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LEISURELY IRELAND

Day 1 - (Sat.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2 - Arrival in Shannon, Ireland - Limerick. (Sun.) After checking into your hotel, free time to relax and perhaps enjoy the hotel's leisure amenities or explore the city. At 5 pm, depart for Bunratty Castle for a special welcome banquet in the company of your Tour Director and traveling companions, with dinner, wine, and entertainment included. (D)

Day 3 - Limerick - Killarney. (Mon.) Spend an interesting morning in Limerick. After an orientation tour, the first stop is at the HUNT MUSEUM, with its vast collection of art and antiquities amassed by John and Gertrude Hunt and given to the people of Ireland. Next, step further back in time for a fascinating visit to KING JOHN'S CASTLE in the medieval heritage precinct. After lunch, follow the shores of the Shannon estuary and head south to the popular resort of Killarney, your destination for the next three nights. (B,D)

Day 4 - Killarney. Excursion to Garinish Island and Ring of Kerry. (Tue.) A day full of splendid scenery. At Glengarriff, board a private boat for the short crossing to GARINISH ISLAND, whose warm waters attract colonies of seals. Follow the winding paths between the strong-scented flowering trees and shrubs of this lush, tropical island garden. Later, take the mountain route, with its panoramic coastal vistas, for a visit to pretty Kenmare before joining the road known as the RING OF KERRY to follow part of the popular scenic drive on the southwestern tip of Ireland. Via Sneem and along winding lanes bordered with fuchsia and rhododendrons, pause for the breathtaking panorama of the Lakes of Killarney from Ladies View. Tonight, an entertaining optional evening in Tralee with dinner and tickets for Siamsa Tire National Folk Theatre. (B)

Day 5 - Killarney. Dingle Peninsula Excursion. (Wed.) Panoramic views on Dingle Peninsula, where the 32-mile Slea Head drive affords magnificent vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. At the BLASKET ISLANDS CENTRE, which is dedicated to the native Irish language and culture, learn about the way of life and unique literary achievements on the string of remote offshore islands evacuated by the last inhabitants in 1953. Visit Dingle on your way back to Killarney, where your highlight is a fun-filled, HORSE-DRAWN JAUNTING CAR ride through the national park with a stop for photos of Ross Castle set amidst some of the most spectacular scenery in Ireland. (B)

Day 6 - Killarney - Kildare - Dublin. (Thu.) An interesting day's drive with a stop first for photos of the Rock of Cashel, where St. Patrick preached. Later, horseracing country and a visit to the IRISH NATIONAL STUD at Kildare, whose fine thoroughbreds command respect on the racecourses of the world. Drive across the Curragh and, later this afternoon, arrive in the Irish capital. Dinner is included at your hotel this evening. (B,D)

Day 7 - Dublin. (Fri.) A day to experience the vibrant atmosphere of Ireland's "Fair City." Your orientation drive includes statue-lined O - Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares, and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Then a Globus Platinum Exclusive, choose your experience: visit Oscar Wilde's TRINITY COLLEGE, famous for the 1,200-year-old Book of Kells and the magnificent Old Library, or join your Tour Director on a WALKING TOUR THROUGH TEMPLE BAR with a visit to a pub. The rest of the day is free for you to further explore the city on your own. Tonight, join your Tour Director for an optional dinner evening at the Guinness Storehouse. (B)

Day 8 - Dublin. Wicklow Excursion. (Sat.) Vistas of the Wicklow Mountains appear as you head south towards Glendalough. At its VISITOR CENTRE, see the engaging audiovisual tour Ireland of the Monasteries and let your Local Guide explain the ruins of one of the centers of Irish Celtic Christianity founded by St. Kevin. Nearby, pause to take in the spectacular views during your visit to POWERSCOURT HOUSE and GARDENS. Return to Dublin after lunch for more free time in the city. Tonight, your Tour Director will have recommendations for a fitting farewell to Ireland. (B)

Day 9 - (Sun.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)