GLIMPSE OF IRELAND
ESCORTED
8 days Dublin/Dublin
from $1250 land only
Tour renowned historic sites, lively cities, scenic wonders and more on this comprehensive tour of Ireland’s treasures.
Itinerary
Day 1 BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT.
Dublin, Ireland
Day 2 ARRIVE IN DUBLIN, IRELAND.
Dublin, Ireland
Welcome to Dublin! Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to your hotel. At 2 p.m. your voyage of discovery begins on a city tour with a local guide. Visit St. Patrick's Cathedral, founded in 1190, tour Dublin's beautiful Georgian squares, walk the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College to its famed library and its truly unique world treasure - the 8th century Book of Kells. This evening, take a short drive to the fishing harbor of Howth for dinner and traditional music at the Abbey Tavern. (D)
Day 3 DUBLIN / THE MIDLANDS / SLIGO / MAYO.
Mayo, Ireland
Cross midland Ireland and visit one of the country's fine old manors, Strokestown Park House in County Roscommon. This grand estate, built in the 18th century, has been carefully restored and still has its original furnishings. The Famine Museum is located in the former Stable Yards of the house. It was designed to commemorate The Great Irish Famine of the 1840's, now regarded as the single greatest social disaster of 19th century Europe, and in some way to balance the history of the "Big House." Continue on to Mayo to visit the Shrine at Knock. In 1879, the figures of Mary, St. Joseph and St. John are reported to have miraculously appeared here in a vision to 15 local people. Dinner and conversation at your hotel is a perfect end to a full day's sightseeing. (FB,D)
Day 4 MAYO / CONNEMARA.
Connemara, Ireland
Travel via Castlebar to the picturesque town of Westport. Enjoy some free time to browse before setting out for Connemara, Ireland's historic western province. Next see Kylemore Abbey, a castellated neo-Gothic mansion, occupied today by the Irish Benedictine community of nuns. Continue your tour of splendid Connemara, where whitewashed cottages are scattered over a land of rocky mountains, sparkling brooks and rivers. This evening, dine and relax at your elegant hotel as the sun sets over Galway Bay. (FB,D)
Day 5 CONNEMARA / GALWAY / CLIFFS OF MOHER / BUNRATTY.
Bunratty, Ireland
This morning visit the impressive Galway Cathedral before dropping in for refreshments at Rathbaun Farm. Meet a farming family as they carry out their everyday chores. Watch as the farmer shears a sheep and maneuvers his flock with the help of his dog. Next, cross the Burren,
a suddenly stark and barren landscape dotted with rare flora. Travel west to the spectacular Cliffs of Moher rising approximately 700 feet above the pounding Atlantic waves: the view is truly outstanding. A celebrated medieval castle banquet is an option for tonight's festivities. (FB,MC)
Day 6 BUNRATTY / RING OF KERRY / KILLARNEY.
Killarney, Ireland
Drive to Adare, renowned as the "prettiest village in Ireland's with its thatched cottages and stone walls. Then follow the road that winds around the Iveragh Peninsula, better known as "The Ring of Kerry." It is undoubtedly one of the most magical places in all of Ireland. Poets, painters, and musicians have all tried to capture its elusive charm. Arrive in Killarney for check-in and dinner at your hotel. (FB,D)
Day 7 KILLARNEY / BLARNEY / WATERFORD.
Waterford, Ireland
This morning visit Blarney Castle with its magical stone that gives the gift of eloquence for a kiss. Wander across to the Blarney Woollen Mills to shop for traditional fine knitwear and crafts. Continue your journey to the ancient Viking town of Waterford. After dinner in your hotel, take some time to stroll the mile long quayside. (FB,D)
Day 8 WATERFORD / DUBLIN.
Dublin, Ireland
Begin your day at the Waterford Crystal Factory. On your guided tour, admire the ancient skills of local craftsmen as they carefully turn molten glass into the most exquisite crystal. Afterwards, wander through the showrooms and perhaps find an heirloom for future generations for your own family! Next, on your Waterford walking tour, your guide brings the city's fascinating history alive. On to Dublin in time for some last-minute shopping. This evening is free to discover the nightlife along its squares and cobblestone streets or to join an optional farewell cabaret for song, dance, dinner and Dublin wit. (FB)
Day 9 DEPART DUBLIN.
Dublin, Ireland
Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (FB)
RATES AND DATES
| Departs On | Returns On | Land Price($) | Guaranteed Departure | Availability |
| February 10, 2008 | February 17, 2008 | $1,250.00 | --- | CLOSED |
| February 17, 2008 | February 24, 2008 | $1,250.00 | --- | CLOSED |
| March 02, 2008 | March 09, 2008 | $1,299.00 | --- | CLOSED |
| March 09, 2008 | March 16, 2008 | $1,299.00 | --- | CLOSED |
| March 16, 2008 | March 23, 2008 | $1,325.00 | GD | CLOSED |
| March 23, 2008 | March 30, 2008 | $1,325.00 | --- | CLOSED |
| March 30, 2008 | April 06, 2008 | $1,325.00 | GD | OPEN |
| April 06, 2008 | April 13, 2008 | $1,435.00 | --- | CLOSED |
| April 13, 2008 | April 20, 2008 | $1,435.00 | --- | CLOSED |
| April 20, 2008 | April 27, 2008 | $1,435.00 | GD | OPEN |
| April 27, 2008 | May 04, 2008 | $1,450.00 | GD | OPEN |
| May 04, 2008 | May 11, 2008 | $1,499.00 | GD | OPEN |
| May 11, 2008 | May 18, 2008 | $1,499.00 | GD | OPEN |
| May 18, 2008 | May 25, 2008 | $1,499.00 | GD | CLOSED |
| May 25, 2008 | June 01, 2008 | $1,499.00 | GD | OPEN |
| June 01, 2008 | June 08, 2008 | $1,499.00 | GD | OPEN |
| June 08, 2008 | June 15, 2008 | $1,499.00 | GD | OPEN |
| June 15, 2008 | June 22, 2008 | $1,499.00 | GD | OPEN |
| June 22, 2008 | June 29, 2008 | $1,499.00 | GD | OPEN |
| June 29, 2008 | July 06, 2008 | $1,499.00 | GD | OPEN |
| July 06, 2008 | July 13, 2008 | $1,499.00 | --- | OPEN |
| July 13, 2008 | July 20, 2008 | $1,499.00 | GD | OPEN |
| July 20, 2008 | July 27, 2008 | $1,499.00 | --- | OPEN |
| July 27, 2008 | August 03, 2008 | $1,499.00 | GD | OPEN |
| August 03, 2008 | August 10, 2008 | $1,499.00 | GD | OPEN |
| August 10, 2008 | August 17, 2008 | $1,499.00 | GD | OPEN |
| August 17, 2008 | August 24, 2008 | $1,499.00 | --- | OPEN |
| August 24, 2008 | August 31, 2008 | $1,499.00 | --- | OPEN |
| August 31, 2008 | September 07, 2008 | $1,499.00 | --- | OPEN |
| September 07, 2008 | September 14, 2008 | $1,499.00 | GD | OPEN |
| September 14, 2008 | September 21, 2008 | $1,499.00 | GD | OPEN |
| September 21, 2008 | September 28, 2008 | $1,499.00 | GD | OPEN |
| September 28, 2008 | October 05, 2008 | $1,499.00 | GD | OPEN |
| October 05, 2008 | October 12, 2008 | $1,450.00 | GD | OPEN |
| October 12, 2008 | October 19, 2008 | $1,450.00 | --- | OPEN |
| October 19, 2008 | October 26, 2008 | $1,435.00 | GD | OPEN |
| October 26, 2008 | November 02, 2008 | $1,435.00 | --- | OPEN |
| November 02, 2008 | November 09, 2008 | $1,250.00 | GD | OPEN |
| November 09, 2008 | November 16, 2008 | $1,250.00 | --- | OPEN |
| November 16, 2008 | November 23, 2008 | $1,250.00 | --- | OPEN |
| February 08, 2009 | February 15, 2009 | $1,250.00 | --- | OPEN |
| February 15, 2009 | February 22, 2009 | $1,250.00 | --- | OPEN |
| March 01, 2009 | March 08, 2009 | $1,250.00 | --- | OPEN |
| March 08, 2009 | March 15, 2009 | $1,250.00 | --- | OPEN |
| March 15, 2009 | March 22, 2009 | $1,250.00 | GD | OPEN |
| March 22, 2009 | March 29, 2009 | $1,250.00 | --- | OPEN |
| March 29, 2009 | April 05, 2009 | $1,250.00 | GD | OPEN |
YOUR TRAVEL VALUE INCLUDES
- Airport transfers on days 2 and 9
- Twin-bedded rooms in hotels listed or similar; hotel taxes, service charges and tips for baggage handling
- 7 breakfasts (B), 1 morning coffee (MC) at Rathbaun Farm and 5 three-course dinners with choice of entree and coffee (D) including the Abbey Tavern
- Services of a professional Irish Driver/Guide
- Private luxury motorcoach with air- conditioning, extra leg room and emergency washroom
- Complete sightseeing program as detailed in the itinerary, including:
St. Patrick’s Cathedral; Trinity College Library; Knock; Kylemore Abbey; Galway Cathedral; Rathbaun Farm; Cliffs of Moher; Ring of Kerry; Blarney Castle; Blarney Woollen Mills; Waterford Crystal Factory; walking tour of Waterford - Inside visits and special features as shown in bold in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable
- Portfolio of travel documents
GROUP AIRPORT TRANSFERS
ARRIVAL transfers at Dublin Airport will operate at 7 a.m., 9:30 a.m. & 12 noon
RETURN transfers from the last Dublin hotel will depart the hotel at 6 a.m., 8 a.m.& 10 a.m.
BRENDAN HOTELS
DUBLIN - Academy Plaza (F)
MAYO - Downhill House Hotel (F)
CONNEMARA - Connemara Coast Hotel (SF)
LIMERICK - Greenhills (F) or Radisson Limerick (SF)
KILLARNEY - Scotts Hotel (SF) or Killarney Avenue (SF)
WATERFORD - Granville Hotel (SF)
DUBLIN - Jurys Croke Park (SF)
