Emerald Supreme Tour
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Day 1 - Dublin & Russborough House
Your tour starts at Dublin Airport with a transfer to your hotel between 7:00 am and 12:00 noon. If your flight arrives later, transfer to the hotel at your own expense. At 2:00 pm take a short ride through the Wicklow Mountains for a guided tour around Russborough House, noted for its art and photography collections. In the evening discuss your itinerary with your tour director over a welcome drink.
Day 2 - Book of Kells & Theatre Evening
This morning tour central Dublin as you drive past Leinster House, the seat of government, and St. Stephen's Green. Cross the River Liffey to see O'Connell Street and pause at the Famine Memorial. Walk through Trinity College to visit the Old Library where the priceless 8th century manuscript of the Book of Kells is housed. In the afternoon you may take an independent open-top bus tour and visit Guinness or Jameson. Dine in the hotel restaurant before heading to a play at the world-famous Abbey or Gate Theatre. (B, D)
Day 3 - Rock of Cashel & Sheep Farm Visit
Depart Dublin and travel south to visit the Rock of Cashel, where Brian Boru was crowned King of Munster in 977. See the 12th century highly-decorated Cormac's Chapel, the large cruciform cathedral and round tower. At a nearby farmhouse sample home-made scones with tea and watch trained dogs round up sheep. Drive south past the Galtee Mountains, through the town of Mallow and on to Killarney. Check in to your hotel and enjoy a superb dinner in the fine restaurant. (B, D)
Day 4 - Ring of Kerry & Killeen House Restaurant
Today experience the Ring of Kerry drive where every bend in 100 miles of road reveals breathtaking views of mountains and Atlantic Ocean. At the tip of the peninsula visit the Skellig Experience, which shows the austere conditions of monastic life on the nearby rocky islands. Return through the attractive village of Sneem and pause at Moll's Gap for panoramic views of Killarney. In the evening savor delicious cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere at award-winning Killeen House Restaurant. (B, D)
Day 5 - Cliffs of Moher & Dromoland Castle
Take a ferry ride across the River Shannon Estuary to visit the Cliffs of Moher, majestic walls of rock, which extend five miles along the coast. Journey through part of the Burren Country to your lovely castle hotel. After check in you may choose to relax in the wonderful setting or take a short drive to Bunratty Village for an opportunity to visit Bunratty Castle and Folk Park or the 200-year-old pub of Durty Nelly's. In the evening savor gourmet dining in your elegant hotel. (B, D)
Day 6 - Galway & Ashford Castle
Take a panoramic tour around Galway to see the Cathedral, the Claddagh area and the Spanish Arch. Have free time to browse around the main areas near Eyre Square and continue to Cong for a two-night stay at the famous Ashford Castle Hotel, arriving in time to unwind in wonderful surroundings or use leisure facilities. Dine in Ashford's lovely restaurant and afterwards listen to music in the Dungeon Bar. (B, D)
Day 7 - Connemara & “The Quiet Man” Walk
Travel through Connemara to Leenane and embark on a catamaran cruise around Killary Harbour, Ireland's only fjord. As you sip an Irish coffee, see remains of houses and potato patches abandoned during the 1840's Famine as well as stunning scenery. Take a walking tour around Cong to see movie locations of the 1952 production of “The Quiet Man.” In the evening drive to Clonbur for an informal dinner with local entertainment at Eddie's Pub. (B, D)
Day 8 - Museum of Country Life & Belleek China
Visit the Museum of Country Life to view exhibits of domestic goods in daily use during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Travel to County Sligo, associated with the poet, W. B. Yeats, and view his grave, near Ben Bulben Mountain. Tour the Belleek Pottery Factory to see how delicate china is formed and decorated by skilled craftspeople. Harvey's Point Hotel is set in glorious scenery a few miles outside Donegal town and is noted for its outstanding cuisine. (B, D)
Day 9 - Slieve League Cliffs & Donegal
Drive to the fishing port of Killybegs and on to Teelin to view Slieve League sea cliffs, the highest in Europe reaching 1,972 feet. The cliffs drop straight down to the wild Atlantic waves creating marvelous views. Enjoy coffee or tea with home-baked scones before driving through the majestic Glengesh Pass to Ardara. Visit Triona Design to see demonstrations of spinning, weaving and knitting. Spend some time in Donegal town before returning to your hotel. (B, D)
Day 10 - Derry Walk & Giant's Causeway
Join a local guide for a walking tour around Derry to see the medieval city walls, the Diamond and St. Columb's Cathedral. Pause for photos at ruined Dunluce Castle before visiting the Giant's Causeway, enormous hexagonal columns formed by volcanic activity over 60 million years ago. Drive along the scenic coastal route of the “Nine Glens of Antrim” and continue south to your hotel in the coastal resort of Newcastle at the foot of the Mourne Mountains. (B, D)
Day 11 - Belfast Tour & Titanic Quarter
A local guide will show you the highlights of Belfast, including Victorian buildings, the imposing City Hall and the Shankill and Falls Road areas where late 20th century struggles were played out. See the newly-restored Titanic Quarter where the famous liner was built in 1912. Drive past the gentle slopes of the Mourne Mountains to Dublin and check in to your hotel. Enjoy a farewell dinner at the Abbey Tavern's Loft Restaurant in Howth followed by a lively show of songs and step-dancing. (B, D)
Day 12 - Extra Day In Dublin
Spend an additional night in Dublin and enjoy a day at leisure or use your independent Dublin open-top bus tour pass if you have not used it. (B)
Day 13 - Depart Dublin for Home
Take a taxi transfer to Dublin Airport to arrive in time to chek in for your flight home (B)