Irish Welcome Tour
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Day 1: Bunratty & Medieval Banquet
Start your Irish trip at Shannon Airport with a hotel transfer, 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. Spend the day at leisure in Bunratty where there's plenty to do - Bunratty Folk Park, Durty Nelly's Pub and shopping. This evening discuss your itinerary with your tour director over a welcome drink and join in the fun of a medieval banquet at nearby Bunratty Castle. (D)
Day 2: Cliffs of Moher & Killarney
Drive to the coast to view the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, which rise to almost 700 feet above the wild Atlantic breakers and stretch along the coast for five miles. Then head south for a short ferry ride across the River Shannon. Stop in the charming village of Listowel for a stroll around before continuing through the mountainous countryside to Killarney. Take a look around this bustling and compact town before checking into your country home and meeting your Irish family. In the evening drive to the Gap of Dunloe to Kate Kearney’s Cottage for dinner. Afterwards sit back and enjoy traditional Irish entertainment with popular songs, dances and a lot of laughs. (B, D)
Day 3: Ring of Kerry & Skellig Experience
Admire breathtaking vistas of mountains, cliffs and beaches on Ireland’s most popular drive – the 100-mile Ring of Kerry. A number of stops will allow you to marvel at the spectacular scenery. Take a brief walk around the colorful village of Sneem and pause at Moll’s Gap for stunning views of the Lakes of Killarney. Visit the Skellig Experience, which explains lifr on the rockey offshore islands. Return to Killarney and sit down to a homecooked dinner with your Irish hosts. (B, D)
Day 4: Blarney & Waterford Crystal
Leaving Killarney, head to the Blarney Woollen Mills where you can find excellent Irish merchandise. You will have time to walk around the village green or, if you feel energetic, you may climb Blarney Castle to kiss the “Stone of Eloquence.” Drive to Cobh, the last port of call for the Titanic. Take a guided walk around this picturesque town and dockside with a local historian to see places relating to the Titanic's last scheduled stop. In Waterford visit the House of Waterford Crystal to see how molten glass is transformed into elegant tableware and magnificent trophies and browse around the shop and showrooms. Travel to the charming little city of Kilkenny for your next overnight stay. (B, D)
Day 5: Kilkenny Castle & Abbey Tavern
This morning tour the massive Kilkenny Castle, home of the Butlers, Earls and Dukes of Ormonde, who held power over the region for centuries. The castle was first built in 1192 and you will learn about the region as you see wonderful paintings and furniture. A few miles south of Kilkenny visit Nicholas Mosse Pottery to watch potters create charming pieces inspired by the Irish countryside. Travel into the metropolitan area of Dublin to your hotel located in the city center close to Temple Bar and enjoy some time on your own. Drive to the Abbey Tavern in Howth for a traditional dinner followed by a great show with plenty of Irish music and intricate step dancing. (B, D)
Day 6: Dublin Tour & Kilmainham Gaol
Take a half-day guided tour of Dublin, founded by Vikings over 1,000 years ago. See elegant Georgian squares with townhouses and their famous brightly-painted doors; view the lush vegetation of St. Stephen’s Green and the stark figures of the Famine Memorial on the banks of the River Liffey. Finally 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 balance of the day is at leisure and you may choose to return to your hotel or use your voucher for an independent open-top bus tour with a visit to Guinness or Jameson included. (B)
Day 7: Depart for Home or Clonmacnoise
For those of you booked on our 8-day tour, complimentary group transfers are provided to Dublin Airport to arrive at 6:00 am, 9:00 am or 12:00 noon. Lucky travelers on the 9-day program will leave Dublin and journey across the rolling pastures of Ireland’s heartland to visit Clonmacnoise. This monastic settlement was founded in 545 AD by St. Ciaran and is set on the banks of the tranquil River Shannon. Drive to Galway city and take a panoramic tour around the city center to see Eyre Square, Galway Cathedral and the Spanish Arch. Then spend some time on your own before driving to your hotel, which is set on the shores of the famous Galway Bay. (B, D)
Day 8: Connemara & Galway Bay
Travel alongside the famous Galway Bay to catch glimpses of the Aran Islands. Continue into the lovely scenery of Connemara with its granite hills and little lakes. Enjoy lunch at the traditional Eddie's Pub in Clonbur and take a walking tour through Cong to see places associated with “The Quiet Man” movie which was made in the village in 1952. Return to Galway in time to look around the city and dine independently this evening. (B, L)
Day 9: Tour Ends Shannon Airport
Transfer from Galway to Shannon Airport, where your tour ends at 10:30 am. If you need to arrive at Shannon Airport before 10:30 am, your tour director will coordinate an early group transfer. Note that the 60-mile drive from Galway to Shannon takes 1½ hours. So do not spoil your last night by booking too early a flight. (B)