Celtic Tour of Ireland

Today we depart from the United States to Dublin. Enjoy superb in-flight service and meals on our flight across the Atlantic.

Arrive at Dublin’s airport. Meet your guide, board your private motor coach and transfer to your hotel. Check into your room and enjoy the afternoon at your own leisure. You may wish to explore some of the many attractions Dublin has to offer on your own.
Overnight – Dublin (B,D)

Irish breakfast in hotel. Your introduction to the fabulous city of Dublin begins with a morning sightseeing tour. Dublin evokes the names of George Bernard Shaw, Oscar Wilde, Jonathan Swift, James Joyce, and Brendan Behan. View landmark sites that include O’Connell Street lined with statues, the historic General Post Office, Dublin Castle, Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin’s elegant Georgian homes famous for their intricate glass-laced doorways and beautiful parks. Visit magnificent St. Patrick’s Cathedral where Jonathan Swift (author of Gulliver’s Travels) was once Dean. Continue to Trinity College, founded by Elizabeth I in 1592, which hosts Ireland’s most treasured scholastic manuscript, the 8th century Book of Kells, an early Christian manuscript of the Four Gospels. The afternoon is free to explore Dublin at your own leisure. Museums, shops and galleries are all within easy reach of your hotel.
Overnight – Dublin (B,D)

Irish Breakfast in hotel. This morning we journey south from Dublin into the beautiful hills of Wicklow to Glendalough, “Glen of the Two Lakes.” Set deep in a valley between two lakes, Glendalough is an ancient monastic settlement. Established by St. Kevin in the 6th century, most of the ruins and sites date from the 10th century and are remarkably well preserved. Enjoy a guided tour. The visitor center explains the history of this early Christian site which was an important center of learning and well-known throughout Europe. We continue to Waterford, a riverfront city of Viking origin, famous for its hand cut crystal.
Overnight – Waterford (B,D)

Irish Breakfast in hotel. Waterford’s fame comes from its unique hand-blown glass which is abundant in local shops. This morning we will see how the crystal is made when we visit the crystal factory and have an opportunity to purchase. After, we travel along the south coast via Youghal where Sir Walter Raleigh was once Mayor of Cobh. Tour the Cobh Heritage Centre which traces the history of Irish and European emigration from this port to the United States over the past century. Continue our drive to the famous 15th century Blarney Castle and have the opportunity of kissing the Blarney Stone, said to bestow the gift of eloquence on all who kiss it. Free time will be available to shop at Blarney Woollen Mills which offers a wide range of quality Irish merchandise. Travel through the farmlands of Cork and hilly countryside of Kerry to Killarney. A short rest stop along the way for optional tea and scones. In the evening, you may decide to visit one of Ireland’s legendary pubs in Killarney.
Overnight – Killarney (B,D)

Irish Breakfast in hotel. Early this morning, we travel around the Ring of Kerry. This popular drive takes you through some of Ireland’s most beautiful scenery around the Iveragh Peninsula. With meadows, mountains and moors as a backdrop, the beaches, coves, and coastal scenes are striking in their beauty. Travel MacGuillycuddy’s Reeks, with views over Dingle Bay and constantly changing views of mountains and shoreline. Drive through remote villages to picturesque village of Sneem, a village of colorful homes. Throughout the day, we will stop to enjoy the unspoiled views. End the day in Killarney town.
Overnight – Killarney (B,D)

Irish Breakfast in hotel. Today we depart Killarney and drive north to Limerick. Limerick is noted for its many Georgian houses and the huge King John’s Castle on the banks of the River Shannon. We arrive at the charming village of Bunratty with the medieval Bunratty Castle and its Folk Park. Bunratty Castle is the most complete and authentic medieval castle in Ireland. It is in a beautiful setting in the picturesque County Clare countryside. Built in 1425 by Sioda MacConmara, by 1500 it had become the stronghold of the O’Briens, Kings and later Earls of Thomond. Within the ground of Bunratty Castle is the Folk Park where Irish village life at the turn of the century is recreated. The Folk Park contains typical 19th century rural and urban dwellings. Bunratty is comprised of a collection of farmhouses from different regions of Ireland and a 19th century village street with a pub, school, general store, and many other buildings where traditional lifestyles and crafts are demonstrated. In the evening, join in the fun and feasting in Bunratty. We will experience a medieval style banquet which is served in the Great Hall of the 15th century castle during which the lords and ladies of the castle transport you, in spirit, to the Middle Ages with their songs and stories…Enjoy!
Overnight – Limerick (B,D)

Irish Breakfast in hotel. This morning we continue along the coast of Clare and arrive at the mighty Cliffs of Moher, another of Ireland’s geological wonders, which surge almost vertically from the sea to a height of 450 feet along 5 miles of coastline. Paths lead across the grassy summits of the Cliffs, with views of the Aran Islands, Galway Bay and the mountains of Connemara. Our route then takes us through the mystical region of the Burren, a fascinating and awesome stretch of land exposed by some quirk of geology. Huge pavements of grey limestone dotted with massive boulders stretch as far as the eye can see. The Burren was well settled in the Stone Age and Bronze Age, long before the Celts arrived in Ireland. It has 70 ancient tombs, one of the most striking of which is the 4500-year-old Poulnabrone Dolmen. We reach Galway City with its quaint winding streets and medieval houses. We view the large modern Cathedral set on the island, the Spanish Arch, formerly a 16th century bastion, and Lynch’s Castle which was a prosperous merchant’s house dating from the 13th century – now housing a bank. In the afternoon, enjoy some free time to shop on your own in Eyre Square. Most of the shops are within easy reach and there are many quaint pubs where Irish traditional music is played.
Overnight – Limerick (B,D)

Irish Breakfast in hotel. Today we drive to Cashel. Stop to visit the Rock of Cashel, an impressive collection of ecclesiastical ruins dating from the 12th and 13th centuries perched high on a limestone outcrop. Drive through the prosperous farming center of Ireland via the towns of Portlaoise and Kildare. If time permits, we will stop in the countryside for optional tea and scones. Continue to metropolitan Dublin. In the evening, we will have our special Farewell dinner…Enjoy!
Overnight – Dublin (B,D)