McCullagh Group
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 travel to CityNorth Hotel and stop to have breakfast with your group. Then 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. Continue your drive into Kilkenny to visit the Smithwicks Experience to uncover over 300 years of Smithwicks history along with discovering the businesss innovative brewing practices. While here enjoy a tasting of the finished product. Motor a short distance to your hotel check in and enjoy the balance of the day free for individual pursuits and dining.
Day 3: KILKENNY TO KINSALE
Leaving Kilkenny travel into New Ross and stop to visit the Dunbrody Emigrant Ship a replica of a sailing vessel built in 1845 to transport emigrants from Ireland to North America. The visit will give you an insight as to what life on board ship was like as well as filling you in on the history of the famine years. Next journey 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. Continue your drive into Kinsale and set off on a brief walking tour with a local guide to learn the history of the town. Kinsale has been a favorite for artists due to its steep narrow streets quirky shopfronts and many fine Georgian houses. Transfer to your nearby hotel check in and spend the remainder 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 4: BLARNEY CASTLE
After breakfast visit the Garden of Remembrance to honor the many firemen who lost their lives during 9/11. Next drive into Blarney where you can climb the battlements of Blarney Castle and kiss the famous Stone of Eloquence. Continue your travel into Killarney check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day free to sightsee shop and dine on your own.
Day 5: RING OF KERRY
This morning embark on a horse-drawn jaunting car ride through the grounds of the Killarney National Park. After 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. Along the way journey into Kenmare and stop to have a classic Irish lunch with your group at Kenmare Bay Hotel. Head back to your hotel in Killarney for an evening at leisure.
Day 6: 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 on to Slea Head at the western tip of the peninsula. This excursion will give you excellent views of mountains and coastline and looking over to the Iveragh Peninsula. Then drive 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. After travel 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 checking into your nearby hotel for your overnight stay. This evening you might like to sample the fine local cuisine by dining at a nearby venue.
Day 7: 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. After pass 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 your journey into Galway check into your hotel and settle into your room. In the evening you might like to head into the heart of Galway to enjoy an independent bite to eat at a lively local venue.
Day 8: GALWAY SIGHTSEEING
This morning join a local guide for a gentle walking tour of Galway. See the medieval city walls Lynchs Castle and the narrow streets. Next journey into Cong and set off 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. Continue into the pilgrimage town of Knock to visit Knock Shrine one of the worlds leading shrines where the Virgin Mary appeared to 15 people on August 21 1879. Then drive into Athlone and stop at Seans Bar Irelands oldest Pub to enjoy a drink with your fellow travelers. Transfer to your nearby hotel check in and spend the rest of the day at leisure for independent activities and dining.
Day 9: ATHLONE TO DUBLIN
After breakfast travel through the Irish countryside into Dublin. Upon arrival stop to visit the Glasnevin Museum Irelands national necropolis for a guided tour of the final resting place of some of the most prominent people in Irelands history. Then visit the nearby Teeling Distillery to learn about finely aged whiskey and sample the finish product. If time permits you enjoy a cocktail or two at the Bang Bang Bar or grab some locally sourced food at the Phoenix Café. Motor a short distance to your hotel check in and enjoy the balance of the day free for individual sightseeing shopping dining pubs and more.
Day 10: DUBLIN SIGHTSEEING
Today 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 Trinity College to see the Book of Kells an 8th century illuminated manuscript of the gospels and the Old Library. Then continue on to visit Christ Church Cathedral Dublins oldest building founded in 1038 by King Sitric. The crypt dates from 1172 and both cathedral and crypt contain remarkable monuments and sculptures. After tour the nearby 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. Head back to your hotel where you might like to relax or freshen up before tonights farewell festivities.
This evening drive to the Merry Ploughboy Pub for dinner followed by a lively show of traditional Irish songs dancing and music.
Day 11: 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
Ormonde Hotel, Kilkenny 1 night
Trident Hotel, Kinsale 1 night
Killarney Avenue Hotel, Killarney 2 nights
Dunraven Arms Hotel, Adare 1 night
Galmont Hotel, Galway 1 night
Sheraton Hotel, Athlone 1 night
Ashling Hotel, Dublin 2 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 09 nights
Full breakfasts (10)
Dinners (01):
Merry Ploughboy's Pub with dinner & entertainment
Guided walking tours of Kinsale & Galway
Horse-drawn jaunting car ride in Killarney
Drink at South Pole Inn
'The 'Quiet Man' walking tour of Cong
Drink at Sean's Bar
Tour of Dublin with a local guide
Visits and admission fees to:
Irish National Stud & Gardens
Smithwick's Experience
House of Waterford Crystal
Cobh Heritage Centre
Garden of Remembrance
Blarney Castle
Cliffs of Moher
Knock Shrine
Glasnevin Museum
Teeling Whiskey Distillery
Trinity College (Book of Kells)
Christ Church Cathedral
Guinness Storehouse
Hotel porterage, service charges and government taxes
Flight bags, ticket wallets, baggage tags and identifying strap