2019 Irish Gold Coach Tour - 9 Days/8 Nights

2019 Irish Gold 9 Days / 8 Nights / 14 Meals

Day 1: Dublin Tour & The Book of Kells
Tour begins 2:00 PM at your hotel just outside Dublin. Head out for an introductory tour of Dublin including O’Connell Street, St. Stephen’s Green, the seat of government at Leinster House, and other public buildings. Take a stroll through Trinity College’s campus in the center of the city with a guide and view the priceless 8th-century Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript of the four gospels. Enjoy a welcome drink with your group and then an independent evening at one of Dun Laoghaire’s many restaurants or pubs.

Day 2: Clonmacnoise Monastic Site & Galway City Tour
Journey across the rolling pastures of Ireland’s heartland to visit Clonmacnoise. This monastic settlement was founded in 545 AD and is set on the banks of the mighty River Shannon. See elaborate Celtic crosses decorated with biblical scenes. Head to Galway for a guided walking tour through the city center. Enjoy free time to explore Galway on your own before dinner.
(B, D)

Day 3: Connemara Catamaran Cruise & Kylemore Abbey
Explore scenic Connemara to admire how constantly-changing cloud formations give granite hills, sparkling lakes and peat bogs an added dimension. Take a short catamaran cruise of Killary Harbour, a 9-mile fjord (March 17 – October 27 departures). Head to Kylemore Abbey to see elegant rooms and the charming church set beside a tranquil lake. Visit the Victorian Walled Gardens and enjoy a casual lunch. Return to Galway where the evening is free to explore the city.
(B, L)

Day 4: Cliffs, Sheepdogs & Traditional Irish Night
Travel south around Galway Bay and through the Burren, a region of rounded limestone hills which has a curious lunar-like appearance. Immerse yourself in farm life and watch trained sheepdogs obey their owner as they direct sheep through various obstacles. View the Cliffs of Moher, which rise almost 700 feet above the pounding Atlantic surf. Embark on a memorable ferry across the River Shannon Estuary and head to Killarney. Go out for a traditional Irish night featuring a lively show with dinner.
(B, D)

Day 5: Jaunting Car & Ring of Kerry
Take a traditional horse-drawn jaunting car through the Killarney National Park to scenic Ross Castle, set on the shores of Lough Leane. Set out on Ireland’s most popular scenic drive – the Ring of Kerry – with plenty of stops for photo opportunities. Savor a light lunch and take a break in the colorful village of Sneem. Return to Killarney for an evening on your own.
(B, L)

Day 6: Blarney Castle & Traditional Music Session
Drive through the mountains into rich farming country on the way to Blarney Castle. Kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence” or explore the tranquil gardens. Treat yourself to quality Irish-made goods at Blarney Woollen Mills before travelling along the coast to the Marine Bar in Dungarvan for some traditional music and an Irish coffee. Continue to Waterford to witness the creation of crystal masterpieces during your visit to the House of Waterford Crystal.
(B, D)

Day 7: Waterford Walk & Kilkenny
In the morning join a local guide for a walking tour through the narrow streets of the old city to discover Waterford’s long history and some of its colorful characters. Later, stop in Kilkenny for a look around the compact city center and have lunch on your own. Visit the Smithwick’s Experience and enjoy a tasting paddle of their famous ales. Travel to Dublin and in the evening head to a popular Dublin restaurant for a glass of wine and a special farewell dinner.
(B, D)

Day 8: Independent Day in Dublin
Enjoy your day in Dublin independently on the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tour and a visit to one of Dublin’s top attractions – Guinness Storehouse, Teeling Distillery, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, or the General Post Office Museum.
(B)

Day 9: Tour Ends in Dublin
Your program ends after breakfast.
(B)

B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner

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Authentic Local Experiences

• Local guides will impart historic facts and local lore on walking tours of Dublin’s Trinity College, Galway and Waterford.
• See the beautiful ruins of the sixth-century monastery at Clonmacnoise on the banks of the River Shannon.

Dining Experiences

• 8 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L) and 4 dinners (D) including a traditional Irish Night in Killarney, and a Dublin restaurant.

Trip Highlights

• Blarney Castle
  
  

  Blarney Castle

  Built nearly 600 years ago by one of Ireland’s greatest chieftains, Cormac MacCarthy, this stronghold has been attracting attention ever since. Millions have flocked to Blarney to kiss the legendary Stone of Eloquence, found at the top of the tower, making it one of Ireland’s greatest treasures.

• Trinity College & The Book of Kells
  
  

  Trinity College and The Book of Kells

  Visitors walk through the city-center campus of Trinity College to view this world-famous 9th century gospel manuscript housed in the magnificent Old Library. See the ’Turning Darkness into Light’ exhibition, the Book of Kells and other related manuscripts in the Treasury and the magnificent 18th century Long Room.

• Cliffs of Moher
  
  

  Cliffs of Moher

  One of Ireland’s top visitor attractions, the cliffs are 700 feet high and extend for 5 miles over the Atlantic Ocean on the western seaboard of County Clare. O’Brien’s Tower stands proudly on a headland and one can see the Aran Islands, Galway Bay and Connemara. The cliffs are home to major colonies of cliff nesting seabirds.

• Clonmacnoise Monastic Site
  
  

  Clonmacnoise Monastic Site

  This great monastery was founded in 548 by St Ciaran and was a great centre of learning in medieval times. Many manuscripts were written there. Today see three high crosses and the ruins of a cathedral, seven churches and two round towers set on a mound beside the River Shannon.

• House of Waterford Crystal
  
  

  House of Waterford Crystal

  Tour this working factory to see all stages of production from craftspeople forming molten glass to the intricate cutting and polishing. At the end of the tour view magnificent trophies and the opulent retail store housing the largest collection of Waterford Crystal in the world.

• Ring of Kerry
  
  

  Ring of Kerry

  One of Ireland’s most popular circular drives around the Iveragh Peninsula, starting and ending in Killarney. The 100-mile route of ever-changing scenery of mountains and shoreline combined with varying weather conditions ensures splendid views.

• Kylemore Abbey & Gardens

Hotels - 8 Nights

• Royal Marine Hotel | Dun Laoghaire, Dublin (1)
  
  

  Royal Marine Hotel
  Dun Laoghaire, Dublin | 4*

  Originally built in 1863, this hotel today offers 228 air-conditioned guestrooms, all featuring modern decor in natural shades with burgundy touches and light-wood furnishings. Experience fine dining or casual bar food and enjoy the award-winning Sansana SPA and Pier Health Club. Dun Laoghaire has many shops and restaurants to explore. The property overlooks Dun Laoghaire Harbour and Dublin Bay and is located eight miles from Dublin city center. Dublin International Airport is 16 miles away, and can be reached by car or airport coach in approximately 45 minutes. Hotel parking.

• The Galmont Hotel and Spa | Galway (2)
  
  

  The Galmont Hotel and Spa | Galway (2 nights)

  Retreat and unwind at this hotel, where guests enjoy sophisticated surroundings highlighted by black granite and walnut accents. At Restaurant Marinas chefs use the finest quality ingredients to design creative dishes. 282 rooms are decorated in a choice of 3 styles. Scandinavian, Maritime and Classic and offer all modern conveniences The hotel features premier services at the Spirit One Spa. Set on Lough Atalia Road, it’s a 5-minute walk from Eyre Square in the center of Galway city with views out to Galway Bay. Hotel parking.

• Great Southern Hotel | Killarney (2)
  
  

  Great Southern Killarney Hotel
  Killarney | 4*

  This hotel first opened in 1854 and it still offers old-world charm but now coupled with up-to-date luxurious facilities and friendly service. Enjoy great food in the elegant dining room and relax in the bar or the many sitting areas. The bedrooms are spacious and well equipped. A fully-quipped leisure center awaits you. The hotel is set on 20 acres of secluded, landscaped gardens yet right in the center of Killarney and within easy walking distance of shops, restaurants and pubs. Hotel parking.

• Granville Hotel | Waterford (1)
  
  

  Granville Hotel | Waterford | 4*

  This family-run hotel is one of Ireland’s oldest with significant historical connections, old-world charm and unique features. The friendly and professional staff are dedicated to making your stay pleasant and memorable. Enjoy delicious menus in the attractive dining room. The bar is a lively meeting place, often with live music. Comfortable and well-appointed guest rooms make for a great stay. Set on the waterfront in the heart of Waterford city. Within easy walking distance of shopping, Reginald’s Tower and the House of Waterford Crystal. Parking nearby.

• Clayton Hotel Burlington Road | Dublin (2)
  
  

  Clayton Hotel Burlington Road
  Dublin | 4*

  This lively, modern hotel offers an excellent standard of hospitality with two bars and two restaurants and 500 fully-equipped guest rooms, making it Dublin’s largest hotel. With its many facilities and great location, it makes an ideal base for exploring Dublin. Free internet access. Located on Upper Leeson Street, this hotel is a 20-minute walk to Grafton Street. There is a city bus service right outside the hotel and it is within easy walking distance of Dublin’s “Georgian Mile” and the Grand Canal.