Irish
Fling Tour
Day 1: Bunratty Castle
Banquet
Land at Shannon Airport and locate the CIE Tours desk in
the Arrivals Hall for a complimentary group transfer to your nearby hotel,
available between 7:00 am and 12:00 noon. If your flight arrives later than
12:00 noon, you must transfer to the hotel at your own expense. At 2:00 pm take
a drive to the coast to view the Cliffs of Moher, an awesome wall of rock that
plunges into the Atlantic Ocean. Return to your
hotel where you'll have free time to take a stroll through the Bunratty Folk Park or visit the cosy Durty Nelly's Pub.
Join your fellow travellers for a welcome drink before heading to
15th century Bunratty Castle for a jolly medieval-style dinner
where the Lords and Ladies serenade you with favourite songs.
(D)
Day 2: Flying Boat Museum &
Dingle Peninsula
Drive through the outskirts of Limerick
and alongside the River Shannon to visit Foynes Flying Boat Museum. In the early
days of flight, during the 1930's and early 1940's, Pan Am Clippers from the
United States and Europe landed here. The museum recreates the infancy of
aviation through memorabilia. Journey into the mountains of County Kerry
and out along the Dingle Peninsula for glorious scenic views of
mountains and sandy beaches. Stop for a while in the town of Dingle before going up the Connor Pass for panoramic views. Then head to
Killarney and check in to your hotel in the centre of town. (B, D)
Day 3: Jaunting Car Ride & Moll's Gap
Take a traditional horse-drawn jaunting car ride to Ross Castle to view
Lough Leane, largest of Killarney's lakes. Drive to the delightful town of
Kenmare where
traditional buildings are gaily painted and enhanced with flowers. At the
vantage point of Moll's Gap, view the mountains and continue along part of the
Ring of Kerry to enjoy the scenery. Pause at Ladies' View before stopping at
Muckross House. Take a guided tour through this lovely 19th century
mansion to admire elegant antiques while learning about the previous owners and
their important guests. Return to Killarney where you will have some free time
before dinner. (B, D)
Day 4: Cobh Heritage & Traditional Music
Session
Travel
through the mountains of Kerry and make a brief stop at the Blarney Woollen
Mills. Next visit Cobh Heritage Centre, located in the old train station through
which all emigrants passed when travelling to the United States.
Displays show the many hardships that travellers endured. Drive to Dungarvan to
sample a creamy Irish coffee at the Marine Bar and listen to a local group of
musicians play an informal traditional music session. Continue to Waterford and check in to
your hotel. After dinner, join a local guide for a stroll around the historic
city centre. (B, D)
Day 5: Medieval Kilkenny & National
Stud
Drive north to Kilkenny for a look around the compact city. In medieval
times this was a prosperous trading centre and the narrow streets still follow
ancient routes. Travel north to Kildare and visit the Irish National Stud and
Japanese
Gardens. As a nation, the
Irish are very interested in horses and the Stud will tell you about the
valuable breeding industry. The Japanese Gardens symbolize the "Life of Man"
through plants and rocks. Then head to the village of Dunboyne, on the outskirts of Dublin. Check in to
Dunboyne Castle Hotel and relax for a while before enjoying dinner followed by
some informal music. (B, D)
Day 6: Explore Dublin City
This morning transfer to your Dublin hotel, located in the city centre and
within easy reach of all downtown attractions. The rest of the day is free for
you to use your independent open-top city bus tour voucher this afternoon. The
ticket is valid for a 24-hour period. You may stay on the bus for the entire
loop of the city's main streets and places of interest or get off at 23 stops
near major attractions. We also include admission to either the Guinness
Storehouse or the Old Jameson Distillery to see stout or whiskey production
techniques and enjoy a drink of the finished product.
(B)
Day 7: Return Home from Dublin
Use your complimentary transfer to arrive in Dublin Airport in ample time to check in for your
flight. After check-in, you'll have time to shop at the duty-free shops before
boarding the aircraft for the journey home. (B)
Breakfast ( B) Dinner (D)