2015 Emerald Supreme 12 Days/11 Nights
Day 1:
Your Irish trip starts at 2:00 pm when you meet your tour guide at your Dublin hotel. Tour central Dublin to see the main areas with public buildings and colorful parks. Take a guided walking tour through Trinity College’s campus to visit the Old Library where the priceless 8th century manuscript of the Book of Kells is housed. In the evening discuss your itinerary with your tour guide and your fellow travelers over a welcome drink and dine independently.
Day 2:
This morning take a short ride through the Wicklow Mountains for a guided tour around Russborough House, an elegant Palladian mansion noted for its art and photography collections. In the afternoon use your included vouchers for an open-top bus tour around the main sights of Dublin and alight for a tour and a drink at either Guinness Storehouse or Old Jameson Distillery. In the evening head out to O’Connell’s Restaurant for a demonstration of bread-making, followed by superb food and some live music.
(B,D)
Day 3:
Visit the Irish National Stud in Kildare to learn about the valuable horse breeding industry and see some of the valuable animals that thrive on the rich pasturelands. Walk through the nearby miniature Japanese Gardens, which represent the “Life of Man” from cradle to grave. Enjoy a home-style lunch at a farmhouse and chat about country living with the owners. Continue your drive south to Killarney, a little town made famous for its scenic location of mountains and lakes. Check in to your hotel and enjoy a superb dinner in the fine restaurant.
(B,L,D)
Day 4:
Start your day with a jaunting car ride to Ross Castle, set on one of Killarney’s lakes, to admire views of the Killarney National Park and learn about local stories from the jarvey. Then travel along the Ring of Kerry drive for breathtaking views of mountains and the Atlantic Ocean with plenty of stops to admire or photograph the awesome scenery. Visit the Skellig Experience, which shows early Christian monastic life on the nearby rocky islands. Return through Sneem and pause at Moll’s Gap for panoramic views. Enjoy a warm welcome and delicious cuisine at the award-winning Killeen House Restaurant.
(B,D)
Day 5:
Take a ferry across the River Shannon Estuary to reach the Cliffs of Moher, majestic walls of rock, which rise to heights of 700 feet and extend for five miles along the coast. You may walk to O’Brien’s Tower for views of the Aran Islands and Connemara if the weather is clear. Journey through the rugged limestone hills of the Burren to the lovely Dromoland Castle Hotel. Relax in the wonderful setting or use the hotel amenities. If you prefer, take a short drive to Bunratty Village for an opportunity to visit Bunratty Castle and Folk Park or the 200-year-old Durty Nelly’s Pub. Experience gourmet dining in the hotel’s elegant dining room.
(B,D)
Day 6:
Take a gentle walking tour around central Galway’s narrow streets, many of which are closed to motor traffic. Then drive to Spiddal to visit Cnoc Suain, a restored 17th century hill-village set in a beautiful landscape where you will be immersed in local Irish culture. Take a short cruise on Lough Corrib to approach Ashford Castle from the water so you can take photos of the incredible views. Unwind in luxurious surroundings and enjoy an excellent dining experience in Ashford’s lovely restaurant.
(B,D)
Day 7:
Travel through the scenic Connemara region today to view rugged hills interspersed with tiny lakes. Visit Kylemore Abbey, a stately 19th century mansion in a tranquil lakeside setting that is owned by an order of Irish Benedictine nuns. Walk along the lake shore and tour the fine reception rooms and the elaborate church. Return to Cong for a walking tour around the village to see movie locations of the 1952 production of “The Quiet Man.” Spend the afternoon at Ashford Castle to explore the grounds, play golf or simply relax. Eddie’s Pub in the nearby village of Clonbur is the venue for an informal dinner with local entertainment.
(B,D)
Day 8:
Visit the Museum of Country Life to view exhibits of domestic goods in daily use during the 19th and early 20th centuries when Ireland was mostly an agricultural economy. See simple utensils and furniture made from local materials. Continue to Donegal town and embark on a fun cruise of Donegal Bay. See the seal colony and perhaps other wild life and enjoy views of the scenic Bluestack Mountains and the many islands and bays. A short drive will take you to Harvey’s Point Hotel, set in glorious scenery a few miles outside Donegal town. Relax or take a stroll before dinner.
(B,D)
Day 9:
Drive to the fishing port of Killybegs and on to Teelin. Transfer to a minibus to reach the best viewpoint of the Slieve League sea cliffs, the highest in Europe, reaching 1,972 feet. The cliffs drop straight down to the wild Atlantic waves creating breathtaking views. Back in Teelin enjoy coffee or tea with home baked scones before driving through the majestic Glengesh Pass to Ardara. County Donegal is renowned for its rugged scenery, sheep and Donegal tweed. Visit Triona Design to see demonstrations of spinning, weaving and knitting.
(B,D)
Day 10:
Take a walking tour around Derry’s medieval walls, which completely encircle the old city. Learn about the long and involved history of the city as you pass the Diamond and St. Columb’s Cathedral. Pause for photos at the ruins of Dunluce Castle before visiting the Giant’s Causeway, enormous hexagonal columns formed over 60 million years ago. The huge rocks have given rise to many stories, especially with the legendary Finn McCool. Travel through the Nine Glens of Antrim where “Game of Thrones” was filmed. In Belfast check in to your elegant Victorian hotel, built as the headquarters of the Ulster Bank. Enjoy fine dining in the ornate Great Room Restaurant, once the main Banking Hall.
(B,D)
Day 11:
A local guide will show you the highlights of Belfast, including Victorian buildings, the imposing City Hall and the shipyards where RMS Titanic was built in 1912. Visit Titanic Belfast to learn about this ill-fated famous liner through state-of-the-art displays. Discover the history of Belfast’s thriving shipbuilding industry and many other facets of the Titanic’s creation. Drive past the gentle slopes of the Mourne Mountains to Dublin and check in to your landmark hotel on St. Stephen’s Green in the city center. Enjoy a farewell dinner at the Abbey Tavern’s Loft Restaurant in Howth followed by a lively show of songs and step-dancing.
(B,D)
Day 12:
Your tour ends after breakfast.
(B)
B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner