7 days Focus on Ireland
A private tour of Trinity College with fast-track entry to the Book of Kells, a Jaunting Car ride in Killarney, luscious green countryside, dramatic coastal scenery and the ‘lilt’ of Irish voices all make for an exceptional tour.
| Day | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | In Dublin’s Fair City | Welcome to a land of legends, of misty mountains, lovely lakes and a warm, friendly greeting wherever you go. At Dublin Airport, transfers leave for your hotel at 08:00, 11:00 & 13:30. Later, a Dublin orientation takes you past the Custom House and along O'Connell Street. Travel along the River Liffey to see the Guinness Storehouse and Dublin Castle before admiring the historic buildings of the Georgian section of the city. Enjoy your VIP priority entrance to the 9th century Book of Kells and a walk through the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College accompanied by a University insider, gaining their insight into modern life and the establishment's impressive history. In the evening, join your Tour Director for a warm and friendly Welcome Reception with drinks and the opportunity to mingle and get to know each other over a pleasant evening of dinner and wine. Hotel: Clayton Hotel Burlington Road, Dublin. Meals: Dinner with Wine |
| 2 | To Galway, City of the Tribes | (Relaxed Start) Leave Dublin and set off through the delightful landscape of the Emerald Isle. Pass by the former fortress town of Athlone on the River Shannon, to reach historic Galway, ‘City of the Tribes', at the mouth of the Corrib River. Join your Tour Director to see the infamous Lynch Memorial 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 US President, John F Kennedy. Hotel: Harbour Hotel Galway Meals:Breakfast |
| 3 | The Cliffs of Moher, Adare and Killarney | (Relaxed Start) Take the scenic route through the mysterious rocky limestone landscape of the Burren, with its underground caverns, streams and known for its rare flora. Stop at the Exhibition Centre at the 700-foot Cliffs of Moher with breathtaking views of the Clare Coast. Continue past the city of Limerick and stop in quaint Adare and take a relaxed village walk to see its thatched roofed cottages. In the evening, stay in the heart of the action in lively Killarney. Hotel: Killarney Avenue Hotel, Killarney Full Breakfast, Dinner |
| 4 | Ring of Kerry Experience | (Relaxed Start) Enjoy a memorable ride on a traditional horse-drawn jaunting car with the local 'Jarveys' before taking a leisurely excursion around the magnificent Ring of Kerry, with stunning views over mountains and sea. Pass through the small towns of Killorglin, where the famous Puck Fair takes place, and Cahersiveen, birthplace of the great patriot Daniel O'Connell. Follow the narrow road as it winds along the cliffs to the fishing town of Waterville. Continue through delightful villages like Sneem and cross the peat bogs of the Black Mountains to Moll's Gap to admire Queen Victoria's ‘Ladies View'. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Maybe take the opportunity to hire a bicycle and enjoy one of the many scenic trails around the lake or through the National Park? In the evening, enjoy some Irish home cooking in the kitchens of chef, John Sheehan. Join John and his wife Freda for drinks, and a personal insight into classic Irish recipes that are so loved throughout the world. Then, settle down for a night of great food and drink in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Hotel: Killarney Avenue Hotel, Killarney Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine |
| 5 | Blarney Castle and Cobh on the way to Cork | (Relaxed Start) Journey through the rugged Derrynasaggart Mountains to visit the 15th century Blarney Castle, home of the famous Stone of Eloquence - once kissed, never forgotten! Then drive to the pretty riverside village of Cobh, which was the last port of call for the Titanic. Walk through the Queenstown Story exhibition at the Heritage Centre which recounts the era of Irish emigration and the life of this once great passenger port. Continue on to Cork along the spacious Grand Parade and South Mall, seeing the Court House and fine Georgian houses en route to your hotel. In the evening, raise your glass and revel in rich flavours at a lively Celebration Dinner. Hotel: Maldron Hotel South Mall, Cork. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine |
| 6 | Waterford, Kildare and on to Dublin | An exciting day takes you along the coast via Youghal, where tradition says Sir Walter Raleigh planted the first potatoes in Ireland. Continue via Dungarvan to Waterford to see the 11th century Reginald’s Tower and the remains of the old city walls. Enjoy a guided visit of the world-famous House of Waterford Crystal and meet a master craftsman. Your journey continues, passing the Curragh Racecourse and green meadows where many of the finest Irish racehorses are bred. Return to Dublin and your hotel, located in the heart of Dublin’s leafy south side just minutes from the city centre. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure to further explore if you wish. Hotel: Clayton Hotel Burlington Road, Dublin. Meals: Breakfast |
| 7 | Depart Dublin | Your memorable tour comes to an end. Departure transfers arrive at Dublin Airport at 07:00, 09:00 & 11:00. Meals: Breakfast |