40 Shades of Green Tour

Feel the buzz and lively energy of three great Irish cities and uncover some of the unique experiences of Ireland. You are never short of places to explore here. Unearth thousands of years of Irish history, ignite your love of Irish culture and discover more about the invaders of the capital city, the tribes of Galway City and the rebels of Cork City. Stroll along the cobbled streets and stop into traditional “old man pubs” as the Irish call them. Cozy up at an authentic “trad session” in a snug corner of a lively pub. Bask in the warmth of a crackling open fire while sipping on a creamy pint of the “black stuff” or a smooth, cool glass of Irish cream liqueur. Ireland is packed with culture, craic (fun), ceol (music) and traditions and it’s all wrapped up in this epic road trip of the land of “40 shades of green”.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS – FEATURES OF YOUR CUSTOMIZED TRIP

Please note flights are not included

-Discover “the land of 40 shades of green” & the Wild Atlantic Way

-Wonder at the Cliffs of Moher & the limestone landscape of the Burren.

-Experience the scenic landscapes of Connemara

-Explore Ireland’s capital city

-Kiss the Blarney stone & sample a Jameson at the Midleton Distillery

-Relax & enjoy 7 days touring with a qualified driver guide

DAY 1 – Dublin Airport to Westmeath & Galway

Céad Míle Fáilte (a hundred thousand welcomes!) Arrive into Dublin Airport. Collect your luggage from the baggage claim and make your way out to the arrivals hall where you will be met by your private driver guide who will escort you to your awaiting motorcoach. Travel westwards to the midlands of Ireland.

Continue further west to Galway City. Galway, the largest county in Connaught, and is nestles at the neck of Galway Bay. Galway is celebrated in song and story throughout the world and takes centre stage on Ireland’s western seaboard. A spectacularly beautiful county, it is a medley of contrasts the wildest and remotest of countryside teamed with one of Europe’s most vibrant and popular cities. Drawn as if by a magnet, visitors come again and again, captivated by this most special of Irish counties.

Dinner & overnight at the Ardilaun Hotel, Galway or similar.

DAY 2 – Connemara Tour.

Today, after breakfast you will explore the wild and rugged region of Connemara. Connemara, made famous by a number of well-known movies – such as the John Wayne movie – “The Quiet Man”, and more recently “The Field”.

Visit the majestic Kylemore Abbey, famous for its postcard perfect scenery, the iconic image of a baronial castle reflected in a Connemara lake.

Take a 90 minute trip with Killary Cruises for uninterrupted views of the spectacular scenery on Killary fjord. The inlet boasts some of the finest scenery in the West of Ireland and because of its sheltered nature, the waters are always calm.

Travel back to Galway City for the rest of your evening at leisure to explore the city or to relax at the hotel. Overnight at the Ardilaun Hotel, or similar (B&B Basis).

DAY 3 – The Burren, the Cliffs and Cork.

After breakfast make your way south through the Burren area of County Clare. There is no front gate that says you have arrived at The Burren.

When you visit the Cliffs of Moher, you’re coming for one of two things: the staggering height of the rock face, and the even more staggering beauty of the views from the top.

Enjoy two unique visitor experiences at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park in Bunratty, County Clare. Visit the 15th century Bunratty Castle and stroll through the Bunratty Folk Park.

Travel further along the Wild Atlantic Way to Cork City, where you will experience the rebel county and have a panoramic drive of the main city highlights. Take in the sights and popular spots like Shandon Bells, Cork City Gaol, the English Market and University College Cork.

Tonight, you will have dinner and overnight at the Metropole Hotel Cork City (or similar)

DAY 4 – Blarney & Midleton.

After breakfast today explore County Cork – Begin with a visit to the historic Blarney Castle, most famous for its stone, which legend tells has the power of conferring eloquence on all who kiss it.

After some free time for lunch or shopping in Blarney Village, travel to Midleton to visit the Jameson Experience at the Midleton Distillery.

Return to Cork City for the rest of your evening at leisure to explore the city for yourself. Overnight at the Metropole Hotel Cork City (or similar)

DAY 5 – Cashel and Dublin.

This morning after breakfast travel to Cashel in County Tipperary. Set on a dramatic outcrop of limestone in the Golden Vale, the Rock of Cashel, iconic in its historic significance, possesses the most impressive cluster of medieval buildings in Ireland.

Continue the journey to the capital city of Ireland. Dublin City with its youthful enthusiasm and easy-going lifestyle.  Visit the Guinness Storehouse®, located in the heart of the Guinness Brewery at St James’s Gate, Dublin. Housed in an old fermentation plant, now the seven-storey visitor experience tells the story of Ireland’s iconic drink and beings to life the heritage of Guinness® from early days to growth as a global brand, known all around the world.

Overnight at the Maldron Hotel Cardiff Lane, Dublin City or similar.

DAY 6 – Dublin City.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before visiting the GPO Museum on O’Connell Street. The museum is an immersive and interactive experience telling the story of the 1916 Easter Rising and modern Irish history.

Don’t just visit Ireland, understand it, with a visit to EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin City. You will not find leprechauns or pots of gold here, but you will discover that what it means to be Irish expands far beyond the borders of Ireland through the stories of Irish emigrants who became scientists, politicians, poets, artists and even outlaws all over the world.

Have some free time in the city for shopping or independent sightseeing before getting ready to experience an enchanting evening of Irish folklore, song, dance and music, while enjoying a traditional Irish dinner at a traditional Irish Night in a local venue. Return for overnight at the Maldron Hotel Cardiff Lane, Dublin City or similar

DAY 7 – Depart Dublin Airport

This morning, a private driver will meet you in the hotel lobby and transfer you to Dublin Airport for your departure flight.

Slán Abhaile! (Safe Home!)