Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Day 1: DEPART THE UNITED STATES
Depart your hometown and take an overnight flight across the Atlantic. Enjoy in-flight entertainment and meal service as you travel to start your vacation.
Day 2: DUBLIN ARRIVAL
Land at Dublin Airport complete customs and immigration formalities before meeting your CIE Tours driver/guide who will welcome you to Ireland. Next visit Glasnevin Museum Irelands national necropolis for a guided tour of the final resting place of some of the most prominent people in Irelands history. Also enjoy breakfast at the onsite café with your group. Transfer to your nearby hotel check in and settle into you room. The afternoon is free for individual pursuits. In the evening join your fellow travelers for a welcome drink before having an independent dinner.
Day 3: DUBLIN HIGHLIGHTS
Set off with a local guide who will show you around Dublin. The city has been molded through the centuries with many architectural styles reflecting the economic political and artistic influences. Stop at Trinity College to see the Book of Kells an 8th century illuminated manuscript of the gospels and see the Old Library. Next tour Guinness Storehouse to see exhibits on how this world famous stout was first created. Finish your visit in the roof-top bar where you can sample a draft of Guinness. After your visit you will have some free time on your own.
This evening drive to the Merry Ploughboy Pub for dinner followed by a lively show of traditional Irish songs dancing and music.
Day 4: ROCK OF CASHEL & KINSALE
Travel into County Tipperary and visit the Rock of Cashel. While here see majestic church ruins that are clustered high on a limestone outcrop overlooking the surrounding countryside. Continue on to visit a local farm where you will get the opportunity to meet an Irish farmer and to see some sheepdogs work in their natural environment. Next take a brief walking tour with a local guide to learn the history of Kinsale. After your leisurely walk check into your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5: BANTRY HOUSE
This morning visit the Bantry House a charming privately-owned mansion dating to the 1760s. It is set in on a hill above a scenic bay with magnificent Italian gardens and an eclectic collection of antiques and artifacts. Then travel through Skibbereen and Rosscarbery back to Kinsale where the remainder of the day is free.
Day 6: KING JOHNS CASTLE
Leaving Kinsale journey to Limerick and visit the 13th century King Johns Castle. This imposing fortress with its massive walls and towers has guarded the River Shannon crossing for the past 700 years. Continue not to embark on a walking tour of Ennis to see the principal sights and learn some of the towns vibrant history. The town dates back to the 11th century and is full of character with its narrow streetscapes quaint shops monuments and markets which give the town a medieval feeling. Then transfer to your nearby hotel check in and settle into your room before dinner with your group.
Day 7: CLIFFS OF MOHER
Departing Ennis drive along the coast of scenic County Clare to visit the Cliffs of Moher one of Irelands most beloved natural landmarks. See magical vistas overlooking the shimmering Atlantic Ocean along with Irelands Western coastline. Continue on to join a local guide for a gentle walking tour of Galway. See the medieval city walls Lynchs Castle and the narrow streets. Afterwards check into your hotel for dinner and your overnight stay.
Day 8: ARAN ISLANDS & DUN AENGUS
Take a short ferry ride from Rossaveal to Inis Mor the largest of the three Aran Islands. These rocky islands are renowned for the hardy islanders who maintained traditional fishing and farming. The Irish language is still spoken widely. Next take a minibus ride to Dun Aengus a huge pre-historic fortress perched on sheer cliffs which fall away to the Atlantic Ocean below. Have a look around Kilronan before heading back to Galway for a free evening.
Day 9: CLONMACNOISE & DUNBOYNE
Leaving Galway travel to the center of Ireland to visit Clonmacnoise (subject to availability). This monastic settlement was founded in 545 and is delightfully set on the banks of the River Shannon. Learn about the history of the site and take a walk around to see the ancient monuments. Continue to your luxury hotel in Dunboyne and check in. Once you settle in join your fellow travelers for dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Day 10: RETURN TO THE UNITED STATES
After breakfast this morning transfer to Dublin to check in for your flight. You may do some last minute shopping at the duty free stores before flying back to the United States.
CONFIRMED HOTELS
Ashling Hotel, Dublin - 2 nights
Trident Hotel, Kinsale - 2 nights
Temple Gate Hotel, Ennis - 1 night
Galmont Hotel, Galway - 2 nights
Dunboyne Castle Hotel, Dunboyne - 1 night
TOUR INCLUDES
Exclusive transport by luxury motorcoach with a driver/guide
Meet and greet service with one group transfer upon arrival and departure at the airport
Hotel accommodation based on twin bedded rooms with private bath as listed for 8 nights
Full breakfasts (9)
Dinners (5):
Table d’hôte dinners (4)
Merry Ploughboy Pub
Welcome Get-Together Drink
Guided tour of Dublin
Sheepdog trials at an Irish farm
Guided walking tours of Kinsale, Ennis & Galway
Excursion to the Aran Islands & Dun Aengus
Visits and admission fees to:
Trinity College
Guinness Storehouse
Rock of Cashel
Bantry House
King Johns Castle
Cliffs of Moher
Clonmacnoise
Hotel porterage, service charges and government taxes
Flight bags, ticket wallets, baggage tags and identifying strap