9 Day Irish Welcome
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 : Bunratty & Medieval Banquet
Start
your Irish trip at Shannon Airport with a hotel transfer, available between 7:00
am and 12:00 noon. If your flight arrives later than 12:00 noon, transfer to the
hotel at your own expense. Spend the day at leisure in Bunratty where there's
plenty to do - Bunratty Folk Park, Durty Nelly's Pub and shopping. This evening
discuss your itinerary with your tour director over a welcome drink and join in
the fun of a medieval banquet at nearby Bunratty Castle. (D)
Day 2 : Cliffs of Moher & Killarney
Drive to the coast to view the dramatic Cliffs of
Moher, which rise to almost 700 feet above the wild Atlantic breakers and
stretch along the coast for five miles. Then head south for a short ferry ride
across the River Shannon. Stop in the charming village of Listowel for a stroll
around before continuing through mountainous countryside to Killarney. Take a
look around this bustling, compact town before checking in to your home and
meeting your Irish hosts. In the evening drive to Kate Kearney's Cottage for
dinner and traditional Irish entertainment with popular songs, dances and a lot
of laughs. (B, D)
Day 3 : Ring of Kerry & Skellig Experience
Admire breathtaking vistas of mountains, cliffs
and beaches on Ireland's most popular drive - the 100-mile Ring of Kerry. Enjoy
the variety of scenery as you travel to the westernmost part of the peninsula,
passing Killorglin and Cahirciveen. Cross by bridge to Valencia Island to visit
the Skellig Experience, which explains how early monks lived in austere
conditions on the rocky offshore islands. Today the islands form a haven for
seabirds. Take a brief walk around the picturesque village of Sneem and pause at
Moll's Gap for stunning views of the Lakes of Killarney. Return to Killarney for
a home-style dinner with your host family. (B, D)
Day 4 : Blarney
& Waterford Crystal
Leaving Killarney, head
to the Blarney Woollen Mills where you can find excellent Irish merchandise. You
will have time to walk around the village green or, if you feel energetic, you
may climb Blarney Castle to kiss the “Stone of Eloquence.” Drive to Cobh, the
last port of call for the Titanic. Take a guided walk around this picturesque
town and dockside with a local historian to see places relating to the Titanic's
last scheduled stop. In Waterford visit the House of Waterford Crystal to see
how molten glass is transformed into elegant tableware and magnificent trophies
and browse around the shop and showrooms. Travel to the charming little city of
Kilkenny for your next overnight stay. (B, D)
Day 5 : Kilkenny
Castle & Abbey Tavern
This morning tour the
massive Kilkenny Castle, home of the Butlers, Earls and Dukes of Ormonde, who
held power over the region for centuries. The castle was first built in 1192 and
you will learn about the region as you see wonderful paintings and furniture.
Also view the craft workshops that are located in the former stables of the
Castle. Travel into the metropolitan area of Dublin to your hotel for some free
time. Drive to the Abbey Tavern in Howth for a traditional dinner followed by a
great show with plenty of Irish music and intricate step dancing. (B, D)
Day 6 : Dublin Tour & Kilmainham Gaol
Take a half-day guided tour of Dublin, founded by
Vikings over 1,000 years ago. See elegant Georgian squares with townhouses and
their famous brightly-painted doors; view the lush vegetation of St. Stephen's
Green and the stark figures of the Famine Memorial on the banks of the River
Liffey. Finally visit Kilmainham Gaol to see how penal establishments were
operated in past centuries. Learn about the leaders of the 1916 Uprising who
were imprisoned and shot here, changing Irish history. The balance of the day is
at leisure and you may use your voucher for an independent open-top bus tour
with a visit to Guinness or Jameson included. (B)
Day 7 : Clonmacnoise Monastic Site
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. Visit Rathbaun Farm to see traditional farming methods as well as
lots of cute farmyard animals roaming freely. Sample home-baked scones with tea
or coffee before driving to Galway. (B, D)
Day 8 : Connemara & Galway Bay
Travel alongside the famous Galway Bay to catch
glimpses of the Aran Islands. Continue into the lovely scenery of Connemara with
its granite hills and little lakes. Enjoy lunch at the traditional Eddie's Pub
in Clonbur and take a walking tour through Cong to see places associated with
“The Quiet Man” movie which was made in the village in 1952. Return to Galway in
time to look around the city and dine independently this evening. (B, L)
Day 9 : Tour Ends Shannon Airport
Transfer from Galway to Shannon Airport, where
your tour ends at 10:30 am. If you need to arrive at Shannon Airport before
10:30 am, your tour director will coordinate an early group transfer. Note that
the 60-mile drive from Galway to Shannon takes 1½ hours. So do not spoil your
last night by booking too early a flight. (B)
B: Breakfast; D: Dinner; L: Lunch