The Best of Ireland

Day 1 – Depart

Fly through the night to Ireland.

Day 2 – Dublin

Welcome to the Emerald Isle! Your private bus and driver will transport you to your hotel in this beguiling capital city.

Day 3 – Dublin

On a guided Dublin City Tour see St Patrick’s Cathedral, Fusilier’s Arch, Merrion Square, and visit Dublin Castle to see the magnificent state apartments and Heraldic Museum. Then visit Trinity College, the oldest university in Ireland, founded in 1592, and the alma mater of Samuel Beckett, Jonathan Swift and Oscar Wilde among others. The exhibition area of the college displays the famous Book of Kells and other illuminated manuscripts of the Middle Ages.

Day 4 – Limerick

Visit the Rock of Cashel, the limestone seat of the Munster Kings from 370 AD until the 12th century. The striking St. Patrick’s Rock has exceptional architectural remnants of the early Christian era. Pass through scenic Tipperary, a dairy and farming center in the Golden Vale, made famous by the First World War marching song. Arrive in historic Limerick, Ireland’s fourth largest city, set astride the River Shannon.

Day 5 – Limerick

View the dramatic Cliffs of Moher rising vertically from the Atlantic, with thousands of seabirds wheeling and swooping above the waves. See breath-taking views from O’Brien’s Tower, extending in clear weather as far as the Aran Islands. Tour Bunratty Castle, the most complete and authentic medieval castle in Ireland. Also visit the nearby Folk Park, a recreated Irish village from the turn of the 20th century, where peat fires are kept burning as though the occupants had just stepped out.

Day 6 – Killarney

Travel the famous Ring of Kerry to see picturesque land and seascapes around the Iveragh peninsula. Views along the circuit are said to be among the most sensational sights on earth! Arrive in Killarney, a romantic area of tall mountains, lush glens, lakes, peat bogs and enchanted islands. Visit Muckross House, a Victorian mansion and museum of Kerry crafts, surrounded by spacious gardens and greens in the heart of spectacular Killarney National Park. The elegantly furnished rooms of the opulent mansion portray the lifestyles of the landed gentry, while downstairs you can experience the working conditions of the home’s servants.

Day 7 – Waterford

Visit Blarney Castle, home of the famous Blarney Stone, which legend says will bring the gift of eloquence and grace to those who kiss it. Continue to the pretty little port of Waterford, a city famous for its crystal, to watch the master glass blowers, crystal cutters and engravers in action.

Day 8 – Dublin

Return to Dublin by way of spectacular Glendalough, a town with a 6th century monastery found by St. Kevin, from which Christianity spread over Europe. The round tower here is one of the best preserved in Ireland. Continue your journey with a stop in the picturesque village of Avoca, home of the Avoca Handweavers, renown for their beautifully woven clothing and accessories. The family owned craft design company, established in 1723, is Ireland’s oldest surviving business.

Day 9 – Depart

Fly home with fond memories of the emerald land .