Irish Adventure

Day 1

FLIGHT TO DUBLIN, IRELAND:

Today we travel to the Charlotte Airport where we board our overnight flight across the Atlantic to the jewel of Western Europe, Ireland. We are about to begin an exciting journey in this emerald isle with its myths and beauty.

Day 2

ARRIVE DUBLIN • THE BOOK OF KELLS:

We arrive in Dublin and are transferred to our hotel. This afternoon we begin our afternoon tour of Dublin where we see 18th century Georgian houses with brightly painted doors, tranquil parks, and wide O’Connell Street. We take a stroll through Trinity College’s campus in the center of the city and view the priceless 9th-century Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript of the four Gospels. Tonight we join our fellow travelers for a delicious dinner. (D)

Day 3

GLENDALOUGH • DUNBRODY • WATERFORD:

After breakfast, we enjoy the delightful scenery of the Wicklow Mountains on the way to 6th century Glendalough, a stunning example of Ireland’s beauty. We explore the remains of one of the most important monastic sites in Ireland, founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. We walk through the deep valley to view the picturesque ruins of a round tower, churches, and Celtic crosses. We head southeast to the Dunbrody Famine Ship, an authentic reproduction of an 1840’s vessel that brought desperate Irish emigrants fleeing famine to the New World. We then continue on to our hotel in Waterford, where before dinner we take a gentle guided stroll around the narrow streets of this historic city. (B, D)

Day 4

WATERFORD CRYSTAL • COBH • BLARNEY CASTLE:

Today we witness the creation of crystal masterpieces during our visit to the House of Waterford Crystal. We then travel to Cobh for our guided walking tour of this harbor town, which was the last port of call for the Titanic in 1912 and was also the main point of embarkation for Irish emigrants between 1848 and 1960. We proceed to Blarney, to visit Blarney Castle and kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence” or explore the tranquil gardens. We journey west through rugged countryside for a delicious meal and two night stay in Killarney. (B, D)

Day 5

RING OF KERRY • KILLARNEY:

Discover the beauty of this Emerald Isle as our drive takes us through scenery of plunging cliffs and spectacular lakes, between granite mountains and endless beaches on our tour of the Ring of Kerry, Ireland’s most scenic coastal drive. We will have plenty of photo stops along the way. We stop for lunch, take a stroll around Sneem and enjoy amazing panoramic views at Moll’s Gap. We have the evening at leisure to enjoy a delicious meal at one of Killarney’s many restaurants. (B, L)

Day 6

CLIFFS OF MOHER • GALWAY:

Today we embark on a ferry ride across the River Shannon Estuary. We then take a scenic drive along the coast of County Clare to view the Cliffs of Moher, which soar almost 700 feet above churning Atlantic swells. You may walk along the top of the cliffs to O’Brien’s Tower for great views of Galway Bay and the Aran Islands. We then head to Galway to join a local guide for a brief stroll through the twisting streets of the old city before spending some time on our own. (B, D)

Day 7

KNOCK • SHEEPDOGS • DONEGAL • DERRY:

After breakfast, we visit the pilgrimage town of Knock to see one of the world’s leading Catholic shrines. Here we see the church where villagers saw a vision of the Virgin Mary in 1879. We immerse ourselves in Irish farm life during a visit to an authentic working farm to watch trained sheepdogs round up mountain sheep. We stop at Donegal to enjoy some free time in this charming town. We meet our local guide in Derry to discover the history of this ancient city that retains its fortified medieval walls dating from 1613. (B, D)

Day 8

GIANT’S CAUSEWAY • TITANIC BELFAST:

Today we explore the northern coastline and the Giant’s Causeway, enormous hexagonal columns formed by volcanic activity over 60 million years ago. We visit Titanic Belfast to learn about the ill-fated ship through state-of-the-art displays. We see the docks where the famous liner was built just over a century ago. We then stop at the Glyde Inn for our farewell dinner with Irish specialties and entertainment featuring traditional Irish music and songs. (B, D)

Day 9