8 Night Viking Tour of Ireland

Arrive at Dublin or Dun Laoghaire Port and make your way to your hotel located on the outskirts of Dublin. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner where details of the tour will be discussed. Overnight Dublin area DBB Distance approx. 30 km/19 miles; Driving time approx. 35 minutes

This morning drive through the Garden of Ireland, Wicklow, and head for the 6th century monastic site founded by St. Kevin, after visiting and enjoying the scenery, continue to Avoca, famous for handweaving and the TV program Ballykissangel. After lunch return to your hotel via the east coast route. Overnight Dublin area DBB Distance approx. 110 km/68 miles; Driving Time approx. 2 hours

Check out of your hotel after breakfast and start your journey across country. Stop at the Kilbeggan Experience, established in 1757 the oldest distillery in the world, and see how this iconic Irish whiskey is manufactured before continuing to the Hodson Bay Hotel for lunch. After lunch continue through the countryside to the vibrant city of Galway. After checking into your hotel the remainder of the day will be free for independent shopping, sightseeing and dining. Overnight Galway BB Distance approx. 250 km/155 miles; Driving time approx. 2 hours 45 minutes

Check out of your hotel and travel through the lime stone landscape of the Burren to The Cliffs of Moher. Next, it’s on to one of the most complete castles in Ireland, Bunratty Castle. Built in 1425 it was restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendour and now contains mainly 15th and 16th century furnishings. After lunch, leave Bunratty and travel the short distance to Adare, one of Ireland’s prettiest villages. Walk along the main street which is lined with thatched roofed cottages or visit the old priory and monastery before departing to Ireland’s most popular town, Killarney. Overnight Killarney DBB Distance approx. 275 km/170 miles; Driving time approx. 4 hours

Today you will discover the wonderful scenery of Killarney as you drive around the famous Ring of Kerry. The road winds between the Macgillycuddy's Reeks, Ireland's highest mountains, and the varied Atlantic coast. You will be amazed at the breathtaking views and you will stop for photos at the most dramatic scenes. Continue through the remote villages of Cahirciveen and Waterville (one of Charlie Chaplin’s favourite places), pass through the colourful village of Sneem and pause at Moll's Gap to view the Three Lakes of Killarney. Continue back to Killarney and park in Muckross Park where you can visit the splendid Muckross House & Gardens on the shores of Muckross Lake. Enjoy some free time in Killarney before returning to your hotel. Overnight Killarney BB Distance approx. 170 km/105 miles; Driving time approx. 3 hours

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Following breakfast depart the hotel and travel the Dingle Peninsula. Perhaps not as well-known as the Iveragh Peninsula where the Ring of Kerry is located, the Dingle Peninsula is less busy but every bit as beautiful. The town of Dingle is a small fishing port where you will find plenty of pubs, cafes and restaurants to have lunch. Then to the west of the town the scenery is particularly rugged with views out to the formerly inhabited Blasket Islands. Visit the Blasket Center which celebrates the story of the Blasket Islanders, the unique literary achievements of the island writers and their native language, culture and tradition. Sadly An Blascaod Mór was abandoned in 1953 as a result of the decline of its once vibrant population. Return to Killarney where the remainder of the day will be at leisure. Overnight Killarney BB Distance approx. 180 km/112 miles; Driving time approx. 3 hours 30 minutes

Today you will discover the wonderful scenery of Killarney as you drive around the famous Ring of Kerry. The road winds between the Macgillycuddy's Reeks, Ireland's highest mountains, and the varied Atlantic coast. You will be amazed at the breathtaking views and you will stop for photos at the most dramatic scenes. Continue through the remote villages of Cahirciveen and Waterville (one of Charlie Chaplin’s favourite places), pass through the colourful village of Sneem and pause at Moll's Gap to view the Three Lakes of Killarney. Continue back to Killarney and park in Muckross Park where you can visit the splendid Muckross House & Gardens on the shores of Muckross Lake. Enjoy some free time in Killarney before returning to your hotel. Overnight Killarney BB Distance approx. 170 km/105 miles; Driving time approx. 3 hours

OR

Following breakfast depart the hotel and travel the Dingle Peninsula. Perhaps not as well-known as the Iveragh Peninsula where the Ring of Kerry is located, the Dingle Peninsula is less busy but every bit as beautiful. The town of Dingle is a small fishing port where you will find plenty of pubs, cafes and restaurants to have lunch. Then to the west of the town the scenery is particularly rugged with views out to the formerly inhabited Blasket Islands. Visit the Blasket Center which celebrates the story of the Blasket Islanders, the unique literary achievements of the island writers and their native language, culture and tradition. Sadly An Blascaod Mór was abandoned in 1953 as a result of the decline of its once vibrant population. Return to Killarney where the remainder of the day will be at leisure. Overnight Killarney BB Distance approx. 180 km/112 miles; Driving time approx. 3 hours 30 minutes