Day 1: Saturday, September 21, 2013
Overnight Flight
Set out for the rolling hills, warm people and rollicking fun of the Emerald Isle.
Day 2: Sunday, September 22, 2013
Dublin, Ireland - Tour Begins
Begin in elegant and historic Dublin • Meet your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner at the Brazen Head, Ireland’s oldest pub.
(D)
Day 3: Monday, September 23, 2013
Dublin
Embark on a city tour that takes you through the history of this ancient settlement • See Phoenix Park, Grafton Street, O’Connell Street, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Dublin’s signature Georgian townhomes • Walk in the footsteps of monks and scholars as you view the Book of Kells • Spend the remainder of your day relaxing or exploring delightful Dublin on your own.
(B)
Day 4: Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Dublin - Midleton - Kinsale
Leave Dublin behind for the country roads of Ireland • Stop for photos of the impressive Rock of Cashel, where St. Patrick preached • Drive the famous “Vee” road across the mountains to Lismore, home to mighty Lismore Castle • Take a guided tour of Old Midleton Distillery, home of Jameson’s Irish Whiskey • Give it a go with a tasting of the distillery’s production • Arrive in the charming coastal village of Kinsale • This evening, it’s Diner’s Choice... tonight your dinner is included and you’ll choose the perfect spot from a “menu” of Kinsale’s great restaurants. (B, D)
Day 5: Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Kinsale - Cobh - Cork - Kinsale
Start your day in the bustling city of Cork • From here, travel via local train to the harbor of Cobh • Reflect upon the site where the Titanic last dropped anchor before its fateful voyage • Visit the Cobh Heritage Centre, where millions of Irish left their native land forever • Take a scenic cruise back up the River Lee to Cork • Join a local guide on a walking tour of Kinsale • Complete your day with time at leisure to browse the many galleries and small shops of the town.
(B)
Day 6: Thursday, September 26, 2013
Kinsale - West Cork - Kenmare
Today you experience the wild terrain of West Cork • See the ruins of Timoleague Abbey • Pass through Clonakilty and Skibbereen • Visit the stately home of Bantry House* • Cross the desolate Beara Peninsula • Gaze upon the stone circle and Celtic ring fort at Bonane Heritage Park • Arrive in beautiful Kenmare • After dinner, jump into Irish social life as your tour manager takes you to a few of Kenmare’s favorite pubs. (B, D)
Day 7: Friday, September 27, 2013
Kenmare - Killarney - Ring of Kerry - Kenmare
Drive across Moll’s Gap into Killarney National Park • Look out over the Lakes of Killarney from the famed Ladies View • Take a traditional jaunting car ride through the national park • Shop at the Gap of Dunloe for traditional Irish goods handcrafted by artisans • Travel the spectacular Ring of Kerry, one of the world’s great coastal roads.
(B)
Day 8: Saturday, September 28, 2013
Kenmare - Adare - Bunratty - Farmhouse Stay
Leave the wild coast behind as you travel to Adare, renowned as “Ireland’s prettiest village” • Visit the Bunratty Folk Park & Castle to gain insight into the way of life of the Ireland of yesteryear • Stop at our Collette Foundation partner the Frank McCourt Museum, where we have funded a project to help impoverished youth of the local community experience the legacy of the famed author of "Angela's Ashes." • Experience the true way of Irish life as you join your hosts for a stay in an authentic Irish farmhouse** B&B • Explore the property, get to know your hosts, and enjoy a truly homemade traditional dinner. (B, D)
Day 9: Sunday, September 29, 2013
Farmhouse Stay - Kilkenny - Castleknock
Bid a fond Irish farewell to your newfound friends as you leave the farmhouse behind • Visit the city of Kilkenny, medieval capital of Ireland • Tour the majestic Kilkenny Castle • Bring your journey full circle as you return to the Dublin area • Relax for two nights in a country golf resort and spa.
(B)
Day 10: Monday, September 30, 2013
Castleknock - Glendalough - Avoca - Castleknock
Travel to the rugged Wicklow mountains, still echoing with the memories of their original Celtic inhabitants • Reflect on the deep faith of the early Irish monks at the holy site of Glendalough, founded by St. Kevin • Visit Avoca and the original Avoca Handweaving Mill, dating back to 1723 • Stroll in the magnificent gardens of Powerscourt House • Toast the end of a fabulous trip during a fun-filled Irish evening complete with traditional entertainment. (B, D)
Day 11: Tuesday, October 01, 2013
Dublin - Tour Ends
(B)
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"Leisure Stays" are tours in which the itineraries are designed to allow for multiple-night stays in two or more cities. This allows you a more leisurely pace and more time to explore the destinations on your own.
