TRAVEL BY LA BUENA VIDA
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 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 Continue your travel into Kilkenny and stop to visit the Smithwicks Experience to uncover over 300 years of Smithwicks history along with discovering the businesss innovative brewing practices While here enjoy a taste of the finished product Motor a short distance to your hotel check in and settle into your room In the evening join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner in the hotel restaurant
Day 3: KILKENNY CASTLE
This morning 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 Next drive into County Tipperary for photos of the Rock of Cashel These majestic church ruins are clustered high on a limestone outcrop overlooking the surrounding countryside After continue your journey into Shannon and check into Dromoland Castle Hotel one of Irelands finest castle hotels It is one of the few castle hotels that can trace its ownership back through history to Gaelic Irish families of royal heritage The castle offers all guests deluxe accommodation and the experience of living as Landed Gentry Spend the balance of the afternoon relaxing in this lavish setting This evening meet your fellow travelers for a superb dinner in Dromoland Castles fine restaurant
Day 4: BUNRATTY FOLK PARK
Leaving Shannon 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 journey 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 take a short ferry ride across the River Shannon Estuary before continuing your travel into Killarney where you will chek into your hotel for your stay Enjoy some free time to relax or freshen up before a festive evening with your group
Tonight 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
After breakfast set off to explore the Ring of Kerry which consist of over 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 visit the Kissane Sheep Farm a traditional family-run working sheep farm Learn about sheep farming practices and see how the farmer herds his flocks Head back to your hotel in Killarney and spend the rest of the day free for independent exploring and dining
Day 6: BLARNEY CASTLE
Departing Killarney drive into Blarney where you can climb the battlements of Blarney Castle and kiss the famous Stone of Eloquence Next travel into Midleton and stop to visit the Midleton Distillery Experience 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 Continue your journey into Dublin check into your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure This evening you might like to dine in one of the citys lively dinner venues
Day 7: DUBLIN SIGHTSEEING
Today embark 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 Teeling Distillery to learn about finely aged whiskey and sample the finish product If time permits you 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 and enjoy some time at leisure before tonights farewell festivities
In the evening drive to the Merry Ploughboy Pub for dinner followed by a lively show of traditional Irish songs dancing and music
Day 8: 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
Ormonde Hotel, Kilkenny 1 night
Dromoland Castle Hotel, Shannon 1 night
Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney 2 nights
Ashling 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 06 nights
Full breakfasts (06)
Dinners (04):
Table d'hôte dinners (02)
Kate Kearney's Irish Night w/dinner & entertainment
Merry Ploughboy's Pub with dinner & entertainment
Passage on the Tarbert Ferry
Sheepdog trials at Kissane Sheep Farm
Visits and admission fees to:
Glendalough Visitor Centre
Kilkenny Castle
Smithwick's Experience
Rock of Cashel (Photo Stop)
Bunratty Folk Park
Cliffs of Moher
Blarney Castle
Old Midleton Distillery
Teeling Whiskey Distillery
Trinity College (Book of Kells)
Hotel porterage, service charges and government taxes
Flight bags, ticket wallets, baggage tags and identifying strap