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Day 1: Depart U.S. for Shannon
Fly across the Atlantic from your U.S. gateway city, traveling
overnight to Ireland.
Day 2: Bunratty Castle Banquet
Land at Shannon Airport and locate the CIE Tours desk in the
Arrivals Hall for a group transfer to your nearby hotel. Complimentary
transfers will be offered from Shannon Airport between 7:00
am and 2:00 pm. If your flight arrives later than 2:00 pm,
you must 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. Join your fellow travelers
for a welcome drink before heading to the 15th century Bunratty
Castle for a medieval-style meal and entertainment. (D)
Day 3: Flying Boat Museum & Killarney
Drive through Limerick and along by the River Shannon to Foynes
to visit the Flying Boat Museum. In the early days of flight
this was the landing place for Pan Am Clippers from the United
States and Europe. The museum recreates the infancy of aviation
with vivid displays. Journey into County Kerry and stop in
Listowel, renowned as the birthplace of J. B. Keane, a popular
20th century playwright. Continue to Killarney and check into
your hotel in the center of town. (B, D)
Day 4: Jaunting Car Ride & Muckross
House
Take a traditional horse-drawn jaunting car ride to view lakes
and mountains on the way to
Muckross House. Tour the delightful 19th century furnished
mansion on the shores of Muckross
Lake and take a walk around the charming gardens. Drive to
Kenmare where traditional
buildings are gaily painted and enhanced with flowers. Drive
up through Moll’s Gap, a wonderful
vantage point on the Ring of Kerry and stop at Ladies’
View before returning to Killarney. (B, D)
Day 5: Cobh Heritage & Waterford
Drive to Blarney and make a brief stop at the Blarney Woollen
Mills in the village of Blarney.
Travel through the outskirts of Cork city to visit Cobh Heritage
Centre. See what travel was like under sail and steam and
the many hardships travelers had to endure. Continue along
the south coast to Waterford. Visit the Waterford Crystal
Factory to watch the creation of this lovely crystal and view
a wide range of tableware and special trophies. After dinner,
join a local guide for a stroll around the historic city center.
(B, D)
Day 6: Medieval Kilkenny & National
Stud
Drive north to Kilkenny and stop to look around the town.
In medieval times the town was a prosperous trading center
and the narrow streets still follow ancient routes. Travel
north to Kildare
and visit the Irish National Stud. Irish people love horses
and the stud will tell you about the valuable breeding industry.
See some of the magnificent horses before heading to the village
of Dunboyne, on the outskirts of Dublin. Check into Dunboyne
Castle Hotel and relax for a while before enjoying a farewell
dinner. (B, D)
Day 7: Return to U.S.
This morning take a group transfer from Dunboyne to Dublin
Airport where your tour concludes at 10:00 am. If you need
an earlier group transfer, your guide will arrange one. (B)
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