The Best of Ireland and Ashford Castle

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Detailed Trip Description

Enjoy 8 Days The Best of Ireland and Ashford Castle Escorted tour featuring sightseeing and many activities in Blarney, Cliffs of Moher, Cong, Connemara, Dublin and Killarney.

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Trip Itinerary

Day 1 - On the Plane

 
Commercial Flight

Board your over­night transatlantic flight.


Day 2 - Dublin

 
Arrive In Dublin, Ireland.

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

Dublin picture
Sightseeing

At 2 p.m. your voyage of discovery begins on a city tour with your Tour Director that brings to life Dublin’s architectural treasures and history stretching back more than 1,000 years.

Historical and Educational Tours

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 see its truly unique world treasure – the 8th century Book of Kells.

Food and Dining

Back at your hotel, join your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner and a tour briefing. (D)

Hotel

Stay at Quality Hotel Dublin (SF).


Day 3 - Killarney

 
Dublin - Blarney - Killarney.
Sightseeing

Drive through the Curragh, the heart of Ireland’s equestrian country, and view the Rock of Cashel, an impressive pre-Christian settlement. The dramatic limestone rock, crowned with secular and religious buildings, dominates the flat countryside for miles around. Travel on to County Cork to visit Blarney Castle with its magical stone that gives the gift of eloquence for a kiss.

Shopping

There is time to stop at Blarney Woollen Mills to shop for Waterford crystal and other handicrafts before continuing on to bustling Killarney.

Food and Dining

The town on the lakes is famous for its lively pubs and open, cheerful atmosphere, full of what the Irish call “craic!” – Gaelic for fun. (B,D)

Hotel

Stay at Scotts Hotel (SF).


Day 4 - Kerry

 
The Ring of Kerry.
Sightseeing

Travel the road that winds around the beautiful Iveragh Peninsula, better known as The Ring of Kerry. It is undoubtedly one of the most magical places in all Ireland. Here mountains, valleys, lakes and sea blend into a landscape that is often breathtaking beyond words.

Relaxation

Later, back in Killarney, the balance of the day is at leisure. (B)


Day 5 - Ireland

 
Cliffs of Moher - Connemara.
Sightseeing

This morning cross the Shannon estuary by ferry and enter County Clare. Stop for a walk along the Cliffs of Moher, rising approximately 700 feet above the pounding Atlantic waves.

Sightseeing

Then travel north across the Burren, a suddenly stark and barren landscape. Drop in for afternoon tea at Rathbaun Farm and meet a Galway 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, on to tour Galway, "City of the Tribes," including lovely Galway Cathedral. The rest of your day is free. (B,AT,D)

Hotel

Stay at Connemara Coast (SF).


Day 6 - Ireland

 
Connemara Excursion.
Sightseeing

In the west of Ireland, the starkly beautiful mountains of Galway and Mayo drop down to the coast. Little whitewashed cottages are scattered over a land of mountains, brooks and rivers.

Sightseeing

Visit Kylemore Abbey, a castellated neo-Gothic mansion, occupied by the Irish Benedictine community of nuns who came from Ypres after World War I. The balance of the evening is free. (B,D)


Day 7 - Ireland

 
Connemara - Cong (Ashford Castle).
Sightseeing

Today experience Connemara, a land of rocky mountains, sparkling brooks and rushing rivers. Then, drive on to Cong, a village with a deliberate old-world feel, and the setting for The Quiet Man, filmed here in the 1950s and starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. Cong is also where you enter into the grounds of majestic Ashford Castle. Ashford Castle provides a romantic backdrop in superior surrounds, offering guests both relaxation and comfort.

Fishing

There are many opportunities to explore the vast estate with fishing on Lough Corrib, equestrian pursuits, golf, falconry and trail walking.

Relaxation

Or simply relax in the castle’s luxurious interiors and enjoy your favorite novel or pamper yourself at the Spa.

Food and Dining

Dining at Ashford Castle ranks among the finest culinary experiences in the world. Creative cooking, an inspired use of seasonal ingredients and an innovative menu await you at dinner tonight. (B,D)

Hotel

Stay at Ashford Castle (DLX).


Day 8 - Dublin

 
Cong - Dublin.
Food and Dining

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning and perhaps a stroll on the estate.

Shopping

Then cross the midlands to Dublin where the balance of the day is free for independent activities and maybe some last minute shopping. (B)


Day 9 - Dublin

 
Depart Dublin.

Transfer to the airport. Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)


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