AAA Travel
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 driverguide will welcome you to Ireland and escort you and your luggage to the coach. Motor a short distance to your hotel check in and enjoy the balance of 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 a number of places. Also using your voucher visit 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. Tonight you may like to dine in one of the many dinner venues that Dublin has to offer.
Day 3: HOP ON HOP OFF DUBLIN
Spend the day completely at leisure to relax or further explore around Dublin. Use the second day of your Hop On Hop Off pass to pursue more of the city at your own pace. You may want to visit the Irish Whiskey Museum located just across the street from Trinity College. Learn about the history of Irish whiskey and the part it plays in the global whiskey market. Another place you may like to explore is Marsh Library which is Irelands oldest library open to the public. Finally you could also take a stroll through Phoenix Park the largest walled park in Europe. The Dublin Zoo is also within the park walls along with many areas of playing fields and recreation. In the evening you might like to dine in one of the many traditional or modern dinner venues scattered around the city. (No coaching or guide services today)
Day 4: DUBLIN TO DONEGAL
Today meet your CIE Tours driverguide before boarding your luxury motorcoach. Next set off on a panoramic tour of County Donegal which is renowned for wool production. Transfer to your hotel in Donegal town check in and settle into your room. This evening join your fellow travelers for dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Day 5: DONEGAL CASTLE
After breakfast visit Donegal Castle which incorporates the gabled tower of a 15th century house built by the ODonnell family. Partially restored the castle reflects a long and turbulent history. Next travel to visit Mass Rock and Holy Well at Tobernault a unique place to reflect and pray. St. Patrick is said to have put his hand on the rock as he knelt and prayed. Continue your drive into Galway check into your hotel and enjoy some free time before meeting your group in the hotel restaurant for a delicious meal.
Day 6: CONG SIGHTSEEING
This morning drive into Cong and embark on a walking tour of the village a place made famous by the 1952 movie of The Quiet Man featuring John Wayne and Maureen OHara. Discover places featured in the movie and see some of the movie memorabilia in the Quiet Man Heritage Cottage. Stop to visit Cong Abbey which was founded in the 12th century for the Augustinians by Turlough OConnor King of Ireland. After 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 to your hotel in Galway for an evening at leisure.
Day 7: BURREN SIGHTSEEING
Leaving Galway drive through the Burren an area of rocky limestone hills where several unique flowers thrive. This region also contains many dolmens prehistoric monuments formed by large limestone slabs. Continue 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. Following travel to visit Caherconnell Farm where you will have the opportunity to experience farm life and see sheepdogs working in their natural environment. After your visit journey into Adare check into your hotel and enjoy some free time to relax of freshen up before a festive evening with your group.
Tonight join in the fun and feasting at Knappogue Castle. Your medievalstyle banquet is served in the Great Hall of the 15th century castle. During and after the meal the lords and ladies of the castle will transport you in spirit to the Middle Ages with their songs and stories.
Day 8: ADARE TO KILLARNEY
Today journey 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 drive into Killarney. Upon arrival embark on a horsedrawn jaunting car ride through the grounds of the Killarney National Park. Motor a short distance to your hotel check in and settle into your room. This evening dine in the hotel restaurant with your group.
Day 9: 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 takein the scenery and to snap photos. Return to your hotel in Killarney where the rest of the day is free for individual pursuits and dining.
Day 10: CORK SIGHTSEEING
Departing Killarney drive 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 Gothicrevival St. Finbarrs Cathedral named for the patron saint of the city. After enjoy some free time to explore family ancestry around the area. You might like to stop at Mutton Lane Pub for an independent drink. Transfer to your nearby hotel check in and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Tonight you might like to try the fine local cuisine.
Day 11: KILKENNY SIGHTSEEING
This morning travel into Kilkenny and set off on a guided walking tour of the town. The humorous and informative guide will show you many sites which help make stories about the past come to life. Continue your journey through the Irish countryside into Dublin check into your hotel and spend some time at leisure before tonights farewell festivities.
In the evening head to Nancy Hands Restaurant to enjoy an authentic Irish dinner with your group.
Day 12: 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
Trinity City Hotel, Dublin 2 nights
Mill Park Hotel, Donegal 1 night
Galmont Hotel, Galway 2 nights
Dunraven Arms Hotel, Adare 1 night
Brehon Hotel, Killarney 2 nights
River Lee Hotel, Cork 1 night
Trinity City Hotel, Dublin 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 10 nights
Full breakfasts (10)
Dinners (05):
Table d'hôte dinners (03)
Medieval Banquet at an Irish Castle
Farewell dinner at Nancy Hand's Restaurant
2-Day Dublin open-top bus tour with a visit to Guinness Storehouse
'The 'Quiet Man' walking tour of Cong
Horse-drawn jaunting car ride in Killarney
Sheepdog trials along Ring of Kerry
Guided walking tour of Kilkenny
Visits and admission fees to:
Donegal Castle
Tobernault Mass Rock & Holy Well
Cong Abbey
Kylemore Abbey
Cliffs of Moher
Hotel porterage, service charges and government taxes
Flight bags, ticket wallets, baggage tags and identifying strap