Ireland

Welcome to Dublin. Discover the city's charms on a guided tour with a Local Specialist. Walk the cobbled courtyard of Trinity College to visit its library and the ornate Book of Kells. Later make an exclusive visit to one of the city's unique treasures, The Little Museum of Dublin, after it has closed its doors to the public for a Welcome Reception with canapés and drinks.

Visit the Heritage Centre in Cobh to learn about the city's history and legacy. From the Great Famine and the 'coffin ships' to the doomed Titanic and Lusitania, this unique display presents the Queenstown Story in a way like no other. Then head to Blarney where you can climb to the top of Blarney Castle to kiss the famed stone and acquire the 'gift of the gab'. Arrive later in picturesque Killarney.

Your first stop today is the Flying Boat Museum in Foynes, the refuelling point for Pan Am's Flying Boat, the Yankee Clipper, from 1939-1945. Gain a Cultural Insight as you board a replica Boeing 314 to experience life as a passenger. Toast the last day of your trip with your fellow travellers and Travel Director when you enjoy a delicious Irish coffee in the place where it was allegedly invented in the 1940s by Joe Sheridan - a chef in Foynes. Later travel to the spectacular Cliffs of Moher which rise up to 700 feet above the pounding Atlantic waves before continuing on to your hotel in Limerick.

Welcome to Dublin. Meet your Local Specialist this afternoon for a guided city tour. View the colourful doors in elegant Georgian Squares, St. Patrick's Cathedral and more. Later gather for a Welcome Reception and exclusive visit to the Crypt at Christchurch Cathedral. Built in 1172 the underground chambers house memorials, artefacts, and altar-pieces.

Travel to the pretty town of Westport, then on to Connemara. Visit Kylemore Abbey, once a family home. Strikingly situated on Lake Kylemore, this 19th century neo-Gothic wonder now serves as a Benedictine monastery. After time to see the walled Victorian gardens, continue to Galway, the "City of Tribes". View Galway Cathedral, an impressive stone church dating back to only 1965.

Travel the Ring of Kerry, one of the most scenic drives on the Emerald Isle. Lakes, mountains, ocean and coast come together in a landscape that has inspired poets, artists and musicians for centuries. This afternoon enjoy free time in Killarney or stop at Torc Waterfall for a chance to join a Local Specialist for a leisurely guided walk, taking you along the lakeshore and past the farmlands of the 19th century Muckross Estate. Please Note: This leisurely paced walk meanders over wooded paths and lakeshore trails. Walkers should wear good walking shoes for a stroll through picturesque surrounds.

Visit Kilkenny Castle, an Anglo-Norman mansion that sits majestically over the River Nore, with a Local Specialist. In the castle basement you'll find the Butler Gallery, one of Ireland's most important art galleries outside of Dublin. Later return to Ireland's capital where you visit Trinity College to admire the Book of Kells. Toast the Emerald Isle with your fellow travellers at a Farewell Dinner at a traditional Irish pub.

Welcome to Dublin the lively Irish capital. This afternoon meet your Local Specialist for a guided tour. View St. Patrick's Cathedral, colourful Georgian Squares and the vibrant, modern city. Then raise a glass of the "black stuff" and drink in sweeping Dublin views at the Gravity Bar atop the Guinness Storehouse as you gain a Cultural Insight into this famous Irish product. Later savour free time and a Welcome Reception including dinner with Irish beer or wine.

This morning enjoy free time in Killarney or you might wish to join a Local Specialist for a leisurely guided walk at Torc Waterfall. Later enjoy spectacular scenery, driving around the Ring of Kerry. Take in views of coast and sea, hills and green fields as you travel through this unspoiled land that has inspired artists and poets for centuries. Please Note: This leisurely paced walk meanders over wooded paths and lakeshore trails. Walkers should wear good walking shoes for a stroll through picturesque surrounds.

Drive through the scenic landscapes of Connemara, taking in views of rugged mountains, shimmering lakes and endless shades of green. Make a stop in the picturesque town of Clifden, set between the Twelve Bens Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. Then on to visit Kylemore Abbey, a magnificent castellated structure built as a family home and now inhabited by a group of Benedictine nuns. The extensive walled Victorian garden is a delight to the senses. Later return to your castle hotel for dinner.

This morning consider taking a luxurious relaxing cruise on the River Shannon. Stop for a visit to magnificent Strokestown Park House, an 18th century mansion with original furnishings. In the old stables is the Irish Famine Museum, one of the world's best private archives dedicated to the potato famine of the 1840s where you gain a Cultural Insight into the plight of the Irish people. Return to Dublin and relish a Farewell Dinner with newfound friends.

Spend the morning relaxing and enjoying the sights of Dublin. Later meet your fellow travellers and Travel Director for a sightseeing tour of this wonderful city with a Local Specialist. This evening visit Glasnevin Trust for an informative and poignant tour with a Local Specialist where you will hear stories about some of the brave characters from recent Irish history. Enjoy a Welcome Reception of drinks and canapés and get to know your fellow travellers.

Travel via the historic seaport town of Youghal, once home to Sir Walter Raleigh. At Blarney, gain the 'gift of the gab' as you have a chance to kiss the famous stone. Arrive later in Killarney, your home for the next two nights.

Explore the beauty of the Dingle Peninsula with its beautiful beaches and rugged landscape. Later we travel to Adare, one of the prettiest villages in Ireland. Enjoy an included visit to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park dedicated to life in Ireland during the 18th and 19th century.

This unspoilt region of Western Ireland is captured in the film 'The Quiet Man' featuring John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara. Today see the untouched landscape of the Connemara with its picturesque mountain ranges and golden beaches that stretch out into the Atlantic. During your scenic drive, stop at Kylemore Abbey for an included visit to the country's most romantic castle and walk through the Victorian Walled Garden. Travel on to Westport House for a memorable Be My Guest experience. Enjoy a welcome drink in the impressive drawing room which features James Wyatt's 19th century sky ceiling and an impressive original parquet floor. After a guided tour of the house you will be hosted for a High Tea.

Travel back to Dublin where you will have time to explore this lively city. Walk down Grafton Street and see the street performers and musicians or walk the banks of the River Liffey and cross the Ha’penny Bridge. Tonight join your fellow travellers for a Farewell Dinner.