Best of Ireland 2009
Day 1 - Depart USA Overnight flight to Dublin.
Day 2 - Arrive Dublin Welcome to Ireland and Dublin! After check-in the afternoon is free to relax and unwind. This evening we enjoy a Welcome Drink with our Tour Director and fellow travelling companions.
Day 3 - Dublin — Kildare — Waterford After breakfast we make our way to Kildare to the Irish National Stud, where we will enjoy a walking tour to see some of the finest stallions in the world. We will also have time to visit the Japanese Garden. We continue to Kilkenny where we view the medieval city dominated by its Norman Castle and ancient cathedral. Finally on to Waterford. (Full breakfast / Dinner)
Day 4 - Waterford — Kenmare Bay (Kerry) (2 nights) This morning we visit the Waterford Crystal Factory and our Tour Director tells us that a Hidden Treasure will be revealed to us today! On to Cork and Blarney Castle where we kiss the stone and aquire the "gift of the gab". We travel across the Derrynasaggaret mountains along the picturesque Loo Valley to the pretty town of Kenmare. (Full breakfast / Dinner)
Day 5 - Ring of Kerry Excursion Enjoy a full day of spectacular scenery through plunging cliffs and lakes, granite mountains and jagged coastlines as we tour the Ring of Kerry. Our route passes Killorglin (of Puck Fair fame), Daniel O'Connell's Cahirciveen, Waterville and Moll's Gap in the Black Mountains before returning to our hotel at Kenmare Bay. (Full breakfast)
Day 6 - Kenmare Bay — Limerick This morning we drive through the Glanaruderry Mountains and into County Limerick. We pause a while in Adare — with its thatched cottages, it is one of the prettiest villages in Ireland. Then on to the mouth of the River Shannon and to Limerick, where on arrival an orientation tour shows us St. Mary's Cathedral, King John's Castle and the Treaty Stone. Then we visit the Bunratty Castle and folk park before going on to our hotel in Limerick. (Full breakfast)
Day 7 - Limerick — the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren — Connemara — Galway Bay Our first stop today is to see the beautiful Cliffs of Moher, then we follow the coastline ejoying splendid views of Galway Bay and the Aran Islands. Soon we come to the Burren country, a haven for geologists and botanists because of the unusual rocks and flora. Then we head for Galway city where our orientation tour shows us the Spanish Arch and Galway cathedral. Finally we take a drive through the barren mountainous region of Connemara before continuing via Lough Corrib to our hotel. (Full breakfast / Dinner)
Day 8 - Galway Bay — Sligo This morning we depart for County Sligo, an area rich in ancient ruins, travelling via the County of Mayo. Our first stop is in the village of Knock, the place of pilgrimage where villagers saw apparitions of the Virgin Mary. Finally via the small market town of Tobercurry to splendid Sligo Bay and our overnight hotel. Time to relax or to take an excursion to Drumcliff to see the church where Yeats is buried and across the border into Northern Ireland to visit the famous pottery at Belleek in County Fermanagh. Tonight we enjoy a Highlight Dinner in a local pub restaurant. (Full breakfast / Highlight Dinner)
Day 9 - Sligo — Dublin (2 nights) Today we travel via Boyle — famous for its Cistercian abbey — and along the valley of the mighty River Shannon back to Dublin. You - ll have time to perhaps visit a stately home or beautiful monastic site this afternoon. Why not take the opportunity this evening to attend an Irish cabaret and enjoy the unique entertainment and atmosphere plus the Irish sense of humour" (Full breakfast)
Day 10 - Dublin sightseeing and at leisure Morning sightseeing tour with a local guide includes views of St. Patrick's Cathedral, Phoenix Park and visits Trinity College to see the famed 8th century Book of Kells. Then we visit the famous Old Jameson Whiskey Distillery and taste some too! Tonight, we enjoy a Farewell Dinner with wine and an Irish coffee with our Tour Director and new-found friends. (Full breakfast / Farewell Dinner)
Day 11 - Dublin — USA This morning it is time to bid farewell to our Tour Director and fellow travelers as our tour of Ireland comes to an end. (Full breakfast)
Free airport transfers: Transfers on Day 2 at Dublin Airport will operate at 08.00, 11.00 and 13.30. Passengers arriving later should make their own way to the first hotel. Return transfers on the last touring day will arrive at Dublin Airport at 07.30, 09.30 and 11.30.
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