Discover, Plan & Go!

Day 1: Depart U.S. for Shannon Fly across the Atlantic from your U.S gateway city traveling overnight to Ireland. Day 2: Bunratty Castle Banquet Land at Shannon Airport and locate the CIE Tours desk in the Arrivals Hall for a group transfer to your nearby hotel. Complimentary transfers will be offered from Shannon Airport between 7:00 am and 2:00 pm. If your flight arrives later than 2:00 pm, you must transfer to the hotel at your own expense. This afternoon you are at leisure to rest after your journey or take a stroll on your own through Bunratty Folk Park. Join your fellow travelers for a welcome drink before heading to the 15th century Bunratty Castle for a medieval-style meal and entertainment. (D) Day 3: Flying Boat Museum & Killarney Drive through Limerick and along by the River Shannon to Foynes to visit the Flying Boat Museum. In the early days of flight this was the landing place for Pan Am Clippers from the United States and Europe. The museum recreates the infancy of aviation with vivid displays. Journey into County Kerry and stop in Listowel, renowned as the birthplace of J. B. Keane, a popular 20th century playwright. Continue to Killarney and check into your hotel in the center of town. (B, D) Day 4: Ring of Kerry Tour Journey around the Ring of Kerry, a full day tour of varying mountain and coastline scenery. Start your tour at the Gap of Dunloe by viewing the "Essence of Kerry," an audio visual show for an overview. Drive around the coastline to the colorful village of Sneem and the vantage point of Moll's Gap. Tour Muckross House, a 19th century furnished mansion, which is set in charming gardens on the shores of Muckross Lake. Return to Killarney and relax before dinner. (B, D) Day 5: Cobh Heritage & Waterford Crystal Drive to Blarney and make a brief stop at the Blarney Woollen Mills in the village of Blarney. Travel through the outskirts of Cork city to visit Cobh Heritage Centre. See what travel was like under sail and steam and the many hardships travelers had to endure. Continue along the south coast to Waterford. Visit the Waterford Crystal Factory to watch the creation of this lovely crystal and view a wide range of tableware and special trophies. After dinner, join a local guide for a stroll around the historic city center. (B, D) Day 6: Medieval Kilkenny & National Stud Drive north to Kilkenny and stop to look around the town, which is dominated by a huge castle. In medieval times the town was a prosperous trading center and the narrow streets still follow ancient routes. Travel north to Kildare and visit the Irish National Stud. As a nation, the Irish are very interested in horses and the Stud will tell you about the valuable breeding industry. See some of the magnificent horses before heading to the village of Dunboyne, on the outskirts of Dublin. Check into Dunboyne Castle Hotel and relax for a while before enjoying a farewell dinner with your group. (B, D) Day 7: Return to U.S. This morning take a group transfer from Dunboyne to Dublin Airport where your tour concludes at 10:00 am. If you need an earlier group transfer, your guide will arrange one. (B)