Ireland with Michael
Day 1: DUBLIN ARRIVAL
After landing at Dublin Airport complete customs and immigration formalities. At 9am join your group in the Arrivals Hall before meeting your CIE Tours driverguide and boarding your luxury motorcoach. Next travel to the Inn at Dromoland and stop to enjoy breakfast with your group. Then 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 your journey into Ennis check into your hotel and settle into your room. In the evening join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Day 2: FOYNES FLYING BOAT MUSEUM
Leaving Ennis journey into Foynes to visit the Flying Boat Museum which recalls the early days of air travel during the 1930s and early 1940s. Irish coffee was first created here to warm frozen weary travelers and you will learn how to make a perfect one and then drink it. Next drive into the village of Adare famous for its attractive main street of thatched houses and colorful gardens. Stroll through the village and take some photos before continuing your travel into Beaufort. Upon arrival check into your hotel settle into your room and enjoy some free time before meeting your group in the hotel restaurant for dinner.
Day 3: 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. Stop to visit the Louis Mulcahy Pottery to view the very best Irish handmade craft Pottery in exquisite fine porcelain and robust stoneware. Then continue on to visit Brian de Staic a prestigious jewelry company which is exclusively dedicated to creating pieces with style. Head back to your hotel in Beaufort where the remainder of the day is free for independent exploring and dining.
Day 4: BLARNEY CASTLE
After breakfast drive 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. Continue your 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. Transfer to your hotel in Cork check in and settle into your room. This evening you are free to dine independently.
Day 5: KINSALE SIGHTSEEING
This morning journey into Kinsale and set off on a brief walking tour with a local guide to learn the history of the town. Kinsale has been a favorite for artists due to its steep narrow streets quirky shopfronts and many fine Georgian houses. Today it is renowned as the gourmet capital of Ireland as there are many awardwinning restaurants and pubs. After enjoy some time at leisure to explore around the town on your own. Continue your drive into Cork check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day free to sightsee shop and dine independently.
Day 6: MOUNT CONGREVE ESTATE & GARDENS
Departing Cork travel to visit Mount Congreve a magnificent estate that cover over 700acres approximately 100 of which comprise the most fantastic gardens imaginable. Next journey into Waterford and stop to tour the House of Waterford Crystal. While here learn about glass blowing cutting and see oneofakind masterpieces. Continue your drive into Wexford check into your hotel and settle into your room. Tonight join your group for dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Day 7: HOOK LIGHTHOUSE
Today visit the Hook Lighthouse one of the oldest lighthouses in the world and the oldest operating lighthouse in Ireland. Then continue on to visit Johnstown Castle Gardens with over two hundred different kinds of trees and shrubs. The ornamental grounds are set aside the exquisite 19th century Johnstown Castle. While here have a cup of tea and freshly baked scones with your group. Transfer to your hotel in Dublin check in and enjoy some time at leisure before tonights festivities.
This evening join the festivities at the Irish House Party which not only offers great food but also traditional Irish entertainment in an intimate setting.
Day 8: HOP ON HOP OFF DUBLIN
Spend the day at leisure in Dublin where you can choose from a wide variety of pursuits. Use your Hop on Hop off pass to visit several places so you can get better acquainted with the city. There are also plenty of museums of Irish interest such as the National Museum the National Gallery or the Writers Museum. You may also want to shop along Nassau Street the pedestrianized Grafton Street or Henry Street. In the evening you might like to dine in one of the many restaurants or pubs that Dublin has to offer. (No coaching or guide services today)
Day 9: RETURN TO THE UNITED STATES
All too soon your vacation has come to an end. Transfer to Dublin Airport in plenty of 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.
Day 10: [Day 10 Title]
[Day 10 Description]
CONFIRMED HOTELS
Old Ground Hotel, Ennis 1 night
Dunloe Hotel, Beaufort (Killarney) 2 nights
River Lee Hotel, Cork 2 nights
Ferrycarrig Hotel, Wexford 1 night
Davenport 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 08 nights
Full breakfasts (09)
Dinners (05):
Table d'hôte dinners (04)
Dinner at Taylor's Three Rock
Irish coffee at Foynes Flying Boat Museum
Guided walking tour of Kinsale
Dublin open-top bus tour
Johnstown Castle Gardens w/tea & scones
Visits and admission fees to:
Cliffs of Moher
Louis Mulcahy Pottery
Brian de Staic Jewelry
Blarney Castle & Woollen Mills
Jameson Midleton Distillery
Mount Congreve Estate & Gardens
House of Waterford Crystal
Hook Lighthouse
Johnstown Castle Gardens
Hotel porterage, service charges and government taxes
Flight bags, ticket wallets, baggage tags and identifying strap