Day 1: ARRIVE IN DUBLIN, IRELAND

Céad míle fáilte—a hundred-thousand welcomes! Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax in the Irish capital. This evening, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. Dinner included. 

 Temple bar in Ireland

Day 2: DUBLIN

This morning’s orientation drive in the “Fair City” includes statue-lined O’Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares with their tall, red-brick townhouses, colorful doors, and wrought iron-decorated windows, Oscar Wilde’s Trinity College and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Then, the tumultuous events of the Easter Rising in 1916 will come to life as you visit the GPO WITNESS HISTORY and experience how Ireland’s future dramatically changed. The afternoon is at leisure for you to enjoy the vibrant city. Tonight, why not join an optional cabaret evening with dinner, followed by dance, song, and laughter? Breakfast included. 

Day 3: DUBLIN–KILDARE–KILKENNY–NEW ROSS–WATERFORD

Horse-racing country awaits this morning. Drive across the Curragh to the IRISH NATIONAL STUD at Kildare, whose thoroughbreds command respect on racecourses around the world. Then, south to Kilkenny for a guided tour of SMITHWICK’S EXPERIENCE. Your guide will show you how over 300 years, the art of mixing four simple ingredients produced the ruby-red ale enjoyed all over the world. Next, at the DUNBRODY FAMINE SHIP, hear the story of famine emigration from those who left Ireland—the brave, desperate, and, above all, ordinary people who chose to leave everything they knew for an uncertain future abroad. Spend the next two nights in Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city. Breakfast and dinner included. 

 

Day 4: WATERFORD

Start your day with an exciting ride on the  WATERFORD & SUIR VALLEY RAILWAY, a heritage narrow-gauge train that runs along the Suir River through beautiful, rolling farmland and woodland gardens. Then, your Local Guide will take you on a walking tour covering the Waterford Treasures: the massive stone fortress, Reginald’s Tower houses Waterford’s Viking treasures; Ireland’s only MEDIEVAL MUSEUM featuring spectacular treasures from the Middle Ages; and the elegant 1743 BISHOP’S PALACE, the home of the treasures of the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of the HOUSE OF WATERFORD CRYSTAL and watch as craftsmen transform glowing balls of molten crystal into elegant shapes. Later, you’ll have time at leisure to discover the town on your own. For your optional dinner experience, drive to Dunmore East, a popular tourist and fishing village. Spend some time with the locals over a drink at the village pub, followed by dinner. Breakfast included. 

Day 5: WATERFORD–YOUGHAL–BLARNEY–KINSALE

This morning, follow the scenic road known as the Copper Coast to the ancient port town of Youghal. On to Blarney, where you will have time to shop for traditional Irish handicrafts, or perhaps walk up to the castle. This afternoon, arrive at your overnight destination of picturesque Kinsale, where your Local Guide will take you on an illustrated HERITAGE TOWN WALK to give you unique insight into the history and heritage of this historic port and fishing town. Be captivated by the long waterfront, yacht-filled harbor, winding streets, and brightly painted galleries, shops, and houses, and marvel at the fortifications of Charles Fort and James Fort, guarding the narrow entrance from the sea. Breakfast and dinner included. 

Day 6: KINSALE–GARINISH ISLAND–KILLARNEY

This morning, board a private boat for the short crossing to GARINISH ISLAND in Bantry Bay, whose warm waters attract colonies of seals. Follow the meandering paths between the fragrant flowering trees and shrubs of this lush, tropical island garden. Afterwards, head over the mountains into County Kerry. At Kenmare, join part of the RING OF KERRY and stop for spectacular photos of the Lakes of Killarney from Ladies View before arriving in the popular resort of Killarney. Breakfast included. 

Day 7: KILLARNEY–ADARE–LIMERICK

There is time this morning to explore on your own, or to take a jaunting-car ride through the national park. Then, drive to quaint Adare, one of Ireland’s prettiest villages, beautifully set in woods along the Maigue River, and with thatched cottages lining its wide main street. In Limerick, an orientation drive acquaints you with St. Mary’s Cathedral, King John’s Castle, and the stone where the Treaty of Limerick was signed in 1691. A suggestion for a very special night out: an optional medieval banquet at an historic castle. After your three-course meal, sit back and let the hosts entertain you with music and storytelling during an unforgettable evening. Breakfast included. 

Day 8: LIMERICK. WEST COAST EXCURSION

The last day of your vacation brings you to the 668-foot CLIFFS OF MOHER, with breathtaking views of the Clare coast. Then, travel across the glacial-era limestone plateau of The Burren to the port city of Galway for a walking tour through this popular seaside destination and buzzing cosmopolitan center. Next, experience Irish country life at RATHBAUN FARM. Try your hand at SCONE BAKING, and learn from the farmer about sheep shearing and herding. To complete your Irish journey, enjoy  a traditional FARMHOUSE DINNER. Breakfast and dinner included. 

Day 9: LIMERICK

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Breakfast included.