Itinerary for: Focus on Ireland (B906)
| Ireland | Dublin |
| Galway | Cork |
| Waterford |
Day 1 - UK - DUBLIN
Enjoy your complimentary V.I.P door to door
transfer to your departure airport. On arrival at Dublin Airport, your airport shuttle service leaves for the tour hotel at 08:00, 11:00 & 13:30. Later, a sightseeing tour of Dublin takes you past the Customs House, along O'Connell Street and through Phoenix Park. Travel along the river Liffey to see the Guinness Brewery and Dublin Castle before admiring the 18th century buildings of the Georgian section of the city. Later, join your Tour Director and fellow passengers for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Burlington.
Day 2 - DUBLIN - GALWAY
Drive through the 'forty shades of green' landscape of the Emerald Isle. Cross the Boyne River, its name a reminder of the battle which saw William of Orange sow the seeds of future strife in his defeat of the Catholic King James. Pass by the former fortress town of Athlone, built to defend the strategic crossing of the Shannon, before crossing the river. The destination: historic Galway, 'City of the Tribes', at the mouth of the Corrib River and the capital of Western Ireland. Join your Tour Director to see the infamous Lynch Memorial where Judge Lynch executed his own son, 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 President, John F Kennedy.
Hotel: Clayton (B)
Day 3 - GALWAY - LIMERICK - KILLARNEY
Take the scenic route through the mysterious rocky limestone landscape of the Burren, riddled with underground caverns and streams and known for its rare flora. Stop at the 700-foot Cliffs of Moher with breathtaking views of the Clare Coast. Not far from here Ireland's rural heritage comes to life as you walk through the cobbled streets of Bunratty Folk Park, lined with buildings from a bygone era and thatched cottages furnished in traditional style. Later, stop in Limerick, situated on the banks of the River Shannon, and famous for rhymes, lace and elegant Georgian houses. Here your Tour Director shows you King John's impressive castle, the 800-year-old St Mary's Cathedral and the Treaty Stone. Continue past the charming thatched cottages of Adare, through the land of song and legend, to your hotel in Killarney.
Hotel: Killarney Towers (B,D)
Day 4 - RING OF KERRY EXCURSION
After a hearty Irish breakfast, take a leisurely excursion around the magnificent Ring of Kerry to enjoy the breathtaking views over mountains and sea. Pass through the small towns of Killorglin, where the famous Puck Fair takes place, and Caherciveen, birthplace of the great patriot Daniel O'Connel. Follow the narrow road as it winds along the cliffs and through the fishing town of Waterville and delightful villages like Sneem. Cross the peat bogs of the Black Mountains to Moll's Gap and admire Queen Victoria's 'Ladies View'. Back in Killarney, enjoy a memorable ride on a traditional horse-drawn jaunting car with the local 'Jarvies'. This evening, with your Dine-Around option, create your own personal dining experience by choosing from our selection of local restaurants. (B,DA)
Day 5 - KILLARNEY - CORK - WATERFORD
Drive through the rugged Derrynasaggart Mountains and villages of the Sullane Valley to Blarney, where you visit the famous 15th century Castle, the home of the famous Stone of Eloquence, once kissed - never forgotten! Here you also have a chance to shop for woollens at the Blarney Mills. Then it's on to Cork, Ireland's second largest city, before enjoying a coastal drive via the fishing port of Youghal, renowned for its connection with Sir Walter Raleigh and the seaside market town of Dungarvan. Visit the Waterford Crystal showroom before arriving to your hotel.
Hotel: Dooleys (B,D)
Day 6 - WATERFORD - VALE OF AVOCA - DUBLIN
See Waterford's 9th century Reginald's Tower and the remains of the old city walls before heading northwards through the beautiful pastoral countryside where memories, undimmed by the passage of time, still recall the heroes of '98. A scenic drive takes you through the Vale of Avoca to see the 'Meeting of the Waters' memorial to Ireland's poet laureate Thomas Moore and hear some of his poems. Continue on through the picturesque Vale of Clara to Glendalough. Stop here to visit the extensive ruins of the sixth century monastery of St. Kevin, nestled in a setting of total tranquillity. Finally, return to Ireland's fun-loving capital via the beautiful scenery of County Wicklow. Tonight, consider enjoying a farewell dinner and Irish cabaret to round off your tour.
Hotel: Burlington. (B)
Day 7 - DUBLIN - UK
Bid farewell to Ireland, as your memorable tour comes to an end after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Dublin Airport at 07:30, 09:30 & 11:30. On arrival at your UK airport, your driver will greet you and escort you to your waiting car for your return V.I.P door to door transfer home. (B)