Discover, Plan & Go!

Itinerary

Day 1 – Welcome to Ireland

As your Ireland tour begins, journey through through emerald countryside to the Cliffs of Moher en route to legendary Ashford Castle. Tour departs: Shannon Airport one hour after the arrival of our selected flights (s). Meet your Tauck Director and your fellow travelers at our welcome dinner this evening.

Meals: Lunch, dinner

Lodging: Ashford Castle, Cong, Ireland

Day 2 – Discover Connemara

Connemara is one of the more scenically diverse regions seen on any Ireland tour, with glistening lakes, bogs, mountain vistas and the craggy Atlantic coastline. At Kylemore Lough, see Kylemore Abbey, a splendid Gothic-revival castle.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Ashford Castle, Cong, Ireland

Day 3 –Sligo to Donegal Bay

Noted poet, W. B. Yeats, described Sligo as the Land of Heart’s Desire. While in Sligo, visit Yeats’ resting place at Drumcliffe. Continue on to Donegal for a two-night stay amidst serene Irish countryside.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Lodging: Sandhouse Hotel, Rossnowlagh, Ireland

Day 4 – Explore County Donegal

Donegal enchants visitors with the beauty of its scenery and the warmth of its people. A lovely drive today encompasses both the coast of Ireland and her lush farms and meadows.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Sandhouse Hotel, Rossnowlagh, Ireland

Day 5 – Journey Across Ireland

Your Ireland tour takes you through the picture-perfect scenery for which the Emerald Isle is known en route to Dublin today. View verdant green hills dotted with grazing sheep, ruined castles and abandoned abbeys along the way.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Lodging: The Westin Dublin, Ireland

Day 6 – Discover Dublin’s Fair City

Ireland’s largest city, Dublin is know for its rich literary history, the intricate glass lace found on the doors of its Georgian townhouses, and its lively pubs proudly serving locally-made Guinness Stout. Read a page from the Book of Kells at ancient Trinity College.

Meals: Breakfast

Lodging: Lodging – The Westin Dublin, Ireland

Day 7- Through the Wicklow Mountains to Kilkenny

Today’s adventures are a highlight of any Ireland tour. The 19th-century Powerscourt Gardens, in the beautiful Wicklow Mountains, are a treat for the senses. The medieval town of Kilkenny is as well known for the quality and variety its crafts as for its rich history.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Lodging: Mount Juliet Conrad, Thomastown, Ireland

Day 8 – Waterford Crystal and Historic Cobh

Watch as gifted artisans create treasures in glass at the Waterford Crystal factory. The last port of call for the ill-fated Titanic, Cobh also saw the sailing of the first steamship to cross the Atlantic. Discover the role that Cobh has played in maritime history at the Cobh Heritage Center.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Lodging: Hayfield Manor Hotel, Cork, Ireland

Day 9 – From Blarney to Killarney

Few visitors to 15th-century Blarney Castle can resist the opportunity to kiss the famous Blarney stone in the hope of being gifted with legendary Irish eloquence. Journey into County Kerry, stopping at the historic town of Kenmare en route to Killarney and a visit to Muckross House. Tour this Elizabethan-style mansion, with time to enjoy its lovely gardens.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Lodging: Aghadoe Heights Hotel, Killarney, Ireland

Day 10 – Explore the Ring of Kerry

One of the most famous drives in the world, the 100-mile route around the Ring of Kerry reveals some of Ireland’s most splendid scenery. Return to Killarney for time at leisure, adding more enjoyment of the countryside’s rich cultural heritage to this Ireland tour.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Aghadoe Heights Hotel, Killarney, Ireland

Day 11 – From a Farm to a Castle

Enjoy visiting with Irish farmers at their working dairy farm and discover the role of farming in the west of Ireland. Then, it’s off to Dromoland Castle to stay for the night. Prior to becoming a world-renowned hotel, this magnificent baronial manor was home to the O’Brian family for over 500 years. Join your new friends at a festive farewell reception and dinner tonight.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Dromoland Castle, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Ireland

Day 12 – Journey Home

Tour ends at Shannon Airport 2 ½ hours prior to the departure of our selected flight(s). Persons who are departing at other times should secure their own transportation to the airport.

Meals: Breakfast