Southern Supreme
Tour 8 Day Itinerary
Day 1 - Fri: Georgian Dublin & National
Gallery
Land at Dublin Airport where you pass through immigration
and customs controls. Go to the CIE Tours desk in the Arrivals Hall to arrange a
group transfer to your hotel 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. Your
hotel is located in the heart of Georgian Dublin. At 3:00 pm take a leisurely
walking tour with a local guide to learn about the development of elegant
Georgian mansions 200 years ago. Walk through the lovely gardens of Merrion Square and
into 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 and your tour
director will assist you in choosing a suitable restaurant.
Day 2 - Sat: Book of Kells & Theatre Evening
This morning drive around central Dublin's public buildings, colourful parks and
bustling shopping streets. Learn about the founding of this settlement on the
banks of the River Liffey over 1,000 years ago. Drive along the wide O'Connell Street
with many monuments, past tranquil St. Stephen's Green, and pause at the Famine
Memorial. Walk through Trinity College's campus to see its many old
buildings and visit the Old Library to view the priceless 8th century
manuscript of the Book of Kells. The afternoon is at leisure so you may use your
vouchers for an independent open-top bus tour and a visit to 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 Cormac's Chapel with its Hiberno-Romanesque decorations,
the large cruciform cathedral and a round tower. At a nearby farmhouse sample
home-made scones with tea and watch a farmer use his trained dogs to round up
sheep. Drive south past the gentle slopes of the Galtee Mountains, through the town of Mallow and on to
Killarney, famous for its scenic location. Check into 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 the Atlantic Ocean. You will have plenty of stops to admire or
photograph scenic vistas. At the tip of the peninsula visit the Skellig
Experience, which shows the austere conditions of early Christian monastic life
on the nearby rocky islands. Today the islands provide sanctuary for sea birds.
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, a few miles
outside the town. (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. If you
wish, you may take a walk to O'Brien's Tower at the highest point and see the
Aran Islands in Galway Bay. 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 enjoy gourmet dining in the elegant dining room of your
hotel. (B, D)
Day 6 - Wed: Ashford Castle Extension
Passengers on the 8-day tour will drive to the market town of Ennis to
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 enjoy free time to browse around on
your own. Continue north to Cong to stay at the famous Ashford Castle Hotel.
Arrive in time to explore the grounds, go riding or play golf. 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: Back Home from Shannon
Bid farewell to Ashford
Castle and take a group transfer to
Shannon
Airport where your tour
concludes at 10:30 am. It's a two-hour drive to the Airport. Check in for your
flight in good time and you may like to shop at the duty-free shops. If you need
to arrive at Shannon Airport before 10:30 am, your tour
director will coordinate an early group transfer once you are on tour.
(B)
Breakfast (B) Dinner(D)