The Pulse of Ireland Group Tour
From €995 per person land only
Day 1 - Fri: Depart U.S. for Shannon
Take your flight into Shannon Airport on Ireland's Mid west region.
Day 2 - Sat: Shannonside & Medieval Feast
Land at Shannon Airport, pass through immigration and pick up your luggage. Locate the Arrivals Hall where our staff will arrange a group transfer to your nearby hotel. Complimentary transfers are 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. 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 - Sun: 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. Drive by the Killarney National Park to Muckross House and Gardens, set on the idyllic shores of Muckross Lake. Tour the house with a local guide to learn about the history and lifestyles of previous owners and perhaps stroll through the gardens on the shores of Muckross Lake. (B, D)
Day 4 - Mon: 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. Stop at the Gap Of Dunloe to view the Essence of Kerry, an audio visual show to highlight the region. As you travel, enjoy plenty of breaks to admire the natural beauty all along the way. Drive through the remote towns of Cahirciveen and Waterville, where Charlie Chaplin loved to vacation. Return through the colorful village of Sneem and stop at Moll's Gap to view the three lakes with the mountains and town in the background. Back in Killarney enjoy free time to look around the town before dinner. (B, D)
Day 5 - Tue: Blarney & Cobh Heritage Centre
Depart Killarney and drive through Macroom to Blarney. Stop at the Blarney Woollen Mills for quality Irish-made goods. If you feel energetic you may climb the steps of Blarney Castle to kiss the fabled "Stone of Eloquence" on your own. 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 early sailing ships and steam vessels. Follow the coastal route via the town of Youghal to Waterford for dinner and an overnight stay. This evening a local historian will give you a talk on Waterford's Viking and medieval past. (B, D)
Day 6 - Wed: 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. Stop for a stroll through the narrow streets and view the massive castle from its rose gardens. Continue to your hotel, an elegant Victorian mansion, which overlooks Dublin Bay and Dun Laoghaire Harbour. 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 - Thu: Dublin Tour & Book of Kells
Relax on a half-day guided tour of Dublin, founded by Vikings over 1,000 years ago. See elegant Georgian squares with townhouses and their famous colorful doors, pass the lush vegetation of St. Stephen's Green, cross the River Liffey to drive along the wide thoroughfare of O'Connell Street and pass the General Post Office where the 1916 Rebellion started. Visit Trinity College's Old Library to view the early illuminated manuscript of the Book of Kells and learn about its creation. The afternoon and evening are free for you to browse, shop, sightsee and dine on your own. Use your independent bus tour voucher if you wish. (B)
Day 8 - Fri: Depart for home or Clonmacnoise & Galway Bay
For those on the 8-day tour your vacation ends today with a group transfer to Dublin Airport. Lucky passengers on the 9-day tour 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 and check into your hotel before heading out to take a look around Galway city and get a taste for the scenic Connemara region. Travel along the shores of Galway Bay to the traditional village of Spiddal. After stopping to admire views of Galway Bay and the Aran Islands, return to Galway. (B, D)
Day 9 - Sat: Back to the U.S. from Shannon
Bid farewell to Galway and take a group transfer to Shannon Airport where your tour concludes at 10:30 am. Check in for your flight in good time and you may like to shop at the duty-free stores. If you need to arrive at Shannon Airport before 10:30 am, your tour director will coordinate an early group transfer once you are on tour. When booking your flights home, it is important to remember that Galway is 60 miles from Shannon and the drive takes 1½ hours so do not spoil your last night in Ireland by booking too early a flight. (B)
B=Breakfast, CB=Continental Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner