Discover, Plan & Go!

Itinerary

Day 1: Depart U.S. for Dublin

Board your aircraft and fly through the night. Relax with inflight meals and entertainment as you cross the Atlantic.

Day 2: Malahide Castle Gala Evening

Land at Dublin Airport where you pass through immigration and customs controls. Go to the CIE Tours desk in the Arrivals Hall to arrange a group transfer to your hotel between 7:00 am and 12:00 noon. If your flight arrives later, you will need to transfer to the hotel at your own expense. Enjoy the afternoon relaxing in your hotel or head out and explore the city a little on your own. In the evening drive to Malahide Castle, which was owned and inhabited by the Talbot family from 1185 until 1973. This evening the Castle opens its doors for your private tour of the main chambers, rich with furnishings and portraits. Enjoy the mellow strains of the harp as you sip a cocktail. Then a private dinner is hosted exclusively for your group, accompanied by a melodic string quartet, in the historic Great Hall. (D)

Day 3: Dublin Castle & City Tour

This morning take a tour around the center of Dublin. Head for the ancient area where the Vikings first settled over 1,000 years ago and visit Dublin Castle, the seat of political power for centuries. See the chambers where many important events have taken place and today are filled with portraits, crystal and antique furnishings. As you drive through the city see elegant Georgian squares, public buildings and lively shopping areas. End your morning with a tour around the National Gallery to see works of prominent Irish artists. The afternoon is at leisure to explore museums, art galleries or some of the shops. The evening is free so you may choose one of Dublin's many restaurants to dine independently. (B)

Day 4: Glendalough Monastic Site & Kilkenny

Depart Dublin and drive south through the gentle hills of the Wicklow Mountains. Stop in Glendalough Visitor Centre to learn about life in St. Kevin's 6th century monastery. Then walk through the picturesque ruins to see the round tower, churches and later Celtic crosses. Drive through rich farming country to Kilkenny, a compact medieval city where you will have some time to browse around narrow streets and ancient merchants' houses. Continue to your hotel located on the outskirts of the city. This 18th century mansion, on a 170-acre estate with its own golf course, has been restored to provide elegant accommodation. Enjoy time to relax in your hotel before dinner. (B, D)

Day 5: Waterford Crystal & Blarney

Travel south to the Waterford Crystal Factory, located outside the town, for a guided tour to view the creation of one of the world's most popular luxury products. You may like to purchase or just admire the wonderful collection of trophies and stemware. Drive along the south coast through the towns of Dungarvan and Youghal. Youghal is associated with Sir Walter Raleigh who was granted 40,000 acres including the town and he is reputed to have sown the first potatoes in Ireland. Drive through the outskirts of Cork city to visit the Blarney Woollen Mills, offering excellent Irish-made products all under one roof. If you wish, you may walk around the village before driving along the River Lee valley through Macroom. Continue into the mountainous countryside of County Kerry to your elegant hotel, centrally located in Killarney. (B, D)

Day 6: Muckross House & Ring of Kerry

A horse-drawn jaunting car will bring you to Muckross House, an elegant 19th century mansion set beside tranquil Muckross Lake. Learn about local history and U.S. family connections on a guided tour around the elegant rooms and rich furnishings. Then head out to explore the Ring of Kerry where every bend in 100 miles of road reveals breathtaking views of mountains and Atlantic Ocean. You will have opportunities to get out of the coach to admire or photograph scenic vistas. Return through the attractive village of Sneem and pause at Moll's Gap for a panoramic view of the three lakes of Killarney. This evening savor delicious cuisine and friendly atmosphere at Killeen House Restaurant, a few miles outside the town. (B, D)

Day 7: Cliffs of Moher & Ashford Castle

Leave Killarney and drive through the towns of Tralee and Listowel to Tarbert. Take a ferry across the River Shannon to visit the Cliffs of Moher, majestic walls of rock, which extend five miles along the coast. Journey through part of the Burren Country, a unique region of rounded limestone hills where many rare wildflowers thrive in sheltered crevices and stop in the village of Ballyvaughan, which overlooks Galway Bay. Continue your drive north to Cong for a 2-night stay in the famous Ashford Castle. Arrive in time to explore the grounds, go riding or play some golf before dinner. After dinner you may like to listen to some music in the Dungeon Bar. (B, D)

Day 8: Connemara & Catamaran Cruise

This morning drive through part of Connemara. This region of low hills, lakes and open bogland is impossibly harsh for farming but visually stunning. Admire sweeping views as you travel via Maam Cross and along the picturesque Inagh Valley to Leenane. This village was the location for the movie of "The Field." Embark on a catamaran cruise aboard the "Connemara Lady" around Killary Harbour, Ireland's only fjord (April 5 - October 18 departures). You can see remains of houses and potato patches abandoned during the 1840s Famine as well as stunning scenery of unspoiled hills. Return to the village of Cong, famous as the location for the 1952 movie of "The Quiet Man." Take a short walking tour to see some of the places that appeared in the movie and then enjoy some free time in the afternoon. (B, D)

Day 9: Galway City & Carton House

Drive south to Galway for a brief tour of the city center and enjoy some free time to browse around on your own. It is a lively university city and many of the narrow streets are closed to traffic, ideal for walking. Drive across the midland region of Ireland to Carton House Hotel. This deluxe property was developed around the elegant 18th century Palladian mansion, which was built for the Fitzgerald family, the Earls of Kildare and Dukes of Leinster, by Richard Castles, a prominent architect of the era. Enjoy a farewell dinner with your group in these delightful surroundings. (B, D)

Day 10: Depart for Home

This morning take a group transfer from Maynooth to Dublin Airport where your tour concludes at 10:00am. After check-in your will have time to shop at the duty free stores. If you need to arrive at Dublin Airport before 10:00am, your guide will arrange an early group transfer. (B)