Irish Gold

Itinerary :

Day 1/ Dublin: Arrive at Dublin airport. You will be transferred from airport to hotel. Your tour begins 2:00 PM at your hotel just outside Dublin. Head out for an introductory tour of Dublin including O’Connell Street, St Stephen’s Green, the seat of government at Leinster House, and other public buildings. Take a stroll through Trinity College’s campus in the center of the city with a guide and view the priceless 8th century Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript of the four gospels. Enjoy a welcome drink and then enjoy an independent evening at one of Dun Laoghaire’s many restaurants or pubs. Overnight in Dublin.

Day 2/ Dublin – Galway: After breakfast, start your journey across the rolling pastures of Ireland’s heartland to visit Clonmacnoise. This monastic settlement was founded in 545 AD and is set on the banks of the mighty River Shannon. See elaborate high Celtic crosses decorated with biblical scenes. Head to Galway for a guided walking tour through the city center. Later enjoy free time to explore Galway on your own before dinner. Overnight in Galway. (B,D)

Day 3/ Galway: Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel. Later explore scenic Connemara to admire how constantly-changing cloud formations give granite hills, sparkling lakes and peat bogs an added dimension. Head to Kylemore Abbey to see elegant rooms and the charming church, set beside a tranquil lake. Visit the Victorian Walled Gardens and enjoy a casual lunch. Take a short catamaran cruise of Killary Harbour, a 9-mile fjord (Subject to availability). After that return to Galway where the evening is free to explore the city on your own. Overnight in Galway. (B, L)

Day 4/ Galway – Killarney: After breakfast, travel south around Galway Bay and through the Burren, a region of rounded limestone hills which has a curious lunar-like appearance. Immerse yourself in farm life and watch trained sheepdogs obey their owner as they direct sheep through various obstacles. View the Cliffs of Moher, which rise almost 700 feet above the pounding Atlantic surf. Embark on a memorable ferry across the River Shannon Estuary and head to Killarney. Later head out for a traditional Irish night featuring a lively show with dinner. Overnight in Killarney. (B, D)

Day 5/ Killarney: After breakfast, take a traditional horse-drawn jaunting car through the Killarney National Park to scenic Ross Castle, set on the shores of Lough Leane. Later head to Muckross House for a guided tour and a stroll through the gardens. Set out on Ireland’s most popular scenic drive – the Ring of Kerry – with plenty of stops for photo opportunities. Enjoy a light lunch and take a break in the colorful village of Sneem. After the tour return back to Killarney. Rest of the evening enjoy your free time to explore. Overnight in Killarney. (B, L)

Day 6/ Killarney – Waterford: After breakfast, drive through the mountains into rich farming country on the way to Blarney Castle. Kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence” or explore the tranquil gardens. Treat yourself to quality Irish-made goods at Blarney Woollen Mills before traveling along the coast to the Marine Bar in Dungarvan for some traditional music. Continue to Waterford to witness the creation of crystal masterpieces during your visit to the House of Waterford Crystal. Overnight in Waterford. (B, D)

Day 7/ Waterford – Dublin: After breakfast, In the morning join a local guide for a walking tour through the narrow streets of the old city to discover Waterford’s long history and some of its colorful characters. Later, stop in Kilkenny for a look around the compact city center and have lunch on your own. Visit the Smithwick’s Experience and enjoy a tasting paddle of their famous ales. Travel to Dublin and in the evening head to a popular Dublin restaurant for a glass of wine and dinner. Overnight in Dublin. (B, D)

Day 8/ Dublin: Breakfast at the hotel. Free time for leisure until departure. (B)