|
Sample Itinerary: 5-Star
Irish Castle & Country House Tour 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 Shelbourne for a 2-night stay. Boasting Dublin's most distinguished address on St. Stephens Green, The Shelbourne has long been the 'Grand Old Hotel' in Dublin City. 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 Shelbourne, Dublin 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 Shelbourne, Dublin
Day 4: 1,000 Shades of Wicklow Green 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. Continue to Thomastown, County Kilkenny for a 1-night stay at Mount Juliet, Hunter's Yard. Situated on over 1,500 acres, this luxurious estate boasts an equestrian centre, a championship golf course, two superb restaurants, elegant accommodation, and the best in service. Enjoy dinner in the hotel this evening. Overnight:
Mount Juliet, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny
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. Overnight:
Aghadoe Heights Hotel, Killarney, 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. In the evening perhaps enjoy dinner in one of Killarney's many fine restaurants. After dinner you may decide to go for a drink in one of Killarney's lively pub's, many of which have live Irish music and entertainment. Overnight:
Aghadoe Heights Hotel, Killarney, Co. Kerry
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. Continue north through County Limerick and into County Clare. Perhaps make a stop at the Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, where you can get a glimpse into 19th century Ireland. Arrive in Newmarket-on-Fergus for a 1-night stay at Dromoland Castle. Considered one of Ireland's top castle-hotels, Dromoland is a fairytale castle complimented by an extensive estate, fine dining, and excellent service. Perhaps enjoy fine dining in the castle tonight. Say goodbye to your new friend and driver this evening. Overnight:
Dromoland Castle, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co. Clare 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
Cost: Itinerary Subject to Availability Please note: |
