Tour Overview:
Well paced with two-nights in Killarney, and overnight stays in Galway and Waterford. The driving days are of a reasonable length with frequent and often scenic stops offering photo opportunities.
Itinerary:
7 DAYS ~ IRELAND
Tour Pace - Well paced with two-nights in Killarney, and overnight
stays in Galway and Waterford. The driving days are of a reasonable length with frequent
and often scenic stops offering photo opportunities.
Fellow Passengers - This tour attracts both experienced and
first-time travellers who are looking for an introduction to Ireland. It also often
appeals to guests with an Irish background who are interested in exploring their
ancestry.
DAY 1 – SUN – ARRIVE DUBLIN. Welcome to a land of legends,
of misty mountains, lovely lakes and a warm friendly greeting wherever you go. On arrival
at Dublin Airport, your airport shuttle service leaves for the tour hotel at
08:00, 11:00 & 13:30. Later, a sightseeing tour of Dublin takes you past the
Customs House, along O’Connell Street and through Phoenix
Park. Travel along the river Liffey to see the Guinness Brewery and visit Dublin
Castle (when open) before admiring the 18th century buildings of the Georgian
section of the city. Later, join your Tour Director and fellow passengers for a
Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Burlington.
DAY 2 – MON – DUBLIN – GALWAY. Drive through the
‘forty shades of green’ landscape of the Emerald Isle. Cross the Boyne River,
its name a reminder of the battle which saw William of Orange sow the seeds of future
strife in his defeat of the Catholic King James. Pass by the former fortress town of
Athlone, built to defend the strategic crossing of the Shannon, before crossing the
river. The destination: historic Galway,’City of the Tribes’, at the
mouth of the Corrib River and the capital of Western Ireland. Join your Tour Director to
see the infamous Lynch Memorial where Judge Lynch executed his own son, and the
Church of St. Nicholas, where Christopher Columbus reputedly prayed before his
discovery of America. Also see the aged Spanish Arch and Eyre Square,
dedicated to the late President, John F Kennedy.
Hotel: Days. (B)
DAY 3 – TUE – GALWAY – KILLARNEY. Take the scenic
route through the mysterious rocky limestone landscape of the Burren, riddled with
underground caverns and streams and known for its rare flora. A visit to Bunratty's
remarkable folk park is the main highlight today. Ireland's rural heritage comes to life
as you walk along the cobbled streets, lined with buildings from a bygone era and
thatched cottages furnished in traditional style. Continue to nearby Limerick,
situated on the banks of the River Shannon, and famous for rhymes, lace and elegant
Georgian houses. Here your Tour Director shows you King John’s impressive
castle, the 800-year-old St Mary’s Cathedral and the Treaty
Stone. Continue past the charming thatched cottages of Adare, through the land
of song and legend, to your hotel in Killarney.
Hotel: Killarney Avenue & Towers. (B,D)
DAY 4 – WED – RING OF KERRY EXCURSION. Take a
leisurely excursion along the magnificent Ring of Kerry to enjoy its breathtaking views
over mountains and sea. Pass through the small towns of Killorglin where the
famous Puck Fair takes place, and Caherciveen, birthplace of the great patriot
Daniel O'Connel. Follow the narrow road as it winds along the cliffs and through the
fishing town of Waterville and delightful villages like Sneem. Cross the
peat bogs of the Black Mountains to Moll’s Gap and admire Queen
Victoria’s ‘Ladies View’. Back in Killarney, enjoy a memorable ride
on a traditional horse-drawn jaunting car with the local ‘Jarvies’. This
evening, Your Dine-Around option allows you to your own personal dining experience
from a selection of local restaurants.(B,DA)
DAY 5 – THU – KILLARNEY – WATERFORD. Drive through
the rugged Derrynasaggart Mountains and villages of the Sullane Valley to
Blarney, where you visit the famous 15th century Castle, the home of the
famous Stone of Eloquence, once kissed - never forgotten! Here you also have a
chance to shop for woollens at the Blarney Mills. Then it's on to Cork,
Ireland's second largest city, before enjoying a coastal drive via the fishing
port of Youghal, renowned for its connection with Sir Walter Raleigh and the
seaside market town of Dungarvan. In Waterford, see works of art produced
before your very eyes on a tour of the famous crystal works before arriving at your
hotel.
Hotel: Dooleys. (B,D)
DAY 6 – FRI – WATERFORD – DUBLIN. See
Waterford’s 9th century Reginald's Tower and the remains of the old city
walls before heading northwards through the beautiful pastoral countryside where
memories, undimmed by the passage of time, still recall the heroes of '98. A scenic drive
takes you through the Vale of Avoca to see the ‘Meeting of the
Waters’ memorial to Ireland’s poet laureate Thomas Moore. Continue on
through the picturesque Vale of Clara to Glendalough. Stop here to visit
the extensive ruins of the sixth century monastery of St. Kevin, nestled in a
setting of total tranquillity. Finally, return to Ireland's fun-loving capital via the
beautiful scenery of County Wicklow. Tonight, consider enjoying a farewell dinner and
Irish cabaret to round off your tour.
Hotel: Burlington. (B)
DAY 7 – SAT – DUBLIN. Bid farewell to Ireland, as your
memorable tour comes to an end after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at
Dublin Airport at 07:30, 09:30 & 11:30. (B)
Price Details:
Notes
REF: B906. Prices are per person sharing a twin.
Some departures will operate in reverse.
Insight's Airport Shuttle Service
Transfers operate on the days and at the times shown in the itinerary.
Passengers arriving ourside these days and times have the option of either
purchasing a transfer (see Conditions) or making their own way from/to the airport.
2009