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Southern Ireland Experience

Destination Countries: Ireland

8-Day
Tour

Itinerary

Day 01

Depart U.S. for Dublin
Board your aircraft and relax as you fly through the night to Ireland.
Day 02

Georgian Dublin & National Gallery
Land at Dublin Airport where you pass through immigration and customs controls. Go to the CIE Tours desk in the Arrivals Hall to arrange a group transfer to your hotel between 7:00 am and 12:00 noon. If your flight arrives later, you will need to transfer to the hotel at your own expense. Your hotel is located in the heart of Georgian Dublin. At 3:00 pm take a leisurely walking tour with a local guide to learn about the development of elegant Georgian mansions 200 years ago. Walk through the lovely gardens of Merrion Square and into the National Gallery, which features centuries of European collections and many Irish artists. In the evening meet your tour director and fellow travelers for a welcome drink. The evening is free for independent dining and your tour director will assist you in choosing a suitable restaurant.
Day 03

Book of Kells & Theater Evening
This morning drive around central Dublin's public buildings, colorful parks and bustling shopping streets. Learn about the founding of this settlement on the banks of the River Liffey over 1,000 years ago. Drive along the wide O'Connell Street with many monuments, past tranquil St. Stephen's Green, and pause at the Famine Memorial. Walk through Trinity College's campus to see its many old buildings and visit the Old Library to view the priceless 8th century manuscript of the Book of Kells. The afternoon is at leisure and you may use your open-top bus tour voucher and visit Guinness or Jameson. Dine at the Cellar Restaurant in your hotel before heading to the world-famous Abbey or Gate Theatre for a performance. (B, D)
Day 04

Rock of Cashel & Sheep Farm Visit
Depart Dublin and travel south to visit the Rock of Cashel, where Brian Boru was crowned King of Munster in 977. See the 12th century Cormac's Chapel with its Hiberno-Romanesque decorations, the large cruciform cathedral and a round tower. At a nearby farmhouse sample home-made scones with tea and watch a farmer use his trained dogs to round up sheep. Drive south past the gentle slopes of the Galtee Mountains, through the town of Mallow and on to Killarney, famous for its scenic location. Check into your hotel and enjoy a superb dinner in the fine restaurant. (B, D)
Day 05

Ring of Kerry & Killeen House Restaurant
Today experience the Ring of Kerry drive where every bend in 100 miles of road reveals breathtaking views of mountains and Atlantic Ocean. You will have plenty of stops to admire or photograph scenic vistas. At the tip of the peninsula visit the Skellig Experience, which shows the austere conditions of early Christian monastic life on the nearby rocky islands? Today the islands provide sanctuary for sea birds. Return through the attractive village of Sneem and pause at Moll's Gap for panoramic views of Killarney. In the evening savor delicious cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere at award-winning Killeen House Restaurant, a few miles outside the town. (B, D)
Day 06

Cliffs of Moher & Dromoland Castle
Take a ferry ride across the River Shannon Estuary to visit the Cliffs of Moher, majestic walls of rock, which extend five miles along the coast. If you wish, you may take a walk to O'Brien's Tower at the highest point and see the Aran Islands in Galway Bay. Journey through part of the Burren Country to your lovely castle hotel. After check in you may choose to relax in the wonderful setting or take a short drive to Bunratty Village for an opportunity to visit Bunratty Castle and Folk Park or the 200-year-pub of Durty Nelly's. In the evening enjoy gourmet dining in the elegant dining room of your hotel. (B, D)
Day 07

Ennis Walking Tour & Ashford Castle
Drive to the marketing town of Ennis, a centuries-old settlement with narrow, twisting streets. Join a local guide for a walking tour around the main points of interest, including Ennis Friary. Travel into Galway for a brief drive through the city center and enjoy free time to browse around on your own. As a number of streets are closed to traffic, it's pleasant to stroll along and look at the shops and pubs. Continue north to Cong stay at the famous Ashford Castle Hotel for the final night of your tour. Arrive in time to explore the grounds, go riding or play golf. In the evening drive to the nearby village of Clonbur for an informal dinner with local entertainment at Burkes Pub. (B, D)
Day 08

Back to the U.S. from Shannon
Bid farewell to Ashford Castle and take a group transfer to Shannon Airport where your tour concludes at 10:30 am. It's a two-hour drive to the Airport. Check in for your flight in good time and you may like to shop at the duty-free stores. If you need to arrive at Shannon Airport before 10:30 am, your tour director will coordinate an early group transfer once you are on tour. (B)