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 . Mystical Ireland 9 Day First Class Tour of Northern Ireland and Ireland click for map Experience the ancient rhythms of the people and the country. Travel through the wild, hauntingly beautiful scenery of Wicklow, Antrim, Donegal, Mayo and County Clare, and the Burren. All Ireland Tour  Your Day-by-Day Itinerary
 Day 1: Depart U.S. for Dublin Day 2: Arrival & Dublin Castle Arrive in Dublin and transfer to your hotel. At 2:00 pm tour Dublin, stopping to visit Dublin Castle’s State Apartments. Meet your fellow travelers over a welcome drink and dine independently. Day 3: Glendalough & Traditional Music Discover Glendalough, a 6th century monastic site founded by St. Kevin. Learn about monastic life and see the round tower and ruined churches. Tonight drive to a popular Dublin venue for a great dinner and a lively show, agathering of traditional musicians.. (B, D) Day 4: Downpatrick & Mount Stewart Drive north and visit the St. Patrick Centre and see the Saint’s grave in Down Cathedral. Ireland's Patron Saint's story in his own words and in the context of the period, uses state of the art interpretation that gives visitors a real understanding of the arrival and establishment of Christianity in Ireland. One surprise for visitors is that during a multi-media presentation, Dr. Ian Paisley's voice can be heard. Dr Paisley extols the virtues of St. Patrick, encouraging the audience to visit those sites associated with the patron saint. Visit Mount Stewart House and Gardens, planted in the 1920’s. It is the birthplace of Lord Castlereagh, and noted for its fine topiary and rare trees. Check into your hotel in Belfast. Belfast will surprise you! Belfast is a Victorian success story. Prosperity was built on trade - linen and shipbuilding. (The ill-fated Titanic was built here.) This cosmopolitan city still manages to keep its charm. (B, D)  Day 5: Giant’s Causeway & Derry See the
highlights of Belfast with a local guide before driving along the “Nine
Glens of Antrim,” a famous scenic drive. View the Giant’s Causeway.
Drive to Derry and join a local guide for a short walking tour around the
medieval city walls. The Walls, which have been kept in a splendid state of
preservation and are among the best-preserved city fortifications in the
Western World. They rise to a height of 26 feet and in places are 30 feet wide.
(B, D) Day 6: Belleek China & Westport Journey through the scenic Blue Stack Mountains to Triona Design to learn about tweed and enjoy tea and scones. Tour the Belleek Pottery Factory where craftspeople make delicate china. Travel through Sligo and Mayo to Westport.Westport is by far the most attractive town in Mayo, with a wide expanse of sea dotted with islands and framed by mountain ranges. Traditional shops - ironmongers and the like dot the streets. (B, D)  Day 7: Achill Island Excursion Travel to Achill Island, joined to the mainland by bridge. Achill evocative ruins Deserted island village Lashed by the ocean, carved by the wind and swept by the rain, Achill is one of Ireland's most spectacular and beautiful places. The imprint of past generations is everywhere on Achill, from megalithic tombs to ancient forts, historic churches to deserted villages. Achill has a history of human settlement that is at least 5000 years old. The best known member of this family was Granuaille (Grace O'Malley) (1530-1603), the legendary Pirate Queen. In the 17th Century the Cromwell clearances from the lush farm land in the north and east of Ireland dispersed many native Irish families into the remote and harsh landscape of the west. Follow the Atlantic Drive for wonderful mountain views. Return to Westport for a brief walking tour with a local guide. (B, D) Day 8: Cliffs of Moher & Bunratty Travel to Galway and see the city sights. View the awesome Cliffs of Moher before driving to Bunratty. Check into your hotel, located beside Bunratty Castle and in the evening head to Bunratty Castle for a jolly medieval-style dinner. Built in 1460, Bunratty Castle stands impressively on the edge of Ratty River protected by a moat. Visitors are welcomed by servers and entertainers in 15th century dress. You'll be transformed back in time as you sip the traditional mead in the great banquet hall and don bibs to eat authentic recipes with your fingers! You'll delight in the beautiful music and who knows, you might even be chosen to preside over this sumptuous feast!(B, D) Day 9: Return to U.S. Transfer with your group to Shannon Airport where your tour concludes at 10:30 am. 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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