A Taste of Ireland

Overview

Itinerary at a Glance

• 1 Depart USA/Overnight Flight
• 2 Dublin
• 3 Ireland's Midlands, Blarney Castle & Kerry
• 4 Ring of Kerry
• Optional Excursion: Jaunting Car Ride in Killarney National Park, $17
• 5 Burren & the Cliffs of Moher
• Optional Excursion: Medieval Banquet at Bunratty Castle, $77
• 6 Galway & Dublin
• 7 Dublin
• 8 Dublin/USA

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Depart USA/Overnight Flight

• Depart the USA on your overnight flight for Dublin

Day 2 Dublin

• Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel
• Balance of the day at leisure
• Meet your fellow travelers for an included dinner at your hotel

Ashling Hotel, Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham, Academy Plaza Hotel or similar Dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Upon arrival in Dublin, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Most flights arrive early in the morning, but your hotel will allow you to safely store your luggage while you explore the city on your own. Today is yours at leisure to discover Dublin independently, or relax at your hotel. This evening, join your fellow travelers for dinner at your hotel.

Day 3 Ireland's Midlands, Blarney Castle & Kerry

• Visit Blarney Castle and kiss the Blarney Stone
• Time for shopping at Blarney Woolen Mills

Randles Hotel Killarney or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

Today, you will board your touring coach, depart Ireland's capital and travel to County Kerry. En route, stop in the town of Blarney for a visit to Blarney Castle. Dating from 1446, the castle is a tower house built on solid limestone. At the top of the Tower you will find the legendary Stone of Eloquence (Blarney Stone). Kiss it and you will never again be lost for words.

Enjoy some time for shopping at Blarney Woolen Mills. The existence of the Woolen Mills during the famine shielded Blarney from the worst effects of the great famine, due to its employment of local workers. The success story at the mills continued until a disastrous fire in 1869. By August 1871, the mill was once again operational with a labor force of over 200 and in 1976 Chris Kelleher, himself a mill worker, bought the old mill property. Within a short period of time Chris and his family transformed the mill into what is perhaps the largest quality craft shop in Ireland.

Continue through Ireland's Midlands to your hotel in the Kerry region.

Day 4 Ring of Kerry

• Tour the Iveragh Peninsula
• Admire a sheepdog demonstration at a local farm

Randles Hotel Killarney or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

Today you can enjoy a superb tour of the Iveragh Peninsula, which will give you the opportunity to discover the Ring of Kerry, taking in the spectacular scenery: mountains, peat bogs, lakes and magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean. Leaving Killarney, pass through Killorglin, famous for its Puck Fair and Glenbeigh, where the cliff road affords panoramic views of the Dingle Peninsula and Dingle Bay. Passing through the peat bogs, arrive at the sea town of Waterville. Continue to Sneem Village, famous because of its brightly colored houses. The road continues through the mountains to Moll's Gap and Ladies View with superb views of the famous Lakes of Killarney.

Along the Ring of Kerry, stop at a local farm for a sheepdog demonstration. Your visit will start with an overview of the different breeds of sheep, followed by an introduction to the farmer’s most important tools, his border collies. Next, you will see a superb demonstration of sheep herding as the farmer with his dogs demonstrate how, by working together, they can take a flock of sheep from the mountain top to the sheep pen close to the farmyard.

This evening enjoy dinner on your own in one of the many restaurants or pubs in Killarney town.

Optional Excursion: Jaunting Car Ride in Killarney National Park, $17

Enjoy a ride through Killarney National Park by pony and trap, also known as a jaunting car, to discover areas of the park that you might not otherwise visit by foot. Relax aboard the jaunting car as your jarvey (driver) takes you through the magnificent scenery of Ireland's first National Park.

Day 5 Burren & the Cliffs of Moher

• Take a short ferry ride across the mouth of the river Shannon
• Explore the Cliffs of Moher and the Atlantic Edge Interpretive Center
• Tour the Burren Region

George Hotel or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

Travel northwards to Tarbert and take a short boat ride across the mouth of the river Shannon, landing on Clare's shore at Killimer. Travel along the coast to the Cliffs of Moher. The most majestic cliffs in Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher rise 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean and extend over four miles in length. On a clear day, you can admire the Aran Islands, the Connemara Mountains and the many sea birds that colonize this place to nest in spring. Visit the Atlantic Edge Interpretive Center built into the natural landscape. The center is a huge domed cave that contains various exhibits showcasing the mighty Cliffs of Moher.

Later enjoy a tour of the Burren Region, a strange and unique region in Europe. "Burren" means "large stones", an apt description for this impressive scenery. Often described as lunar, the Burren is a high plateau of porous limestone situated in Northern Clare, between Ballyvaughan and Kilfenora. No trees grow here and no soil covers the stone, but the Burren is not deserted, as different types of flowers grow from the cracks all year round. The Burren Region is also historically rich, with many castles and monastic ruins.

Continue to Limerick and check into your hotel. Enjoy the balance of the day at leisure.

Optional Excursion: Medieval Banquet at Bunratty Castle, $77

Take advantage of an optional Medieval Banquet at Bunratty Castle on the banks of the Raite River including entertainment, a four-course meal and wine.

 

Day 6 Galway & Dublin

• Visit Galway for independent exploration or shopping
• Stop at Ireland's oldest pub for a pint pouring experience

Ashling Hotel, Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham, Academy Plaza Hotel or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, travel from Limerick to Dublin. Along the way, visit Galway, a delightful city of narrow streets, old stone and wooden shopfronts, good restaurants and busy pubs. The city has attracted a bohemian crowd of musicians and artists, who add much to its character. Enjoy some free time in the city for independent sightseeing or shopping.

En route back to Dublin, stop in Athlone at Sean’s Bar for a pint pouring experience. Here you will enjoy a detailed history talk on the oldest pub in Ireland, as well as a chat on the history of drinking in pubs through the years together with the origin of whiskey, all before learning how to pull the perfect pint!

Continue to Dublin and check into your hotel.

Day 7 Dublin

• Full day at leisure

Ashling Hotel, Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham, Academy Plaza Hotel or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

Today is yours at leisure to discover Dublin independently. Make your way to one of its most famous sights and continue exploring the city at your own pace with an included hop-on, hop-off bus tour voucher, visiting a number of Dublin's sightseeing highlights. If by the end of the day the touring has left you feeling parched, stop by a traditional Irish pub for a complimentary pint of Guinness, courtesy of Friendly Planet.

Day 8 Dublin/USA

• Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the USA.

Breakfast

Hotels

Ashling Hotel

First Class

The 4 star Ashling Hotel Dublin is an International Award Winning property located near Heuston Station, Dublin Zoo, Kilmainham Gaol, Collins Barracks and on the Luas red line. The hotel is also only a short stroll away from St. James’s Gate, making it the perfect choice for Guinness Storehouse Hotels.The property incorporates 225 beautifully appointed bedrooms, Chesterfields restaurant and the stylish Iveagh Bar. The combination of friendly, professional staff, spacious rooms and a warm, welcoming atmosphere make this your choice in Dublin.

More information

Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham

First Class

Located in the heart of Dublin, in a historic building close to places of interest like Trinity College and Temple Bar, the Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham is an ideal base for any exploration of the Irish capital. The hotel features a 24-hour fitness center.

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Academy Plaza Hotel

Tourist Class

The Academy Plaza Hotel is located in the center of historic Dublin. This modern seven-story hotel is just a short walk from shopping, Temple Bar, Trinity College, St. Stephen's Green, galleries and other famous city sights.

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Randles Hotel Killarney

First Class

With panoramic views of the Kerry Mountains, the Randles Hotel Killarney is ideally situated just a few minutes' walk from Killarney town center. Famous for its Irish hospitality, guests will enjoy the comfort and elegance of an era long since passed complemented by the most modern of facilities.For a bit of relaxation, a visit to the Zen Day Spa is an absolute must. Featuring Aurora Organic products, it is the ultimate spa experience. Visit the Club Slante Leisure Center for an invigorating dip in the pool or relax in the steam room or sauna.

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George Hotel

First Class

The George Hotel is conveniently located in Limerick city center, close to shopping and entertainment. The George Hotel boasts an eclectic mix of contemporary style and comfort in a premier central location.

More information

In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.

Reviews & Photos

Trip Details

• What should I know before I go? We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
• Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements? Please review the visa & entry requirements.
• Can I make changes to my trip? Want to upgrade your seats? Depart from another city? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
• Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions? To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 8 or older at time of travel.
• Should I purchase travel insurance? Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
• What's the fine print? Review the terms & conditions for this package.
• What should I know about Ireland? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.

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