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11 Days Insiders' Ireland Tour Package

Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights
Priced From: $9,995 pp dbl. occ.
Dates: Aug, Sep

View the barren landscape of The Burren, the majestic beauty of the Cliffs of Moher and the green fields between Kenmare and Dublin that have rightfully earned Ireland the name the "Emerald Isle." When you are in Dublin, Design Your DaySM with visits to art galleries or stops in shops and cafés.|

Depart on an overnight flight to Shannon, named for the famous river that flows through it, and transfer on arrival to your 13th-century castle hotel in Cong. This evening, meet your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner. Ashford Castle D

Day 3: Cong/Westport/Connemara/Cong

Head North into County Mayo toDay to Westport House, a stately home designed by architect James Wyatt for the Marquess of Sligo. His other major accomplishment was laying the plans for the town of Westport, one of the most attractive in an area of

picturesque towns. After lunch, drive along the coastline, then inland to Kylemore Abbey. Set into the hill and surrounded by trees and fronted by a tranquil lake, this stunning building with gray stone turrets and a Gothic chapel was built in 1854 as a private home and is now a convent and girls' school run by Benedictine nuns. This evening, dine in an Irish pub and enjoy the craic (fun). Ashford Castle B L D

Day 4: Cong/Galway/The Burren/Cliffs of Moher/Glin

Travel through Galway, stopping at the spectacular cathedral in the pedestrian center of town. This city is known for the annual Galway Oyster Festival. Visit an oyster cottage just outside the city. As you continue from Galway to the scenic Clare coastline, you may see the Aran Islands off in the distance. Peeking out along the Atlantic Coast, watch for O'Brien's Tower, a single turret high on the Cliffs of Moher. The dramatic cliffs rise 700 feet above the mighty ocean, and even at that height it is possible to feel a spray of the salty water. Travel over the moon-like landscape of the Burren and settle in as guests of the Knight of Glin at Glin Castle, set amid 500 acres on the shores of the River Shannon. Glin Castle B L D

Day 5: Glin/Gap of Dunloe/Killarney/Kenmare

Experience the dramatic, narrow mountain pass of the Gap of Dunloe by pony and trap. The multiple shades of green from the mountains reflect off glistening lakes, creating remarkable views from every angle. After lunch, continue south to watch a traditional sheep herding demonstration before arriving at your hotel for a private whiskey tasting and dinner. Sheen Falls Lodge B D

Day 6: Kenmare/Ring of Kerry/Bantry Bay/Kenmare

Depart for Bantry Bay, passing some of Ireland's most spectacular areas of natural beauty along the way. The shifting balance of rain and sun only enhances the picturesque Ring of Kerry with its glorious highlands and meadows, while the remote and mountainous Beara Peninsula creates stunning coastal scenery. On arrival in Bantry Bay, take a short boat trip across the bay to Garnish Island. Return to the mainland for lunch and a visit to Bantry House. Tonight dine à la carte. Sheen Falls Lodge B L D

Day 7: Kenmare/Blarney Castle/Rock of Cashel/Thomastown

Visit the 15th-century stronghold of Blarney Castle to view the main house and the grounds. The famous Blarney Stone is located atop the castle tower. From there, lunch privately at Kilshannig House, ancestral home of Diana, the late Princess of Wales. Continue to County Tipperary and the ruins of the Rock of Cashel, steeped in legend and seat of the Kings of Munster since AD 370. Mount Juliet Hotel B L D

Day 8: Thomastown/Waterford/Curraghmore/Thomastown

This morning you may choose to visit Waterford's famous crystal factory or book a tee time and golf at your hotel. In the afternoon, visit privately with the Marquis of Waterford in Curraghmore at his home, which dates back to 1170 and whose gardens are well worth a leisurely stroll. Mount Juliet Hotel B

Day 9: Thomastown/The National Stud/Dublin

Travel to the midlands, the area known for its turf bogs and the home of many thoroughbred racehorses. Wander through Ireland's famous National Stud in Tully, Kildare, created to promote the bloodstock industry in Ireland by providing the services of the country's best stallions. Dublin is less than an hour away, and you arrive in time for lunch and an afternoon sightseeing tour that takes in the highlights of this popular capital city. Gather with your fellow travellers this evening for a farewell dinner. The Merrion B L D

Day 10: Dublin

Design Your Day this morning from the options listed below. Later, enjoy a private lunch at the 18th-century mansion home of porcelain collector Desiree Shortt. Mark the end of your extraordinary journey with a farewell cocktail reception, a great opportunity to share impressions with your fellow travellers. The Merrion B L

Day 11: Dublin/USA or Canada

Transfer to the airport to board your homebound flight. B

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
 

Contact: Travelwizard.com
Phone: 1-415-446-5252 or 1-800-330-8820

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