AAA CLUB ALLIANCE
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. Journey into Blarney where you can climb the battlements of Blarney Castle and kiss the famous Stone of Eloquence. Continue your 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. Transfer to your hotel in Killarney check in and settle into your room. In the evening join your fellow travelers for a delightful welcome dinner in the hotel restaurant.
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. Continue your travel into the village of Annascaul and stop at the South Pole Inn to enjoy a drink with your fellow travelers and to learn about the Antarctic explorer Tom Crean. Next journey into Dingle town and stop to enjoy some free time to explore the area on your own. Dingle is an area situated below Slievanea Mountain and faces comfortably onto the sheltered harbor. As a market town and fishing port Dingle has long been well supplied with pubs and opportunities to hear traditional Irish music. Head back to your hotel in Killarney where you might like to relax or freshen up 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 4: KILLARNEY TO ADARE
After breakfast embark on a horse-drawn jaunting car ride through the grounds of the Killarney National Park. Next drive into Adare and set off on a guided walking tour to see the highlights of the village. Adare is famous for its attractive main street of thatched houses and colorful gardens. Motor a short distance to your hotel check in and enjoy the rest of the day free for independent exploring and dining.
Day 5: CLIFFS OF MOHER
Departing Adare 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. Next visit the Caherconnell Farm where you will have the opportunity to experience farm life and see sheepdogs working in their natural environment. Continue your journey into Galway and embark on a panoramic tour to see the principal sights of the city. See the Spanish Arch in the Claddagh area the City Museum and the Cathedral of Our Lady which is built on the site of the former county jail. Transfer to your nearby hotel check in and enjoy the balance of the day at leisure. Tonight you might like to dine in one of the citys lively dinner venues.
Day 6: ARAN ISLANDS & DUN AENGUS
This morning set off on a short ferry ride from Rossaveal to Inis Mor the largest of the three Aran Islands. These rocky islands are renowned for the hardy islanders who maintained traditional fishing and farming. The Irish language is still spoken widely. Next take a minibus ride to Dun Aengus a huge pre-historic fortress perched on sheer cliffs which fall away to the Atlantic Ocean below. Have a look around Kilronan before heading back to your hotel in Galway for a free evening.
Day 7: KILBEGGAN DISTILLERY
Leaving Galway drive into Athlone and stop at Seans Bar Irelands oldest Pub to enjoy a drink with your fellow travelers. Next travel into Kilbeggan to visit the Kilbeggan Distillery which was established in 1757 and is one of the oldest licensed distilleries in the world. While here enjoy a tour and tasting of the finished product. Continue your journey through the Irish countryside into Dublin check into your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure for individual pursuits and dining.
Day 8: FOOTBALL GAME
Today 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. Head back to your nearby hotel and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon free to sightsee shop and dine on your own.
After an independent dinner head to Aviva Stadium a sporting stadium with a capacity for 51700 spectators. It is also commonly known as Lansdowne Road while UEFA refers to it as the Dublin Arena. The stadium opened May 14 2010 and is built on the site of the old Lansdowne Road Venue. Iowa State will play Kansas State in what is hoped to be an epic game where bragging rights are on the line (tickets not included in price of the tour).
Day 9: DUBLIN SIGHTSEEING
After breakfast visit St. Patricks Cathedral which is almost as old as the city itself and famous for its connections with the brilliantly eccentric Dean Jonathan Swift. Then continue on to tour Guinness Storehouse to see exhibits on how this world-famous stout was first created and why it is so popular today. Finish your visit in the roof-top bar where you can sample a draft of Guinness. Following visit the nearby EPIC Ireland which celebrates the dramatic story of the spread of Irish culture around the globe and how Ireland has changed throughout the years. Return to your hotel and enjoy some free time to freshen up before joining your fellow travelers for this evenings farewell festivities.
Tonight drive to the Merry Ploughboy Pub for dinner followed by a lively show of traditional Irish songs dancing and music.
Day 10: 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
Brehon Hotel, Killarney 2 nights
Fitzgeralds Woodlands House Hotel, Adare 1 night
Salthill Hotel, Galway 2 nights
Aloft Hotel, Dublin 3 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 (03):
Table d'hôte dinners (01)
Kate Kearney's Irish Night w/dinner & entertainment
Farewell dinner at a local venue
Drink at South Pole Inn & Drink at Sean's Bar
Horse-drawn jaunting car ride in Killarney
Guided walking tour of Adare
Sheepdog trials at Caherconnell Sheep Farm
Aran Islands & Dun Aengus
Visits and admission fees to:
Blarney Castle
Rock of Cashel (Photo Stop)
Cliffs of Moher
Kilbeggan Distillery
Guinness Storehouse
EPIC Ireland
St. Patrick's Cathedral
Hotel porterage, service charges and government taxes
Flight bags, ticket wallets, baggage tags and identifying strap