Irish Classic - 13 Days/12 Nights

Tour begins 2:00 PM at your Dublin hotel. Take a panoramic tour of Dublin, seeing such sights as elegant Georgian townhouses, St Stephen's Green and the River Liffey. Visit Dublin Castle, the seat of power and government in Ireland for many centuries. Take a guided tour through the castle and see the State Apartments, used today for official functions and presidential inaugurations. Enjoy a welcome drink with your group before dining independently.

Visit Down Cathedral where St. Patrick’s historical burial site is marked by a huge boulder. Immerse yourself in his work, life, and times in the nearby St. Patrick Centre. Explore Crumlin Road Gaol and see what prison life was like through the ages. Head to central Belfast for some time to relax before dinner at your hotel. (B, D)

Tour central Belfast to see Victorian buildings, the imposing City Hall in Donegall Square, and the shipyards where RMS Titanic was built in 1912. Visit Titanic Belfast to learn about the ill-fated liner, which was built in the city. In the afternoon, join a local guide for a walking tour of Belfast before spending time on your own. (B)

Drive north along the Nine Glens of Antrim for views of mountains, valleys, and coastline. This scenic region is one of the locations for “Game of Thrones.” Stop for photos at the ruins of Dunluce Castle. Explore the Giant’s Causeway, enormous hexagonal columns formed by volcanic activity 60 million years ago. In Derry join a local guide for a short walking tour around the defensive walls that encircle the compact old city. (B, D)

Travel through the rugged countryside of Donegal, renowned for heathery hills, sheep and the many tweeds made from their wool. Drive around Donegal Bay and through Counties Sligo and Mayo. Take a walking tour of historic Westport with a local guide, before dinner in your hotel this evening. (B, D)

Enjoy views of the pilgrimage mountain of Croagh Patrick and stop in the beautiful town of Leenane. Head to a local farm to watch skilled dogs herd sheep. View Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord. Enjoy a drink before taking a guided tour of Westport House, an 18th-century home complete with its original contents including portraits, furniture, silver, and porcelain. Have dinner in Westport this evening. (B,D)

Travel to Galway for some free time to explore the city. Head out to visit the majestic Cliffs of Moher, which soar 700 feet above the Atlantic. Enjoy an evening at a medieval-style banquet in an authentic Irish castle. (B, D)

Travel the outskirts of Limerick and along the River Shannon into County Kerry. In LIstowell, sample tea and scones in the family pub of the late, famed playwright J. B. Keane. Journey along the Dingle Peninsula to Slea Head for glorious scenic views of hills and coastline. Stop in Dingle for refreshment or a look around before heading to Killarney. (B, D)

Enjoy a scenic traditional horse-drawn jaunting car ride to Ross Castle and the Kenmare Estate. Travel along part of the Ring of Kerry to view spectacular mountain scenery at Moll’s Gap and at Ladies View stopping off in Kenmare for lunch and free time. Return to Killarney where the evening is free for independent dining and perhaps a visit to a local pub with live music. (B, L)

Visit Blarney Castle to kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence” or stroll the lovely gardens. Travel on to Dungarvan to enjoy an Irish coffee and traditional music at the Marine Bar. Continue to Waterford where a local guide will lead a stroll around the historic old port city. (B, D)

Witness the creation of crystal masterpieces at the House of Waterford Crystal. In New Ross explore the Dunbrody Famine Ship, which transported people to North America during the 1840’s famine. Enjoy dinner and a show at Taylors Three Rock. (B, D)

Enjoy your day in Dublin independently, on the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tour. Use your voucher to visit your choice of one of Dublin’s top attractions: Guinness Storehouse, Teeling Distillery, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, or GPO Witness History. In the evening, dine at one of the many restaurants or pubs that Dun Laoghaire has to offer. (B)

Your program ends after breakfast. (B) B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner All components of this tour (hotels, visits and attractions) for 2020 itineraries are subject to change until finalized in September 2019.   >