The Best of Ireland

• Itinerary
• Prices & Information

1. Overnight Flight
Your evening international flight to Ireland departs the US.

2. ARRIVE IN SHANNON / GALWAY
Early morning arrival in Shannon in the west of Ireland. As we proceed towards our hotel this morning, we motor along the Atlantic coact to visit the majestic Cliffs of Moher – featuring awesome rugged beauty. These mighty cliffs rise over 700 feet above while stretching along the Atlantic Ocean. Later, witness the strange landscapes of The Burren. Arrive at our hotel in Galway – the Ardilaun House Hotel set in 5 acres of beautiful grounds. Dinner is served at your lovely hotel this evening.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Ardilaun House Hotel

3. CONNEMARA & GALWAY
This morning after breakfast we visit Kylemore Abbey nestled in the Connemara Mountains. Stop in Galway to browse around the shops before lunch at the picturesque and infamous thatched Morans Oyster Cottage in Clarenbridge. Here you may sample some of the best seafood to be found anywhere in the world. Following lunch, we return to the Ardilaun House Hotel for some free time. Tonight, we are free to make our own dinner arrangements in Galway.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

4. GALWAY TO BUNDORAN
Skirt along the rugged roads between the beautiful stone walled fields as we travel north towards the village of Knock. We visit Our Lady’s Shrine at Knock, said to be the place where the figures of Our Lady, St. Joseph, and St. John appeared in 1879 starting a pilgrimage that attracts thousands annually. Travel the region of poet William Butler Yeats and visit his final resting place at Drumcliffe below the majestic Benbulben. A delightful lunch is planned for us at Markee Castle, with time to stroll the lovely grounds and visit the stables. Following lunch, we proceed further north along Donegal Bay as your highest hopes of Ireland’s scenery are constantly satisfied before arriving in the town of Bundoran. Your home for the next two nights is the charming Great Northern Hotel, overlooking Donegal Bay on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean – a perfect haven for comfort and tranquility amidst the beauty of the Donegal countryside. Dinner is served at our hotel this evening.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Great Northern Hotel

5. DONEGAL DISCOVERY
Take in some of Ireland’s most dramatic scenery today, boasting magnificent mountains and low valleys. In Donegal Town, stroll the many charming shops and linger with the locals for a true taste of Irish life. Later, we visit the splendid Glenveagh National Park and Castle – this 14,000-hectare estate is considered by many to be Ireland’s finest national park. The core of the park is the Glenveagh Estate, originally the home of the notorious landlord John George Adair, much despised for his eviction of Irish tenant farmers in 1861. He built the castle in the 1870’s. From 1937 to 1983, the estate prospered under the stewardship of Henry McIlhenny, a distinguished Philadelphia art historian who restored the baronial castle and planted gardens full of exotic species of flowers and shrubs. McIlhenny subsequently gave Glenveagh to the Irish nation for use as a public park, and today the fairy-tale setting includes woodlands, herds of red deer, alpine gardens, a sylvan lake, and the highest mountain in Donegal, Mount Errigal. Wild and rugged, County Donegal is associated with the ancient kingdom of Ulster. It is one of few locations where the native Irish tongue, Gaelic, is spoken. Meander along the breathtaking coastline, where cliff walls give way to the sea, enroute back to our hotel. This evening you are special guests at Smugglers Creek – perched atop a cliff overlooking Donegal Bay. Dating back to 1845, this unique pub was frequented by pirates, and is rich in Irish history. Enjoy good conversation with the locals, a sumptuous dinner and plenty of entertainment and atmosphere!
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

6. BUNDORAN TO DUBLIN
Motor through the emerald green rolling hillsides cradling some of Ireland’s lovely lakes, intriguing abandoned abbeys, and castles revealing hints of years past. A brief stop will be made in the tiny village of Belleek, home to world-renowned Belleek Pottery. Later, linger in the little town of Boyle situated at the foot of the Curlieu Mountains. Visit the magnificent restored ruins of Cistercian Abbey, founded in 1161, which withstood the wars between the MacDermotts and the O’Conors. Pass through country towns rich in Irish character, we arrive in Dublin- Ireland’s capital. Indeed a beautiful place, Dublin represents the Emerald Isle better than any other city – full of quaint pubs, magnificent churches, grand buildings, and fine museums where the experience is endless. Located in the heart of the city close to Grafton Street and many of the best restaurants, your luxury hotel awaits you to settle in. Tonight we enjoy an Irish Cabaret dinner and entertainment.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Davenport Hotel

7. DUBLIN DISCOVERY
A city tour reveals the many treasures of this amazing city as you motor along statue-lined O’Connell Street and elegant Georgian Squares. See the delightful 21 2-story brick Georgian row houses displaying their intricate glass-laced doorways. Visit famous St. Patrick’s Cathedral the national cathedral and Trinity College – the first University in Ireland, rich in tradition and home to the Book of Kells. A leisure afternoon allows much needed time for browsing Grafton Streetand the many shops and attractions surrounding the hotel. For dinner you are free to choose from Dublin’s many legendary pubs & restaurants.

Included Meals: Breakfast

8. DUBLIN TO WATERFORD
This morning, we motor along the Wicklow Mountains with towering peaks and lush forests to Glendalough, truly a lovely region of Ireland. We’ll stop for a tour of the Turoe Farm set on beautiful farmland of Ireland! Later, we visit Kilkenny – Ireland’s best-preserved medieval city featuring narrow streets and graceful buildings characteristic of the 13th century. Explore Kilkenny Castle before proceeding further south to visit world renowned Waterford Crystal Factory with a chance to browse and make some purchases. See the artisans at their crafts of blowing and polishing glass. Since 1783 Waterford has produced ornate handcrafted tableware and decorative pieces. Later settle into the luxurious Faithlegg House Hotel, a fine 18th century mansion set on rolling grounds. Dinner is served at the hotel this evening.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Faithlegg House Hotel

9. WATERFORD TO KILLARNEY
This morning – Discover why Ireland is called the “Emerald Isle” as we motor along the coast through Dungarvan and Younghal where the views are dramatic and awe-inspiring! Stop at the Cobh Heritage Centre to learn about the over 2.5 million people who emigrated to the New World from this port. You will also have a chance to see the special Titanic Exhibition. Later, proceed through Cork City to the ruins of Blarney Castle and its magical Stone of Eloquence. It is here that travelers spend good money to kiss a stone and hope to receive the gift of guile! You may try it and see! Browse the famous Blarney Woolen Mills with opportunity to make some purchases. Later, cross the Derrynasaggart Mountains before arriving in the picturesque town of Killarney. Tonight, we are free to make our own dinner arrangements with a wide variety of restaurants available on our doorstep.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Randles Court Hotel

10. KILLARNEY / RING OF KERRY
Today experience some of the most breathtaking scenery in all of the world as we motor along “The Ring of Kerry” featuring sweeping coastal vistas of the rugged mountains and the Atlantic coastline of Iveragh Peninsula. Plenty of stops will allow you to admire and photograph stunning scenery. Cross to Valencia Island and visit the Skellig Experience, which depicts life as it was for the early Christian Monks. Wind along the Ring to Moll’s Gap for a glimpse of Killarney’s lovely three lakes. Take a traditional jaunting cart ride along the lovely lakeside gardens to Muckross House for a tour of this grand 19th century mansion. Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure. May we suggest you join us this evening for a special farewell dinner & entertainment at The Laurels, one of Killarney’s popular singing pubs for an upbeat ballad and some traditional pub “grub”!
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

11. KILLARNEY TO SHANNON
Following breakfast, we begin our final stretch with a stop in Adare, one of the prettiest little villages in Ireland. We are transferred via Limerick City to Shannon Airport for our onward flights to the USA. We take with us the fond memories gained along the way.
Included Meals: Breakfast