11 Day Irish Culture

Welcome to Dublin, one of the friendliest cities in Europe. Arrive and transfer to your hotel. As you drive to the hotel, see the city's contrasting architecture, from modern glass to grand neoclassical facades and lovely views of the River Liffey. Most flights arrive in the early morning and your room may not be ready for you. In this case, leave your luggage with the concierge and your Tour Manager will provide suggestions for you to begin to explore the city on your own. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers and Tour Manager for an orientation meeting at approximately 6 PM, followed a Welcome Dinner
Overnight: Dublin
Meals: Dinner

Travel this morning to magnificent Russborough House, a grand mansion built 275 years ago with spectacular unspoiled views of the Wicklow Mountains and Blessington Lakes. On a tour of the home, admire the unique ceilings and a superb collection of world-class art and furnishings, including a lavish music room with four grand pianos. Enjoy tea and fresh-baked scones in the charming Tea Room before continuing to the Bird of Prey Center, home to over 40 birds including golden eagles, hawks, owls, and falcons. Then, on to the Irish National Stud Farm, where world-class thoroughbreds have been raised since 1946. Walk around the grounds to admire immaculate stallions, graceful mares, playful foals and learn about the dedicated breeding for royalty. Continue to the property's serene century-old Japanese gardens, considered by many to be the finest in Europe. Travel to Waterford with its world-renowned crystal workshops
Overnight: Waterford
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Morning walking tour of the city of Waterford, often referred to as Ireland's oldest city, a place that can trace its beginnings all the way back to the arrival of the Vikings. Stand on the edge of the river looking over Merchants Quay and Waterford's low-rise skyline with its impressive views of the city's brightly colored 19th-century buildings, church spires, and towers. Then, travel west along the coast to the city of Cobh, where emigration from Ireland began during the 19th-century famine -- more than two million Irish left from here to begin a new life in America. This port was also the last stop for the infamous Titanic before its fateful maiden voyage ended tragically. On the return to Waterford, stop at the famous Jameson distillery for a tour and tasting. Tonight, dinner together is in a local pub
Overnight: Waterford
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Morning visit to the Rock of Cashel, one of Ireland's most spectacular archaeological sites - a collection of medieval church buildings and fortresses set on top of a limestone outcrop rising out of County Tipperary's Golden Vale. This significant historic site was for 600 years the power-base of the kings of Munster. Many of the old church buildings still survive and a gentle trek to the top of the Rock offers wonderful views. Next, on to Molanna Farm, where lunch has been specially arranged just for you with a local family at their home. Your hosts have true local charm and you'll be warmly welcomed with lively conversation about life on an Irish homestead, plus excellent home cooked food. Arrive in the charming and picturesque village of Adare with its pastel-hued storefronts and thatched-roof houses for overnight. The remainder of the day is at leisure in the lovely village of Adare. Perhaps take some time to shop for the village's well-known woolens. This evening, a fun-filled authentic medieval banquet dinner in a 15th century Irish Castle, accompanied by live music, song, and dance. It will truly be a fabulous evening to share with your fellow travelers
Overnight: Adare
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Medieval Banquet Dinner

Morning drive to the spectacular Dingle Peninsula with its breathtaking scenery and backdrop of several films. Continue on to Foynes town, which was the last port of call on Ireland's western shore for seaplanes. As a result, Foynes would become one of the biggest civilian airports in Europe during World War II. Visit the Flying Boat Museum, commemorating Ireland's first international airport in the pioneering days of transatlantic aviation from the 1930s. In this old terminal building, Irish coffee was created to warm the cold and wet passengers. You can try one! Tonight, dinner is at the hotel
Overnight: Adare
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, you'll see some of Ireland's most spectacular scenery on the drive to the Cliffs of Moher along the Atlantic coast of County Clare. At the southern end of the cliffs stands Hags Head, a natural promontory that resembles a seated woman. Stop at the Visitors Center set into the hillside, with a 19th-century viewing tower and pathways. The rock wall, which towers 700 feet over the crashing surf of the Atlantic, is surely one of the most stunning meetings of land and water you're likely to ever see. Then, arrive in lively Galway, nestled on the sea, with its imposing cathedral and one of the fastest growing cities in Europe. Drive by the rugged landscape surrounding Connemara National Park, with its crumbling coastline and rolling hills to Westport in County Mayo for dinner and overnight
Overnight: Westport
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel along the Wild Atlantic Way to the town of Sligo, with its renowned natural beauty, home to the young William Butler Yeats. Continue to Lissadell House for a guided visit and lunch, before returning to Wesport via Drumcliffe, set against the striking backdrop of the Benbulben Mountains. Here, visit the graveyard of St. Columba's Church, best-known worldwide as the final resting place of the world-famous poet W. B. Yeats. View his grave that is marked with a simple headstone bearing the inscription, "cast a cold eye on life, on death, horseman, pass by." Spend the evening at leisure in Westport. Stroll through this lovely town and dine independently at one of the fine restaurants
Overnight: Westport
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Depart Westport on the way to Carrick-on-Shannon, the quaint capital of Leitrim. Here, enjoy a relaxing cruise down the River Shannon, complete with freshly brewed tea and homemade Irish scones. Sit back and marvel at the Emerald Isle's peaceful scenery on the drive to historic Dublin. Your exploration of Dublin, immortalized by James Joyce, begins with a visit to Phoenix Park, the largest enclosed city park in Europe, over 1750 acres. This urban park is home to the official residence of the President and Dublin Zoo. Continue to view St. Patrick's Cathedral, the largest church in Ireland, founded in 1191. Tradition has it that it was here that St. Patrick baptized converts on his visit to Dublin. As you travel on O'Connell Street, admire the handsome buildings that line the city's main thoroughfare. Spend the evening at leisure in Dublin with its fabulous restaurants, vibrant nightlife, and friendly pubs
Overnight: Dublin
Meals: Breakfast

Start the day at Trinity College by viewing the 8th century Book of Kells, a superb example of early Irish manuscript illumination that is on display in the Old Library. After, visit famed Guinness Storehouse for a sampling of the brew. You can pull your own pint here in the Dublin tradition and browse the award-winning multimedia exhibits about Guinness -- the city's best-known export. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to explore Dublin independently. Spend time visiting famous sites throughout the city, including Dublin Castle and the National Gallery, where both Irish and European pieces of art are beautifully displayed. Perhaps purchase some souvenirs on Grafton Street, the city's stylish and popular shopping district. Finish the day in this remarkable and storied city with a Farewell Dinner and say goodbye to your Tour Manager and newfound friends
Overnight: Dublin
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast