8 Night Viking Tour of Ireland

This tour is designed for groups of 15 or more passengers.

Arrive Dublin Airport and meet with your experienced Irish driver/guide. All of the drivers we use are qualified guides and have great personalities that really will make your trip unforgettable. Enjoy the stunning scenery on your way to the ancient monastic settlement at Glendalough that was founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. The Glendalough Valley is located in the Wicklow Mountains National Park and is renowned for its Monastic Site with Round Tower, to its scenic lakes and valleys. There will be no doubt as to why Wicklow is known as The Garden of Ireland once visited. Onwards to the medieval city of Kilkenny where you can explore its ancient laneways, wonder at the majestic halls of Kilkenny Castle or experience the glory of 13th century Canice's Cathedral. Overnight Kilkenny DBB

After breakfast, head to Cashel, home of the world famous St. Patrick's Rock, which rises high above the surrounding plain. From this ancient & historic site, travel onwards to Cobh Heritage Centre from where hundreds of thousands of mostly hungry and penniless Irish men and women left to build a new life, especially in the famine years of 1844-48. Cobh was also the last port of call for the Titanic on its fateful final voyage. Onwards to Blarney Castle, where you can climb the ramparts and kiss the fabled stone. Legend has it that those that kiss the stone will be granted the gift of eloquence. There will be time to visit Blarney Woollen Mills, renowned for their quality Irish merchandise, or take a walk around the charming village green. Finally, head to your hotel in Killarney. Overnight Killarney DBB

Today you will discover the wonderful scenery of Killarney as you drive around the famous Ring of Kerry. The road winds between the Macgillycuddy's Reeks, Ireland's highest mountains, and the varied Atlantic coast. You will be amazed at the breathtaking views and you will stop for photos at the most dramatic scenes. Continue through the remote villages of Cahirciveen and Waterville and visit the Skellig Experience. On the return, pass through the colorful village of Sneem and pause at Moll's Gap to view the Three Lakes of Killarney. Stop for a stroll through the splendid Muckross Gardens on the shores of Muckross Lake. Celebrate Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral at 6.15 pm before dinner in your hotel. Overnight Killarney DBB

After an early breakfast, check out of your hotel this morning and head into County Limerick via Adare, known as Ireland’s prettiest village. This picturesque village is lined with thatch roofed cottages and has an abbey, priory and castle. Onwards to Bunratty Castle for a brief stop for refreshments and then travel north through the county town of Ennis to visit the spectacular Cliffs of Moher. Continue north along the coast into the unique landscape of The Burren, an area composed of limestone hills that is home to many rare flowers as well as the Polnabrone Portal Tomb and the Aillwee Caves, Ireland’s largest cave complex. Travel on into County Galway to Galway City. Overnight Galway. DBB

Following breakfast take the ferry to Inis Mor, the largest of the Aran Islands. The rugged, natural beauty along with thatch roofed stone cottages that dot the islands provide a splendid example of Celtic and early Christian heritage and gives one the impression that they have just traveled back in time. The forts, churches and monasteries will leave you in bewildered awe at how people lived on this rock infested island. The islanders still speak their native language but will have no problem in communicating in English. Return to hotel in time for dinner. Overnight Galway DBB

Head north to visit the pilgrimage town of Knock, one of the world's leading shrines. Celebrate Mass at 11.00 am followed by a guided tour which will include the Apparition Chapel and original Gable Wall, Papal Cross, Basilica, and Chapel of Reconciliation. Travel through County Sligo and stop to view W. B. Yeats' Grave in Drumcliffe Churchyard, in the shadow of Ben Bulben Mountain. Follow the shoreline of Donegal Bay and continue your journey through Donegal town and past the lovely Blue Stack Mountains to Derry. On arrival in Derry take a brief drive around the city, including the Bogside area, before meeting a local guide for a walking tour of the medieval walls, which date from 1613 AD and encircle the old city center. Overnight Derry DBB

This morning we depart for one of Europe’s most magnificent coastlines where its unique rock formations have, for millions of years, stood as a natural rampart against the unbridled ferocity of Atlantic storms – The Giant's Causeway. Included on the World Heritage site list since 1986, The Giants Causeway is a prime example of earth’s evolutionary history and contains rare and superlative natural phenomena. It lies at the foot of the basalt cliffs along the sea coast on the edge of the Antrim plateau. Geological studies show that this striking landscape was caused by volcanic activity some 50–60 million years ago. It is made up of some 40,000 massive black basalt columns sticking out of the sea. The dramatic sight has inspired legends of giants striding over the sea to Scotland. Drive along the scenic "Nine Glens of Antrim" and tour Belfast to see Victorian buildings and where the Titanic was built. Continue to Armagh, arriving in time for dinner. Overnight Armagh DBB

After breakfast make our way to the Cathedral of St. Patrick to attend Mass at 09.30am. After mass, take a guided tour of the Cathedral before starting our journey southwards towards Dublin, which will include a tour of The Boyne Valley. Discover the historic and archaeological treasures of the Boyne Valley, visiting the ancient Celtic site of the Hill of Tara, Trim and Kells Heritage Towns. Trim’s 12th Century Castle featured in the film Braveheart and Kells is famous for its 8th Century monastic settlement, Book of Kells and Celtic High Crosses. You will also visit the Megalithic tombs at Newgrange or Knowth before arriving in Dublin in time for dinner. Overnight Dublin DBB

After breakfast meet with your Dublin city guide who will take you on a half day tour of Ireland’s capital city. Sights will include Trinity College Library which houses the famous Book of Kells, Christ Church Cathedral and Guinness Storehouse to name but a few. The tour will terminate at Christ Church Cathedral. The remainder of the day is free for additional sightseeing or shopping. A farewell dinner will be the perfect end to your tour. Enjoy a typical four course Irish dinner, including Irish coffee, followed by an evening of traditional Irish music, song and dance. Overnight Dublin BB

Transfer to Dublin Airport in time to check in for your flight home and that last minute duty free shopping.