Real Ireland
Day 1 - Depart USA Overnight flight to Dublin.
Day 2 - Arrive Dublin Trafalgar greets you at the airport and transfers you to your hotel. This afternoon, a sightseeing
tour includes views of Trinity College, St. Patrick's Cathedral and historic Phoenix Park.
Then time to relax before enjoying some typical Irish hospitality this evening at a Welcome Dinner
with wine — the perfect way to get to know you Tour Director and fellow travellers! (Welcome Dinner)
Day 3 - Dublin - Waterford Our first stop is the Irish National Stud Farm located outside of the historic town of Kildare, home to some of the world's finest thoroughbred stallions, mares and foals. Then on to medieval Kilkenny, dominated by its Norman Castle dating back to the 12th century and its ancient Cathedral. The 13th century cathedral of St Canice is the second longest cathedral in Ireland and the site on which the cathedral stands has been a site of Christian worship since the 6th century. Later, we continue our journey to Waterford, home of the famous crystal for our overnight stay. (Full Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 4 - Waterford - Killarney (2 nights) Today, we enjoy a scenic drive via Dungarven and Youghal, where the movie Moby Dick was filmed. Then on to Cork to see St. Anne's Shandon Church before reaching nearby Blarney Castle, one of Ireland's oldest and most historic castles built in 1210 A.D. After visiting the castle, there's a chance to kiss the famous "Stone of Eloquence" commonly known as "The Blarney Stone" which is traditionally believed to have the power to bestow eloquence (or the 'gift of the gab') on all those who kiss it! Next via Macroom, over the Derrynasaggart Mountains and into Killarney. (Full Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 5 - Ring of Kerry Excursion Today, we enjoy one of the highlights of our tour, a fascinating drive through magnificent scenery of plunging cliffs and spectacular lakes, between mountains and beaches on our tour of the world famous 'Ring of Kerry'. Our scenic route takes us to Killorglin (of Puck Fair fame) and on to Daniel O'Connell's Cahirciveen. Then on to the quaint village of Waterville and Sneem, one of Ireland's most colourful villages, before returning to our hotel via the spectacular Killarney Lakes. (Full Breakfast)
Day 6 - Killarney - Sligo (2 nights) Today we travel through the picturesque green countryside of Limerick, stopping to admire perhaps the prettiest picture postcard village in Ireland, Adare, with its thatched cottages and Tudor style houses. Then via Galway to the pilgrimage town of Knock where on the 21st of August, 1879, Our Lady, St. Joseph and St. John the Evangelist appeared at the south gable of Knock Parish Church. This vision was witnessed by fifteen people, young and old and since then miraculous cures have made the town internationally famous. Later, we arrive in windswept Sligo Bay with its tall cliffs, wave dashed rocks and golden sandy beaches in the early evening for our relaxing two night stay. Dinner tonight is at our hotel. (Full Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 7 - Countryside and Donegal Excursion Our day begins with a visit to Drumcliff where William Butler Yeats, one of Ireland's most celebrated poets, is buried. Next we cross the border into County Fermanagh to visit the famous Belleek Pottery factory, which was established in 1857 (when open). Then moving on to Donegal, we visit the famous Tweed Centre before driving via the fishing ports of Killybegs and Ardara on our return to Sligo. (Full Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 8 - Sligo - Dublin Today we continue through County Leitrim and follow the valley of the mighty River Shannon and the Royal Canal into Dublin's "fair city". Tonight, why not celebrate your last night in the Emerald Isles with a delicious meal of fine cuisine in one of the city's many good restaurants" (Full Breakfast)
Day 9 - Depart Dublin At the end of our memorable Irish tour, we bid a true Gaelic farewell or "Slán agaibh" to Ireland as our Tour Director arranges a transfer to Dublin airport for your return flight home. (Full Breakfast)
Day 10 - New Year Highlights Tour departure 27 Dec will be accommodated in Sligo on New Year's Eve. Tour departure 31 Dec will be accommodated in Dublin on New Year's Eve giving you the opportunity to celebrate in real Irish style.
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