Day 1 - ARRIVE DUBLIN

Welcome to a land of legends, of misty mountains, lovely lakes & a warm friendly greeting wherever you go. On arrival at Dublin Airport, your transfer from the airport leaves for the tour hotel at 08:00, 11:00 & 13:30. Later, a sightseeing tour of Dublin takes you past the Customs House, along O'Connell Street & through Phoenix Park. Travel along the river Liffey to see the Guinness Brewery & Dublin Castle before admiring the 18th century buildings of the Georgian section of the city. Later, join your Tour Director & fellow guests for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Burlington

Day 2 - DUBLIN - GALWAY

Drive through the 'forty shades of green' landscape of the Emerald Isle. Pass by the former fortress town of Athlone on the River Shannon, to reach historic Galway, 'City of the Tribes', at the mouth of the Corrib River. Join your Tour Director to see the infamous Lynch Memorialand the Church of St. Nicholas, where Christopher Columbus reputedly prayed before his discovery of America. Also see the aged Spanish Arch & Eyre Square, dedicated to the late President, John F Kennedy.
Hotel: Clayton (B)

Day 3 - GALWAY - LIMERICK - KILLARNEY

Take the scenic route through the mysterious rocky limestone landscape of the Burren, riddled with underground caverns & streams & known for its rare flora. Stop at the Visitors' Centre at the 700-foot Cliffs of Moher with breathtaking views of the Clare Coast. Not far from here Ireland's rural heritage comes to life as you walk through the cobbled streets of Bunratty Folk Park, lined with buildings from a bygone era. Later, stop in Limerick, famous for rhymes, lace & elegant Georgian houses. Here your Tour Director shows you King John's castle, St Mary's Cathedraland the Treaty Stone. Continue past the charming thatched cottages of Adare, through the land of song & legend to Killarney.
Hotel: Killarney Towers/Killarney Avenue (B,D)

Day 4 - RING OF KERRY EXCURSION

After a hearty Irish breakfast, take a leisurely excursion around the magnificent Ring of Kerry to enjoy the breathtaking views over mountains & sea. Pass through the small towns of Killorglin, where the famous Puck Fair takes place, & Caherciveen, birthplace of the great patriot Daniel O'Connel. Follow the narrow road as it winds along the cliffs & through the fishing town of Waterville & delightful villageslike Sneem. Cross the peat bogs of the Black Mountains to Moll's Gap & admire Queen Victoria's 'Ladies View'. Back in Killarney, enjoy a memorable ride on a traditional horse-drawn jaunting car with the local 'Jarvies'. (B)

Day 5 - DINGLE PENINSULA & BLASKET CENTRE

Begin the day, if you wish, with an included insight from our local guest speaker, about Ireland's number one industry, 'Tourism' & its effects on the localand national economy. Travel through the town of Tralee, famous for its Rose of Tralee Festival and out to the rugged Dingle Peninsula, a land of blue gold hills, which inspired films such as 'Ryan's Daughter' & 'Far & Away'. At the very tip of the peninsula, visit the Blasket Centre which celebrates the language, culture & tradition of the Blasket Islanders. With your Dine-Around option tonight, create your own personal dining experience by choosing from our selection of local restaurants. (B,DA)

Day 6 - KILLARNEY - COBH - CORK - BLARNEY

Journey through the rugged Derrynasaggart Mountains to the pretty riverside village of Cobh, which was the last port of call for the Titanic. As you walk through the Heritage Centre relive the story of emigration of Irish people & the life of this once great passenger port. Then drive along spacious Grand Parade & South Mall of Cork, seeing the Court House & fine Georgian houses. At nearby Blarney, visit the 15C Castle, home of the famous Stone of Eloquence, once kissed - never forgotten! You also have a chance to shop for woolens at the Blarney Mills before reaching your hotel.
Hotel: Blarney Golf Resort (B,D)

Day 7 - BLARNEY - CAHIR - ROCK OF CASHEL - KILDARE - DUBLIN

This morning drive to Fermoy & through the Golden Vale with its beautiful pastoral countryside to Cahir to see its imposing 15th century castle, featured in the film Excalibur. Continue to St. Patrick's Rock of Cashel, home to Irish kings, for amazing views of one of Ireland's most popular monuments. Next visit the Irish National Stud & Japanese gardens in Kildare, before arriving early afternoon in Ireland's fun-loving capital, for last minute shopping & sightseeing. Tonight, consider enjoying a farewell dinner & Irish cabaret to round off your tour.
Hotel: Burlington. (B)

Day 8 - DUBLIN

Bid farewell to Ireland, as your memorable tour comes to an end. Departure transfers arrive at Dublin Airport at 07:30, 09:30 & 11:30. (B)