Tour Overview:
Irelands compact landscape means driving distances are not great. Therefore, the tour pace is relatively easy going. This is complemented by the two-night stays in Killarney, Cong and Dublin.
Itinerary:
8 DAYS ~ IRELAND
Tour Pace - Ireland’s compact landscape means driving
distances are not great. Therefore, the tour pace is relatively easy going. This is
complemented by the two-night stays in Killarney and Galway.
Fellow Passengers - Those with a love for natural scenic beauty
are in for a treat. Yet this tour is equally popular with discerning guests who not only
appreciate style and elegance, but a pint of Guinness and a joke with the locals as
well.
DAY 1 – ARRIVE IN DUBLIN. Welcome to Dublin! On arrival at
Dublin Airport, your airport shuttle service leaves for the tour hotel at 07:00,
09:30 & 12:00. Later, join your Tour Director for a city tour that brings to
life Dublin’s architectural treasures and history stretching back more than 1,000
years. Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, founded in 1190, tour Dublin’s
beautiful Georgian squares, walk the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College
to its famed library and see its truly unique world treasure – the 8th
century Book of Kells. Back at your hotel, join your Tour Director and fellow
travellers for a Welcome Dinner and a tour briefing.
Hotel: Burlington. (D)
DAY 2 – DUBLIN – KILLARNEY. Depart Dublin, and pass the
green meadows where many of the finest Irish racehorses are bred, as well as the famous
Curragh Racecourse. Stop at the Rock of Cashel, an impressive pre-Christian
settlement. The dramatic limestone rock, crowned with secular and religious buildings,
dominates the flat countryside for miles around. A local guide will point out some of
the cathedrals and historic sites on an orientation tour. Then continue on to the
village of Blarney. Climb to the ramparts of Blarney Castle and kiss its
magical stone to ensure a lifetime of eloquence There is also time to browse through
Blarney Woollen Mills to shop for Irish knitwear and crafts. Afterwards, head to
bustling Killarney. The town on the lakes is famous for its lively pubs, so why
not join in the ‘craic’ (Gaelic for fun) tonight.
Hotel: Scott's Hotel
DAY 3 – THE RING OF KERRY EXCURSION. Travel the road that
winds around the beautiful Iveragh Peninsula, better known as the Ring of Kerry. It is
undoubtedly one of the most magical places in all Ireland. Here mountains, valleys,
lakes and sea blend into a landscape that is often breathtaking beyond words. Stopping at
Torc Waterfall for photos, there is a chance to join a hike with a qualified
guide.You will walk along the lakeshore and past the farmlands of the Muckross Estate,
admiring the spectacular scenery. Walk by West Meadow Bay and visit Muckross Abbey.
For those who do not want to join the hike, the motorcoach will return you to Killarney,
where the balance of the day is free. (B)
DAY 4 – KILLARNEY – CONNEMARA. This morning cross the
Shannon estuary by ferry and enter County Clare. Stop for a walk along the Cliffs
of Moher, rising approximately 700 feet above the pounding Atlantic waves. Then
travel north across the Burren, a suddenly stark and barren landscape. Drop in
for afternoon tea at Rathbaun Farm and meet a Galway farming family as they carry out
their everyday chores. Watch as the farmer shears a sheep and maneuvers his flock with
the help of his dog. Next, on to tour Galway, "City of the Tribes," including
lovely Galway Cathedral. Tonight your hotel is spectacularly set on the shores of
Galway Bay.
Hotel: Connemara Coast. (B,D)
DAY 5 – KILLARY FJORD EXCURSION. Head to Killary Harbour,
Ireland’s only fjord, boasting some of the finest scenery in the land. Board a boat
for a cruise through the calm waters; relax on board, enjoy the spectacular,
uninterrupted views of the fjord and mountains beyond. Later, on the way back to your
hotel, stop at lakeside Kylemore Abbey, a castellated neo-Gothic mansion, occupied
today by a Benedictine community of nuns who came from Ypres after World War I. (B,D)
DAY 6 – CONNEMARA – CONG (ASHFORD CASTLE). Today
experience Connemara, a land of rocky mountains, sparkling brooks and rushing
rivers. Your Tour Director will also reveal a hidden treasure. Then, drive on to
Cong, a village with a deliberate old-world feel, and the setting for The Quiet
Man. Cong is also where you enter into the grounds of majestic Ashford Castle.
Ashford Castle provides a romantic backdrop in superior surroundings, offering guests
both relaxation and comfort. There are many opportunities to explore the vast
estate with fishing on Lough Corrib, equestrian pursuits, golf, falconry and trail
walking. Or simply relax in the castle’s luxurious interiors and enjoy your
favourite novel or pamper yourself at the spa. Dining at Ashford Castle ranks among
the finest culinary experiences in the world. Creative cooking, an inspired use of
seasonal ingredients and an innovative menu await you at dinner tonight.
Hotel: Ashford Castle.(B,HD)
DAY 7 – CONG – DUBLIN. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this
morning and perhaps a stroll on the estate. Then cross the midlands to Dublin where the
balance of the day is free for independent activities and maybe some last minute
shopping.
Hotel: Burlington. (B)
DAY 8 – DUBLIN. Departure transfers arrive at Dublin
Airport at 07:00, 09:00 & 11:00. (B)
Price Details:
Notes:
Prices are per person, sharing a twin room.
• Room mate sharing not available on this tour.
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.