An in-depth encounter with the Best of Ireland awaits, from spectacular sights like the Cliffs of Moher and Ring of Kerry to the past and present showcased in Dublin, Galway and pretty Adare. You’ll learn all about Irish famine history, former kings and how to embrace the craic.
|
GUIDED VACATION
10 days • 15 meals • 12 highlights |
Your Itinerary
|
DAY 1
Welcome to Ireland Write your own lively tale of legends and iconic landscapes during this epic encounter with Ireland's treasures. We begin our journey in the whimsical capital of Dublin, joining a Local Specialist to see the sights. Irish history takes center stage this evening as we visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, one of the few buildings of medieval Dublin still left standing, for a Welcome Reception with your fellow travelers and Travel Director. You’ll get a taste for the centuries of history you’re about to explore first-hand, learning how the very place you’re standing in has played an integral role in Ireland’s history for over eight centuries and how its most prominent office holder was none other than Jonathan Swift, the famous author. Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn/Clayton Ballsbridgee Meals: Welcome Reception Highlights: Dublin DAY 2
Through the Scenic County Wicklow to Waterford Journey through the scenic countryside of County Wicklow, 'The Garden of Ireland', and on to New Ross – the ancestral home town of John F. Kennedy. Dive Into Culture and gain insights into the plight of the starving Irish emigrants who boarded the Dunbrody Famine Ship to flee the potato famine. We continue to Waterford, where we'll stay overnight. This afternoon, we celebrate the centuries-old craft of flint glass creations, as we Dive Into Culture at the House of Waterford Crystal and witness talented master craftsmen at work. Hotel: Fitzwilton/Dooley's Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Highlights: New Ross, Waterford DAY 3
Journey to Blarney and on to Killarney Today, we travel through County Cork and pursue the 'gift of the gab' at Blarney Castle, where you'll have a chance to kiss the famous stone. Arrive in Killarney for a two-night stay. Hotel: Killarney Towers/Hotel Killarney Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Highlights: Killarney DAY 4
A Day on the Ring of Kerry Ireland's soul-stirring Ring of Kerry takes center stage today as we embark on a scenic drive past its mountains, lakes and lush green countryside – unquestionably one of the most scenic routes in Ireland. We'll see Daniel O'Connell's Cahirciveen, the fishing village of Waterville, Moll's Gap and the Black Valley, whose remoteness saw it become the last area in Ireland to receive electricity. Meals: Breakfast DAY 5
Onwards to Lively Limerick We continue through the windswept countryside, arriving in Adare, one of the prettiest villages in Ireland. On arrival in Limerick, where we’ll enjoy views of St. Mary's Cathedral, the Treaty Stone and the 13th-century King John's Castle during an orientation tour. Delve into an Ireland of old, as you discover the day-to-day life of the Irish during the 18th and 19th centuries on your included visit to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park this afternoon. Hotel: Great National South Court/Greenhills Meals: Breakfast Highlights: Adare, Limerick DAY 6
Admire the Cliffs of Moher and Onwards to Galway The sheer Cliffs of Moher plunge dramatically into the Atlantic Ocean, providing endless ocean views and wonderful photographic opportunities during your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at this UNESCO-listed highlight along the Wild Atlantic Way. You’ll be enchanted by its irresistible landscapes, but more so the interactive visitor center which will bring the whole experience to life from the perspective of the resident wildlife that find sanctuary here. Later, we arrive in Galway with some time at leisure to see its beautiful stone Cathedral or stroll through Eyre Square. Hotel: Connacht Meals: Breakfast Highlights: Galway DAY 7
A Day Exploring Stunning Connemara Connemara's 'savage beauty' is yours to explore today as we tread in the footsteps of Oscar Wilde who described its 'wild and mountainous splendor' as magnificent. Admire the views on the scenic drive to Kylemore Abbey, now a Benedictine monastery, where we will embark on an included visit to the country's most romantic castle and walk through its exquisite Victorian Walled Garden. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner DAY 8
A Pilgrimage to Knock and on to Sligo Our journey takes us to Westport House where we'll Connect With Locals and indulge in a memorable Be My Guest experience with tales of the Pirate Queen, and enjoy Banoffee and Baileys flavors in the Drawing Room of this stately 18th-century home. Heading north, we stop in the pilgrimage town of Knock to view the Marian Shrine where villagers witnessed an apparition of Our Lady in 1879. We arrive in Sligo this evening, our home for the night. Hotel: Clayton Meals: Breakfast, Be My Guest Highlights: Westport, Knock, Sligo DAY 9
Return to Lively Dublin Our journey continues south to Dublin. Here we’ll enjoy some free time to take a walk down Grafton Street or stroll along the Liffey. This evening, we close the chapter on an epic journey through Ireland, joining our fellow travelers for a memorable Farewell Dinner. Hotel: Clayton Dublin Airport Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner Highlights: Dublin DAY 10
Farewell Ireland After a hearty Irish breakfast, we bid our Travel Director and fellow travelers a fond farewell as our Irish holiday comes to an end. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers . Meals: Breakfast |
Cruise Planners:
Best of Ireland July 07, 2023 
Learn more about:
Our Wellbeing Protocols
We want you to feel confident that you have made the right choice in the knowledge that we have put numerous new measures in place to elevate our hygiene standards and protocols. Learn more > Our Book with Confidence Policy
Taking you personally is what we do and that’s why we’ve temporarily made our cancellation policy even more flexible. Learn more > Traveling Stress-Free
Even in these uncertain times, we give you the assurance that you can still travel and explore Ireland and Scotland with Confidence. From dreaming, to planning, to booking, we're with you every step of the way. Learn more > |
|
|
From $2,925 per person
land only, double occupancy 5% Group Discount will be applied Single and Past Guest rates are subject to availability. For more information, contact Carmen Palogruto, ACC, CTC 813-317-3332 c.palogruto@cruiseplanners.com www.TravelWithCarmen.com |