8 Day Southern Supreme
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 : Dublin & Russborough House
Your tour starts at Dublin Airport with a
transfer to your hotel between 7:00 am and 12:00 noon. If your flight arrives
later, transfer to the hotel at your own expense. At 2:00 pm take a short ride
through the Wicklow Mountains for a guided tour around stately Russborough
House, noted for its art and photography collections. In the evening discuss
your itinerary with your tour director over a welcome drink and he will assist
you in choosing a suitable restaurant to dine independently.
Day 2 : Book of
Kells & Theatre Evening
This morning see
central Dublin's public buildings, tranquil parks and bustling shopping streets.
Drive past Leinster House, the seat of government, and St. Stephen's Green.
Cross the River Liffey and see the wide O'Connell Street with many monuments and
pause at the Famine Memorial. Walk through Trinity College to see stately
buildings and visit the Old Library where the priceless 8th century manuscript
of the Book of Kells is housed. In the afternoon you may take an independent
open-top bus tour and a visit to Guinness or Jameson. Dine in the hotel
restaurant before heading to the world-famous Abbey or Gate Theatre for a
performance. (B, D)
Day 3 : Rock of
Cashel & Sheep Farm Visit
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 : 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 enjoy a warm welcome
and delicious cuisine at award-winning Killeen House Restaurant. (B, D)
Day 5 : 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. You may walk to O'Brien's Tower
at the highest point for a view of the Aran Islands in Galway Bay. Journey
through part of the Burren to the lovely Dromoland Castle Hotel. 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 experience gourmet dining in the hotel's elegant dining room. (B,
D)
Day 6 : Galway
& Ashford Castle
Travel to Galway for a
panoramic tour of Galway Cathedral, the Claddagh area and the Spanish Arch. Have
free time to browse around the main areas near Eyre Square and the network of
streets filled with shops, pubs and restaurants. Continue north to Cong for a
two-night stay at the famous Ashford Castle Hotel, arriving in time to unwind in
the wonderful surroundings or use some of the leisure facilities. Dine in
Ashford's lovely restaurant and afterwards listen to music in the Dungeon Bar.
(B, D)
Day 7 : 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.
Take a walking tour around Cong to see movie locations of the 1952 production of
“The Quiet Man.” In the evening drive to the nearby village of Clonbur for an
informal dinner with local entertainment at Eddie's Pub. (B, D)
Day 8 : Tour Ends
Shannon Airport
Bid farewell to Ashford Castle
and take a group transfer to Shannon Airport where your tour concludes at 10:30
am. The drive from Ashford to Shannon takes two hours and, if you need an
earlier transfer, that can be arranged. (B)
B: Breakfast; D: Dinner