day 8

  DUBLIN - HOME

  This morning, after a hearty Irish breakfast, it is time to bid farewell to your Tour Director and newfound friends as your unforgettable Celtic holiday comes to an end. Transfer to Dublin airport. Departure.

Insider Experiences

• Local Expert Guide: For included sightseeing tour in Dublin.
• Cultural Insights: Cruise under the magnificent Cliffs of Moher - rising 203 metres (755 feet) above the Atlantic Ocean, one of Ireland’s most famous natural features. Sail to the Aran Islands located at the mouth of Galway Bay.
• Traditional Irish Celtic Dance: Hooley Show and traditional Irish dinner at Johnnie Fox’s, famed as the highest pub in Ireland.
• Waterford Crystal: Visit the House of Waterford Crystal showroom and workshop.
• Shopping: Enjoy shopping in Blarney Woolen Mills, Ireland’s largest gift shop.

Sightseeing Highlights

• Ring of Kerry: Scenic drives through this stunning region.
• Dublin: City sightseeing tour.
• Galway, Limerick, Killarney and Waterford: Orientation.
• Views: St. Patrick's Cathedral and Phoenix Park in Dublin, King John's Castle and St. Mary's Cathedral in Limerick, Cathedral of Galway and Donegal Castle.
• Visits: The crystal showroom at Waterford, Blarney to kiss the stone and gain the ‘gift of the gab’, Adare, Bunratty Folk Park, Cliffs of Moher, and the rugged Burren.

Dining

• 7 Full Irish Breakfasts.
• 7 Dinners - including a Welcome Pub Reception in Dublin with traditional Irish pub meal and welcome drinks, Be Spoiled Dinner with entertainment, including a traditional local three-course meal, music, and more, and a Farewell Dinner with entertainment in one of Ireland’s oldest and most famous traditional pubs.

Travel Highlights

• Travel by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and an onboard restroom.
• First-class hotel accommodation featuring twin rooms, private facilities, and complimentary WiFi internet access (price is based on double occupancy).
• All porterage and restaurant gratuities.
• Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras.
• An expert Tour Director and separate Driver.
• All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes.
• Ferry from Doolin to Aran Islands.
• An expert Local Guide in Dublin.
• Capture treasured memories of your trip with a complimentary group photo taken at a landmark location.

Disclaimer

• All trip information is correct at the time of trips going live; however, it is subject to change. Please confirm all details at the time of booking.
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