Monday
- U.S. Departure: We begin our journey to Ireland. Meals will be served
aloft.
Tuesday
- Shannon / Galway: Upon arrival in Shannon, we will be welcomed by
our Tour Manager. We will make a scenic lunch stop en route to Galway,
the gateway to the Connemara Peninsula and the seaport for immigrants
to the "New World". The afternoon is free to explore Galway's
shops, parks and Irish atmosphere. We overnight in Galway. (D)
Wednesday
- Connemara Peninsula: This morning we'll experience the wild and
desolate beauty of Connemara - the ancient Gaelic Kingdom where it
is still possible, in the present, to "touch" the Irish
past. We will visit the picturesque seaport of Clifden and the beautiful
Kylemore Abbey. Winding our way through stark hills, rock-strewn streams,
stone cottages, flocks of sheep and peat bogs, we return to Galway
for free time and our overnight. (B)
Thursday
- Clonmacnois / Dublin: Today we visit Clonmacnois, the remains of
a monastic settlement founded by St. Ciaran in 548. Then, we continue
our journey to Dublin. After a brief orientation to the city, the
evening will be free to explore Ireland's capital. We overnight in
Dublin. (B, D)
Friday
- Dublin: Our morning tour includes St. Patrick Cathedral, and Trinity
College, O'Connell Street, the Four Courts, Dublin Castle, Custom
House and the National Cultural Building. This evening, you may wish
to visit one of Dublin's favorite night spots - Jury's. Again we overnight
in Dublin. (B)
Saturday
- Kilkenny / Waterford / Blarney: This morning drive south to visit
Kilkenny, Its skyline is highlighted by its castle, towers and church
spires. Afterwards we tour the Waterford crystal factory and showrooms.
Later, you will surely want to kiss the famous Stone of Eloquence
when we visit the Blarney Castle. After some time for shopping, we
check into a hotel near Blarney for our overnight. (B)
Sunday
- Cork / Killarney: This morning we visit Cork for a tour of this
enchanting city. Cork, with its Shandon Steeple, St. Mary's Pro-Cathedral,
and the open market of Coal. After some free time for shopping and
lunch, we continue on to County Kerry for our overnight in Killarney.
(B, D)
Monday
- Ring of Kerry: Today we take a tour of the "Ring of Kerry."
This scenic drive is almost synonymous with the lush beauty of crystal
clear lakes, majestic mountains, postcard perfect seascapes and quaint,
picturesque villages. Before returning to overnight in Killarney,
we stop in Sneem, one of those charming Kerry towns. There we will
enjoy the town's warm and hospitable atmosphere with a delightful
dinner. (B, D)
Tuesday
- Adare / Bunratty Castle & Folk Park / Limerick: Today, we motor
to Adare for a relaxing visit in one of Ireland's prettiest villages.
We will spend the afternoon at the Bunratty Folk Park which provides
a sampling of many of the charms of Ireland. In this lovely setting
of re-located homes, shops and farms, stands an imposing castle. Our
overnight is in Limerick. (B)
Wednesday
- Cliffs of Moher / The Burren / Limerick: Today we visit the dramatic
Cliffs of Moher, a five-mile-long granite wall rising in heights from
440 to 700 feet above the crashing sea below. We visit the ancient
and legendary lands of stone circles, forts and dolmens of the Burren
- that strange desert of limestone covering 100 square miles. This
evening we participate in the special merry-making and enjoy the foods
during dinner at the Bunratty Folk Park. Again we overnight in Limerick.
(B, SD)
Thursday
- Shannon / U.S.: From Limerick, we travel to Shannon International
Airport for our flights back home. Once again, meals will be served
en route.
CB
- Continental Breakfast
B - Breakfast
L - Lunch
D - Dinner
SD - Special Dinner
