A superb tour based on the first 7 nights of the very popular Irish Tradition 10 night tour. Irish Interlude gets off to a lively start with a traditional 'ceili' in the Bunratty Folk Park and winds up with a fun night at The Abbey Tavern in Dublin. In between there is ample time to relax as you are chauffeured around some of Ireland's more unspoilt regions, such as Connemara, Sligo and Donegal.

Your Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Sat: Depart U.S. for Shannon
Travel to Shannon on an overnight flight to start your vacation. Relax with inflight meals and entertainment.

Day 2 – Sun: Arrival & Bunratty Banquet
Land at Shannon Airport and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon relax or explore the Bunratty Folk Park or Durty Nelly’s Pub. Sip a get-together drink before heading to Bunratty Castle for a musical feast. (D)

Day 3 – Mon: Cliffs of Moher & Galway
View the Cliffs of Moher, a five-mile wall of limestone rising above the foaming Atlantic breakers.
Drive through the Burren and around Galway Bay to Galway. Take a brief tour of Galway Cathedral and the Spanish Arch before checking into your city center hotel. Enjoy some free time before dinner. (B, D)

Day 4 – Tue: Connemara & “Quiet Man”
Drive to Cong, a charming village where “The Quiet Man” was filmed in 1952. A short walking
tour will show you locations featured in the movie. Travel through Connemara, a region of misty hills and shimmering lakes. In Moycullen, visit the Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory. (B, D)

Day 5 – Wed: Knock Shrine & Belleek
Drive to Knock Shrine to see where locals saw an apparition of the Virgin Mary in 1879. Cross into
County Sligo and stop at the grave of W. B. Yeats. Continue to Belleek for a tour of the Belleek
Pottery Factory. Watch skilled craftspeople create intricate designs in delicate china. (B, D)

Day 6 – Thu: Donegal & Glenveagh Castle
Travel the scenic Grand Atlantic Drive and tour Glenveagh Castle, a granite castle built in 1870
and surrounded by extensive gardens. Return to Stranorlar in ample time for dinner. (B, D)

Day 7 – Fri: Derry & Ballygally Castle
Take a walking tour around Derry’s medieval city walls. Visit the Giant’s Causeway, huge columns
formed by volcanic activity over 60 million years ago. Travel along the “Nine Glens of Antrim” and check into Ballygally Castle. (B, D)

Day 8 – Sat: Belfast & St. Patrick’s Grave
Tour central Belfast with a local guide. Visit the St. Patrick Centre to learn about Ireland’s Patron
Saint and view his reputed grave. Travel south to Dublin and check into your deluxe hotel. (B)

Day 9 – Sun: Dublin Castle & Abbey Tavern
Tour Dublin this morning and visit Dublin Castle, setting for many historic events. At the Guinness
Storehouse learn about the famous dark brew and try a pint in the rooftop bar. Dine at the Abbey Tavern with a lively musical show. (B, D)

Day 10 – Mon: Return to U.S.
Complimentary group transfers are provided to Dublin Airport to arrive at 6:00 am, 9:00 am
or 12:00 noon. (B)