AAA SELECT TOURS
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
After landing at Dublin Airport complete customs and immigration formalities. Your CIE Tours driver/guide will welcome you to Ireland and escort you and your luggage to the coach. Next 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 to visit the GPO Museum a unique exhibit piecing together the events in the lead up during and aftermath of one of the most influential moments in Irish history - the 1916 Easter Rising. After motor a short distance to your hotel check in and enjoy some free time before joining your fellow travelers for a welcome drink. After spend the remainder of the day at leisure for individual pursuits and dining.
Day 3: HOUSE OF WATERFORD CRYSTAL
Leaving Dublin journey into Kilkenny and stop to visit Kilkenny Castle home of the Butlers Earls and Dukes of Ormonde. The castle estate boasts both formal and informal gardens which overlooks the Nore River. Then continue your travel into Waterford and stop to tour the House of Waterford Crystal. While here learn about glass blowing cutting and see one-of-a-kind masterpieces. After your visit drive a short distance to your hotel check in and spend some time at leisure before embarking on a leisurely walking tour of Waterford with a local guide. Stroll along Merchants Quay before passing the Clock Tower Reginalds Tower City Hall Theatre Royal and many other historical places. Return to your nearby hotel in time to dine with your group in the hotel restaurant.
Day 4: BLARNEY CASTLE & WOLLEN MILLS
This morning travel into Midleton and stop to visit the Old Midleton Distillery. Discover how whiskey is made as you walk through the old buildings. At the end of your tour enjoy a sample of the finished product. Next journey into Blarney where you can climb the battlements of Blarney Castle and kiss the famous Stone of Eloquence. Then visit the Blarney Woollen Mills which has an excellent range of Irish products. You will also have time to browse around the village charmingly set around a large village green. After transfer to your hotel in Killarney check in and enjoy some free time before tonights festivities.
This evening travel to Kate Kearneys Cottage which is situated at the entrance of the Gap of Dunloe. Your Irish Night will consist of a superb meal and entertainment.
Day 5: RING OF KERRY
Today set off to explore the Ring of Kerry which consist of over a 100 miles of marvelous scenery. See some of Irelands highest peaks on one side of the road and a coastline scattered with golden beaches and rocky headlands on the other. There will also be plenty of stops to take-in the scenery and to snap photos. Next cross to Valencia Island by bridge to visit the Skellig Experience which describes the life of early monks who led austere lives on the nearby islands. After your visit return to your hotel in Killarney where you may like to rest or explore some of the town before dining with your fellow travelers in the hotel restaurant.
Day 6: CLIFFS OF MOHER
Departing Killarney journey into Tarbert and take a short ferry ride across the River Shannon Estuary. Next drive along the coast of scenic County Clare and stop 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. After your visit pass through the Burren an area of rocky limestone hills where a number of unique flowers thrive. This region also contains many dolmens prehistoric monuments formed by large limestone slabs. Continue your travel into Cong and check into the charming Lodge at Ashford Castle. Tonight enjoy dinner with your group in the hotel restaurant.
Day 7: CONG SIGHTSEEING
After breakfast embark on a walking tour of Cong a place made famous by the 1952 movie of The Quiet Man featuring John Wayne and Maureen OHara. Discover places featured in the movie and see some of the movie memorabilia in the Quiet Man Heritage Cottage. Then drive into the village of Clonbur and stop at Eddies Bar to enjoy a traditional Irish lunch with your group. Eddies Bar offers casual elegance and light-hearted ambiance and promises a memorable experience for everyone. After return to your hotel in Cong where the rest of the day is free to sightsee shop and dine on your own.
Day 8: CLONMACNOISE
This morning travel to the center of Ireland and stop to visit Clonmacnoise. 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. Then continue your journey through Irelands countryside into the lively city of Dublin check into your hotel and enjoy the balance of the afternoon at your leisure.
In the evening drive into the town of Rathfarnham to Taylors Three Rock for dinner followed by a lively show.
Day 9: RETURN TO THE UNITED STATES
All too soon your vacation has come to its final day. Transfer to Dublin Airport in good time to check in for your flight. You may do some last minute shopping at the duty free stores before boarding your aircraft and flying across the Atlantic Ocean back to the United States.
CONFIRMED HOTELS
Ashling Hotel, DUBLIN 1 night
Dooley's Hotel, WATERFORD 1 night
Killarney Towers Hotel, KILLARNEY 2 nights
Lodge at Ashford Castle, CONG 2 nights
Ashling Hotel, DUBLIN 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 07 nights
Full breakfasts (07)
Lunch (01)
Lunch at Eddie's Bar
Dinners (05):
Table d'hôte dinners (03)
Kate Kearney's Irish Night w/dinner & entertainment
Dinner at Taylor's Three Rock
Tour of Dublin with a local guide
Welcome get-together drink
Guided evening walking tour of Waterford
Passage on the Tarbert Ferry
The 'Quiet Man' walking tour of Cong
Visits and admission fees to:
GPO Museum
Kilkenny Castle
House of Waterford Crystal
Old Midleton Distillery
Blarney Castle & Woollen Mills
Skellig Experience
Cliffs of Moher
Clonmacnoise
Hotel porterage, service charges and government taxes
Flight bags, ticket wallets, baggage tags and identifying strap