AVOYA TRAVEL NETWORK
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 driver/guide 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 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 day free to sightsee shop and dine on your own.
Day 3: EPIC IRELAND
This morning 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. Head back to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. Later in the day you might like to freshen up before this evenings festivities. Tonight head to Taylors Three Rock for quality Irish food that is accompanied with lively music and dance.
Day 4: DUBLIN TO CORK
Leaving Dublin travel 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. Next journey into Cork and embark on a panoramic tour of the main areas of Irelands second largest city. Cork is built on many hills with many steeply sloping streets. See Shandon Church which dates to 1722. Also view the Gothicrevival St. Finbarrs Cathedral named for the patron saint of the city. Transfer to your nearby hotel check in and settle into your room. Tonight join your group for dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Day 5: OLD MIDLETON DISTILLERY
Today drive into Midleton and stop to visit the Midleton Distillery Experience. While here enjoy the Apprentice tour and discover how whiskey is made as you walk through the fully functioning distillery. At the end of your tour enjoy a premium whiskey tasting along with a sample straight from the cask. Return to your hotel in Cork where the remainder of the day is free for independent exploring and dining.
Day 6: BLARNEY CASTLE
Departing Cork 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 set off to explore a section of the breathtaking Ring of Kerry. The scenic drive will take you to plenty of stops at strategic locations where you can take photos. Along the way journey into Kenmare and stop to enjoy some time at leisure. Then continue your drive to Molls Gap which overlooks the three lakes before traveling to Ladies View for more spectacular view of Killarneys lakes and mountains. Transfer to your hotel in Killarney check in and settle into your room. In the evening meet your fellow travelers in the hotel restaurant for a delicious meal.
Day 7: DINGLE PENINSULA DRIVE
This morning embark on a horsedrawn jaunting car ride through the grounds of the Killarney National Park. After set off to 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. Following head to Paidi O Ses Pub to have an early dinner with your fellow travelers. Return to your hotel in Killarney and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.
Day 8: CLIFFS OF MOHER
After breakfast journey into Listowel and stop at John B. Keanes Bar which is where the author who the pub is named after wrote many of his famous masterpieces. While here enjoy a cup of tea or Irish coffee along with fresh baked scones. Next travel into Tarbert and take a short ferry ride across the River Shannon Estuary. 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 travel into Galway check into your hotel and enjoy some time at leisure to freshen up before dining in the hotel restaurant with your group.
Day 9: CONNEMARA SEACRUISE
Today drive into Leenane and take a short catamaran cruise aboard the Connemara Lady through Killary Harbour Irelands only fjord. Enjoy the onboard commentary as you admire the views from this narrow inlet which is surrounded by hills and cliffs. While onboard enjoy an Irish coffee with your fellow travelers. Then continue on to visit Kylemore Abbey for a tour of the elegant mansion and church set beside a tranquil lake. Learn of the tales of tragedy romance and royal visits. Also walk through the magical Victorian walled garden. Head back into Galway and join a local guide for a gentle walking tour of the city. See the medieval city walls Lynchs Castle and the narrow streets. Return to your nearby hotel for a free evening.
Day 10: ATLANTIC SHEEPDOGS
Leaving Galway 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. Next journey into Belleek and stop to visit the Belleek Pottery Factory to see how skilled craftspeople form and decorate clay to produce delicate porcelain masterpieces. Continue your drive into Derry check into your hotel and settle into your room. Tonight dine with your group in the hotel restaurant.
Day 11: GIANTS CAUSEWAY
This morning 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. After journey into Bushmills to visit Bushmills Distillery which is Irelands oldest whiskey distillery. See how whiskey is distilled and try a sample at the end of your tour. Return to your hotel in Derry and spend some time at leisure before a festive evening with your group. Tonight head to the Walled City Brewery which has offered locally flavored craft and artisan beers for over a decade. While here enjoy a flight of beer along with a classic Irish dinner with your fellow travelers.
Day 12: DERRY TO KINGSCOURT
Departing Derry travel into Kingscourt and check into the beautiful Cabra Castle Hotel. Spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure to enjoy Cabra Castles exceptional service. Experience what its like living as a Landed Gentry while also surrounded by wonderful scenery and complete luxury. You may wish to play a round of golf horseback ride or even fish. There is also tennis and archery available for guests who stay at the hotel. In the evening join your fellow travelers for a superb dinner in Cabra Castles fine hotel restaurant.
Day 13: KINGSCOURT TO TRIM
After breakfast travel into Trim and check into the beautiful Trim Castle Hotel for your overnight stay. You might like to rest or explore some of the castle grounds before meeting your group for a wonderful farewell dinner in Trim Castles restaurant.
Day 14: 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 lastminute shopping at the dutyfree stores before boarding your aircraft and flying back to the United States.
CONFIRMED HOTELS
Ashling Hotel, Dublin 2 nights
River Lee Hotel, Cork 2 nights
Scotts Hotel, Killarney 2 nights
Ardilaun Hotel, Galway 2 nights
Everglades Hotel, Derry 2 nights
Cabra Castle Hotel, Kingscourt 1 night
Trim Castle Hotel, Trim 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 12 nights
Full breakfasts (12)
Dinners (09):
Table d'hôte dinners (06)
Dinner at Taylor's Three Rock
Dinner at Paidi O Se's Pub
Dinner at Walled City Brewer w/flight of beer
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Horse-drawn jaunting car ride in Killarney
Drink at John B. Keane's Bar
Passage on the Tarbert Ferry
Guided walking tour of Galway
Connemara Seacruise w/Irish coffee
Sheepdog trials at Atlantic Sheepdog
Visits and admission fees to:
Guinness Storehouse
EPIC Ireland
Rock of Cashel (Photo Stop)
Distillers Apprentice tour at Old Midleton Distillery
Blarney Castle & Woollen Mills
Cliffs of Moher
Kylemore Abbey
Belleek Pottery
Giant's Causeway
Old Bushmills Distillery
Hotel porterage, service charges and government taxes
Flight bags, ticket wallets, baggage tags and identifying strap