| Sample Itinerary: Food,
Drink, Music, Laughs
Day 1, September 20, Saturday: Depart the U.S. for Ireland.
Day 2, September 21, Sunday: Failte! Welcome to Ireland Edge from the rock group U2, The Clarence set the standards for chic design hotels in Ireland. Located in Temple Bar, Dublin’s “Left Bank”, The Clarence offers one of Dublin’s best bars, the Octagon Bar, as well as an exquisite restaurant, The Tea Room. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then take a Dublin City Tour. See the sites including Phoenix Park, the Georgian Quarter, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Later enjoy some free time and in the afternoon check-in to The Clarence. This evening meet the rest of your group at a Welcome Cocktail Reception. Afterwards enjoy your first gourmet dinner at The Tea Room. Overnight:
The Clarence, Dublin
Day 3, September 22, Monday: Dublin’s Fair City This morning enjoy some free time in Dublin before enjoying a traditional Dublin pub lunch. This afternoon tour the Old Jameson Whiskey Distillery and then pay a visit to the Guinness Storehouse to see the history of Ireland’s favorite national drink. Enjoy a freshly pulled Guinness in the sky-high lounge overlooking Dublin City. This evening experience one of Ireland’s most exciting traditional culture tours. Go on a 3-hour long Cultural Crawl around the city. A compere, of renowned character, who introduces the group to the most appealing aspects of Irish Culture, leads the tour. The Culture Crawl includes a buffet dinner, an Irish dancing display, whiskey tasting, story telling and traditional Irish music all during a pub hopping tour of Dublin’s best. Overnight:
The Clarence, Dublin
Day 4,
September 23, Tuesday: Depart Dublin after breakfast and drive southeast into County Kilkenny where you will visit Kilkenny Castle. Situated on the River Nore, this Norman castle dates back to 1192, and carries with it a great deal of interesting history. Across the street from the Castle is Kilkenny Design Centre. Originally the coach house and stables for Kilkenny Castle, this building is now home to some of the best designers and craftspeople in Ireland. Continue to Cork, arriving near Midleton at Ballymaloe Country House. This well known country house is famous for its gourmet cuisine and casual country environs. Enjoy a chef demonstration by Ballymaloe’s Head Chef, and later enjoy a gourmet country house dinner, followed by some local Irish music for entertainment. Overnight:
Ballymaloe House, Shanagarry, Co. Cork
Day 5, September 24, Wednesday:Blarney & Kinsale This morning drive west to County Cork, stopping to see Blarney Castle. A kiss of the Blarney Stone is said to impart eloquence on those who kiss it. Perhaps do some shopping at the Blarney Woolen Mills and then head to the coastal town of Kinsale, “Ireland’s Gourmet Capital”. Famous for its incredible variety and quality of cuisine, and its beautifully maintained harbor-side setting, this delightful town is popular with people from all corners of the world. Enjoy a gourmet lunch in Kinsale. Later drive through incredibly scenic West Cork and into Kerry, arriving in Kenmare for a 2-night stay at the Park Hotel Kenmare. This historic luxury hotel has set the standard for 5-star service in Ireland, offering guests a warm welcome, elegant accommodation, and superb cuisine. Tonight enjoy fine dining at the Park Hotel. Overnight:
Park Hotel Kenmare, Kenmare, Co. Kerry
Day 6, September 25, Thursday: The Kingdom of Kerry This morning enjoy a half-day tour of the world famous Ring of Kerry. This naturally stunning region has boasts 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 three of Ireland's largest mountains, Carrantuohill, Beenkeragh, and Caher. Later drive to Killarney Town and enjoy lunch on your own. After some free time in this bustling town return to Kenmare. Tonight enjoy dinner at The Limetree, one of the reasons Kenmare has become known for its cuisine. Overnight:
Park Hotel Kenmare, Kenmare, Co. Kerry
Day 7, September 26, Friday: Limerick & Bunratty This morning head
north through Limerick, perhaps stopping for some photos of the thatched
roofed houses of the picturesque village, Adare. Continue through Limerick
City into County Clare, stopping to see Bunratty Castle & Folk Park,
where you will get a glimpse into 19th century Ireland. Enjoy lunch
at the infamous Durty Nelly’s Pub. Continue north to Galway, arriving
for a 2-night stay at the Galway Great Southern Hotel for a 2-night
stay. Originally a railroad hotel built in the 19th century, this elegant
Galway City landmark overlooks Eyre Square in the heart of the city,
offering excellent cuisine and extensive facilities. As the “cultural
capital” of Ireland, Galway City is where you will find a long
history complimented by large artistic and student communities.
Later perhaps enjoy the sounds of music, chatter, and laughs at some of the participating Galway Oyster Trail Pubs.
Overnight:
Galway Great Southern Hotel, Eyre Square, Galway
Day 8, September 27, Saturday: Galway Oyster Festival Enjoy more Galway
Oyster Festival Events today: ANNOUNCEMENT
OF THE GUINNESS WORLD OYSTER OPENING CHAMPION - 3.30pm Tonight we will
enjoy a farewell cocktail reception in the hotel. Afterwards you have
two options for dinner: Overnight:
Galway Great Southern Hotel, Galway Day 9, September 28, Sunday: Slán Abhaile! Transfer to Shannon Airport, say good-bye to your new friend and driver today, and depart Ireland for the U.S.
Itinerary subject to change Maximum
of 20 guests per tour
Total cost based
on a shared double room: Tour Supplements: Trip Cancellation
Insurance:
Please note:
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Park Hotel
Kenmare
