8 Day Irish Gold
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 : Dublin Tour & Book of Kells
Your tour
starts at Dublin Airport with a group transfer to your hotel between 7:00 am and
12:00 noon. If you arrive later than noon, transfer to the hotel at your own
expense. At 2:00 pm your tour director will introduce you to Dublin's River
Liffey, the wide O'Connell Street, tranquil St. Stephen's Green, the seat of
government at Leinster House and other public buildings. See some of Dublin's
famous Georgian houses and pause at the Famine Memorial, a reminder of the
mid-19th century disaster. Visit Trinity College's campus and the Old Library to
view the priceless Book of Kells. Your tour director will host a welcome drink
to discuss your tour and he will advise where to dine independently.
Day 2 : Clonmacnoise Monastic Site &
Galway
Leave Dublin and journey across the rolling pastures of
Ireland's heartland to visit Clonmacnoise. This monastic settlement was founded
in 545 AD by St. Ciaran and is set on the banks of the tranquil River Shannon.
See elaborate high crosses as well as many church ruins and round towers. Drive
to Galway and view the main sights of the city before checking into your hotel,
located within easy reach of lively streets with fun specialty stores, cafés and
pubs. Enjoy some free time to browse around on your own before dining in your
hotel. (B, D)
Day 3 : Connemara, Clifden & Catamaran
Cruise
Drive through the heart of Connemara, past granite hills
and sparkling lakes on the way to Leenane to embark on a short cruise of Killary
Harbour, a 9-mile fjord (Apr 8 - Oct 28 departures). Enjoy views of hills where
traces of “lazy beds” of potato ridges from the 19th century and earlier can
still be seen. Keep an eye out for seabirds as you pass mussel and salmon farms.
Rejoin your coach and drive through lovely countryside where sheep graze freely.
Stop for photos at the Kylemore Abbey Visitor Centre and in Clifden, the
principal town of the region, and return to Galway. (B, D)
Day 4 : Cliffs of Moher & Killarney's Jaunting Car
Travel south around Galway Bay to see the Cliffs of Moher,
which rise almost 700 feet above the pounding Atlantic surf. Then drive through
the outskirts of Limerick and stop in the picturesque village of Adare for
photos. Drive to Killarney, a little town that is world-famous due to its
exquisite location beside lakes and mountains. Check in to your deluxe hotel, in
a peaceful setting just outside the town. Head out to view stunning scenery on a
horse-drawn jaunting car ride through the grounds of the Killarney National
Park. Tour Muckross House to see period furnishings and learn of its important
guests and owners. Then stroll through the mature gardens before returning to
your hotel. (B, D)
Day 5 : Ring of
Kerry & Killeen House Restaurant
Embark on Ireland's most
popular scenic drive - the Ring of Kerry. This circular tour will reveal
constantly-changing vistas of mountains, open Atlantic Ocean, beaches and
cliffs. At the tip of the peninsula visit the Skellig Experience, which explains
the history, flora and fauna on the nearby rocky islands. Return through the
attractive village of Sneem and pause at Moll's Gap for panoramic views of
Killarney. Back in Killarney enjoy free time before dinner. This evening head to
the award-winning Killeen House Restaurant for a warm welcome and a superb
dinner. (B, D)
Day 6 : Blarney Castle, Traditional Music Session & Waterford
Walk
Drive through the mountains of Kerry and West Cork into
richer farming country on the way to Blarney. Climb to the ramparts of Blarney
Castle to kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence.” You may do some shopping at the
Blarney Woollen Mills before driving along the coast to Dungarvan. Stop at the
Marine Bar for a creamy Irish coffee and an informal traditional music session.
Continue to Waterford and check into your historic hotel, located on the
waterfront of this ancient port city. After dinner, take a fun walking tour
around the narrow streets and ancient buildings to learn about Waterford's long
history. (B, D)
Day 7 : Waterford Crystal & Taylor's Three
Rock
After breakfast tour the House of Waterford Crystal to
watch glass blowing and cutting by master craftspeople and see a huge display of
elegant tableware and magnificent trophies. In nearby New Ross visit the
Dunbrody Famine Ship. This is a replica of a 19th century vessel used to
transport emigrants fleeing from the dreadful conditions during the 1840's
Famine. Travel to your deluxe manor house hotel, which dates back to 1750 and
set in extensive gardens on the south side of Dublin. In the evening drive to
Taylor's Three Rock Pub for dinner and a lively show with traditional Irish
music, story-telling and step-dancing. (B, D)
Day 8 : Tour Ends Dublin Airport
Group transfers
are provided to Dublin Airport to arrive at 6:00 am, 9:00 am or 12:00 noon. (B)
B: Breakfast; D: Dinner