Best of Ireland

Céad Míle Fáilte (a hundred thousand welcomes!) Arrive into Dublin Airport, where you will be met by your private driver guide, who will be your local expert for the next 8 days. Begin your tour by travelling southwards through Ireland’s Ancient East. The first leg of your adventure starts in the wonderfully medieval Kilkenny Castle, standing dramatically on a strategic height that commands a crossing on the River Nore and dominating the ‘High Town’ of Kilkenny City. Dinner this evening at your hotel in Kilkenny City.

Hotel Stay: Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel, Kilkenny City (Or similar). (Dinner, B&B Basis).

Depart Kilkenny this morning, heading south through County Tipperary to County Cork. Visit the Rock of Cashel along the way, a historic monastic site dramatically situated on a tall outcrop of limestone overlooking County Tipperary. Continue towards the “Gourmet Capital of Ireland”, Kinsale, for the rest of the evening at leisure. Tonight, you will have dinner in Acton’s Hotel.

Hotel Stay: Acton’s Hotel, Co. Cork (Or similar). (Dinner, B&B Basis).

It’s off to Blarney Village this morning to Blarney Castle and Gardens and to climb the castle’s 127 stone steps, to reach the revered Blarney Stone at the summit. Next to Killarney, renowned for its beauty and famed for the splendor of it’s scenery. Killarney is a gem in the County Kerry Crown. This evening, you will have dinner at the hotel.

Hotel Stay: The Great Southern Hotel, Killarney, Co. Kerry (Or similar). (Dinner, B&B Basis).

Drive Ireland’s most famous peninsula today – The Ring of Kerry, which takes you through spectacular coastal scenery, and villages and towns depicting typical rural life in Ireland. As you descend into Killarney, fabulous views of the three Lakes of Killarney are afforded from ‘Ladies View’, named after Queen Victoria’s visit at the beginning century. At Killarney’s National Park, you will visit the wonderful Muckross House and Gardens.

Hotel Stay: The Great Southern Hotel, Killarney, Co. Kerry (or similar). (B&B Basis).

Today’s adventure takes you to County Clare to visit the iconic Cliffs of Moher and to take some “Insta-worthy” images of the scenic views at this most visited natural attraction. Standing 702 feet at their highest point, they stretch for 5 miles along the Atlantic coast. Deep in the mysterious Burren region you can find the Poulnabrone Dolmen, an ancient and fascinating example of a portal tomb. Onto Galway, where you can take a stroll around Galway city visiting such areas as Eyre Square, the Spanish and beautiful Salthill Promenade – before dinner at the hotel.

Hotel Stay: The Hardiman Hotel, Galway City (Or similar). (Dinner, B&B Basis).

Today, you can explore the wild and rugged region of Connemara, made famous by a number of well-known movies, such as “The Quiet Man” and “The Field”. Connemara is a beautiful region of mountains, lakes, tumbling streams undulating bog, unspoilt beaches and panoramic views. Visit Kylemore Abbey & Gardens, the only home of the Benedictine nuns in Ireland. Have a photo stop at Killary Fjord, located in Leenane – It is Ireland’s only fjord and forms a partial border between counties Galway & Mayo. Return to Galway for overnight.

Hotel Stay: The Hardiman Hotel, Galway City (Or similar). (B&B Basis).

Today, you will travel from Galway to Dublin. On route, stop off in Clonmacnoise, where Saint Ciaran founded the remains of an early monastery around the year 545. Here there still survives six churches, two high crosses, two round towers and the finest Collection of Old Irish gravestones in the country. Explore the capital city and get to know the famous landmarks including the Georgian Squares, Trinity College and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Enjoy dinner and an evening of Irish Storytelling at Food, Folklore & Fairies.

Hotel Stay: The Camden Court Hotel, Dublin City (Or similar). (B&B Basis).

Discover more of the capital city today with a private guided city tour. The tour includes a visit to Christchurch Cathedral and the Guinness Storehouse. The seven-storey visitor experience tells the story of Ireland’s iconic drink and brings to life the heritage of Guinness from early days to growth as a global brand, known all around the world. Return to the Camden Court hotel for your final overnight and dinner at the hotel. Your driver guide will leave you here.

Hotel Stay: The Camden Court Hotel, Dublin City (Or similar). (Dinner, B&B Basis).

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

Slán go Fóill! (Bye for now!)

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