The Gathering Ireland Tour (8 Night)

Arrive Kerry, Shannon or Cork Airport and after collecting your luggage, proceed to the arrivals hall to meet your friendly driver/guide. Transfer to your hotel where, after checking in, visit their bar for a welcome pint of Guinness. Overnight Killarney DBB

After breakfast, drive to Ladies View, a spectacular stop on the famous Ring of Kerry. Named after Queen Victoria's ladies-in-waiting who stopped to look at the scenery from this spot during the Queen's visit to Killarney in 1861, the view towards McGillycuddy's Reeks and the Purple Mountain Range, with The Upper Lake and all its fairy islands below, is truely magnificent. Continue on to Moll’s Gap where you will see how the rocks have been rounded as the glacier from Kenmare moved over them giving their dramatic form. Onwards to Guagan Barra Forest Park, stopping en-route for lunch. The park and surrounding countryside boasts a rich diversity of plant, animal and bird life. Ling heather and Moor grasses are abundant on the slopes while rock faces are sometimes covered with Mosses, Lichens and primitive plants. A rare plant called Fox’s Cabbage is to be found on rock faces near to mountain streams. The name Guagán Barra is derived from St Finbarr, who, according to tradition, built his monastery on the lake island in the 6th century. There is an Oratory on the island which is to this day a major site of worship. After returning to the hotel to freshen up, we shall go to Kate Kearney’s Cottage for dinner followed by a show of traditional music & costumed dancers. Overnight Killarney BB

This morning check out of your hotel and travel around the Dingle Peninsula. Travel through Annascaul, the birthplace of the famous Antarctic explorer, Tom Crean, stopping for a drink at his pub, The South Pole Inn. Onwards to Dingle,a charming harbour town with lots of cafes and places to have lunch. To the far west of the peninsula the high road rises around Slea Head, a dramatic mountain and seascape route that has become one of the most photographed scenes in Ireland. Whilst traveling around, we will see a variety of archaeological monuments, such as the fascinating Gallarus Oratory and the beehive huts. Return via the Conor Pass. The views from the lookout at the top look back towards Dingle or across to the north over Tralee Bay past Mount Brandon, Ireland's second highest mountain at 950m, with its peak shrouded in mist. Return to your hotel for dinner. Overnight Killarney DBB

After breakfast, depart for your flight home. Depending on the time of your return flight, there may be some sightseeing included.

BB = Bed & Irish Breakfast DBB = Dinner, Bed & Irish Breakfast