| 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) |
