9 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: Dublin City Tour & Guinness Visit
The entire day is at leisure so you may schedule
sightseeing as you wish. Use your open-top bus tour voucher to explore Dublin -
you may get on and off at any of the 23 stops along the route, which include
Dublin's most popular attractions. Take a tour around 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 9: Tour Ends Dublin Airport
Take a taxi transfer to Dublin Airport in good
time for your flight home. (B)
B: Breakfast; D: Dinner