Tripology

Commercial Flight

Board your over­night transatlantic flight.

Welcome to Dublin! Upon arrival, you are met and ­transferred to your hotel.

Sightseeing

At 2 p.m. your voyage of ­discovery begins on a city tour with a local guide. Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, founded in 1190, tour Dublin’s beautiful Georgian squares, walk the ­cobbled court­yards of Trinity College to its famed library and its truly unique world treasure – the 8th century Book of Kells.

Food and Dining

This evening, take a short drive to the fishing harbor of Howth for dinner and traditional music at the Abbey Tavern. (D)

Hotel

Stay at Academy Plaza (F).

Sightseeing

Cross midland Ireland and visit one of the country’s fine old manors, Strokestown Park House in County Roscommon. This grand estate, built in the 18th century, has been carefully restored and still has its original furnishings.

Museums

The Famine Museum is located in the former Stable Yards of the house. It was designed to commemorate The Great Irish Famine of the 1840''s, now regarded as the single greatest social disaster of 19th century Europe, and in some way to balance the history of the “Big House.”

Sightseeing

Continue on to Mayo to visit the Shrine at Knock. In 1879, the figures of Mary, St. Joseph and St. John are reported to have miraculously appeared here in a vision to 15 local people.

Food and Dining

Dinner and conversation at your hotel is a perfect end to a full day’s sightseeing. (B,D)

Hotel

Stay at Downhill House Hotel (F).

Sightseeing

Travel via Castlebar to the picturesque town of Westport. Enjoy some free time to browse before setting out for Conne­mara, Ireland’s historic western province. Next visit Kylemore Abbey, a castellated neo-Gothic mansion, occupied today by the Irish Benedictine community of nuns. Continue your tour of splendid Conne­mara, where whitewashed cottages are scattered over a land of rocky mountains, sparkling brooks and rivers.

Relaxation

This evening, dine and relax at your ­elegant hotel as the sun sets over Galway Bay. (B,D)

Hotel

Stay at Connemara Coast Hotel (SF).

Sightseeing

This morning visit the impressive Galway Cathedral before dropping in for refreshments at Rathbaun Farm. Meet a farming family as they carry out their everyday chores. Watch as the farmer shears a sheep and maneuvers his flock with the help of his dog.

Sightseeing

Next, cross the Burren, a suddenly stark and barren landscape ­dotted with rare flora. Travel west to the spectacular Cliffs of Moher rising approxi­mately 700 feet above the pounding Atlantic waves: the view is truly outstand­ing.

Food and Dining

A celebrated medieval castle banquet is an option for tonight’s ­festivities. (B,MC)

Hotel

Stay at Greenhills (F) or Radisson Limerick (SF).

Sightseeing

Drive to Adare, renowned as the “prettiest village in Ireland” with its thatched cottages and stone walls. Then follow the road that winds around the Iveragh Penin­sula, better known as The Ring of Kerry It is undoubtedly one of the most magical places in all of Ireland. Poets, painters, and musicians have all tried to capture its elusive charm.

Food and Dining

Arrive in Killarney for check-in and dinner at your hotel. (B,D)

Hotel

Stay at Scotts Hotel (SF) or Killarney Avenue (SF).

Sightseeing

This morning visit Blarney Castle with its magical stone that gives the gift of eloquence for a kiss.

Shopping

Wander across to the Blarney Woollen Mills to shop for traditional fine knitwear and crafts. Continue your journey to the ancient Viking town of Water­ford.

Food and Dining

After dinner in your hotel, take some time to stroll the mile long quayside. (B,D)

Hotel

Stay at Granville Hotel (SF).

Arts, Crafts and Antiques

Begin your day at the Waterford Crystal Factory. On your guided tour, admire the ancient skills of local craftsmen as they carefully turn molten glass into the most exquisite crystal.

Sightseeing

Afterwards, wander through the showrooms and perhaps find an heirloom for future generations for your own family! Next, on your Waterford walking tour, your guide brings the city’s fascinating history alive.

Shopping

On to Dublin in time for some last-minute shopping.

Nightlife

This evening is free to discover the nightlife along its squares and cobblestone streets or to join an optional farewell cabaret for song, dance, dinner and Dublin wit. (B)

Hotel

Stay at Jurys Croke Park (SF).

Your home­­­­bound flight arrives the same day. (B)