Depart for Ireland
Welcome to Dublin, one of the friendliest cities in Europe. Arrive and transfer to your hotel. As you drive to the hotel, see the city’s contrasting architecture, from modern glass to grand neoclassical facades and lovely views of the River Liffey. Rest of the day is at leisure to relax or explore this energetic city on your own. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers and Tour Manager at a Welcome Dinner
Overnight: Dublin
Meals: Dinner
Start the journey with a stop at the impressive gardens of Powerscourt Estate. The gardens stretch over 47 acres. View the beautiful blend of formal gardens, while enjoying the fragrant aromas. As you wander along the beautiful lanes, see the sweeping terraces, statues, ornamental lakes, and secret hollows all with breathtaking views over the Wicklow countryside. Then, on to the Irish National Stud Farm, where world-class thoroughbreds have been raised since 1946. Walk around the grounds to admire immaculate stallions, graceful mares, playful foals and learn about the dedicated breeding for royalty. Continue to the property’s serene century-old Japanese gardens, considered by many to be the finest in Europe. Travel to Waterford with its world-renowned crystal workshops
Overnight: Waterford
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Morning walking tour of the city of Waterford, often referred to as Ireland’s oldest city, and a place that can trace its beginnings all the way back to the arrival of the Vikings. Stand on the edge of the river looking over Merchants Quay and Waterford’s low-rise skyline with its impressive views of the city’s brightly colored 19th century buildings, church spires and towers. Then, travel west along the coast to Youghal and Cobh, where emigration from Ireland began during the 19th century famine — more than two million Irish left from here to begin a new life in America. This port was also the last stop for the infamous Titanic before its fateful maiden voyage ended tragically. On the return to Waterford, stop at the famous Jameson distillery for a tour and tasting. Tonight, dinner together in a local pub
Overnight: Waterford
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Morning visit to the Rock of Cashel, one of Ireland’s most spectacular archaeological sites – a collection of medieval church buildings and fortresses set on top of a limestone outcrop rising out of County Tipperary’s Golden Vale. This significant historical site was for 600 years the power-base of the kings of Munster. Many of the old church buildings still survive and a gentle trek to the top of the Rock offers wonderful views. Next, on to Molanna Farm, where lunch has been specially arranged just for you with a local family at their home. Your hosts have true local charm and you’ll be warmly welcomed with lively conversation about life on an Irish homestead, plus excellent home cooked food. Arrive in the charming and picturesque village of Adare with its pastel-hued storefronts and thatched-roof houses for overnight.The remainder of the day is at leisure in the lovely village of Adare. Perhaps take some time to shop for the village’s well-known woolens. This evening, a fun-filled authentic Medieval Banquet in a 15th century Irish Castle, complete with fine food, wine and a night of revelry, accompanied by live music, song and dance. It will truly be a fabulous evening to share with your fellow travelers
Overnight: Adare
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Medieval Banquet Dinner
Morning drive to the spectacular Dingle Peninsula with its breathtaking scenery and backdrop of several films. Continue on to arrive in Foynes town, which was the last port of call on Ireland’s western shore for seaplanes. As a result, Foynes would become one of the biggest civilian airports in Europe during World War II. Visit to the Flying Boat Museum, commemorating Ireland’s first international airport in the pioneering days of transatlantic aviation from the 1930s. In this old terminal building Irish coffee was created to warm the cold and wet passengers. You can try one! Tonight, dinner is at the hotel
Overnight: Adare
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, you’ll see some of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery on the drive to the Cliffs of Moher along the Atlantic coast of County Clare. At the southern end of the Cliffs stands Hags Head, a natural promontory that resembles a seated woman. Stop at the Visitors Center set into the hillside, with a 19th century viewing tower and pathways. The rock wall, which towers 700 feet over the crashing surf of the Atlantic, is surely one of the most stunning meetings of land and water you’re likely to ever see. Then, arrive in lively Galway, nestled on the sea, with its imposing cathedral and one of the fastest growing cities in Europe. Drive by the rugged landscape surrounding Connemara National Park, with its crumbling coastline and rolling hills to Westport in County Mayo for dinner and overnight
Overnight: Westport
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel along the Wild Atlantic Way to visit a working sheep farm and watch a sheep herding demonstration.* Then, it is on to the town of Sligo, with its renowned natural beauty, home to the young William Butler Yeats. We’ve specially arranged just for you a unique “Poetry Lunch” with a local family. Share the magnificent vistas over Lough Gill and the “Land of Hearts Desire” that inspired Yeats while listening to a recital of some of his early verses. Return to Westport for overnight and evening at leisure
*Jul 14 & Sep 1 departures, due to local events the sheepdog demonstration will not be available.
Overnight: Westport
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Depart Westport on the way to Carrick-on-Shannon, the quaint capital of Leitrim. Here, enjoy a relaxing cruise down the River Shannon, complete with fresh brewed tea and homemade Irish scones. Sit back and enjoy the Emerald Isle’s peaceful scenery on the drive to historic Dublin. Your introduction to this remarkable and storied city takes place in its oldest pub, the Brazen Head, dating back to 1198. Great Irish folklore and storytelling are on the menu, amidst candlelit splendor as you savor your Farewell Dinner in Dublin
Overnight: Dublin
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Your exploration of Dublin, immortalized by James Joyce, begins with a visit to Phoenix Park, the largest enclosed city park in Europe, over 1750 acres. This urban park is home to the official residence of the President and Dublin Zoo. Continue to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the largest church in Ireland, founded in 1191. Tradition has it that it was here that St. Patrick baptized converts on his visit to Dublin. As you travel on O’Connell Street, admire the handsome buildings that line the city’s main thoroughfare. Next, at Trinity College, see the 8th century Book of Kells, a superb example of early Irish manuscript illumination that is on display in the Old Library. After, visit famed Guinness Storehouse for a sampling of the brew. You can pull your own pint here in the Dublin tradition and browse the award-winning multimedia exhibits about Guinness — the city’s best-known export. Evening is at leisure in Dublin, with its fabulous restaurants, nightlife and friendly pubs on every corner
Overnight: Dublin
Meals: Breakfast
Bid a fond farewell to Ireland. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
