UNFORGETTABLE IRELAND – 8 DAY – ESCORTED TOUR
Tour Categories: ESCORTED/COACH & SMALL GROUP TOURS FEATURED TOURS
DISCOVER IRELAND'S CELTIC SPIRIT & EXPERIENCE THE STUNNING & VARIED LANDSCAPES OF THIS BEAUTIFUL "EMERALD ISLAND"
Welcome to Ireland – Fáilte go hÉireann
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On your arrival day, under your own arrangements, you are free to experience the Historic Fair City of Dublin.
Dublin Castle and St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Its historic buildings include Dublin Castle, dating back to the 13th century, and imposing St. Patrick’s Cathedral, founded in 1191.
The Cities parks include the beautiful St. Stephen’s Green and the huge Phoenix Park, containing Dublin Zoo.
Visit the The National Museum of Ireland and explore Irish heritage and culture.
Trinity College & the Book of Kells
A must is a visit to Visit Trinity College , the oldest University in Ireland, founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth the First. The 8th century Book of Kells and the long room with its 200,000 books are the highlights of the College.
Visit the Guinness Storehouse for a connoisseur experience. This unique tutorial tasting session offers the ultimate experience where a trained specialist takes you on a sensual journey through the four variants of Guinness.
Enjoy a theatre performance in one of Dublin’s famous theatres, or marvel at the world renowned Riverdance Show (limited time performances).
County Kerry
On day 2 you will meet with coach & English speaking driver/guide, you will depart Ireland’s Capital traveling to County Kerry.
En route stop in the town of Blarney to visit Blarney Castle. , a medieval stronghold which still retains its old world charm with its towers, battlements and gated entrance built on a rocky outcrop. Though earlier fortifications were built on the came spot, the current keep was built by the MacCarthy Clan of Muskerry dynasty, a cadet branch of the Kings of Desmond, and dates from 1446. The Blarney Stons is among the machicolations of the castle. Here you will find the legendary Stone of Eloquence, situated on the parapets of the castle, to gain the gift of eloquence – that is the ability to persuade people and being able to talk yourself out of trouble, Kiss it & you’ll never again be lost for words.
Enjoy some time for shopping at Blarney Woollen Mills. It was bought in 1976 by a former worker and has been transformed into what is perhaps the largest quality craft shop in Ireland.
The Ring of Kerry
You will have a superb tour of the Iveragh Peninsula, which will give you the opportunity to Discover the Ring of Kerry. Taking in spectacular scenery – mountains, peat bogs, lakes & magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Leaving Killarney pass through Killorglin, famous for its Puck Fair, then to Glenbeigh where the cliff road affords panoramic views of the Dingle Peninsula & Dingle Bay.
Dingle Peninsula – Corca Dhuibhne
The Dingle Peninsula has the most rugged coastline in Ireland. The steep sea-cliffs such as Slea Head allow magnificent views in addition to award winning sandy beaches such as Inch Beach in the south and the tombolo of Maharees to the north which runs over 3 miles long.
To the north of the Maharees lie the Magharee Islands or “Seven Hogs:, the largest of which, Oileán t-Seanaigh/Illauntannig, contains remnants of an early Christian monastic settlement, said to have been founded by St. Senan in the 7th century AD.
The Dingle Peninsula or Corca Dhuibhne, stretches 30 miles into the Atlantic Ocean on the south west coast of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. The Peninsula is dominated by the range of mountains that form its spine, spanning from the Stieve Mish range to the Conor Pass and Mount Brandon, Ireland’s second highest peak.
The area is scattered with ancient huts and historic buildings such as the Kilmalkeadar Church which is a stop on the tour. Kilmalkedar was a very important monastery in the early medieval period. The ruined 12th-century Romanesque church displays fine carving, especially on the doorway and on the chancel arch. It became the parish church for the area in the 13th century, and was in use until the 16th century.
Considered by many to have some of Europe’s most spectacular scenery, the peninsula also supports both a rare and unique assortment of flora and fauna.
On the way to the sea town of Waterville, along the the coast via Coomakista Pass and Derrynane and on to Sneem you will see views from Coomakista Pass, of Derrynane Bay and Abbey Island, Deenish Island and Scariff Island that are just spectacular wonderful!
Continue to Sneem Village, famous for its brightly colored houses, before arriving back in Killarney.
Sheepdogs
Along the Ring of Kerry stop at a local farm for a sheepdog demonstration. Your visit starts with an overview of the different breeds of sheep, followed by an introduction to the farmer’s most important tools, his border collies. Next you will see a superb demonstration of sheep herding as the farmer with his dogs demonstrate how, by working together, he can take a flock of sheep from the mountain top to the sheep pen close to the farmyard.
Killarney National Park – Pony and Trap (Jaunting Car Ride)
Enjoy transportation of a different kind! A pony and trap (also known as a Jaunting Car) helps you discover areas of Killarney National Park that you might not otherwise visit. Relax aboard the jaunting car as your Jarvey (driver) takes you through the magnificent scenery of the National Park.
OPTIONAL: Jaunting Car Ride in Killarney National Park
Travel northwards to Tarbert & take a short boat ride across the mouth of the river Shannon to land on Clare’s shore at Killimer.
Cliffs of Moher
Travel along the coast to the Cliffs of Moher, the most majestic cliffs in Ireland which rise from the Atlantic Ocean. On a clear day, you can admire the Aran Islands & Connemara Mountains.
The Burren
The Burren is a high plateau of porous limestone situated in Northern Clare. The limestone is bare with no trees growing here or land covering the stone. But the Burren is not as deserted as we believe: the cracks allow different types of flowers to grow all year round. The rocks of the Burren hide many caves such as the Ailwee Caves and is the location of numerous ancient monuments including the Gleninsheen Wedge Tomb. The Tombs are two prehistoric wedge tombs located in the north central area of the Burren. A neck ornament dating from c.800 to 700bc, concealed in one of the limestone grykes is now displayed at the National Museum of Ireland (Kildare Street site) in Dublin.
Amaze at the 5,800 year old Poulnabrone Dolmen and Ballyalban Fairy Fort – home of the little men with green hats and orange beards!
Bunratty Castle
OPTIONAL: Medieval Banquet at Bunratty Castle or similar. Bunratty Castle, built in the 15th century by the Earl of Thomond, stands on the banks of the Raite River in County Clare. The Earl was known for his generosity and his lavish banquets.
The entertainment today is provided by the superb Bunratty Singers and is a compliment to the lively mead reception, a four-course meal and, of course, good wine! Guests are invited to enjoy an unforgettable evening & take a true step back in time to Medieval Ireland.
Galway City
This journey on the Corrib Princess takes passengers along the majestic River Corrib and onto the lake. Visitors will see unsurpassed views of the historic monuments & natural amenities that make this one of the most spectacular waterways in Ireland.
Connemara Region
Today travel through the beautiful Connemara Region filled with lakes, rivers, bogs & mountains. Enjoy some time at leisure in Connemara National Park.
Visit Kylemore Abbey, built in 1868 by Mitchell Henry, and see its most famous feature the miniature Cathedral. It has been home to the Irish order of Benedictine nuns since 1920.
The Castle was built in the late 1800s by Mitchell Henry MP, inspired by his love for his wife Margaret.
You can make a wish at the Giants Ironing Stone, meet the resident Connemara Ponies and enjoy wholesome food and home-baked goods in the Café or Garden Tea House. Please note: Lunch is not included in tour price.
You won’t want to miss a browse through the Craft and Design Shop for unique gifts including Kylemore Abbey Pottery, award-winning chocolates handmade by the Benedictine Nuns, Kylemore Abbey Luxury Caramel Sauce and Kylemore Jams handmade onsite in their Chocolate Kitchen!
The beautiful neo-Gothic Church is a short walk from the Abbey, nestled nearby is the Mausoleum where Mitchell and Margaret Henry are buried side by side.
