2019 IRISH MYTHS & LEGENDS - 8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS / 15 MEALS
Day 1: DUBLIN ARRIVAL & MEATH
After landing at Dublin Airport, travel to the beautiful countryside of County Meath. Arrive at the Johnstown Estate, a beautiful 18th-century Georgian manor, and enjoy a leisurely afternoon. Meet your tour director and travel companions over a welcome dinner.
(D)
Day 2: Dublin City & Viking Splash
Drive into Dublin for a Viking Splash tour to see the highlights of the city by land and by water including Trinity College, Christ Church Cathedral and Dublin Castle. Roll up your sleeves and cook your own lunch with a professional chef at Cook’s Academy. Return to your hotel in Meath and relax before dinner.
(B, L,D)
Day 3: Blarney Castle & Dinner
Head south through the countryside to Cork. Take a walk with your tour director around the stunning grounds of Blarney Castle, home of the famous stone that promises the gift of the gab to all who kiss it. Climb the battlements and kiss the stone, or just enjoy the view. Browse around the village of Blarney, charmingly set around a large village green before heading to your hotel, where you will enjoy a fun dinner.
(B, D)
Day 4: SPIKE ISLAND & KINSALE
Drive to Cobh and take a short cruise to Spike Island. The local guide will share the history of the island as you make your way to the Fortress to explore independently, afterwards enjoy a personalized picnic lunch with your family. In the afternoon spend free time in the historic fi shing town of Kinsale before returning to your hotel.
(B, L)
Day 5: CLIFFS OF MOHER & GALWAY
Leave Cork and travel to Adare, a charming village with old stone buildings and cottages. Visit the Cliffs of Moher, which soar almost 700 feet above the churning Atlantic. Travel through the Burren, a unique region of limestone hills where many rare flowers thrive in the sheltered crevices. Continue to Galway for a gentle walking tour to see the medieval city walls, Lynch’s Castle, and the narrow streets. Enjoy dinner in a Pullman Railway car, and you will see two original carriages from the Agatha Christie fi lm, “Murder on the Orient Express.”
(B, D)
Day 6: ARAN ISLAND TOUR & DUN AENGUS FORT
Take a ferry from Rossaveal to Inis Mor, the largest of the three Aran Islands, renowned for traditional fi shing and farming methods and where the popular intricately patterned fi shermen’s sweaters originated. Head to Dun Aengus Fort, a huge prehistoric fortress perched on sheer cliffs, which fall away to the Atlantic Ocean below. Enjoy lunch and free time in Kilronan, the main town, before returning to Galway with time to relax.
(B, L)
Day 7: RATHBAUN FARM & LIMERICK
In Ardrahan visit Rathbaun Farm, a picturesque 150-year old farmhouse with a variety of animals. Learn about traditional farming practices, watch a sheepdog demonstration, and enjoy homemade tea and scones. Continue to the historic city of Limerick and check into your hotel. Take a walking tour along the Shannon River in Limerick, passing the Treaty Stone and King John’s Castle, followed by a farewell dinner.
(B, D)
Day 8: TOUR ENDS IN SHANNON
Your tour ends after breakfast.
(B)
B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner
Authentic Local Experiences
- Cook a traditional Irish meal with a local chef at Cook’s Academy.
- Immerse yourself in country life as you watch a farmer work with his highly skilled dogs to control a flock of sheep.
- Cruise to Spike Island which was a monastery in the 6th century, a military fortress in the 18th century, and the largest convict depot in the world in Victorian times.
Dining Experiences
- 7 daily breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L) plus afternoon tea and scones, and 5 dinners (D)including dinner in a Pullman Railway car.
Trip Highlights
- The Cliffs of Moher
- Rathbaun Farm visit with a sheepdog demonstration and tea with scones
- Aran Islands cruise and Dun Aengus Fort
- Hands on cooking experience
- Viking Splash Tour
- Blarney Castle
- Galway Walking Tour
Hotels - 7 Nights
Authentic Local Experiences
- Cook a traditional Irish meal with a local chef at Cook’s Academy.
- Immerse yourself in country life as you watch a farmer work with his highly skilled dogs to control a flock of sheep.
- Cruise to Spike Island which was a monastery in the 6th century, a military fortress in the 18th century, and the largest convict depot in the world in Victorian times.
Dining Experiences
- 7 daily breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L) plus afternoon tea and scones, and 5 dinners (D)including dinner in a Pullman Railway car.
Trip Highlights
- The Cliffs of Moher
- Rathbaun Farm visit with a sheepdog demonstration and tea with scones
- Aran Islands cruise and Dun Aengus Fort
- Hands on cooking experience
- Viking Splash Tour
- Blarney Castle
- Galway Walking Tour
Hotels - 7 Nights
Authentic Local Experiences
- Cook a traditional Irish meal with a local chef at Cook’s Academy.
- Immerse yourself in country life as you watch a farmer work with his highly skilled dogs to control a flock of sheep.
- Cruise to Spike Island which was a monastery in the 6th century, a military fortress in the 18th century, and the largest convict depot in the world in Victorian times.
Dining Experiences
- 7 daily breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L) plus afternoon tea and scones, and 5 dinners (D)including dinner in a Pullman Railway car.
Trip Highlights
- The Cliffs of Moher
- Rathbaun Farm visit with a sheepdog demonstration and tea with scones
- Aran Islands cruise and Dun Aengus Fort
- Hands on cooking experience
- Viking Splash Tour
- Blarney Castle
- Galway Walking Tour
Hotels - 7 Nights
Authentic Local Experiences
- Cook a traditional Irish meal with a local chef at Cook’s Academy.
- Immerse yourself in country life as you watch a farmer work with his highly skilled dogs to control a flock of sheep.
- Cruise to Spike Island which was a monastery in the 6th century, a military fortress in the 18th century, and the largest convict depot in the world in Victorian times.
Dining Experiences
- 7 daily breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L) plus afternoon tea and scones, and 5 dinners (D)including dinner in a Pullman Railway car.
Trip Highlights
- The Cliffs of Moher
- Rathbaun Farm visit with a sheepdog demonstration and tea with scones
- Aran Islands cruise and Dun Aengus Fort
- Hands on cooking experience
- Viking Splash Tour
- Blarney Castle
- Galway Walking Tour