From vibrant and history-filled Dublin, across rolling green hills to the dramatic coast, experience all of the charms of Ireland on this tour of the Emerald Isle. See the Atlantic from the stunning 700-foot cliffs of Moher. See beautiful Killarney and journey to historic Blarney Castle, lean back and kiss its famous stone!


Itinerary:

Day 1: Overnight Flight to Dublin
Depart your North American gateway city and travel through the night to Dublin.

Day 2: Dublin Tour & Trinity College
Arrive at Dublin Airport, proceed through immigration and pick up your baggage. Your hotel is centrally-located on the north bank of the River Liffey. Join your group and a local guide for an introductory look around central Dublin. See fashionable shopping areas around Grafton and Nassau Streets, view Dublin's famous elegant Georgian squares with imposing townhouses and pause at the evocative figures at the Famine Memorial. Walk through the campus of Trinity College to the Old Library to view the illuminated manuscript of the 8th century Book of Kells and learn how monks created this and other masterpieces. Back at your hotel meet with your guide and fellow travelers for a welcome drink and discuss your itinerary.

Day 3: Blarney Castle & Killarney
Depart Dublin and travel through the center of Ireland, pausing for photos at the stately Rock of Cashel. Continue your drive south to visit Blarney Castle and kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence.” Also shop at the Blarney Woollen Mills for quality Irish-made souvenirs or take a walk around the village green. Drive into County Kerry where the scenery becomes more rugged to the town of Killarney, picturesquely set beside lakes and mountains. Check in to your downtown hotel and relax before dinner. Afterwards check out the many “singing” pubs around town. (B, D)

Day 4: Ring of Kerry & Skellig Experience
View the highlights of Ireland's natural scenery on the famous Ring of Kerry route. The road winds between the Macgillycuddy's Reeks Mountains on one side and the Atlantic coastline on the other. Drive through Killorglin and Cahirciveen to cross by bridge to Valencia Island. Visit the Skellig Experience to learn about the rocky islands off the end of the peninsula where monks lived in early Christian times. Today the islands form a protected bird sanctuary. Stop in the colorful village of Sneem and also at Moll's Gap to view the Three Lakes of Killarney. Enjoy some free time to browse around Killarney before dining in your hotel. (B, D)

Day 5: Cliffs of Moher & Irish Farm Life
Drive north and travel through the outskirts of Limerick to reach Bunratty Village. Have some free time to shop or visit Durty Nelly's before heading to the coast of County Clare to view the Cliffs of Moher rising to heights of almost 700 feet above the churning Atlantic swells. Walk along the top of the cliffs to O'Brien's Tower for great views. Drive through the Burren and around the shores of Galway Bay to Rathbaun Farm. See traditional farming methods and vintage farm machinery as well as lots of cute farmyard animals roaming freely. Sample some home-baked scones with tea or coffee. Drive into Galway and take a short orientation tour of the city center before checking in to your hotel. (B, D)

Day 6: Connemara & Catamaran Cruise
Today explore another of Ireland's famous scenic regions, Connemara. Here the constantly-changing cloud formations give granite hills, sparkling lakes and peat bogs an added dimension. Travel alongside Galway Bay to Spiddal, where most locals speak the Irish language, and on to Leenane and Killary Harbour, Ireland's only fjord. Take a short catamaran cruise to see unspoilt mountain areas (Mar 19 - Oct 29 departures). You can see traces of pre-Famine fields on the hilly slopes and also thriving salmon and mussel farming. Drive to Clifden and stop for a look around the attractive town. At Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory watch skilled craftsmen cut the crystal and learn about the symbolism of the motifs before returning to Galway for leisure time before dinner. (B, D)

Day 7: Guinness Storehouse & Abbey Tavern
This morning drive across to the east coast to reach Dublin once again and check in to a different hotel, located on the north side of the city. Visit the Guinness Storehouse to learn about this legendary black stout which has been brewed for over 250 years. Learn about how it is created and then sample a pint of creamy draft Guinness in the rooftop bar where you can enjoy great views of central Dublin. Finish up your tour at the famous Abbey Tavern with a hearty dinner and an Irish coffee followed by a lively show of traditional music, songs and step-dancing. (B, D)

Day 8: Depart for Home
Transfers are provided to Dublin Airport. (B)