Shades of Ireland
8 nights from $1,925 per person
- Included:
- Accommodation
- Dedicated Tour Manager
- Selected excursions & meals
- In resort assistance & 24 hour contact center
Overview
A superb 10-day escorted tour of the Emerald Isle, taking in all the top sights of this unique country. Explore vibrant Dublin and enjoy an Irish evening with traditional dishes and lively music. Travel through stunning scenery including the renowned Ring of Kerry coastal route. Visit historic cities such as medieval Kilkenny. Experience Irish traditions including time spent with an Irish farming family. And your final night will be one to remember at the historic Cabra Castle, enjoying a farewell dinner in this distinctive setting (CL)
Highlights:
- City tour, Irish evening and leisure time to enjoy the captivating city of Dublin
- Explore the tiny medieval city of Kilkenny
- Tour of the House of Waterford Crystal and wallking tour of the city
- Awe-inspiring views around the Ring of Kerry and the Cliffs of Moher
- Experience the customs and daily life of a traditional Irish farming family
- Visit a whiskey distillery and sample their wares
- Overnight stay and traditional dinner at Cabra Castle
- Fascinating city tour of Limerick, taking in St John’s Castle and the Treaty Stone
Details
Day 1
Dublin
Your tour begins this evening in Dublin, when you will join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner with traditional Irish entertainment.
Dinner included
Day 2
Dublin
A morning city tour to orientate yourself in this vibrant city. Visit St Patricks Cathedral - the largest church in Ireland, bustling O’Connell Street & Grafton Street, and picturesque Phoenix Park. You have the afternoon free so you can choose to either soak up the history or browse the shops, perhaps stopping for refreshments in Temple Bar.
Breakfast included
Day 3
Dublin – Kilkenny - Waterford
Travel to the medieval city of Kilkenny on the banks of the River Nore, and spend time soaking up the historic atmosphere. The next stop is Waterford, dating back to the Vikings but more famous for its crystal. At the House of Waterford Crystal, take an enthralling tour of the factory and browse the largest collection of Waterford Crystal in the world. Later in the afternoon, there is a leisurely walking tour of the historic city, where you will hear tales of Vikings and Norman Kings.
Breakfast and dinner included
Day 4
Waterford – Blarney Stone - Killarney
In the morning travel to Blarney Castle and take the opportunity of kissing the famous Blarney Stone. According to legend, those who kiss the stone are bestowed the gift of eloquence – see if it’s true! Carry onto Killarney where you will be spending two nights. If the weather permits, you will enjoy a ride in a traditional jaunting car. You will have a tour of beautiful Muckross House and Gardens, where you will have a glimpse of the elegant lives of the Victorian gentry – admire the well-restored rooms in the mansion and pretty manicured gardens.
Breakfast and dinner included
Day 5
Killarney – Ring of Kerry - Killarney
You will marvel at the views as you drive around the Iveragh Peninsula – known as the Ring of Kerry, and considered one of the most beautiful coastal routes in the world. Picturesque villages give way to rugged mountain passes, and when you reach “Ladies View” you will have the magnificent sight of the Lakes of Killarney. You have the evening at leisure when you may opt to sample the famous Irish hospitality in a traditional pub.
Breakfast included
Day 6
Killarney - Limerick
A unique experience awaits you at the Molanna Dairy Farm, where you will see the customs and daily life of a traditional Irish family. Then travel to Limerick where you will take a city tour, seeing King Johns castle and the Treaty Stone. You have the evening free to explore Limerick.
Breakfast included
Day 7
Limerick – Cliffs of Moher – Galway - Limerick
Today is one of the tour highlights, when you travel to the awe-inspiring 700-foot high Cliffs of Moher, and take in the dramatic views of the Atlantic. Continue through the vast limestone landscape of the Burren, and admire its stark beauty and Neolithic tombs. Travel through scenic countryside to Galway, where you will have a taster of the City of Tribes with a brief city tour. Return to Limerick where you will spend a very enjoyable evening at one of the city’s best restaurants.
Breakfast and dinner included
Day 8
Limerick – Tullamore/Kilbeggan - Kingscourt
Travel eastbound across the country into whiskey territory, where you will visit either Tullamore or Kilbeggan, which are both ancient towns long associated with the whiskey industry. You will experience the whiskey making process during a visit to the distillery and enjoy tasting the final product. Your tour ends on a high note with your final night in the regal grounds of Cabra Castle. Here you can soak up the historic atmosphere and enjoy a fabulous farewell dinner.
Breakfast and dinner included
Day 9
Kingscourt – tour ends
Your tour ends today in Kingscourt
Breakfast included
What's Included:
- 13 meals - 8 breakfasts & 5 dinners
- 8 nights accommodation: Dublin 2 nights Trinity Hotel or Ashling Hotel; Waterford 1 night Granville Hotel; Killarney 2 nights Killareny Avenue, Killarney Towers or Killarney Plaza Hotel; Limerick 2 nights Absolute Hotel, George Hotel or Strand Hotel; Kingscourt 1 night Cabra Castle or similar (on some dates alternate hotels may be used)
- Dedicated Tour Manager
- Sightseeing as described in the above itinerary
With offices in Dublin, Kerry and London we have the experience and resources to provide you with the very best vacation, partnering only with the most reputable coach operators to ensure you have a truly great touring experience.
