Shades of Ireland - Itinerary
Indulge your senses in the beauty of rugged coastlines and gentle, pastoral countryside on this Irish adventure. Partake in a medieval banquet at a real castle, featuring traditional music, food, and entertainment. Take in striking views of crashing Atlantic breakers against the Cliffs of Moher, and experience the customs of life on a traditional Irish dairy farm. Enjoy breathtaking coastal scenery as you pass through picturesque villages along the Ring of Kerry.
Climb to the top of Blarney Castle and find out for yourself if kissing the famous Blarney Stone really does bestow the gift of eloquence. Tour the Waterford Crystal Factory to see how these renowned treasures are created, and admire the vast collection in their sparkling showroom. Spend an unforgettable overnight at Cabra Castle – enjoy dinner on the castle grounds and then explore its magnificent hallways and stairwells before settling in to your own room equipped with modern amenities & conveniences for the night.
The sequence of touring and days may be altered to adjust to religious holidays, special closings of sites, air schedule changes, etc. Hotels listed subject to availability. Meal inclusions may vary by departure.
Day 1 -
Overnight Flight
The Emerald Isle is a land of green hills, warm people, stately castles and rollicking fun. Visit Limerick, Killarney, Waterford and Dublin as this comprehensive tour introduces Ireland's natural beauty, turbulent history and hospitable culture.
Day 2 -
Arrive Limerick, Ireland - Tour Begins
Your tour begins today in Limerick. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers at a castle for a medieval banquet featuring beautiful music, delicious food and traditional entertainment. Today dinner will be included.
Day 3 -
Limerick - Cliffs of Moher - Galway - Limerick
Journey to the stunning, 700-foot-high Cliffs of Moher for awe-inspiring views of the mighty Atlantic and the Aran Islands. Experience the cliff face and its native bird and sea life through interactive exhibits at the brand new interpretive centre, aptly named "Atlantic Edge." Then, travel through the vast limestone landscape of the Burren, known for its stark beauty and Neolithic tombs. Continue past scenic countryside into Galway, where a brief city tour introduces “The City of Tribes.” Return to Limerick for your overnight stay. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 4 -
Limerick - Killarney
Enjoy a city tour of Limerick showcasing King John's Castle and Treaty Stone while learning about the fascinating history of the "city of the violated treaty." Experience the customs and daily life of a traditional Irish family during a memorable visit to the Molanna Dairy Farm. Continue to Killarney where you will be treated to a time-honored Irish jaunting car ride. A tour of the beautiful Muckross House and Gardens offers a glimpse into the elegant lifestyle of the Victorian gentry. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 5 - Killarney - Ring of Kerry - Killarney
Today, travel along one of the most beautiful coastal routes in the world, the Ring of Kerry. Enjoy spectacular ocean scenery as you pass through picturesque villages. At the Gap of Dunloe, shop for traditional Irish goods handcrafted by local artisans. Continue on through rugged mountain passes into “Ladies View,” where you will see breathtaking views of the Lakes of Killarney. Tonight, use your leisure time to sample a true taste of Irish culture. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 6 -
Killarney - Blarney Stone - Midleton - Waterford
Today is highlighted by a journey to historic Blarney Castle. Along the way, pass through the mountains of West Cork and the scenic towns of Ballyvourney and Macroom. Upon arrival at the castle, take this opportunity to kiss the famous Blarney Stone. Legend has it that those who kiss the stone are bestowed with the gift of eloquence. Make a visit to Midleton Whiskey Distillery for a tour and tasting. Finally, arrive in the historic city of Waterford where you will enjoy a leisurely-paced walking tour. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 7 -
Waterford - Kilkenny - Kingscourt
Start the day with a visit to the world-famous Waterford Crystal Factory. Take a tour of the facility to learn how these exquisite treasures are crafted and marvel at the impressive collection of crystal in their glittering showroom. Next, stop in Kilkenny for the chance to explore this medieval city. Continue to a castle where you will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay on the castle grounds. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 8 -
Kingscourt - Dublin
A short drive brings you to Dublin where you will enjoy a sightseeing tour of this “Fair City.” Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, O’Connell Street, Grafton Street, Phoenix Park and see the city's trademark - magnificent rows of stately Georgian town homes. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 9 -
Dublin
This day is at leisure to relax and explore the cultural offerings of delightful Dublin on your own. Check out the ancient Book of Kells at Trinity College, or partake in an excursion along Ireland's North Coast. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 10 -
Dublin - Tour Ends
Your tour ends today in Dublin. Today breakfast will be included.
