HUMBLE TRAVEL
Day 1: KILKENNY CASTLE
Today meet your CIE Tours driver/guide at your independently booked Dublin Hotel before boarding your luxury motorcoach 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 Then continue your travel into Kilkenny and stop to visit 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 Motor a short distance to your hotel check in and settle into your room This evening join your fellow travelers for a delightful welcome dinner in the hotel restaurant
Day 2: HOUSE OF WATERFORD CRYSTAL
This morning drive through Irelands rolling hills into Waterford and stop to tour the House of Waterford Crystal While here learn about glass blowing cutting and see one-of-a-kind masterpieces Next journey into Midleton 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 After travel into Cork and set off 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 Gothic-revival St Finbarrs Cathedral named for the patron saint of the city Transfer to your nearby hotel check in and spend the balance of the day free to sightsee shop and dine on your own
Day 3: RING OF KERRY
Leaving Cork 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 You may like to rest or explore some of the charming town before dining in the hotel restaurant with your group
Day 4: DINGLE PENINSULA DRIVE
After breakfast 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 Next visit Gabriel Kavanagh Farm where you will have the opportunity to see some sheepdogs work in their natural environment Following drive 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 and spend the rest of the day free for individual pursuits and dining
Day 5: CLIFFS OF MOHER
Departing Killarney travel into Tarbert and take a short ferry ride across the River Shannon Estuary Next 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 After your visit 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 In the evening join your fellow travelers for a superb dinner in Dromoland Castles fine restaurant
Day 6: DROMOLAND CASTLE HOTEL
Today enjoy a falconry performance on the castle grounds where you will see beautiful captive bred birds such as falcons hawks and owls perform skilled tasks for his or her handler Spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure to relax or further explore around the castle independently This evening meet your fellow travelers in the Castles hotel restaurant for a wonderful dinner
After dinner set off on a guided walking tour of the beautiful Dromoland Castle estate Along the way your guide will charm you with tales of the Castles long and fascinating history
Day 7: LIMERICK SIGHTSEEING
This morning drive into Limerick and embark on a panoramic tour of the city which features the sights made famous in Frank McCourts biography Angelas Ashes Pass the 13th century King Johns Castle in the center of the city This imposing fortress with its massive walls and towers has guarded the River Shannon crossing for the past 700 years Next journey into Kildare to visit the Irish National Stud which will show you the history and current trends of horse-breeding in Ireland before viewing the magnificent horses Also take a walk around the truly spectacular Japanese Gardens an artistic representation of the Life of Man from cradle to grave After continue into Enfield and check into the beautiful Johnstown Estate Spend the balance of the afternoon free to relax or enjoy the amenities the Estate offers This evening join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner in Johnstown Estates restaurant
Day 8: DUBLIN DEPARTURE
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
Lyrath Estate Hotel & Spa, Kilkenny 1 night
Hayfield Manor Hotel, Cork 1 night
Killarney Park Hotel, Killarney 2 nights
Dromoland Castle Hotel, Shannon 2 nights
Johnstown Estate Hotel, Enfield 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 07 nights
Full breakfasts (07)
Dinners (05)
Sheepdog trials along Dingle Peninsula
Passage on the Tarbert Ferry
Falconry Demonstration at Dromoland Castle
Guided walking tour of Dromoland Castle
Visits and admission fees to:
Kilkenny Castle
House of Waterford Crystal
Old Midleton Distillery
Cliffs of Moher
Irish National Stud & Gardens
Hotel porterage, service charges and government taxes
Flight bags, ticket wallets, baggage tags and identifying strap