Emerald Supreme Tour 13 Day
Tour
Day 1 - Fri: Georgian Dublin & National
Gallery
Land at Dublin Airport and go to the CIE Tours desk in the
Arrivals Hall to arrange a group transfer to your hotel in the heart of Georgian
Dublin between 7:00 am and 12:00 noon. If your flight arrives later, you will
need to transfer to the hotel at your own expense. At 3:00 pm take a leisurely
walking tour with a local guide to learn about the development of elegant
Georgian town houses. Walk through Merrion Square to the National Gallery, which
features centuries of European collections and many Irish artists. In the
evening meet your tour director and fellow travellers for a welcome drink. The
evening is free for independent dining.
Day 2 - Sat: Book of
Kells & Theatre Evening
This morning drive around central
Dublin's public buildings, colourful parks and bustling shopping streets. See
the River Liffey, O'Connell Street, the Famine Memorial and St. Stephen's Green.
Visit Trinity College's campus and the Old Library to view the priceless 8th
century Book of Kells. The afternoon is at leisure and you may use your open-top
bus tour voucher and visit Guinness or Jameson. Dine at the Cellar Restaurant in
your hotel before heading to the world-famous Abbey or Gate Theatre for a
performance. (B, D)
Day 3 - Sun: Rock of Cashel & Sheep Farm
Visit
Depart Dublin and travel south to visit the Rock of Cashel,
where Brian Boru was crowned King of Munster in 977. See the 12th century
highly-decorated Cormac's Chapel, the large cruciform cathedral and round tower.
At a nearby farmhouse sample home-made scones with tea and watch trained dogs
round up sheep. Drive south past the Galtee Mountains, through the town of
Mallow and on to Killarney. Check in to your hotel and enjoy a superb dinner in
the fine restaurant. (B, D)
Day 4 - Mon: Ring of Kerry &
Killeen House Restaurant
Today experience the Ring of Kerry drive
where every bend in 100 miles of road reveals breathtaking views of mountains
and Atlantic Ocean. At the tip of the peninsula visit the Skellig Experience,
which shows the austere conditions of monastic life on the nearby rocky islands.
Return through the attractive village of Sneem and pause at Moll's Gap for
panoramic views of Killarney. In the evening savour delicious cuisine and a
welcoming atmosphere at award-winning Killeen House Restaurant. (B,
D)
Day 5 - Tue: Cliffs of Moher & Dromoland
Castle
Take a ferry ride across the River Shannon Estuary to visit
the Cliffs of Moher, majestic walls of rock, which extend five miles along the
coast. Journey through part of the Burren Country to your lovely castle hotel.
After check in you may choose to relax in the wonderful setting or take a short
drive to Bunratty Village for an opportunity to visit Bunratty Castle and Folk
Park or the 200-year-old pub of Durty Nelly's. In the evening savour gourmet
dining in your elegant hotel. (B, D)
Day 6 - Wed: Ennis Walking
Tour & Ashford Castle
Drive to the market town of Ennis, a
centuries-old settlement with narrow, twisting streets. Join a local guide for a
walking tour around the main points of interest, including Ennis Friary. Travel
into Galway for a brief drive through the city centre and free time to browse
around on your own. Continue north to Cong for a 2-night stay at the famous
Ashford Castle Hotel. In the evening drive to the nearby village of Clonbur for
an informal dinner with local entertainment at Burkes Pub. (B,
D)
Day 7 - Thu: Connemara & "The Quiet Man"
Walk
Travel through Connemara to Leenane and embark on a catamaran
cruise around Killary Harbour, Ireland's only fjord. As you sip an Irish coffee,
see remains of houses and potato patches abandoned during the 1840's Famine as
well as stunning scenery. Return to Cong to take a short walking tour to see
movie locations of the 1952 movie, "The Quiet Man." Dine in Ashford's lovely
restaurant and afterwards listen to music in the Dungeon Bar. (B,
D)
Day 8 - Fri: Museum of Country Life & Belleek
China
Outside Castlebar visit the Museum of Country Life to view
exhibits of domestic goods showing traditional country lifestyles. Travel
through the stark landscape of County Mayo into County Sligo to view W. B.
Yeats' grave near Ben Bulben Mountain. In Belleek tour the Belleek Pottery
Factory to see the creation of fine decorative china. Your next hotel, situated
in glorious scenery a few miles outside Donegal town, is noted for outstanding
cuisine and views. (B, D)
Day 9 - Sat: Slieve League Cliffs &
Donegal
Drive to the fishing port of Killybegs and on to Teelin to
view Slieve League sea cliffs, the highest in Europe reaching 1,972 feet. The
cliffs drop straight down to the wild Atlantic waves creating marvellous views.
Enjoy coffee or tea with home-baked scones before driving through the majestic
Glengesh Pass to Ardara. Visit Triona Design to see demonstrations of spinning,
weaving and knitting. Spend some time in Donegal town before returning to your
hotel. (B, D)
Day 10 - Sun: Derry Walk & Giant's Causeway
Join
a local guide for a walking tour around Derry to see the medieval city walls,
the Diamond and St. Columb's Cathedral. Pause for photos at ruined Dunluce
Castle before visiting the Giant's Causeway, enormous hexagonal columns formed
by volcanic activity over 60 million years ago. Drive along the scenic coastal
route of the "Nine Glens of Antrim" and continue south to your hotel in the
coastal resort of Newcastle at the foot of the Mourne Mountains. (B, D)
Day 11 - Mon: Mount Stewart & Belfast
Visit Down
Cathedral to learn about Saint Patrick, Ireland's patron saint, and see his
reputed burial place. Cross Strangford Lough by ferry to tour Mount Stewart
House with its world-famous paintings and furnishings and stroll around the
gardens, now a World Heritage Site. See the highlights of Belfast with a local
guide, including Victorian buildings, the Harland and Wolff Shipyards, where the
Titanic was built, the Shankill and Falls Road. Enjoy a pub lunch at the ornate
Victorian bar, Crown Liquor Saloon, before returning to your hotel. (B, L,
D)
Day 12 - Tue: Battle of the Boyne & Abbey
Tavern
Drive south past the Mourne Mountains to Drogheda to visit
the Battle of the Boyne Centre. Learn about the 1690 conflict between King
William III and his father-in-law, King James II, for dominance over the British
throne and religious power in Ireland. Then travel into Dublin and check in to
your hotel once again. Enjoy a farewell dinner at the Abbey Tavern's Loft
Restaurant in Howth followed by a lively show of traditional Irish songs and a
display of step-dancing. (B, D)
Day 13 - Wed: Depart Dublin for
Home
Complimentary group transfers are provided to Dublin Airport
to arrive at 6:00 am, 9:00 am or 12:00 noon. (B)
Breakfast ( B) Dinner (
D)