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Day 1: Depart U.S. for
Shannon
Welcome aboard your overnight flight to Shannon. Relax with
inflight entertainment and meal service.
Day 2: Shannonside &
Medieval Feast
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 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, which is located close to your hotel.
Join your fellow travelers for a welcome drink before heading
to the 15th century Bunratty or Knappogue Castle for a medieval-style
meal and entertainment. (D)
Day 3: Cliffs of Moher
& Killarney
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 travel through Listowel and Castleisland
to Killarney. This little town is world-famous due to its
exquisite location beside lakes and mountains. After checking
into your hotel, head out to view some of the scenery. Take
a horse-drawn jaunting car ride through the grounds of Killarney
National Park to Muckross House & Gardens. Tour the house
with a local guide to learn about its history and lifestyle
of previous owners and perhaps stroll through the gardens
that are laid out on the shores of Muckross Lake. (B, D)
Day 4: Ring of Kerry
Tour
Embark on Ireland’s most popular scenic drive - the
Ring of Kerry. This circular tour will reveal
constantly-changing vistas of mountains, open Atlantic Ocean,
beaches and cliffs. Drive through the remote towns of Cahirciveen
and Waterville and return through the colorful village of
Sneem. Enjoy plenty of breaks to admire the natural beauty
all along the way. At Moll’s Gap, stop to view the three
lakes with the mountains and town in the background. Return
to Killarney and enjoy some free time to look around the town
before dinner. After dinner you may like to visit some of
the many pubs that offer live entertainment. (B, D)
Day 5: Blarney Castle
& Cobh Heritage Centre
Depart Killarney and drive through Macroom to Blarney. Walk
through the grounds and climb the steps of fabled Blarney
Castle to kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence.”
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 the early sailing ships and
steam vessels. Follow the coastal route and stop near Youghal
for tea and scones at a dairy farm before driving to Waterford
for dinner and overnight stay. This evening a local guide
will take you for a brief walk of this old city. (B, D)
Day 6: Waterford Crystal
& Merry Ploughboy Pub
Visit the Waterford Crystal Factory to see the cutting and
polishing of this fine product and
also the excellent display of trophies and stemware in the
showrooms. Head north to Kilkenny with its intriguing medieval
streets and buildings and stop to stroll through the narrow
streets or view the massive castle from its rose gardens.
gardens. Drive to Dun Laoghaire, on the south side of Dublin,
and check into your hotel. In the evening drive to the Merry
Ploughboy Pub for a great dinner of Irish specialties, which
is followed by a lively show of traditional Irish songs and
intricate step-dancing. (B, D)
Day 7: Book of Kells
& Jameson Whiskey
This morning tour Dublin city center to see the prominent
public buildings, elegant Georgian townhouses and peaceful
gardens. Note the contrasts between centuries-old historic
places and modern streets, which pulse with activity. Visit
Trinity College’s Old Library to view the early illuminated
manuscript of the Book of Kells and learn about its creation.
Then tour the Old Jameson Distillery, where you can see the
many steps needed to create Irish whiskey and sample some.
The afternoon and evening are free for you to browse, shop,
sightsee and dine on your own. (B)
Day 8: Depart Dublin or National Stud
& Japanese Gardens
For those on our 8-day vacation, your tour ends today with a
group coach transfer to Dublin Airport. Lucky passengers on
the 9-day program will leave Dublin and journey to Kildare for
a guided tour around the Irish National Stud & Japanese
Gardens. Learn about Ireland’s love of horses and horse
breeding techniques and see some of the magnificent animals.
Take a tour around the Japanese Gardens, considered to be the
finest such gardens in Europe. Continue to your hotel in Bunratty
where you will have leisure time to shop or relax in Durty Nelly’s
Pub. In the evening head to the Corn Barn in the Bunratty Folk
Park for a cozy dinner with traditional Irish entertainment.
You may choose to upgrade in order to experience dinner and
an overnight stay in nearby Dromoland Castle. (B, D)
Day 9: Back to the USA
from Shannon
Complimentary group transfers are provided to Shannon Airport
to arrive at 6:00 am, 9:00 am
or 12:00 noon. After check-in, you’ll have time to shop
at the duty-free stores before U.S.
Immigration pre-clearance and boarding your flight for the
journey home. (B)
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Ireland
Vacations Information:
