The Gathering Ireland Tour (8 Night)

Tour begins 2:00 PM at your Dublin hotel. Set out on a guided tour of Dublin. Highlights include 18th century Georgian houses with brightly painted doors, tranquil parks, and wide O’Connell Street. Take a guided walking tour through the campus of Trinity College to view the illuminated manuscript of the Book of Kells. In the evening, enjoy a welcome drink with your group before dinner. ( D)

Enjoy the delightful scenery of the Wicklow Mountains on the way to Glendalough, a stunning example of Ireland’s beauty. Explore the remains of one of the most important monastic sites in Ireland, founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. Walk through the deep valley to view the picturesque ruins of a round tower, churches, and Celtic crosses. Head southeast to the Dunbrody Famine Ship, an authentic reproduction of an 1840’s vessel that brought desperate Irish emigrants fleeing famine to the New World. Continue on to the city of Waterford, where before dinner you will take a gentle stroll around the narrow streets of the historic city with a local guide. (B, D)

Witness the creation of crystal masterpieces during your visit to the House of Waterford Crystal. Travel to Cobh for a guided walking tour – this harbor town was the last port of call for the Titanic in 1912 and was also the main point of embarkation for Irish emigrants between 1848 and 1960. Proceed on to Blarney, to visit Blarney Castle and kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence” or explore the tranquil gardens. Journey west through rugged countryside and settle in to your centrally located hotel in Killarney. (B, D)

Discover the natural beauty of the Emerald Isle on Ireland’s most popular scenic drive, the Ring of Kerry, with plenty of photo stops along the way. Stop for lunch, then take a stroll around Sneem and stop at Moll’s Gap for its panoramic views. Enjoy the evening in Killarney for dinner on your own and perhaps a visit to one of the town’s many lively pubs. (B, L)

Embark on a ferry ride across the River Shannon Estuary. Travel along the coast of County Clare. View the Cliffs of Moher, which soar almost 700 feet above churning Atlantic swells. Walk along the top of the cliffs to O’Brien’s Tower for great views of Galway Bay and the Aran Islands. Head to Galway and join a local guide for a brief stroll through the twisting streets of the old city before spending some time on your own. (B, D)

Stop in the pilgrimage town of Knock to see one of the world’s leading Catholic shrines. Visit the church where villagers saw a vision of the Virgin Mary in 1879. Immerse yourself in Irish farm life during a visit to an authentic working farm and watch trained sheepdogs round up mountain sheep. Head to Donegal for some free time in this charming town. Proceed to Derry and meet a local guide to discover the history of this ancient city that retains its fortified medieval walls dating from 1613. (B, D)

Explore the northern coastline and the Giant’s Causeway, enormous hexagonal columns formed by volcanic activity over 60 million years ago. Visit Titanic Belfast and learn about the ill-fated ship through state-of-the-art displays. See the docks where the famous liner was built just over a century ago. Stop at the Glyde Inn for a farewell dinner with Irish specialties and entertainment featuring traditional Irish music and songs. (B, D)

Enjoy the day touring Dublin independently on the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus. Use your voucher to visit one of Dublin’s top attractions: Guinness Storehouse, Teeling Distillery, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, or GPO Witness History. In the evening, dine independently at one of the many restaurants or pubs that Dublin has to offer. (B)

Your tour ends after breakfast. (B) B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner >