9 Day Irish Discovery

Check into your hotel. At 3 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for an afternoon orientation drive through statue-lined O’Connell Street and elegant Georgian squares to St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Trinity College. Raise a glass this evening with an optional excursion to learn about the history, traditions, and brewing techniques behind one of the world's most popular beers on this fascinating tour, tasting, and dinner at Dublin's legendary Guinness Storehouse.  

On your northbound route today, pass Drogheda, scene of the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, then through the fertile landscape of the Boyne Valley, known for its prehistoric passage graves. Cross the border into Northern Ireland and drive past the Mountains of Mourne to Downpatrick, the burial place of Patrick, Ireland’s Patron Saint, and on to the vibrant city of Belfast, where the Titanic was built. Later, why not join a Local Guide on an optional “living history” tour, including a visit to the fascinating Titanic Belfast Experience?  
(B)  
 

First stop this morning is awe-inspiring Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, let the province’s story unfold as you head for the city of Derry before returning to the Republic to visit Donegal, the ancient town founded by Danish Vikings and home of the O’Donnell Clan. Drive along Donegal Bay with its small fishing ports and hidden beaches before arriving in Sligo.  
(B,D)  
 

Travel farther south to Galway, a popular seaside destination and a buzzing cosmopolitan district with vibrant shops and a busy café and bar culture. Cross the limestone plateau of the Burren to visit the spectacular Cliffs of Moher, rising at over 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. Go medieval with an optional outing in an original Irish castle to enjoy a medieval banquet. Enjoy a 4-course feast with wine, then relax as your medieval hosts dazzle you with unforgettable music and storytelling.  
(B)  
 

Start your day with a stroll through Adare, a village known for its prize-winning thatched cottages. Then, take in the breathtaking scenery of the Dingle Peninsula, where the 32-mile Slea Head drive affords magnificent vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. See the Blasket Islands and hear about the way of life and unique literary achievements of its inhabitants prior to their evacuation in 1953. The next two nights are spent in the popular resort of Killarney.  
(B, D)  
 
 

At Killorglin, join the Ring of Kerry for a 100-mile coastal panoramic drive featuring sparkling seascapes, mountains dotted with brightly painted farmhouses, winding lanes bordered with subtropical vegetation, and spectacular views of the Lakes of Killarney from Ladies View. Back in Killarney, climb aboard a delightful horse-drawn jaunting car ride for an optional through Killarney National Park to legendary Ross Castle on the shores of Lough Leane.  
(B)  
 

More scenic beauty as you head over the Kerry Mountains into County Cork. Stop in Blarney, famous for its Stone of Eloquence, with time at your leisure to see the castle and shop for Irish crafts and handmade crystal. After lunch, drive past Cork, the country’s second-largest city, on the way to Waterford, where a guided tour of the House of Waterford Crystal is included. Spend the night at the nearby seaside resort of Tramore. Enjoy a bit of craic (conversation) with an optional early evening excursion with authentic Irish local favour – take a scenic drive to a traditional pub with a local musician ready to entertain you and give you wonderful memories of this beautiful country. Two drinks of your choice are included.  
(B,D)  
 

On the last leg of your journey on the way to Dublin, visit Kilkenny to wander the Medieval Mile and learn about its Norman heritage. An optional Irish cabaret evening, including dinner, dance, song, and laughter would be an exciting finale to your vacation. Toast your last night in Ireland on an optional outing at the legendary Taylors Irish Cabaret, featuring a delicious dinner, drinks, and outstanding Irish music, dance, and comedy.  
(B)  
 

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)