2020 IRISH SPIRIT – 9 DAYS / 8 NIGHTS / 14 MEALS
Day 1:
Tour begins 2:00 PM at your Dublin hotel. Meet your guide and set off on a tour of central Dublin. Highlights include the shopping areas around Grafton and Nassau Streets, Dublin’s elegant Georgian squares, and a drive along wide O’Connell Street. Visit GPO Witness History, where you will enjoy a welcome drink in one of Ireland’s most important historic buildings before dining independently at one of Dublin’s many restaurants or pubs.
Day 2:
Enjoy the Irish countryside as you head to the city of Kilkenny to visit Kilkenny Castle, which was the principal residence of the powerful Butler family for almost 600 years. Immerse yourself in its rich history through its collection of portraits and artifacts. Then, proceed to Waterford, where you will witness the creation of crystal masterpieces by skilled glass blowers and cutters during your visit to the House of Waterford Crystal. After dinner, take a gentle walking tour of the historic city with a local guide to learn about the region’s history. (B, D)
Day 3:
Head out to County Cork to Midleton for a tour of the Jameson Experience, a journey through the story and making of Irish whiskey complete with a sample at the end. Next up, visit the famous Blarney Castle with a climb to the top to kiss the “Stone of Eloquence” or enjoy a walk through the lovely parklands and gardens. Head to Killarney, a small town that’s big on glorious scenery. After dinner, you may want to explore the town on your own, perhaps sampling a lively pub or two. (B, D)
Day 4:
Start your day with a jaunting car ride through the Killarney National Park to Ross Castle for views of Lough Leane and the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks mountains. Then set out to enjoy the highlights of Ireland’s most popular scenic drive, the Ring of Kerry. Spend some free time in the picturesque town of Kenmare and have lunch independently and then stop at Moll’s Gap for panoramic mountain views. In the evening, head out for an Irish night with dinner and a traditional show. (B, D)
Day 5:
Embark on a ferry ride across the River Shannon Estuary. Take in the spectacular beauty of the Cliffs of Moher, soaring 700 feet above the Atlantic surf. Relax as you travel through the Burren and on to Cong where your hotel, the Lodge, sits on the magnificent 350-acre estate of Ashford Castle. Take time to relax before dinner in your hotel. You may choose to explore the beautiful gardens and grounds, or the castle itself, which is open to guests as long as there are no special events taking place. (B, D)
Day 6:
In Cong take a walking tour with a local guide to see locations for “The Quiet Man,” the classic film made in the village in 1952 starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. Dine on a casual lunch at Eddie’s of Clonbur, a traditional pub. Explore scenic Connemara and the crossroads known as Maam Cross. Return to the Lodge at Ashford to enjoy many of the facilities it has to offer. (B, L)
Day 7:
Head to the center of the country to visit Clonmacnoise. This monastic settlement was founded in 545 AD by St. Ciaran and is set on the banks of the mighty River Shannon. See elaborate High Celtic crosses decorated with biblical scenes. Continue your journey to Dublin and enjoy the fishing village of Howth on the north side of the city. Finish up the day at the popular Abbey Tavern with a hearty dinner and a lively show of traditional music, songs and step-dancing. (B, D)
Day 8:
Enjoy a day in Dublin with an independent open-top bus tour and a visit to one of Dublin’s top attractions – Guinness Storehouse, Teeling Distillery, EPIC Ireland, or GPO Witness History. In the evening, dine at one of the many restaurants or pubs that Dublin has to offer. (B)
Day 9:
Your tour ends after breakfast. (B)
B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner