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Details Leisurely Ireland
Rolling green hills and medieval castles are just two of the wonderful sights on this eight-day
leisurely view of Ireland, considered the perfect blend of included sightseeing and time on your own.
Arrive in Shannon and enjoy a special welcome banquet at Bunratty Castle. Then it's on to Limerick
to visit the Hunt Museum and see fascinating King John's Castle, before arriving in the popular
resort of Killarney for a three night stay. A day excursion takes you to beautiful Garinish Island,
followed by a Ring of Kerry drive. And on the next day's excursion, enjoy beautiful vistas of the
Atlantic coast during your Dingle Peninsula drive and visit to the Blasket Islands Centre. A
three-night visit to Ireland's "Fair City" of Dublin, including a day excursion to Glendalough
and Powerscourt, rounds out our most relaxed Irish vacation.
Day 1
Arrival in Shannon, Ireland. To Bunratty
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| After checking into your hotel, free time to relax or sightsee. Lots to see and do within a
short walk: the folk park, a "village" of thatched cottages, farmhouses, and shops depicting
turn-of-thecentury Irish life; a complex of smart shops in which to browse; and perhaps a
refreshment at famous "Durty Nelly's" Irish pub. At 5:15 p.m. walk across to Bunratty Castle
for a special welcome banquet in the company of your Tour Director and traveling companions,
with dinner, wine, and entertainment included. (D)
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Day 2
Bunratty-Limerick-Killarney
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| Spend an interesting morning in Limerick. After an orientation tour, the first stop is at the
HUNT MUSEUM, with its vast collection of art and antiquity, amassed by John and Gertrude Hunt
and given to the people of Ireland. Next, step further back in time for a fascinating visit to
KING JOHN'S CASTLE in the medieval heritage precinct. After lunch, follow the shores of the
Shannon estuary and head south to the popular resort of Killarney, your destination for the
next three nights. (FB,D)
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Day 3
Killarney. Excursion to Garinish Island and Ring of Kerry
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| A day full of splendid scenery. Via Macroom head for the southernmost coast of County Cork and
Bantry Bay, one of the largest natural harbors in Europe. At Glengarriff board a private boat for
the short crossing to GARINISH ISLAND, whose warm waters attract colonies of seals. Follow the
winding paths between the strong-scented flowering trees and shrubs of this lush, tropical
island garden. Later take the mountain route, with its panoramic coastal vistas, for a visit to
pretty Kenmare before joining the road known as the Ring of Kerry to follow part of the
popular scenic drive on the southwestern tip of Ireland. Via Sneem and along winding lanes
bordered with fuchsia and rhododendrons, pause for the breathtaking panorama of the Lakes of
Killarney from Ladies View. (FB)
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Day 4
Killarney. Dingle Peninsula Excursion
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| Panoramic views on Dingle Peninsula, where the 32-mile Slea Head drive affords magnificent
vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. At the BLASKET ISLANDS CENTRE, which is dedicated to the native
Irish language and culture, learn about the way of life and unique literary achievements on the
string of remote offshore islands evacuated by the last inhabitants in 1953. Visit Dingle,
then pass miles of white sandy beaches, setting for the film Ryan's Daughter. Back in Killarney,
a special optional treat would be a fun-filled, horsedrawn jaunting car ride through the
national park with a stop for photos of Ross Castle set amidst some of the most
spectacular scenery in Ireland. Tonight an entertaining optional evening in Tralee with
dinner and tickets for Siamsa Tire National Folk Theatre. (FB)
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Day 5
Killarney-Dublin
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| An interesting day's drive with a stop first for photos of the Rock of Cashel where St.
Patrick preached. Later, horseracing country and a visit to the IRISH NATIONAL STUD at Kildare,
whose fine thoroughbreds command respect on the racecourses of the world. Drive across the
Curragh and, later this afternoon, arrive in the Irish capital. Dinner is included at your hotel
this evening. (FB,D)
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Day 6
Dublin
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| A day to experience the vibrant atmosphere of Irelan's "Fair City." Your orientation drive
includes statuelined O'Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares, and St. Patrick's Cathedral.
Then a highlight visit to Oscar Wilde's TRINITY COLLEGE, famous for the 1,200-year-old Book
of Kells and the magnificent Old Library. The rest of the day is free for you to further
explore the city on your own. Your Tour Director can give the best dining advice for
tonight. (FB)
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Day 7
Dublin. Wicklow Excursion
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| Vistas of the Wicklow Mountains appear as you head south towards Glendalough. At its
VISITOR CENTRE see the engaging audiovisual tour "Ireland of the Monasteries" and let your
Local Guide explain the ruins of one of the centers of Irish Celtic Christianity founded
by St. Kevin. Nearby pause to take in the spectacular views during your visit to POWERSCOURT
HOUSE and GARDENS. Return to Dublin after lunch for more free time in the city. Tonight's
optional recommendation to celebrate your visit to Ireland is a traditional Irish dinner
and cabaret show. (FB)
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Day 8
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| Tour ends. (FB)
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Additional Information
Meals
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| - 7 full Irish breakfasts (FB); 3 three-course dinners (D) with choice of menus and
coffee, including a special welcome banquet with wine at Bunratty Castle
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City Highlights
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- LIMERICK Orientation drive, guided tour of the Hunt Museum, visit King John's Castle
GLENGARRIFF Private boat to Garinish Island DINGLE PENINSULA Visit the Blasket Islands Centre
KILDARE Guided tour of the Irish National Stud DUBLIN Orientation drive, visit Trinity College
GLENDALOUGH Guided tour of St. Kevin's center of Irish Christianity POWERSCOURT Visit the
house and gardens
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- Please note surcharges may apply due to special events on in the different cities -
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