Visit historic countryside, bridges, castles, houses, gardens

Ireland: Details & Itinerary

21 days (including flights) $5,415 all-inclusive (based on max. 20 people)
Single Supplement: $820
LAND PACKAGE STARTS IN DUBLIN
Monday, May 27, 2013 – Saturday, June 16, 2013

The most comprehensive tour of Ireland you will find anywhere!
This tour includes all first-class dinners, two banquets, and eight lunches.
This tour is not recommended for anyone with walking, heart, or breathing problems.

The tour is led by Margaret Rodgers.

Included in the price:

Airport transfers for all those arriving with the group
Accommodation and transportation (up to 35-seater coach) for 17 days
Special transportation for "Banquet nights"
All breakfasts and dinners, including coffee or tea with all hotel dinners
2 banquets - no alcoholic drinks
8 light lunches - no drinks
Transportation and City guides in Dublin and Belfast
City guide in Londonderry
Admission to all attractions
Ferries to and from Aran Islands and tour of Inis Mor
Porterage - one bag per person in and out of hotels
Escort throughout

Not included:

Airfare and related taxes
All Insurance
Personal requirements, laundry
All lunches not specified
Alcoholic beverages
Gratuities for driver and escort

Day 1/2 (Sun/Mon May 26/27)

SUNDAY, May 26 - Depart North America to arrive in Dublin the following day, May 27. Today will depend on arrival time, according to which flight we take. Irrespective, after check-in there will be some free time to explore the city as our hotel is wonderfully centrally-located near O'Connell Street, one of Dublin's most famous thoroughfares. (See Day 4 for suggestions).

First of 3 nights - Wynn's Hotel, Dublin. Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

Day 3 (Tue 28)

Our day starts with a tour of Dublin, capital of the Republic of Ireland, seat of the Irish Government, and centre of art and culture. The city is split by the River Liffey which is spanned by ten bridges. We first visit the oldest university in Ireland, Trinity College, renowned for the Book of Kells, a Latin manuscript of the four gospels with incredible artwork around the borders of the text.

We next visit the Kilmainham Jail, built in 1792, one of the largest now-unoccupied jails in Europe and scene of some of the most heroic and tragic events in Ireland's life. After lunch (included) at the Brazen Head, one of Dublin's most famous pubs, we visit Christ Church Cathedral, one of the city's finest historic buildings (close to Guinness - another major attraction!), after which the rest of the afternoon is free to explore Dublin (see Day 4). www.sacred-destinations.com/ireland/dublin-christ-church-cathedral.htm

Tonight is Irish Night at the Merry Ploughboy, when we attend a 3-course banquet and show with typical Irish singing and dancing.

Second of 3 nights in Dublin. Lunch, Banquet, Bed & Breakfast

Day 4 (Wed 29)

Today you are free to enjoy what interests you most in Dublin. Suggestions: you may stay in bed to recover from last night! Or you may wish to take a walking tour of Dublin centre along some of its famous streets near the river - O'Connell Street and Grafton Street, to Temple Bar, the bohemian area, and where some of the best-known pubs are located, such as Fitzsimmons traditional pub and the Porterhouse pub. Or explore the Georgian areas famous for their attractive doors (see the postcards!). There's an open-top bus from which you can pop on/off for any attractions, such as the National Botanic Gardens, the Iveagh Gardens, near St. Stephen's Green, the Zoo which is one of the best in Europe, or the Viking World which houses an exhibition charting the history of Dublin, the Guinness Brewery, the National Museum, and the magnificent Art Gallery - not to mention shopping!

There are also day tours and half-day available out of Dublin — to nearby **Newgrange, Powerscourt, or Malahide Castle (please contact me if you are especially interested to visit Newgrange as this has to be specially organized).

Last of 3 nights in Dublin. Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

Day 5 (Thur 30)

We depart for the border into Northern Ireland with a rest stop in Newcastle "where the Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea" before arriving at Downpatrick for lunch (included) and to visit the St Patrick's Centre which tells the fascinating story of Ireland's patron saint, and is one of the most-visited attractions in Northern Ireland. We return to Newcastle to our fabulous resort hotel by the sea.

Overnight - Slieve Donard Hotel, Newcastle. Lunch, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

Day 6 (Fri 31)

We start with a scenic drive along the shores of Strangford Lough to Mount Stewart House and Garden which, according to all literature, "no visitor to Ireland should miss!" The original garden was laid out in the 1840's but was transformed to its present splendour in the early 1920's by Lady Londonderry, and is now known as "one of the brightest jewels in the National Trust's crown."

Lunch (included) will be in Belfast at the ornate Crown Liquor Saloon, originally built as a railway saloon in 1899, after which we have a short tour of the city which is full of Victorian and Edwardian buildings with elaborate sculptures over their windows and doors. We will see the City Hall, which is surrounded by beautiful gardens, St. Anne's Cathedral, and the historic Port and Harbour, once the UK's largest shipyard.

We continue en route north via one of the most scenic coasts in the UK to Carnlough, a delightful small resort on the Antrim coast. There is a great walk behind the hotel.

Overnight - Londonderry Arms Hotel, Carnlough. Lunch, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

Day 7 (Sat June 1)

The Antrim coast road follows the coast closely, with towering cliffs intersected with glens, waterfalls and small villages. Sandy beaches and little harbours abound, and colonies of birds line the cliffs. We visit the most famous glen of all, Glenariff Forest Park, known as "the Queen of the Glens." Again we return to the coast with a photo stop at Cushendun, a picturesque National Trust seaside village, and a pub lunch (included) at Cushendall - the best salmon I've tasted anywhere!

After lunch we drive through Ballycastle to the Giant's Causeway, the most famous landmark of Northern Ireland and now a World Heritage site. Up to 40,000 basalt columns, some approximately 40 feet in height, form massive stepping stones rising out of the sea, each formed with geometrical precision.

Overnight - The Lodge Hotel, Coleraine. Lunch, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

Day 8 (Sun 2)

We depart for Londonderry, known as Derry, at the head of the River Foyle estuary - the only completely walled city in the British Isles. After a tour of the Old Town and a walk on the 18 ft. thick city walls and a tour of some of the murals painted on buildings during the war-torn years, we turn south for lunch at Mountjoy (included).

We next visit the Ulster-American Folk Park, an open air museum that recreates the situations experienced by the flood of emigrants to North America in the 18th and 19th centuries. Our next hotel is a resort overlooking the lake at Eniskillen.

First of 2 nights - Killyhevlin Hotel, Enniskillen. Lunch, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

Day 9 (Mon 3)

This morning we visit the Marble Arch Caves with their spectacular underground formations; and then on to Florence Court, the 18th-century former home of the Earls of Eniskillen, at the foot of the Cuilcagh mountains. After our visit we return to Enniskillen where the rest of the afternoon is free to relax and enjoy our resort by the lake.

Last of 2 nights in Enniskillen. Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

Day 10 (Tue 4)

We stop at Boa Island on the north side of the lake to visit some strange double-faced, heart-shaped, pre-historic headstones, en route for Belleek, home of the famous Belleek Pottery established in 1857. We continue for lunch at Sligo (with a popular visit to a large supermarket!) en route for Westport, known as "Queen of the Bay of Clews" where there is free time to explore this delightful little town and see the 'coffin ships.'

Overnight - Carlton Atlantic Coast Hotel, Westport. Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

Day 11 (Wed 5)

Today we have one of the most spectacular drives in the whole of Ireland - through wild and beautiful Connemara, with a stop at Kylemore Abbey, a castellated neo-Gothic mansion, quoted as "an extravagant medieval fantasy" in glistening white granite and grey limestone, built in the 1860's. Although it is now an international girls' school, part of it is open to the public.

We stop at the typical village of Clifden for lunch before continuing through Galway towards our hotel which is located on the attractive coastline just south of the Cliffs of Moher, and near the area called The Burren, with its very special, and weirdly-eroded, limestone landscape, where everywhere are traces of Megalithic Tombs and ancient stone works. En route we have a photo stop at Dunguaire Castle, Kinvara, which is noted as being the most photographed castle in Ireland.

First of 2 nights - Imperial Hotel, Lisdoonvarna. Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

Day 12 (Thur 6)

We depart for Doolin to catch the ferry for a day trip to the Aran Islands, whose raw beauty and charm lure visitors back again and again. The islands give a glimpse into a way of life which has since disappeared, with ecclesiastic ruins from early Christian times, medieval castles, pre-historic stone forts, rich folklore, and wonderful scenery. We have time for a wonderful hike to the stone fort of Dun Aonhasa in its dramatic setting at the edge of the sheer cliffs.

Last of 2 nights at Lisdoonvarna. Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

Day 13 (Fri 7)

This morning we start with the majestic Cliffs of Moher which extend for five miles down the coast, and ascend to over 700 ft. (213 metres) just south of Doolin. Their sheer drop into the Atlantic ocean makes them a haven for thousands of sea birds.

We visit the Burren Visitor Centre at Killfenora which brings to life the dramatic story of this unusual terrain through a film, videos, models, and artifacts. After lunch (included) at the Burren Smokehouse in Lisdoonvarna, known as the "Match-making capital" of the world! we visit the Burren Stone Fort at Caherconnell, which attracts over 30,000 visitors a year. Here are some of the most-photographed dolmens, or tombs, in their fantastic settings on the limestone pavements of the Burren. Also look for some of the wonderful flora which is special to the area.

Dinner tonight is a Medieval Banquet in Bunratty Castle, the last of four castles built on the site which was originally a Viking Trading Camp in AD 970. The present castle was built in 1425 by the MacNamara family, but by 1475 it had become the stronghold of the O'Brien's the largest clan in North Munster. It did not return to its former splendor until 1954 when it was bought by Lord Gort who began extensive restoration with the help of the Irish development boards who realized that tourism was important! It is now the most complete and authentically restored and furnished castle in Ireland.

Overnight - Maldron Hotel, Limerick. Lunch, Medieval Banquet, Bed & Breakfast

Day 14 (Sat 8)

An early start to have time to stop in the scenic village of Adare for photographs, where the main street is lined with delightful thatched cottages, en route for Tralee and what many consider to be the most scenic area of the Irish west - the Dingle Peninsula.

We stop to see the strange beehive houses of Fahan before reaching the very west end of the peninsula to visit the Blasket Island Centre for lunch and learn about the now uninhabited Blasket Islands and the many famous writers who lived there.

There is free time to explore the lovely little town of Dingle, then a photo stop at The Inch beach where they filmed "Ryan's Daughter." Our hotel for the next three nights is located in the heart of downtown Killarney.

First of 3 nights - Randles Court Hotel, Killarney. Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

Day 15 (Sun 9)

Today we drive around the famous Ring of Kerry where our first stop is The Red Fox Restaurant, known for its special Irish Coffee, and then we see a sheep round-up at Kells.

After lunch (included) at The Old School House near Cahirciveen, we visit The Skellig Experience where we learn about the works and quite amazing lives of the Skellig monks of the early Christian period. On a tiny, inhospitable, offshore island, just across the water from here, they created a community which existed for over 600 years.

En route back to Killarney we have stops at the attractive villages of Waterville (favourite visiting place of Charlie Chaplin), Sneem, and at Molls' Gap for the magnificent view of the Killarney Lakes.

Second of 3 nights in Killarney. Lunch, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

Day 16 (Mon 10)

A free morning in Kilarney. Everything depends on the weather for this day, so that we can get the best out of the beauty of Kerry. The possibilities for the morning are a walk (or you may prefer to rent a bicycle or ride a pony and trap) to the famous Gap of Dunloe, or just spend the time exploring the delightful little town of Killarney.

We meet up after lunch in Killarney to visit Muckross House and its gorgeous Gardens, one of the highlights of the area, and known for its magical parkland setting beside the lower Killarney Lake. Built around 1840 for Major Herbert, the M.P. for Kerry, it was designed by the great Scottish architect, William Burn. When Major Herbert ran into financial difficulties, it was bought by the Guinness family who rented it out to wealthy hunting parties. Since the 1960's it has been magnificently restored and is, today, one of the best-known attractions in the country.

There is a possibility of a special show-night in Tralee (not included).

Last of 3 nights in Killarney. Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

Day 17 (Tue 11)

Fortunately, there is a lot more to Blarney than just the Blarney Stone, located at the top of the tower in Blarney Castle! Today you may get your chance to kiss it and "never be lost for words again" as the saying goes. Blarney Castle was originally a hunting lodge built in the 10th Century, although the present-day construction was completed in 1446. You can also visit the nearby beautiful Rock Close and Gardens in the castle grounds, which is laid out on a pre-historic Druid site with several remains, such as a megalithic tomb, a sacrificial altar, and a witches' kitchen.

Lunch will be at the Blarney Woolen Mills Visitors Centre, after which we continue to Kinsale, one of the most popular, colourful, and picturesque fishing resorts on the south-west coast of Ireland. With its maze of narrow streets close to the water, it seems that little has changed here for hundreds of years. It has earned a reputation as the gourmet centre of Ireland. The Battle of Kinsale in 1601 was a turning point in Irish history. The afternoon is free to enjoy this fascinating small town.

Overnight - Actons Hotel, Kinsale. Dinner, Bed & breakfast

Day 18 (Wed 12)

We depart for Cobh (pronounced Cove), which is built on Great Island, one of the three large islands in Cork harbour from where the great Transatlantic liners used to sail until the 1950s. It was called Queenstown for decades before reverting to its old Irish name in 1922, thus we see the "The Queenstown Story" in the Cobh Heritage Centre which tells how hundreds of thousands of hungry and penniless Irish men and Women left from here to build a new life, especially after the Famine years of 1844-48. On the quayside is a memorial to the victims of the Lusitania which was sunk off Kinsale in 1915 by a German submarine. It was also from here that the Titanic set sail on her fateful maiden, and last, voyage, the story of which is beautifully told in the Museum.

After lunch in Cobh we depart for Waterford to visit the famous Waterford Crystal. At the Visitors Centre we see how the crystal is produced, from molten crystal through to finished masterpieces.

First of 2 nights - The Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel, Kilkenny. Dinner, Bed & breakfast

Day 19 (Thur 13)

A short walk to visit Kilkenny Castle, the finest Norman castle in Ireland. It was first constructed in 1172 as a wooden tower built by an Anglo-Norman known as Strongbow during the Norman invasion of Ireland. In 1391, it was bought by the Butler family, the Earls of Ormonde, whose descendants lived there continuously until 1935. This influential Norman family had established an alliance with the English Crown in the fourteenth century which continued throughout most of the 700 years they inhabited the castle.

Sadly, in 1955, the Butlers decided to leave the Castle, and held a great auction of all the interior items in the castle. After five days of auction only the family collection of paintings and tapestries remained. The castle was then abandoned for nearly 20 years until, finally, Arthur Butler, the 24th Earl of Ormonde, handed the Kilkenny Castle over to the National Castle Restoration Committee for the nominal sum of 50 Irish pounds.

After you have seen the castle the rest of the day is free to explore Kilkenny, with its noted 'black abbey', two cathedrals, and a very interesting Design Centre.

Last of 2 nights in Kilkenny. Dinner, Bed & breakfast

Day 20 (Fri 14)

This morning we visit Glendalough, set in a beautiful valley with two lakes. This is where St. Kevin founded a monastery in the 6th-century, and from this beginning the site grew to become famous as a centre of learning throughout Europe. The settlement continued to expand for 600 years until it was destroyed in 1398, and the buildings which remain date from that time, the most famous being the largest, best-preserved, Round Tower in Ireland.

We depart for lunch (included) in Avoca, better known as TV's "Ballykissangel". Here, we visit the Avoca hand weavers, established in 1723, and Ireland's oldest business. This family-owned craft design company, which now has half a dozen branches throughout Ireland, originated in Avoca village, where you can watch the hand weavers who produce the lovely woven woolen rugs and fabrics which became the hallmark of the company. You have free time to explore until we must depart, along the coast, for our hotel just north of Dublin.

Overnight - Carlton Hotel nr Dublin Airport. Lunch, Dinner, Bed & breakfast

Day 21 (Sat 15)

End of Land Package.
Depart for Dublin Airport for return flights to North America.

**Alternative

Day 21 (Sat 15)

Please inquire about this if you are interested in an additional day at the end of the tour in order to have the Full-day tour to Newgrange, a World Heritage Site Megalithic passage tomb built over 5,000 years ago. The tour company could pick you up and deliver you back to the hotel.

2nd night at Dublin Airport Hotel

Day 22 (Sun 16)

End of Land Package.
Depart for Dublin Airport for return flights to North America.

**It could also be possible to fly in a day earlier and do this Full-day trip a day ahead of the tour, especially if you are doing the combination of The West Country Tour first. If you wish to spend the additional two nights in Dublin, Royal Heights is offering a special package between the two tours at a cost of $400 which includes airfare and two nights B&B in Dublin.

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