NEXION
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 Next journey 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 Then drive into Athlone and stop at Seans Bar Irelands oldest Pub to have a drink with your fellow travelers Continue your travel into Galway 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 3: ARAN ISLANDS & DUN AENGUS
Today 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 where the remainder of the day is free for independent exploring and dining
Day 4: ASHFORD CASTLE
Leaving Galway travel into Cong and check into the spectacular Ashford Castle for your overnight stay Next join your fellow travelers for a guided heritage walking tour to learn the history and see the natural wonders of Ashford Castle as you explore through the stunning grounds and woodlands After discover the ancient form of falconry at the oldest established Falconry School in Ireland You will be introduced to the lovely Harris Hawks along with other beautiful captive bred birds Spend the remainder of the afternoon free to relax or sightsee around the village of Cong Tonight meet your group for dinner at Ashford Castles charming Cullens at the Cottage
Day 5: CLIFFS OF MOHER
Departing Cong 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 take a short ferry ride across the River Shannon Estuary before continuing your journey into Killarney Upon arrival check into your hotel settle into your room and enjoy some time at leisure 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 6: RING OF KERRY
This morning 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 take-in the scenery and to snap photos Next visit Kells Sheepdogs where you will have the opportunity to meet an Irish farmer and to see some sheepdogs work in their natural environment You might also like to visit the onsite craft shop to grab an independent cup of coffee or tea Head back to your hotel in Killarney where you might like to relax or freshen up before a festive evening with your group
Tonight travel to the Celtic Whiskey Bar to enjoy a wonderful dinner with your fellow travelers followed by whiskey and chocolate pairing
Day 7: KILLARNEY NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast embark on a horse-drawn jaunting car ride through the grounds of the Killarney National Park Next head to Killarneys Great Southern Hotel to enjoy full afternoon tea along with a fine assortment of sandwiches and pastries to snack on Return to your hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon free for individual pursuits Later in the day you might like to freshen up before this evenings festivities
In the evening drive to the Killeen House to enjoy a wonderful meal with your group at the award-winning Rozzers Restaurant
Day 8: KILLARNEY TO KINSALE
Leaving Killarney journey into Kenmare and stop for some time at leisure to explore around the delightful town on your own Continue your drive through the Irish countryside into Kinsale check into your hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure
This evening head to Kinsales Fishy Fishy Restaurant a fine seafood restaurant providing you with the freshest catch the Atlantic Ocean has to offer While here enjoy a classic Irish dinner with your group before returning to your nearby hotel
Day 9: KINSALE FOOD TOUR
Today set off on a guided walking food tour to explore the captivating history of Kinsales culinary rise to mastery Along the way try many tantalizing treats as you leisurely walk through the harbor town on an adventure that is sure to please even an avid foodie Head back to your nearby hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure Kinsale is dubbed the Gourmet Capital of Ireland so there are many wonderful places to choose from to dine this evening
Day 10: COBH HERITAGE CENTER
Departing Kinsale travel into Cobh to visit the Cobh Heritage Center which depicts the varied history of emigration from Ireland and many European countries to the United States over the past 150 years Cobh was the last port of call for the Titanic and many liners that carried emigrants to the New World Next journey into Midleton to visit the Midleton Distillery Experience 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 Continue your drive into Dublin check into your hotel and settle into your room Tonight you might like to dine in one of the citys lively dinner venues
Day 11: DUBLIN SIGHTSEEING
After breakfast set off with a local guide who will show you around Dublin The city has been molded through the centuries by economic political and artistic influences that has shaped its architecture Stop to visit Guinness Storehouse to see exhibits on how this world-famous stout was first created and why it is so popular today While here enjoy the Academy Experience where you will learn how to pour the perfect pint Return to your nearby hotel and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure Later in the day you might like to freshen up before tonights festivities
In the evening join your group for tasteful cuisine prepared with the finest ingredients at Fallon and Byrne Restaurant
Day 12: DUBLIN AT LEISURE
Spend the entire day free to relax or further sightsee and explore Dublin There are plenty of museums of Irish interest such as the National Museum the National Gallery or Epic Ireland There are also plenty of shops along Nassau Street and the pedestrianized Grafton Street or Henry Street You may like to explore Temple Bar or visit some of the traditional pubs This evening you might like to dine in one of the many traditional or modern dinner venues located within the city (No coaching or guide services today)
Day 13: 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
Park House Hotel, Galway 2 nights
Ashford Castle Hotel, Cong 1 night
Brehon Hotel, Killarney 3 nights
Trident Hotel, Kinsale 2 nights
Radisson Blu Royal 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 11 nights
Full breakfasts (11)
Dinners (07):
Table d'hôte dinners (01)
Dinner at Ashford Castle's Cullen's at the Cottage
Kate Kearney's Irish Night w/dinner & entertainment
Dinner at Celtic Whiskey Bar w/chocolate & whiskey pairing
Dinner at Rozzer's Restaurant
Dinner at Fishy Fishy Restaurant
Dinner at Fallon & Byrne Restaurant
Drink at Sean's Bar
Aran Islands & Dun Aengus
Guided heritage walking tour & falconry demonstration at Ashford Castle
Passage on the Tarbert Ferry
Sheepdog trials along Ring of Kerry
Horse-drawn jaunting car ride in Killarney
Champagne afternoon tea at a local venue
Kinsale Food Tour
Tour of Dublin with a local guide
Visits and admission fees to:
Kilbeggan Distillery
Cliffs of Moher
Cobh Heritage Centre
Old Midleton Distillery
Guinness Storehouse w/Academy Experience
Hotel porterage, service charges and government taxes
Flight bags, ticket wallets, baggage tags and identifying strap