Literary Tour of Ireland (8 Night)

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. Travel into Ireland’s capital city and visit Trinity College which houses the famous Book of Kells, transcribed by 9th century monks. Continue on to a more modern attraction, The Guinness Storehouse, which tells the 250 year story of one of Ireland’s greatest exports. At the end of the tour, sample a pint of “The Black Stuff” whilst enjoying 360 degree panoramic views of the city from the Gravity Bar. After checking into your hotel, the remainder of the afternoon is free for individual sightseeing. In the evening, why not enjoy dinner at one of Dublin’s superb restaurants followed by an evening’s entertainment at one of the lively pubs. Overnight Dublin BB

Depart Dublin after breakfast heading south into County Wicklow, known as the Garden of Ireland. 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 and its scenic lakes and valleys. Travel via New Ross visiting the Dunbrody Famine Ship, a full scale replica of the 19th Century historic sailing vessel which carried thousands of emigrants to North America and Canada over a 30 year period. Continue on to Waterford, stopping at the recently opened (June 2010) Waterford Crystal Visitors Centre before checking in to your hotel in the city. Overnight Waterford DBB

Travel via Youghal, one of the Irish Riviera resorts, to the Heritage town of Cobh. Between 1848 and 1950, over six million adults & children emigrated from Ireland – over 2.6 million from Cobh. Cobh was the last port of call for the ill fated Titanic and the final resting place of many of the victims of the Lusitania sinking in 1915.The Cobh Heritage Centre tells all these stories in an imaginative way. Continue on to the Old Midleton Distillery where you can see the largest pot still in the world, prior to sampling the world renowned Jameson Irish Whiskey. Onwards to Blarney Castle famous for its “stone of eloquence”, which legend says will bestow the “gift of the gab” on all who kiss it. There will be time to visit Blarney Woolen Mills which displays & sells quality Irish made goods. Onwards to Killarney via the old market town of Macroom. 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. On the return, pass through the colourful 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. Enjoy some free time in Killarney before dinner in your hotel. Overnight Killarney DBB

After breakfast, travel to the Dingle Peninsula and see some of the glorious scenery for which this region is renowned and made famous by such movies as "Ryan's Daughter" and "Far & Away." See the long, sandy stretches of Inch Strand and admire views across the bay to the Iveragh Peninsula. Make a brief stop in the charming town of Dingle before continuing to the westernmost tip of the peninsula and visit the Blasket Centre which tells the story of the Blasket Islands, whose last inhabitants left in 1953. See beehive huts where early Christian monks lived and visit Gallarus Oratory, dating from the 8th century.

It was built without mortar using vaulting techniques developed by Neolithic tomb-makers. Head to Limerick via one of Ireland’s prettiest villages Adare, with its thatch roofed cottages and ancient church, abbey & priory. After checking in to your hotel, take the short journey to Bunratty Castle and enjoy the Bunratty Medieval Banquet. Overnight Limerick. BB

Today, we start our journey back to Dublin, stopping at the Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens. Established in 1946, the Irish National Stud combines an active role in the development and promotion of Irish bloodstock with its role as one of the country's major tourist attractions and it is the only Stud farm in Ireland open to the public. Having celebrated its centenary year in 2010, The Japanese Gardens are recognised as the finest of its kind in Europe and along with Saint Fiachra's Garden, also here, are not to be missed. Onwards to your hotel in Dublin and after checking in, the afternoon is free to explore the sights and shops of this vibrant city. In the evening, you may wish to take in one of the many shows on at the time or just enjoy a relaxing dinner at one of Dublin’s superb restaurants. Overnight Dublin. BB

Today, discover the historic and archeological treasures of the Boyne Valley, first visiting the ancient Celtic site of the Hill of Tara, then 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. The 5000 years old Megalithic tombs at Newgrange will also be visited. Return to Dublin via Beaulieu House, Garden and Car Museum arriving at your hotel in time to freshen up before your farewell dinner at the Abbey Tavern. Enjoy a typical Irish 4 course meal, including an Irish coffee, followed by traditional Irish music & dance. Overnight Dublin BB

After a hearty Irish breakfast, depart your Hotel for Dublin Airport to arrive in plenty of time for your return flight home.

BB = Bed & Irish Breakfast DBB = Dinner, Bed & Irish Breakfast