Irish Heritage with Dromoland Castle
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Day 1: Bunratty & Medieval Banquet
Land at Shannon Airport, pass through immigration and pick up your luggage. Locate the CIE Tours desk in the arrivals hall where our staff will arrange a group transfer to your nearby hotel. Complimentary transfers are available between 7:00 am and 12:00 noon. If your flight arrives later than 12:00 noon, transfer to the hotel at your own expense. This afternoon you are at leisure to rest after your journey or take a stroll on your own through Bunratty Folk Park, which is located close to your hotel. Join your fellow travelers for a welcome drink before heading to the 15th century Bunratty Castle for a medieval-style feast and entertainment. (D)
Day 2: Cliffs of Moher & Irish Coffee
Drive west through Ennis and Lahinch to see the Cliffs of Moher, which rise almost 700 feet above the pounding Atlantic surf. Then cross the wide River Shannon Estuary on a short ferry ride to Tarbert and then travel to Foynes Flying Boat Museum to learn about the early days of air travel and make a perfect Irish Coffee. Then travel through Listowel and Castleisland to Killarney. This little town is world-famous due to its exquisite location beside lakes and mountains. Check into your hotel, (B, D)
Day 3: Killarney and Ring of Kerry Tour
Embark on Ireland’s most popular scenic drive, the Ring of Kerry, for great views of mountains, open Atlantic Ocean, beaches and cliffs. Enjoy plenty of breaks to admire the natural beauty and take photos. Cross to Valencia Island by bridge to visit the Skellig Experience and learn about early Christian monks who lived on the isolated, rocky islands and about the prolific bird life today. Pass through Waterville, where Charlie Chaplin loved to vacation, and the colorful village of Sneem. Stop at Moll’s Gap for great mountain vistas and tour 19th century Muckross House to admire elegant antiques and learn about the history of the mansion. Take a walk through the lovely gardens before returning to Killarney. (B, D)
Day 4 - Blarney & Cobh Heritage Centre
Depart Killarney and drive through Macroom to Blarney. Stop at the Blarney Woollen Mills for quality Irish-made goods. If you feel energetic you may climb the steps of Blarney Castle to kiss the fabled "Stone of Eloquence" on your own. Bypass Cork city as you drive to the port town of Cobh. Visit the Cobh Heritage Centre, which traces the history of emigration from Ireland to the United States. Learn about travel conditions for the many Irish emigrants on early sailing ships and steam vessels. Follow the coastal route via the town of Youghal to Waterford for dinner and an overnight stay. This evening take a gentle walk with a local historian who will give you a talk on Waterford's Viking and medieval past. (B, D)
Day 5 - Waterford Crystal and Merry Ploughboy Pub
This morning tour the House of Waterford Crystal to learn about glass blowing and cutting and see one-of-a-kind masterpieces. Leave Waterford and head north through the delightful scenery of the Wicklow Mountains on the way to Glendalough. Learn about St. Kevin's 6th century monastery in the Glendalough Visitor Centre and walk through the site to see its round tower, church ruins and Celtic crosses. Continue to your next hotel, an elegant Victorian mansion, which overlooks Dublin Bay and Dun Laoghaire Harbour. Dine on Irish specialties at the Merry Ploughboy Pub, followed by a lively show of traditional Irish songs and intricate step-dancing. (B, D)
Day 6: Dublin Tour & Kilmainham Gaol
Relax on a half-day guided tour of Dublin, founded by Vikings over 1,000 years ago. See elegant Georgian squares with townhouses and their famous colorful doors, pass the lush vegetation of St. Stephen's Green, cross the River Liffey to drive along the wide thoroughfare of O'Connell Street and pass the General Post Office where the 1916 Rebellion started. Visit Kilmainham Gaol to see how penal establishments were operated in past Centuries. Learn about the leaders of the 1916 Uprising who were imprisoned and shot here, changing Irish history. The afternoon and evening are free for you to browse shop, sightsee and dine on your own. Use your independent bus tour voucher and visit Guinness or Jameson if you wish. (B)
Day 7: Return Home or Dromoland Castle
Clients on the 8-day tour will take complimentary group transfers to Dublin Airport to arrive at 6:00 am, 9:00 am or 12:00 noon. Those who have opted for the 9-day tour, will leave Dublin and drive to the Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens to see some of Ireland’s finest horses and learn about breeding techniques. Also take a walk around the Japanese Gardens. Drive through the center of Ireland to the imposing and deluxe Dromoland Castle Hotel. Relax in the elegance and surroundings of this wonderful fairytale resort. Then experience an elegant farewell dinner in the oak-paneled dining room – a fitting way to spend the last evening of your Irish tour. (B, D)
Day 8: Return home
Take a group transfer to nearby Shannon Airport where your tour concludes at 10:30 am. If you need to arrive at Shannon Airport for an earlier flight check-in, a taxi service can be arranged but you are responsible for the cost. (B)