A Week in Ireland

Upon arrival, clear customs and immigration and then be met by your escort and transferred to your hotel. Tucked away to the west of mainland Europe, Dublin is probably one of the world's best-kept secrets. Medieval and Georgian architecture provides a stern backdrop to the bustling and lively streets filled with street entertainers of all kinds. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the distinct smell of hops from the nearby Guinness brewery drawing visitors indoors. Welcome dinner in the evening.

This morning after your included Irish breakfast you will depart Limerick and begin your journey to Killarney. Your route is via the mighty Cliffs of Moher. Rising to almost 700 feet above the ocean and stretching for 5 miles, the Cliffs offer sweeping views of the Atlantic, the Aran Islands, and Galway Bay.

You then stop to visit the 15th century Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. Explore the Castles chambers, climb the spiral stairs to the Castle battlements & imagine yourself in medieval Ireland. The Castle itself, built in 1425, is a very fine restoration, with plenty of tapestries and beautiful furniture, some dating as far back as the building. The Folk Park reconstructs early 19th century village life with costumed guides and demonstrations of traditional skills.

You board your coach again and travel south through the charming and Old World village of Adare, with its thatched cottages and gentle ruins; the market towns of Newcastle West, Abbeyfeale and Castleisland, arriving in Killarney in the late afternoon. This evening enjoy dinner in a local pub with entertainment.

This morning, after breakfast, depart on a tour of the rugged Dingle Peninsula. A land of blue gold hills and sandy beaches, of glorious waterfalls, hidden bays, wondrous rock formations, caves and arches, busy harbors and wayside pubs. A land dappled with heather, primroses, bluebells, foxgloves and smiling faces to welcome you.

Today, after breakfast you depart for Dublin, Ireland's Capital City. Your first stop is nearby Blarney village where the famous Castle is located. Here you can opt to visit the castle and kiss the Blarney Stone, said to bestow the gift of eloquence on all those who participate in this ancient custom. Enjoy time for shopping at the Blarney Woolen Mills, where a wide selection of Irish handmade goods awaits you.

Then continue on to the town of Cashel where you will stop to visit the mighty Rock which dominates the countryside for miles. This was the ancient seat of the High Kings of Munster and you shall stop here to see and walk upon the old and hallowed ground. Continue on through the County of Laois and over the plains of Kildare, arriving in Dublin in the late afternoon and enjoy some time on your own to discover this charming city.

This morning after breakfast you will first enjoy a sightseeing tour of Dublin's fair city, which though modern and cosmopolitan, still retains the grace and atmosphere of the eighteenth century through its Georgian squares and terraces. On your tour you will visit Trinity College and its library, home to the Book of Kells, the Book of Durrow and one of the finest collections of manuscripts and early printed books in Ireland. You will also visit St. Patrick's Cathedral, founded in 1190, with its memories of Jonathon Swift, Handle, King William and many more; Christchurch Cathedral and O'Connell Street, reputed to be one of the widest main streets in Europe and the Bank of Ireland, formerly the Irish House of Parliament. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

This afternoon you will visit Guinness Brewery and Jameson Distillery. Our first stop will be in St James' Gate at the Guinness Brewery. This award winning museum is fascinating, tracing the Guinness history from beginning to present state. Wander through this interactive wonderland, the museum is actually designed to give you the impression of walking up an enormous Guinness glass. The climax is when you reach the top where the Guinness Roof Top Bar is situated. The bar is completely constructed from glass giving you a spectacular unparalleled view of the city where you can savor your complimentary Guinness Pint.

Continue on to Smithfield Village in the heart of Old Dublin and a visit to the Old Jameson Distillery. Irish whiskey can trace its history back to the 6th century. You can follow the fascinating craft of whiskey making through the different stages from grain intake to malting, mashing, fermentation, distillation, maturation and bottling. At the conclusion of your tour you can sample a wee dram in the Jameson Discovery Bar. Tonight you travel to the Abbey Tavern in the small fishing village of Howth, located just north of the city on Dublin Bay. It has an old-world decor of warming turf fires, stone walls, flagstone floors and gaslights. After a delectable dinner of locally caught seafood or traditional Irish fare, enjoy a rollicking evening of Irish ballads presented by the famed Abbey Tavern Singers.

After breakfast, you bid farewell to Dublin as you board your coach for transfer to Dublin Airport and your flight home.