Irish Interlude Tour
Special Offer
Book now and save 5% on all departures
Day 1 - Arrival & Ennis Walk
Land at Shannon Airport and transfer to the charming marketing town of Ennis. 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. At 2:00 pm join a local guide for a walking tour around the main points of interest. Meet your fellow travelers and tour director over a welcome drink, before enjoying dinner with an informal music session in your hotel. (B, D)
Day 2 - Cliffs of Moher & Galway
Travel to the coast to view the Cliffs of Moher, a five-mile wall of limestone rising above the foaming Atlantic breakers. See the rounded limestone hills of the Burren and the Poulnabrone Dolmen, a huge stone monument marking a Neolithic burial place. Visit the Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory, which specializes in intricate designs in colored crystal, before heading to Galway. Enjoy some time on your own before dinner. (B, D)
Day 3 - Connemara & Catamaran Cruise
Today explore Connemara, a scenic region of misty hills and shimmering lakes. At Leenane embark on a catamaran cruise through Killary Harbour, Ireland's only fjord. See steep hills where reminders of the 1840's Famine, ridges of potato fields, are still visible. Learn about mussel and salmon farming in the clear waters. Drive to Cong, a charming village that was the location for the 1952 movie, “The Quiet Man.” A short walking tour will show you movie locations as well as Cong Abbey and the Quiet Man Cottage. (B, D)
Day 4 - Museum of Country Life & Belleek
Outside Castlebar tour the Museum of Country Life to see collections of domestic goods, used when most Irish people made a living by farming. Stop briefly at Knock before crossing into County Sligo and stop at the grave of W. B. Yeats before continuing to the Belleek Pottery Factory. Watch skilled craftspeople create intricate basket-weave designs in delicate china. Continue your journey past the hazy Blue Stack Mountains to Stranorlar. (B, D)
Day 5 - Glenveagh Castle & Donegal
Travel into the heart of Donegal to Glenveagh National Park where Captain Adair evicted 225 tenants to build Glenveagh Castle in 1870. Learn about the history of the mansion, owners and guests as you tour the rooms and walk around the extensive gardens filled with exotic plants. Then experience the glorious natural beauty of the Grand Atlantic Drive, which winds through Downings and Rosapenna and around the coastline. Return to Stranorlar in time for dinner. (B, D)
Day 6 - Derry & Giant's Causeway
Travel to Derry to join a local guide for a walking tour to see medieval city walls, the Diamond and St. Columb's Cathedral. Next, drive along the north coast, pausing for photos at Dunluce Castle. Explore the Giant's Causeway, enormous hexagonal columns formed by volcanic activity over 60 million years ago. Experience wonderful views of mountains, valleys and bays along the Nine Glens of Antrim on your way to Belfast (B, D)
Day 7 - Belfast & Merry Ploughboy Pub
Tour Belfast with a local guide to see Victorian buildings, the Harland & Wolff shipyards where the Titanic was built, and the Falls Road and Shankill residential areas. Drive south to visit Down Cathedral and St. Patrick's Grave and then on to Dublin to check in to your city center hotel. In the evening head to the Merry Ploughboy Pub for dinner, which is followed by a show of traditional music and step-dancing. (B, D)
Day 8 - Dublin Tour & Book of Kells
This morning tour Dublin city center to see elegant Georgian squares with the famous colorful doorways; pass the peaceful St. Stephen's Green and the bustling shopping areas around Nassau Street; cross the River Liffey to O'Connell Street and view the General Post Office where the 1916 Rebellion started. Visit Trinity College's Old Library to view the 8th century manuscript of the Book of Kells and learn about its creation. The afternoon is free for independent activities. You can make use of the open-top bus tour voucher and visit either the Guinness Storehouse or Old Jameson Distillery. (B)
Day 9 - Tour Ends Dublin Airport
Taxi transfers are provided to Dublin Airport to arrive in good time to check in for your departing flight. (B) B: Breakfast; D: Dinner