| Day 1, Thu. BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT. | Dublin, Ireland |
| Day 2, Fri. ARRIVE IN DUBLIN, IRELAND. | Dublin, Ireland |
| Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to your hotel, the luxurious Four Seasons, located within the Royal Dublin Society Show Grounds. This Georgian style property offers premier rooms in a period style ambience: a perfect way to relax after your flight. Join your Tour Director and traveling companions for a Cocktail Reception. |
| Day 3, Sat. DUBLIN / WATERFORD / CORK. | Dublin/Waterford/Cork, Ireland |
| Travel through the serene Wicklow Mountains to the monastic ruins at Glendalough. On to the ancient town of Waterford with its colorful terrace houses, cafés and bars overlooking the quayside. At the Waterford Crystal Factory, enjoy a VIP tour and watch master craftsmen at work in the centuries-old tradition of glass blowing and engraving. There is time afterward to enjoy the splendid showroom and perhaps select a special piece of the sparkling glass to take home. End the day in Cork. (FB,D) |
| Day 4, Sun. CORK / COBH / BLARNEY / KILLARNEY. | Cork/Cobh/Blarney/Killarney, Ireland |
| Visit Cobh, a Victorian seafront town. The Heritage Centre brings the Queenstown (as Cobh was once named) story alive, with exhibits, photographs and original film footage. Next is Blarney Castle with its magical stone that gives the gift of eloquence for a kiss. Wander across to the Blarney Woollen Mills for traditional Irish crafts and knitwear. Then on to Killarney and your beautiful hotel and spa set on a lush hill overlooking the lakes. (FB,D) |
| Day 5, Mon. THE RING OF KERRY. | Killarney, Ireland |
| The road that winds around the beautiful Iveragh Peninsula is better known as “The Ring of Kerry.†Here mountains, valleys, lakes and sea blend into a breathtaking landscape. Return to Killarney and enjoy a jaunting car ride to Muckross House, an elegant mansion set on the shores of Muckross Lake. (FB) |
| Day 6, Tue. KILLARNEY / NEWMARKET-ON-FERGUS (Dromoland Castle). | Killarney, Ireland |
This morning, visit the Flying Boat Museum at Foynes, which became the centre of the aviation world from 1939 to 1945. On July 9th 1939, Pan Am's luxury Flying Boat, the "Yankee Clipper" landed at Foynes. This was the first commercial passenger flight on a direct route from the USA to Europe. Later, stop at the picturesque village of Adare. Tonight dine in splendor at Dromoland Castle. (FB,D)
The castle dates back to the 16th century and is one of the most famous baronial castles in Ireland. Its romantic gardens and grounds, luxurious accommodation, prestigious dining room, splendid wood and stone carvings, original oil paintings and magnificent panelling combine old world charm with the facilities the new world demands. |
| Day 7, Wed. NEWMARKET-ON-FERGUS / CLIFFS OF MOHER / GALWAY / CONG | Cong, Ireland |
Drive west into Clare to see the Cliffs of Moher. These limestone ramparts rise approximately 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. Then, north across the Burren, a stark landscape dotted with rare flora. Next see Galway Cathedral. Then, drive through Headford and into the majestic grounds of Ashford Castle. (FB,D)
Stately Ashford Castle was the country estate of Lord Ardilaun and of the Guinness family for almost a century, until it was transformed into
a luxury hotel in 1939. Located on the north shores of Lough Corrib, Ashford offers the finest in country living – an elegant dining room, a lavishly decorated Great Hall, beautiful grounds, a 9-hole golf course, and fishing or cruising on the lake. |
| Day 8, Thu. CONNEMARA EXCURSION. | Cong, Ireland |
| In the remote west of Ireland, visit Kylemore Abbey, a castellated neo-Gothic mansion. Journey back via Recess and the Maam Valley with time to enjoy Ashford Castle and all its splendor before an exquisite dinner. (FB,D) |
| Day 9, Fri. CONG / DUBLIN. | Cong/Dublin, Ireland |
| Travel to Carrick-on-Shannon. Stop for a morning cruise aboard "Moonriver" and enjoy coffee and scones. Return to Dublin and enjoy your city center hotel. The balance of the day is free for independent activities. (FB,MC) |
| Day 10, Sat. TOUR HISTORIC DUBLIN. | Dublin, Ireland |
| On a city tour, pass Christ Church on the way to stately St. Patrick’s Cathedral, a legacy of religious power from the 12th century. On to the seat of learning at the heart of Dublin – Trinity College. Walk across the cobbled squares to the old library and see one of Ireland’s greatest treasures – the 8th century Book of Kells. Spend the rest of your day exploring the city’s shops, squares, galleries and museums or relax in a café or pub. (FB) |
| Day 11, Sun. DEPART DUBLIN. | Dublin, Ireland |
| Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (FB) |
