13 Days ~ Ireland

Tour Pace
This is a well paced tour with two-night stays in Killarney and Galway, as well as in Dublin. The driving days are of a reasonable length, with frequent stops offering splendid photo opportunities.

DAY 1 – SUN – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Dublin.

DAY 2 – MON – DUBLIN SIGHTSEEING
Welcome to Ireland! On arrival there are complimentary transfers to your tour hotel from Dublin Airport. A sightseeing tour of Dublin includes the elegant squares of Ireland’s ‘fair city’ and a visit to the impressive castle (when open). See also the famous O’Connell Street and Customs House. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Drink, followed by a Dine-Around option that offers dinner from a selection of restaurants.
Hotel: Quality. (DA)

DAY 3 – TUE – DUBLIN – WATERFORD
Drive to Kildare and visit Ireland’s National Stud, one of the country’s main racehorse breeding centres. Visit the Japanese Gardens, laid out by Eida, a Japanese landscape artist invited to Ireland at the turn of last century. Move on to the architectural gem of Kilkenny and visit the 13th century Kilkenny Castle, with its splendid picture gallery. See also the Kilkenny Design Centre before continuing on to your hotel in historic Waterford.
Hotel: Dooleys. (B)

DAY 4 – WED – WATERFORD – BLARNEY
See history unfold before your eyes in Waterford as you view the 9th century Reginald’s Tower and the remains of the old city walls. Tour the famous Waterford Crystal Factory before a coastal drive brings you to Ireland’s second city of Cork. See St Finbar’s Cathedral, Cork’s most exuberant church building then continue to your hotel in Blarney.
Hotel: Ramada Hotel & Suites. (B,D)

DAY 5 – THU – BLARNEY – KILLARNEY
Visit the ancient castle of Blarney this morning. Will you dare to hang upside down from the ramparts to kiss the Blarney Stone, and ensure a lifetime of eloquence? Admire displays of Waterford Crystal at Blarney Mill before driving up the valley of the River Lee into the majestic Derrynasaggart Mountains. Now to the beautiful scenery of the Dingle Peninsula, spectacular setting for the film Ryan’s Daughter. From dramatic Slea Head at the peninsula’s far end, make your way to the peaceful town of Killarney.
Hotel: Killarney Avenue & Towers. (B,D)

DAY 6 – FRI – RING OF KERRY EXCURSION
An excursion takes you around the Ring of Kerry on one of the world’s greatest scenic tours: see towering cliffs, lush lakelands, remote villages and, above all, Ireland’s highest mountain range, and view the three peaceful Lakes of Killarney.Return to Killarney and enjoy a highlight ride with the locals on one of the famous jaunting cars. (B)

DAY 7 – SAT – KILLARNEY – GALWAY
Drive via picturesque Adare to the city of Limerick and see 12th century St Mary’s Cathedral and medieval King John’s Castle. Now visit Bunratty Folk Park, a living museum before a delightful drive takes you through the Burren, a strange, rocky landscape rich with wild orchids, to Galway.
Hotel: Clarinbridge Court. (B,D)

DAY 8 – SUN – CONNEMARA EXCURSION
In Galway, see St Nicholas Cathedral, the Spanish Arch and Eyre Square, dedicated to the late US president John F Kennedy. The beautiful rugged landscape of Connemara opens up a wonderland of rivers, lakes and silent hills en route to the famous marble factory, where you will tour the workshop. Visit palatial Kylemore Abbey before returning to your hotel. (B)

DAY 9 – MON – GALWAY – LONDONDERRY
Bidding farewell to Galway and Connemara, drive past Tuam to Clonalis House. This estate is the home of the O’Connor family, descendants of the last High Kings of Ireland. Meet the resident family and tour their home before driving through County Sligo to visit the Belleek Pottery Centre. Continue to Donegal town, with its stronghold of the great O’Donnells, and head north through the Blue Stack Mountains into Northern Ireland, settling for the night in the ancient city of ‘Derry’.
Hotel: City. (B,D)

DAY 10 – TUE – LONDONDERRY – BALLYGALLY
Sightseeing with a local guide takes you inside the well preserved walls, still topped with cannons, and down steep Shipquay Street, with its elegant Georgian houses, to the Gothic Guildhall. Continue along the coast to the spectacular Giant’s Causeway, and hear the fantastic legends which surround this geological masterpiece created by the cooling of lava which burst through the Earth’s crust millions of years ago. Continue along the scenic Antrim coast to arrive in Ballygally for an overnight stay.
Hotel: Ballygally Castle. (B,D)

DAY 11 – WED – BALLYGALLY – BELFAST
Continue around the coast, past the huge Norman castle at Carrickfergus, to arrive in Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland. Meet your local guide for a panoramic tour of this unique city, with highlights including City Hall, Queen’s University and Stormont Castle.
Hotel: Europa. (B)

DAY 12 – THU – BELFAST – DUBLIN
Travel alongside the Mountains of Mourne to Drogheda, taking a short drive along the historic Boyne Valley, site of the Battle of Boyne where William of Orange defeated the forces of Catholic King James. Return to Ireland’s lively capital, Dublin, and spend a leisurely evening relaxing, exploring or perhaps taking in a famous Irish Cabaret show.
Hotel: Quality. (B)

DAY 13 – FRI – RETURN TO USA
The tour ends after breakfast, with complimentary transfers to the airport. (B)