5-STAR IRISH CASTLE & COUNTRY HOUSE TOUR
2006

Day 1: Depart the U.S. for Ireland.

Day 2: Failte! Welcome to Dublin's Fair City

Arrive Dublin Airport and transfer on your own to The Merrion for a 2-night stay. Comprising four Georgian mansions just steps from St. Stephen's Green, The Merrion has set new standards in Ireland for deluxe accommodation, featuring priceless artworks, a Michelin-rated restaurant, and the finest example of 5-star Irish service. After some rest, take a look around Dublin City. Visit St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin's oldest Christian site, dating back to the time of St. Patrick. See the Book of Kells in Trinity College. In the evening have dinner at The Shelbourne and later perhaps enjoy a welcome pint at one of the many pubs, wine bars, or nightclubs.

Overnight: The Merrion, Dublin
Dinner: On your own

Day 3: The Pulse of Ireland

Discover more of Dublin today. Go to Smithfield and visit Ceol - the Irish Traditional Music Centre, an interactive museum dedicated to Irish music with a variety of high-tech exhibits and presentations, including a video exhibit on Irish dancing. Next see the Old Jameson Distillery, where you will see the birthplace of some of Ireland's finest. You may decide to have lunch in Smithfield or perhaps back in Temple Bar. Later stroll through St. Stephens Green, the finest Georgian Square in Europe. Do some shopping on fashionable Grafton Street or in the Powerscourt Townhouse. In the evening perhaps a show at the Abbey Theater, or enjoy dinner and live Irish entertainment at the Jury's Cabaret.

Overnight: The Merrion, Dublin
Dinner: On your own

Day 4: 1,000 Shades of Wicklow Green

Dunbrody Country House Co. Wexford

This morning meet your driver/guide or pick up your car in Dublin City centre and begin your tour of Ireland by driving south into Wicklow, "the garden of Ireland". Visit Powerscourt Gardens and Waterfall, which features an extensive and eclectic group of gardens and the largest waterfall in the British Isles. Continue south through the Wicklow mountains to Glendalough, a 6th century monastic ruin set in a majestic mountain haven. Arrive in Arthurstown, Co. Wexford and check into Dunbrody Country House for a 1-night stay. Hiding in 300 acres of tranquil parklands, this 1830's Georgian manor is an enchanting getaway, known for its exquisite cuisine. Enjoy a gourmet country house dinner in your hotel this evening.

Overnight: Dunbrody Country House, Arthurstown, Co. Wexford
Dinner: Dunbrody Country House

Park Hotel, Kenmare Co. Kerry

Day 5: Waterford Crystal, The Gift of the Gab, and West Cork

This morning drive through Waterford, stopping at the Waterford Crystal Factory. See the famous glass being blown and cut and perhaps do some shopping. Continue into County Cork, stopping at Blarney Castle, where a kiss of the Blarney Stone is said to impart eloquence. Perhaps do some shopping at the Blarney Woolen Mills, where you will find everything from clothing to crystal, all Irish-made.
Drive through incredibly scenic West Cork, taking in the views that have made Ireland famous for natural beauty. Continue into County Kerry and arrive in Kenmare where you will check into The Park Hotel Kenmare for a 2-night stay. As Ireland's most established luxuryhotel, the Park Hotel set the standard for 5-star service and offers individually decorated rooms, as well as beautifully manicured grounds.

Overnight: The Park Hotel Kenmare, Kenmare, Co. Kerry
Dinner: On your own

Park Hotel, Kenmare Co. Kerry

Day 6: The Kingdom of Kerry

Spend today exploring the world renowned Ring of Kerry. This naturally stunning region has lured locals and travelers for years with its' spectacular mountain, lakeside, bogland, and coastal scenery. With very few commercial tourist stops the Ring of Kerry's natural wonders and views are an attraction unto themselves, including Ireland's four largest mountains, Carrantuohill, Beenkeragh, Caher, and Carrautonhill. Stop to see Staigue Fort, a large stone circular structure, reputed to date back to 1000 B.C. Make a stop at the Skellig Heritage Centre and see how life existed on the Skellig Mountains since the 6th-century. Enjoy fine dining in your hotel this evening.

Overnight: The Park Hotel Kenmare, Kenmare, Co. Kerry
Dinner: Park Hotel Kenmare

Glin Castle Co. Limerick

Day 7: Killarney Town & The Fairytale Castle

Spend some time in and around Killarney Town this morning. See Muckross House and Gardens and take a horse and jaunt ride through the Killarney National Park. Absorb some more of Ireland's unparalleled scenery from Gap of Dunloe. Perhaps have an Irish coffee at Kate Kearney's Cottage, named for a local who ran a speakeasy on the property. Later arrive at Glin Castle for your final night in Ireland. Situated on the banks of the River Shannon this elegant Norman castle, owned by the Knight of Glin, is an authentic example of Irish grandeur, offering individually decorated bedrooms, antique furnishings, and outstanding cuisine. Enjoy fine dining in the castle this evening.

Overnight: Glin Castle, Glin, Co. Limerick
Dinner: Glin Castle

Day 8: Slan Abhaile!

Transfer on your own to Shannon Airport or drive to Shannon Airport, drop off your car and depart for the U.S. Slán Abhaile!

Warren Tours
Quotation for
5-Star Castle & Country House Tour
2006

This package includes:

• Round-trip air on Aer Lingus from New York, Boston, Chicago or Los Angeles (other cities available at a supplement)

• 6 nights deluxe accommodations

• Full Irish breakfast daily

• 3 gourmet dinners

• 1 spa treatment

• Weekly rental of automatic car including unlimited mileage, VAT, and insurance (CDW, Theft, Fire) OR

• 4 Days services of a private driver/guide, including unlimited mileage, fuel, tolls, and driver's expenses (supplement of $50-400 per person for chauffeur tours)

• Detailed driving directions for Self-Drive Tours

• Custom Designed itinerary, created for you by an Ireland expert

• Deluxe travel documents, sent by overnight courier, including a discount attraction book

• 5-Star service from Warren Tours before, during, and after your tour

Cost:

$2,031 to $3,126 per person, sharing a double room, excluding taxes

Itinerary Subject to Availability

Please note:
A non-refundable deposit of $500 plus total airfare per person is due immediately if you wish to reserve any or all of the above arrangements. Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure. All changes and cancellations are subject to penalty.