R and J TOURS
Day 1: DEPART THE UNITED STATES
Depart your hometown and take an overnight flight across the Atlantic. Enjoy inflight 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 driverguide will welcome you to Ireland and escort you and your luggage to the coach. Next set off on an orientation drive around Dublin city center. See the main thoroughfares of OConnell Street Nassau Street and some lovely public parks as you pass by many historical sites. Stop to visit EPIC Ireland which celebrates the dramatic story of the spread of Irish culture around the globe and how Ireland has changed throughout the years. Then continue on to tour Guinness Storehouse to see exhibits on how this worldfamous stout was first created and why it is so popular today. Finish your visit in the rooftop bar where you can sample a draft of Guinness. Motor a short distance to your hotel check in and enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure. In the evening join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Day 3: GLENDALOUGH VISITOR CENTRE
Leaving Dublin journey into County Wicklow to visit the 6th century monastic ruins of Glendalough. The visitor centre explains how St. Kevin founded this settlement at a time when Christianity was burgeoning throughout Ireland. Then travel into New Ross to visit the Dunbrody Emigrant Ship a replica of a sailing vessel built in 1845 to transport emigrants from Ireland to North America. The visit will give you an insight as to what life on board ship was like as well as filling you in on the history of the famine years. Continue your drive into Waterford check into your hotel and settle into your room. This evening meet your group in the hotel restaurant for a delicious meal.
After dinner set off on a leisurely evening 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.
Day 4: HOUSE OF WATERFORD CRYSTAL
This morning add a bit of sparkle to your day by touring the House of Waterford Crystal. While here learn about glass blowing cutting and see oneofakind masterpieces. Next drive into Cobh to visit the Cobh Heritage Center which depicts the varied history of emigration from Ireland and many European countries to the United States over the past 150 years. Cobh was the last port of call for the Titanic and many liners that carried emigrants to the New World. Continue your travel into Blarney where you can climb the battlements of Blarney Castle and kiss the famous Stone of Eloquence. Transfer to your hotel in Killarney check in and spend some time at leisure before having dinner in the hotel restaurant with your fellow travelers.
Day 5: DINGLE PENINSULA DRIVE
Today discover the beauties of the Dingle Peninsula once described by the National Geographic Traveler as the most beautiful place on earth. Drive along the south shore of the peninsula for plenty of vistas of heathery mountains sandy stretches of beach stunning green landscapes and rocky headlands. Pause at strategic locations to admire the views and take photos. Head back to your hotel in Killarney for a free evening.
Day 6: CLIFFS OF MOHER
Departing Killarney drive into Bunratty to visit the Bunratty Folk Park which comprises a collection of farmhouses from different regions of Ireland. Also see a 19th century village street with a pub school general store and many other buildings where traditional lifestyles and crafts are demonstrated. Next travel 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. After continue your journey into Galway check into your hotel and settle into your room. You may like to rest or explore some of the city before dining in the hotel restaurant with your group.
Day 7: ATLANTIC SHEEPDOGS
After breakfast travel to visit Atlantic Sheepdogs where you will have the opportunity to experience farm life and see some of the worlds smartest sheepdogs working in their natural environment. Then journey into Derry and join a local guide for a walking tour to see Guildhall St. Columbs Cathedral the Diamond and the 16th century walls. Drive a short distance to your hotel check in and spend some time at leisure before enjoying dinner in the hotel restaurant]
Day 8: GIANTS CAUSEWAY
Leaving Derry travel to visit the Giants Causeway an impressive area of hexagonal columns formed over 60 million years ago by cooling lava which has given rise to many legends. Continue your drive into Belfast check into your hotel and settle into your room. Tonight meet your group in the hotel restaurant for dinner.
Day 9: BELFAST SIGHTSEEING
This morning embark on a guided tour of Belfast to see the Albert Memorial the Opera House and Crown Liquor Saloon. Stop to visit Titanic Belfast to learn about the evolution of the Titanic from concept until her illfated end in 1912. Then continue your drive into the bustling city of Dublin check into your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day free for individual pursuits and dining.
Day 10: DUBLIN SIGHTSEEING
Today set off with a local guide who will show you around Dublin. The city has been molded through the centuries by economic political and artistic influences that has shaped its architecture. Stop to visit Teeling Distillery to learn about finely aged whiskey and sample the finish product. If time permits you may like to enjoy a cocktail or two at the Bang Bang Bar or grab some locally sourced food at the Phoenix Café. Then continue on to visit Trinity College to see the Book of Kells an 8th century illuminated manuscript of the gospels and the Old Library. Head back to your nearby hotel where you may like to relax or freshen up before tonights farewell festivities.
This evening drive to the Merry Ploughboy Pub for dinner followed by a lively show of traditional Irish songs dancing and music.
Day 11: 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 back to the United States.
CONFIRMED HOTELS
Camden Court Hotel, Dublin 1 night
Granville Hotel, Waterford 1 night
Great Southern Hotel, Killarney 2 nights
Hardiman Hotel, Galway 1 night
Ebrington Hotel, Derry 1 night
Grand Central Hotel, Belfast 1 night
Camden Court Hotel, Dublin 2 nights
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 09 nights
Full breakfasts (09)
Dinners (07):
Table d'hôte dinners (06)
Dublin Irish Night w/dinner & entertainment
Guided evening walking tour of Waterford
Sheepdog trials at Atlantic Sheepdog
Walking tour of Derry with a local guide
Tours of Belfast & Dublin with a local guide
Visits and admission fees to:
EPIC Ireland
Guinness Storehouse
Glendalough Visitor Centre
Dunbrody Emigrant Ship
House of Waterford Crystal
Cobh Heritage Centre
Blarney Castle
Bunratty Folk Park
Cliffs of Moher
Giant's Causeway
Titanic Belfast
Teeling Whiskey Distillery
Trinity College (Book of Kells)
Hotel porterage, service charges and government taxes
Flight bags, ticket wallets, baggage tags and identifying strap