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13 Day Scenic Ireland -2010

2010 Scenic Ireland 13Days

Leave no stone unturned—or unkissed—on this journey through Ireland. Start your vacation in the “Fair City” of Dublin with an orientation drive that includes O’Connell Street, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and a visit to Trinity College with its Book of Kells. South through the Wicklow Mountains, pausing at Ballyknocken House for an entertaining baking demonstration. Next up: Kilkenny and its castle, Waterford, Blarney, Cork, Garinish Island, Killarney, Dingle Peninsula, Limerick, and the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher. Visit the fishing village of Clifden and Kylemore Abbey, experience the rugged Atlantic Coast of Donegal, and learn about life in Northern Ireland from your Local Guide in Derry. In County Antrim, admire Dunluce Castle and visit awe-inspiring Giant’s Causeway, then south via Belfast to Dublin for the end of your vacation.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Arrive in Dublin, Ireland. Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax in the Irish capital. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companion for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)

Day 2 Dublin. An orientation drive in the “Fair City” includes statue-lined O’Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Then, a highlight visit to Oscar Wilde’s TRINITY COLLEGE, famous for the 1,200-year-old Book of Kells and the magnificent Old Library. Afternoon at leisure. Tonight, maybe take in an optional dinner outing to the Guinness Storehouse. (B)

Day 3 Dublin–Kilkenny. Vistas of the Wicklow Mountains unfold as you head for a special visit to BALLYKNOCKEN HOUSE, a typical Irish family-run farm guesthouse. Your host will present an entertaining BAKING DEMONSTRATION. Afterwards, enjoy coffee and scones fresh from the oven. Then, visit KILKENNY CASTLE, which was occupied by the Dukes of Ormonde for over 500 years. Take your Tour Director’s dining recommendations for this evening. (B)

Day 4 Kilkenny–Waterford–Blarney–Cork. The first of the day’s highlights is an entertaining walk through Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city, in the company of a Local Guide. Then, journey to Blarney, renowned for its magical Kissing Stone. Overnight in Cork, Ireland’s second-largest city. An optional suggestion before dinner would be a visit to Cobh’s Queenstown Story, which tells of the transatlantic liner route between Liverpool and North America and last port of call for the Titanic. (B,D)

Day 5 Cork–Garinish Island–Killarney. This morning, board a private boat for the short crossing to GARINISH ISLAND, whose warm waters attract colonies of seals. Follow the winding paths between the strong-scented flowering trees and shrubs of this lush tropical island garden. Then, head over the mountains into County Kerry. At Kenmare, join part of the RING OF KERRY and stop for spectacular photos of the Lakes of Killarney from Ladies View before arriving in the popular resort of Killarney. Tonight, an entertaining optional evening in Tralee with dinner and tickets for Siamsa Tire National Folk Theatre. (B)

Day 6 Killarney. Dingle Excursion. Panoramic views on Dingle Peninsula on the way to the BLASKET ISLANDS CENTRE. Learn about the way of life and unique literary achievements on the string of remote offshore islands evacuated by the last inhabitants in 1953. Visit Dingle, then return to Killarney. (B,D)

Day 7 Killarney–Adare–Limerick. A morning at leisure in Killarney with time for an optional excursion by horse-drawn jaunting car. In the afternoon, drive via quaint Adare, renowned for its pretty thatched cottages, to Limerick. A suggestion for a very special night out: attend an optional banquet at Bunratty Castle. (B)

Day 8 Limerick–Cliffs of Moher–Galway–Clifden. Motor to the CLIFFS OF MOHER, rising 668 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, and savor the breathtaking panorama of the Clare coast. Next, a special treat: at RATHBAUN FARM, watch the farmer shear a sheep and maneuver a flock with the help of a sheep dog, then, enjoy your morning coffee and home-baked scones. In Galway, hear about the infamous Lynch Stone, commemorating the day Mayor James Lynch Fitzstephen hanged his son for murder. Call at the Joyce family’s MARBLE WORKSHOP before spending the night at Clifden, a small fishing town in the far west. (B,D)

Day 9 Clifden–Knock–Drumcliff–Bundoran. A fascinating start to the day—visit KYLEMORE ABBEY, the massive castle acquired by Benedictine nuns, for a visit to the restored house, church, and gardens. Pause at Westport before continuing on to Knock, a village that attracts pilgrims from all over the world. On the way to the resort of Bundoran, stop at Drumcliff on Sligo Bay to visit the grave of native son and poet W.B. Yeats. (B,D)

Day 10 Bundoran. Donegal Excursion. A day dedicated to wild and beautiful Donegal. Follow the scenic Atlantic coast around Donegal Bay with its small fishing ports and hidden beaches. Visit the ancient town of the same name, founded by the Danish Vikings and home of the O’Donnell Clan. Later, call on the BELLEEK POTTERY, renowned for its exquisite cream-colored Parian china. (B,D)

Day 11 Bundoran–Derry, Northern Ireland–Giant’s Causeway–Belfast. A rich string of Northern Ireland attractions awaits you today. In Derry, walk the city walls in the company of a Local Guide. After lunch, pass Dunluce Castle before visiting the awe-inspiring GIANT’S CAUSEWAY. Stay near Belfast tonight, Northern Ireland’s seat of government. (B,D)

Day 12 Belfast–Knowth, Ireland–Dublin. On this morning’s orientation tour, learn more about this fascinating city where the Titanic was built, then drive in the lee of the Mountains of Mourne back into the Republic. At Bru na Boinne (Palace of the Boyne), one of the world’s most important archaeological landscapes, visit KNOWTH, where your guide explains the fascinating passage-grave dating from the Bronze Age. Back in Dublin tonight, your Tour Director will have recommendations for a fitting farewell to Ireland. (B)

Day 13 Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)

Standard tour features:
Hotels
Dublin Hilton Kilmainham (SF), Kilkenny Ormonde (SF), Cork Clarion (SF), Killarney Holiday Inn (F) or Scotts (F), Limerick Clarion (SF) or Strand (SF), Clifden Station House (F), Bundoran Great Northern (F), Belfast Hilton (SF) at Templepatrick, Dublin Clarion (SF) or Hilton City (SF)

Meals
Full Irish breakfast (B); 7 three-course dinners (D) with choice of menus, including a welcome dinner in Dublin.

Dates & Rates:

May 3 – May 27: $2569
Jun 3 – Jun14: $2589
Jun 17 – Jul 15: $2569
Jul 22 – Aug 5: $2549
Aug 9 – Aug 19:$2569
Aug 23 – Sep 6: $2589
Sep 9 – Sep 30:$ 2569
Oct 7: $2549

Tour departs Dublin every Thursday and every second Monday, and returns to Dublin every Tuesday and every second Saturday.

·  Single supplement $550.00.
·  Triple reduction $64.00.