Arrive at Dublin Airport, the Emerald Isle at last. Meet your affable, eloquent, and all around Irish driver/guide. Transfer to the Central Hotel for a 2-night stay. Aptly named, the Central Hotel is ideally located in the heart of Dublin between Temple Bar and St. Stephen’s Green and offers guests warm and welcoming pubic areas as well as high standard accommodation. After some time to get your bearings have a city tour with your driver. See Dublin’s Georgian Quarter with its beautiful townhouses and colorful doors. See Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Ireland’s oldest Christian site, which dates back to the 4th century. Drive through Phoenix Park where wild deer still roam and the Irish president resides. Enjoy some time on your own. See the Book of Kells at Trinity College and view the Chester Beatty library at Dublin Castle. In the evening have a Welcome to Ireland Dinner at the hotel.

Overnight: Central Hotel, Dublin
Dinner: Central Hotel

This morning take a trip outside town to the Powerscourt Estate. View their spectacular collection of gardens and have some time for some good shopping at the Avoca Handweavers. Later return to Dublin for some time on your own to discover this vibrant capital. Go to Smithfield and visit the Old Jameson Distillery, where you will see the birthplace of some of Ireland’s finest. Later stroll through St. Stephen’s Green, the finest Georgian Square in Europe. Do some shopping on fashionable Grafton Street or in the Powerscourt Townhouse. In the late afternoon visit the Guinness Storehouse at St. James Gate, birthplace of Ireland’s national drink. Lead yourself through a hi-tech exhibit devoted to the famous stout, and end with a taste of the black stuff in their 360-degree lounge, the Garvity Bar, which overlooks Dublin. Tonight have dinner with the group in a local hot spot.

Overnight: Central Hotel, Dublin
Dinner: Dublin restaurant, TBA

This morning begin your tour of the country by driving south into Wicklow, “the garden of Ireland”. Drive through the Wicklow Mountains to Glendalough, a 6th century monastic ruin set in a majestic mountain haven. Stop in Kilkenny, Ireland’s medieval city for a walk around and perhaps a self service lunch at the Kilkenny Design Center. Continue south to Waterford and have the option of visiting the Waterford Crystal Factory. Here you will see the famous glass being blown and cut on a private tour. Later check-in to the historic and incredible Waterford Castle. Situated on its own island this 12th century Norman castle is an authentic example of medieval grandeur and offers individually decorated rooms and its own golf course. Perhaps play a round on the island. Tonight have dinner in Waterford Castle.

Overnight: Waterford Castle, Waterford City
Dinner: Waterford Castle

Today drive to Tipperary and visit the impressive Rock of Cashel, which stands above the town as an ancient reminder of Ireland’s high kings of Ireland. Continue south to County Cork and stop at Blarney Castle, where a kiss of the Blarney Stone is said to impart eloquence. Some may not need this kiss. Tour the castle ruins and have some time for shopping at the Blarney Woolen Mills, which sells everything from Aran Sweaters to Waterford Crystal. Continue to the Cork Coast to Kinsale, “Ireland’s gourmet capital”. Check-in for a 1-night stay at Acton’s Hotel. Perfectly situated on Kinsale Harbour this high standard hotel is steps from Kinsale’s great places to eat, drink, and shop, and offers a hospitable Irish welcome. Tonight have dinner at Man Friday, a famous gourmet restaurant overlooking Kinsale Harbour.

Overnight: Acton’s Hotel, Kinsale, Co. Cork
Dinner: Man Friday Restaurant

Today drive north towards Galway, stopping at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, where 19th century Ireland is alive in authentic old world environs. Perhaps have lunch and a pint at Durty Nelly’s Pub, an infamous local and have more opportunity to shop at Ireland’s most well known stores. Continue to the magnificent Clare Coast to see the Cliffs of Moher, which stretch dramatically 700 feet above the Atlantic. Continue through the lunar-like Burren of Clare to Ballyvaughan for a 2-night stay at Gregans Castle Hotel. This lovely country house hotel is surrounded by dramatic views of the Burren and Galway Bay while offering a peaceful retreat complimented by good food and luxury accommodation. Tonight we will have a country pub dinner.

Overnight: Gregans Castle Hotel, Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare
Dinner: Country Pub

Today drive to Galway City, where the old world meets the new world. This bohemian city is a university town where the arts thrive and you will find a variety of galleries, antique stores, street performers, and music pubs. Explore this lively capital of the west on your own. In the afternoon meet up for a Pub Crawl, Trivia Edition. Hit some local pubs as you answer Irish trivia along the way. Winner receives a special prize! Llearn to pull your own pint of Guinness by a local expert. Return to Gregans Castle and have a gourmet farewell dinner tonight in the hotel.

Overnight: Gregans Castle Hotel, Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare
Dinner: Gregans Castle Hotel

*All prices are per person, sharing a double room.

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