Ireland with Kids - Ballycotton 7 Nights

To begin your 6 night heritage group tour of Ireland, arrive Dublin Airport and meet with your experienced Irish driver/guide. All of the drivers we use are qualified guides and have great personalities that really will make your trip unforgettable. Travel into Ireland’s capital city and visit Trinity College which houses the famous Book of Kells, transcribed by 9th century monks. Continue on to a more modern attraction, The Guinness Storehouse, which tells the 250 year story of one of Ireland’s greatest exports. At the end of the tour, sample a pint of “The Blackstuff” whilst enjoying 360 degree panoramic views of the city from the Gravity Bar. After checking into your hotel, the remainder of the afternoon is free for individual sightseeing. In the evening, why not enjoy dinner at one of Dublin’s superb restaurants followed by an evening’s entertainment at one of the lively pubs. Overnight Dublin B&B

Depart Dublin to travel through the Irish countryside where you can see the "Forty Shades of Green" as you pass the many farms en-route to Killarney. Stop at the Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens before traveling on to visit the Rock of Cashel, where Brian Boru was crowned King of Munster in 977. See the 12th century, highly-decorated Cormac's Chapel, the large cruciform cathedral and round tower. Just outside Cork shop at the Blarney Woollen Mills, renowned for their quality Irish merchandise, or take a walk around the charming village green and then climb to the ramparts of Blarney Castle to kiss the famous stone, which according to legend will bestow the gift of eloquence to all who kiss it. Continue your drive to your hotel in Killarney. After dinner you may like to sample one of the many singing bars. Overnight Killarney DBB

Today you will discover the wonderful scenery of Killarney in County Kerry, as you drive around the famous Ring of Kerry. The road winds between the Macgillycuddy's Reeks, Ireland's highest mountains, and the varied Atlantic coast. You will be amazed at the breathtaking views and you will stop for photos at the most dramatic scenes. Continue through the remote villages of Cahirciveen and Waterville. On the return, pass through the colorful village of Sneem and pause at Moll's Gap to view the Three Lakes of Killarney. Stop for a stroll through the splendid Muckross Gardens on the shores of Muckross Lake. Enjoy some free time in Killarney before dinner in your hotel. Overnight Killarney DBB

Continuing on your Group Tour of Ireland, depart Killarney and travel north through the Heritage village of Listowel to Tarbert. Take the short ferry ride across the River Shannon and drive along the coastline of County Clare to view the stunning Cliffs of Moher. This wall of limestone rises to heights of almost 700 feet above the churning Atlantic swells. Visit the Atlantic Edge Exhibition which brings to life the story of the Cliffs of Moher, presenting geology, wildlife & human aspects of the Cliffs in an entertaining way. Drive through the Burren, an area of limestone rock covering imposing majestic mountains, and tranquil valleys with gently meandering streams. With its innate sense of spiritual peace, extraordinary array of flora and wildlife, and megalithic tombs and monuments older than Egypt's pyramids, the Burren creates a tapestry of colour and a seductively magical aura which few people leave without wanting to experience again. Take a short orientation tour around central Galwaybefore checking into your hotel. Overnight Galway DBB

Continuing on your Group Tour of Ireland, depart Killarney and travel north through the Heritage village of Listowel to Tarbert. Take the short ferry ride across the River Shannon and drive along the coastline of County Clare to view the stunning Cliffs of Moher. This wall of limestone rises to heights of almost 700 feet above the churning Atlantic swells. Visit the Atlantic Edge Exhibition which brings to life the story of the Cliffs of Moher, presenting geology, wildlife & human aspects of the Cliffs in an entertaining way. Drive through the Burren, an area of limestone rock covering imposing majestic mountains, and tranquil valleys with gently meandering streams. With its innate sense of spiritual peace, extraordinary array of flora and wildlife, and megalithic tombs and monuments older than Egypt's pyramids, the Burren creates a tapestry of colour and a seductively magical aura which few people leave without wanting to experience again. Take a short orientation tour around central Galwaybefore checking into your hotel. Overnight Galway DBB

On the last day of your bus tour, drive to the center of the country to visit Clonmacnoise. This early Christian monastic site was founded by St. Ciaran in 545 AD, when Christianity flourished throughout Ireland. See round towers, church ruins and Celtic crosses with elaborate carvings, all in a picturesque setting on the banks of the River Shannon. Continue to the Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre which relates the story of Tullamore Dew Whiskey and Irish Mist Liqueur. This is followed by a complimentary tasting of the whiskey or liqueur. Return to Dublin in time to relax before your hearty farewell dinner followed by a lively show of traditional music, songs and step-dancing at the Abbey Tavern. Overnight Dublin BB BB = Bed & Irish Breakfast DBB = Dinner, Bed & Irish Breakfast