Southern Tour 10 Night

Arrive Shannon Airport and meet with your driver/guide who will transfer you to see one of Ireland’s natural wonders – the Cliffs of Moher. The cliffs rise to over 700 feet along an 8 kilometer stretch of the Clare/Atlantic coastline. Then travel to one of Ireland’s prettiest villages, Adare. Here you can marvel at the thatched roofed cottages which are now mainly craft shops and restaurants and view the priories in this small town. After lunch (not included) travel to Killarney, one of Ireland’s most popular towns, arriving in time to sample the many pubs and restaurants after you have checked into your hotel. Overnight Killarney BB

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 and the Skellig Experience. Continue through the remote villages of Cahirciveen and Waterville. 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. Overnight Killarney BB

After breakfast visit Blarney Castle where the famous Blarney Stone will be found. For those brave enough climb the ramparts of the castle and kiss the stone which is said to grant the gift of eloquence. Then travel to Cobh Heritage Centre where thousands of emigrants departed for a better life during the famine years and which was the last port of call of the Titanic. After the visit take the short journey to the Old Midleton Distillery and learn how the world famous Jameson's whiskey is distilled and of course sample the golden nectre. Overnight Killarney BB

Check out of your hotel after breakfast and travel northwards stopping first at Foynes Flying Boat Museum, the major European entry point for the transatlantic flights between 1937 & 1945. It was also the place where Irish coffee was invented. Then travel into County Clare and the karst like landscape of the Burren and finally onwards to Galway. Overnight Galway BB

Take a drive around the stunning Connemara region today with its unspoilt scenery. Along the way visit Kylemore Abbey with its lovely walled gardens and Connemara Celtic Crystal. Travel to Cong, where the film The Quiet Man (John Wayne, Maureen O’Hara, and Barry Fitzgerald) was filmed. Return to Galway where the remainder of the day is free to explore this vibrant city. The Quays area in the city is home to a number of lively music pubs, including the popular Quays Bar, and great choice of restaurants. Overnight Galway BB

After breakfast travel to Knock, where on the 21st August 1879, Our Lady, St. Joseph and St. John the Evangelist appeared at the south gable of Knock Parish Church. The tour will take you through the beautifully landscaped Knock Shrine grounds visiting all places of interest including the Apparition Chapel and original Gable Wall, Papal Cross, Basilica, and Chapel of Reconciliation and the Knock Museum. After the visit, travel to the Museum of Country Life, home to the national collection of objects representing the traditional way of life in Ireland since 1850. Return to Galway where the remainder of the day will be free to explore this vibrant city. Overnight Galway BB

Check out of your hotel and travel the short journey to Rathbaun Farm, a 200 year old working farm owned by the descendants of the original owners. Here you will see a demonstration of sheep herding and sheering and enjoy home baked refreshments. Onwards then to one of Ireland’s most complete castles, Bunratty Castle, resplendent with authentic furnishings. In the grounds of the castle is a recreated 19th century village complete with cottages, shops and the mandatory pub. Check into your hotel and after freshening up, return to for your farewell Bunratty Medieval Banquet. Overnight Bunratty or Limerick BB

After your final Irish breakfast depart the hotel for Shannon airport arriving in time to complete check-in formalities and that last minute duty free shopping.