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 . 8 or 9 days/7 nights Tour of Ireland - Ireland Escorted Travel Vacation - Guided Tour - Irish Spirit - all inclusive Ireland vacation Click here for map From first-class hotels in Dublin, Killarney, and Galway, this great-value program shows you the highlights of Ireland. Two-night stays make it easy to relax and enjoy, whether you’re exploring Dublin’s sights with a local guide, browsing among the temptations at Blarney Woollen Mills, or marveling at the Cliffs of Moher and wild Connemara. Visit the land of Legends, Poets, Musicians, and Celtic Heritage .  Day 1: Depart U.S. for Dublin Depart your U.S. gateway city in the evening and fly through the night to Ireland to start your vacation. Day 2: Dublin Tour & Book of Kells Arrive at Dublin Airport, proceed through immigration and pick up your baggage. Go to the Tours desk in the Arrivals Hall where personnel will arrange a group transfer to your hotel between 7:00 am and 12:00 noon. If you arrive later than noon, you will need to transfer to the hotel at your own expense. (You may like to spend an additional night in Dublin on your own to relax before starting your coach tour - refer to 9-day tour in price panel below.) At 2:00 pm join your group for an introductory look around central Dublin. See the fashionable shopping areas around Grafton and Nassau Streets, view the many elegant Georgian townhouses and pass the Dail where the government convenes. Visit Trinity College's Old Library to view the 8th century Book of Kells with exquisite illustrations and learn about its origins and monastic traditions. Back at your hotel meet with your guide and fellow travelers for a welcome drink and discuss your itinerary.  Day 3: Rock of Cashel & Blarney
Castle Depart Dublin to travel through the Irish countryside where you can
see the "Forty Shades of Green" as you pass many farms. Stop for
photos at the Rock of Cashel, a magnificent limestone outcrop with church
ruins. Just outside Cork visit Blarney Castle where you may kiss the popular
stone in the ramparts of the castle. Take some time to walk through the
gardens, around the village green or shop at the Blarney Woollen Mills,
renowned for their quality Irish merchandise. Continue your drive into the
mountains of County Kerry to your hotel in the center of Killarney. After
dinner you may like to take a stroll around this compact town and sample one of
the many singing bars for some entertainment. (B, D)  Day 4: Ring of Kerry & Valentia Island
Today you will discover the wonderful scenery of Killarney as you drive
around the famous Ring of Kerry. The road winds between the Macgillycuddy's
Reeks, Ireland's highest mountains, and the varied Atlantic coast. You will be
amazed at the breathtaking views and you will stop for photos at the most
dramatic scenes. Cross to Valencia Island by bridge to visit the Skellig
Experience to learn about early Christian monks who braved a harsh existence on
the rocky offshore islands. Continue your trip through the remote villages of
Cahirciveen and Waterville. On the return, pass through the colorful village of
Sneem and stop at Moll's Gap to view the three lakes of Killarney. Enjoy some
free time in Killarney before dinner in your hotel. (B, D) Day 5: Cliffs of Moher & Galway Depart Killarney and travel north through the village of Listowel to Tarbert. Take a short ferry ride across the River Shannon and drive along the coastline of County Clare to view the Cliffs of Moher. This wall of limestone rises to heights of almost 700 feet above the churning Atlantic swells. The new Visitor Centre explains the history and geology of the cliffs and surrounding region. Drive through the Burren, an area of rounded limestone hills where rock has weathered into amazing rock formations. Drive around the shores of Galway Bay and take a short drive around central Galway before checking into your hotel. (B, D) Day 6: Connemara & Catamaran Cruise Today explore another of Ireland's famous scenic regions-Connemara, where the constantly-changing cloud formations give hills, lakes and peat bogs an added dimension. Travel alongside Galway Bay to Spiddal where most locals speak the Irish language. Travel past granite hills and sparkling lakes on the way to Leenane to embark on a short cruise of Killary Harbour, a 9-mile fjord (March 26 - October 25 departures). Enjoy views of hills where traces of pre-Famine "lazy beds" of potato ridges can still be seen. Keep an eye out for seabirds and pass mussel and salmon farms. On your return to Galway stop in Moycullen at the Celtic Connemara Crystal Factory, which specializes in Celtic designs cut into colored creations. (B, D)  Day 7: Clonmacnoise & Abbey Tavern Enjoy
some leisure time in Galway and depart mid-morning to visit Clonmacnoise. This
early Christian monastic site was founded by St. Ciaran in 545 AD, when
Christianity flourished throughout Ireland. See round towers, church ruins and
Celtic crosses with elaborate carvings, all in a picturesque setting on the
banks of the River Shannon. Continue to the greater metropolitan area of Dublin
once more and check into another city center hotel, which is conveniently
located off O'Connell Street. In the evening drive to the Abbey Tavern for a
hearty dinner followed by a lively show of traditional music, songs and
step-dancing. (B, D) Day 8: Dublin to the U.S.A. Complimentary group transfers are provided to Dublin Airport to arrive at 6:00 am, 9:00 am or 12:00 noon. After check-in, you'll have time to shop at the duty-free stores before U.S. Immigration pre-clearance and boarding your flight for the journey home. (B) |
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