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Day 1 - Dublin Castle & City Tour
Arrive in Dublin Airport and take a group transfer to your hotel 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 tour Dublin to see elegant Georgian townhouses, pass St. Stephen's Green and cross the River Liffey to view the Famine Memorial and drive along O'Connell Street. Tour Dublin Castle's State Apartments where major events from Irish history and modern politics take place in the gracious chambers. In the evening meet your tour director over a welcome drink to discuss your trip and he will help you choose a restaurant to dine independently
Day 2: National Stud & Taylor's Three Rock Pub
Visit the National Stud in Kildare to see some of Ireland's finest thoroughbred horses and learn about breeding and racing. Also walk through the Japanese Gardens, established over a century ago to represent a person's life from cradle to grave. In the afternoon take an independent open-top bus tour around Dublin. Visit either Guinness or Jameson and relax with a drink at the end of the tour. Head to Taylor's Three Rock Pub for dinner and great entertainment. (B, D)
Day 3: Waterford Crystal & Kinsale Walk
Travel south to the ancient port of Waterford. At the House of Waterford Crystal watch skilled craftspeople blow and cut crystal to create elegant tableware and special trophies. Drive through Cork to Kinsale, a delightful old fishing town, which is now renowned for sailing and gourmet food. Join a local guide for a short walk around Kinsale's historic streets and then drive a few miles to your elegant resort hotel. (B, D)
Day 4 - Muckross House & Killarney
This morning drive to Kenmare and along part of the Ring of Kerry route for splendid views of lake mountains. Tour the 19th century Muckross house before heading into Killarney for some free time. Drive out along the Dingle Peninsula and check in to your hotel, overlooking Dingle Bay. (B,D)
Day 5 - Dingle Peninsula & Gallarus Oratory
Today discover the glorious Dingle Peninsula. Tour the Blasket Experience to learn about the Blasket Islands, inhabited until 1953 by hardy islanders. Visit Gallarus Oratory, a small church dating from the 6th and 9th centuries. Travel up to the Conor Pass for sweeping views before returning to Dingle. (B,D)
Day 6: Cliffs of Moher & Bunratty Banquet
Visit the Foynes Flying Boat Museum, which recalls early days of flying during the 1930's and early 1940's. Travel through Limerick on the way to Ennis and check in to your centrally-located hotel. At 2:30 pm depart for the Cliffs of Moher, a dramatic wall of rock that plunges to the Atlantic Ocean. In the evening head to 15th century Bunratty Castle for a fun medieval-style banquet with entertainment by the lords and ladies of the castle. (B, D)
Day 7 - Thu: Home from Shannon
Group transfers are provided to Shannon Airport to arrive at 6:00 am, 9:00 am or 12:00 noon. (B)