2020 Irish Heritage & Dromoland Castle - 8 Days/7 Nights

2020 Irish Heritage & Dromoland Castle - 8 Days / 7 Nights / 13 Meals

Day 1: Limerick & Medieval Castle Banquet
Tour begins 2:00 PM at your Limerick hotel. Following a short trip around Limerick, you’ll step back in time at King John’s Castle. Immerse yourself in the rich history of Limerick with costumed guides and touchscreen technology. Then join your group for a welcome drink before heading out to a medieval-style banquet.
(D)

Day 2: Cliffs of Moher & River Shannon Ferry
Take in the spectacular beauty of the Cliffs of Moher, soaring 700 feet above the Atlantic surf. Relax on a ferry ride across the River Shannon Estuary, and travel on to Killarney. Enjoy free time before dinner.
(B, D)

Day 3: Ring of Kerry Tour & Sheepdog Trials
Embark on Ireland’s most popular scenic drive, the Ring of Kerry, with plenty of stops to capture photos of Ireland’s natural beauty and view some of the locations from the film “Star Wars VII.” Passing through Waterville and the village of Sneem, stop at Moll’s Gap for views of the mountainous Macgillycuddy’s Reeks. Travel via jaunting car to Ross Castle & Killarney Estate. Experience farm life at a nearby farm and watch specially trained dogs herding sheep. Return to Killarney for dinner at the award-winning Rozzers Restaurant at The Killeen House.
(B, D)

Day 4: Blarney Castle & Cobh Heritage Centre
Visit the famous Blarney Castle and kiss the “Stone of Eloquence” or walk through the lovely parklands and gardens. Head to the Cobh Heritage Centre where you can trace your ancestors, learn more about the ill-fated Titanic and Lusitania, or immerse yourself in the history of Irish emigrants. Relax as you follow the coastal route to Waterford. In the evening, take a gentle walk with a local historian who will reveal Waterford’s Viking and medieval past.
(B, D)

Day 5: Waterford Crystal & 6th Century Glendalough
Witness the creation of crystal masterpieces during your visit to the House of Waterford Crystal. Travel through the stunning scenery of the Wicklow Mountains on the way to Glendalough, one of Ireland’s most beautiful destinations. There you’ll explore the remains of one of the most important monastic sites in Ireland, founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. Continue on to your hotel overlooking Dublin Bay and Duin Laoghaire Harbor. Dine on Irish specialties at the Merry Ploughboy Pub while enjoying a lively show of traditional Irish songs and step- dancing.
(B, D)

Day 6: Dublin Sightseeing Tour & Glasnevin Cemetery Museum
Begin your day with a tour of Glasnevin Cemetery - its museum is the world's first cemetery museum and tells the story of the 1.5 million people buried there. It's a fascinating insight into Irish history and the people who lived it. Spend the afternoon touring independently, with your tickets to the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tour, and choose one of three of Ireland's most popular attractions: Guinness Storehouse, GPO Witness History, or EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum.
(B)

Day 7: Irish National Stud & Dromoland Castle Hotel
Visit the home of equine royalty, The Irish National Stud, where you’ll see impeccably-bred stallions alongside protective mares, frolicking foals, and athletic yearlings. Stroll around the delightful grounds to explore St. Fiachra’s Garden, including its miniature Japanese Gardens. Travel to the majestic and deluxe Dromoland Castle Hotel. Relax in the elegant surroundings of this wonderful fairytale castle. Savor a delicious farewell dinner in the oak-paneled dining room.
(B, D)

Day 8: Tour Ends at Dromoland
Your program ends after breakfast.
(B)

B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner

All components of this tour (hotels, visits and attractions) for 2020 itineraries are subject to change until finalized in September 2019.

Authentic Local Experiences

• Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Killarney during a horse drawn jaunting car ride ride to Ross Castle and Kenmare Estate
• Visit Glasnevin National Cemetery – the world’s first cemetery museum, it offers a fascinating look at Irish history

Dining Experiences

7 breakfasts (B) and 6 dinners (D) including a lively medieval castle banquet, award-winning Rozzers Restaurant at Killeen House in Killarney, and dinner and a traditional show at the Merry Ploughboy Pub. Guests will also dine at the exclusive Dromoland Castle.

Trip Highlights

• 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.

• Sheepdog Demonstration
• Glasnevin Cemetery Museum
  
  

  Glasnevin Cemetery Museum

  This is the world's first cemetery museum. A guided tour gives a valuable insight into this unique Victorian burial place and into the final resting place of the men and women who have helped shape Ireland’s past and present.

• 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.

• King John's Castle
  
  

  King John's Castle

  King John's Castle is situated in the heart of medieval Limerick City, overlooking the majestic River Shannon. It was built between 1200 and 1210 and was repaired and extended many times in the following centuries. The interpretative center contains an imaginative historical exhibition which tells the story of the Castle.

• 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.

• 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.

Hotels - 7 Nights

• Clayton Hotel | Limerick (1)
  
  

  Clayton Hotel | Limerick | 4*

  This hotel was once a Masonic School and still retains many striking original features to give it a unique charm. Standard rooms are tastefully decorated and boast a fresh and warm feeling. The Brasserie Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with fresh, seasonal and sustainable produce. Tom’s Bar is a great place to relax with a drink or a snack.

• The Brehon Hotel | Killarney (2)
  
  

  The Brehon Hotel | Killarney | 4*

  This contemporary hotel is home to the award-winning Danú Restaurant and Brehon Bar. With your every requirement in mind, 123 bedrooms have been designed with exceptional grace and elegance with a feeling of relaxed elegance. The hotel features the Angsana Spa, brought from Thailand. Located one mile from Killarney town center and opposite the famous Killarney National Park with views of surrounding countryside and mountains for which Killarney is renowned.

• 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.

• Royal Marine Hotel | Dun Laoghaire, Dublin (2)
  
  

  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.

• Dromoland Castle Hotel | Newmarket-on-Fergus, Clare (1)
  
  

  Dromoland Castle Hotel
  Newmarket-on-Fergus, Clare | 5*

  One of Ireland’s premier hotels, this castle property offers guests every imaginable facility and comfort. Guest rooms are furnished to a high standard of comfort. The spacious public rooms are filled with antiques. Fine cuisine is enhanced by impeccable service. Relax in the spa and health facilities or play a round of golf on the lovely landscaped grounds with a lake and 18-hole golf course. The hotel is located on an estate outside the village of Newmarket-on-Fergus and just 8 miles west of Shannon Airport. Hotel parking.