Best of Ireland 2012

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Trinity CollegeRing of KerrySt Mary's Cathedral
Trinity College
Ring of Kerry
St Mary's Cathedral
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Guest Experiences

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Trip Itinerary

  • Day 1

    DEPART USA

    Overnight flight to Dublin.

  • Day 2

    ARRIVE DUBLIN (2 NIGHTS)

    Welcome to the Emerald Isle! Relax and unwind. This evening, meet and get to know your companions and Travel Director at a Welcome Pub Reception, which includes a typical Irish pub meal and drinks.


    Meal(s): (Welcome Reception)

    Hotel: Maldron Cardiff Lane (F)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 3

    DUBLIN SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME

    Your expert Local Guide takes you on a sightseeing tour including views of St. Patrick's Cathedral and Phoenix Park. Visit Trinity College to see the Book of Kells, an extravagant illuminated manuscript dating from the 8th century. Enjoy an included visit to the Guinness Brewery for a Storehouse tour and pint-pulling demonstration. This evening, don’t miss the opportunity to experience a traditional Irish night out!


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)

  • Day 4

    DUBLIN - KILDARE - YOUGHAL - CORK

    See some of the finest stallions in the world during your wonderful walking tour of the Irish National Stud, followed by a visit to the Japanese Garden. In Kilkenny, view the medieval city dominated by the Norman Castle and ancient Cathedral. Later visit the bustling and picturesque seaport town of Youghal where part of the filming of the John Huston movie Moby Dick took place. Dine tonight at your hotel in Cork.


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Dinner)

    Hotel: River Lee (SF)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 5

    CORK - BLARNEY - KILLARNEY (2 NIGHTS)

    This morning kiss the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle where you can also shop for Irish souvenirs. Travel to scenic Killarney for a two night stay. Tonight why not enjoy some typical Irish entertainment?


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)

    Hotel: Riverside (F)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 6

    RING OF KERRY EXCURSION

    Follow the Ring of Kerry around the Iveragh Peninsula. Admire plunging cliffs, shimmering lakes, granite mountains and rugged coastlines. Pass through Killorglin (of Puck Fair fame), Daniel O'Connell's Cahirciveen, Waterville and Moll's Gap in the Black Mountains. Tonight enjoy a delicious Be My Guest dinner at an Irish family's farmhouse.


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Be My Guest dinner)

  • Day 7

    KILLARNEY - LIMERICK

    Cross the Glanaruderry Mountains into County Limerick, pausing on the way at Adare, known as one of the prettiest villages in Ireland. See St. Mary's Cathedral, King John's Castle and the Treaty Stone during your orientation of Limerick. Visit Bunratty Castle and explore the Folk Park, a living museum dedicated to life in Ireland during the 18th and 19th centuries.


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)

    Hotel: Radisson Blu (SF)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 8

    LIMERICK - CLIFFS OF MOHER AND THE BURREN - CONNEMARA - KNOCK - SLIGO (2 NIGHTS)

    Stop to admire the magnificent Cliffs of Moher, towering high above the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy splendid views of Galway Bay and the Arran Islands as you follow the coast. See the Burren, whose remarkable flora and fauna attracts geologists and botanists. Your orientation of Galway includes the Spanish Arch and Galway Cathedral on the banks of the River Corrib. Enjoy the beautiful Irish countryside and stop to visit the village of Knock, a popular place of pilgrimage ever since the Virgin Mary appeared to locals in the 19th century. Then head north to Sligo for a two night stay.


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Dinner)

    Hotel: Sligo Park (F)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 9

    SLIGO - EXCURSION TO DRUMCLIFF AND DONEGAL

    Today enjoy the beautiful scenery of this 'out of the way' corner of Ireland, whose motto is 'It's different up here'. En route visit Drumcliff to see the church where Yeats is buried.


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)

  • Day 10

    SLIGO - DUBLIN

    Travel along the valley of the mighty River Shannon and arrive back in Dublin. There may be time to consider an optional visit to the monastic settlement at Glendalough this afternoon. Tonight, join your new-found friends for a Farewell Dinner with wine at a local restaurant.


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)

    Hotel: Mespil (F)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 11

    DUBLIN - USA

    After a hearty Irish breakfast, say farewell to your Travel Director and fellow travellers as your Irish holiday comes to an end. Transfers are available. Conditions apply.


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)

What's Included

Insider Experiences

  • Hidden Treasure Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure experience, unique to your itinerary, courtesy of your expert Travel Director.
  • Be My Guest Delicious dinner and drinks at an Irish family farmhouse.
  • Local Speciality Enjoy a visit to the Guinness Brewery for a Storehouse tour and pint-pulling demonstration.
  • Local Speciality Visit the Irish National Stud and gain an insight into horse breeding.

Sightseeing Highlights

  • DublinVisit Trinity College to see the Book of Kells. View St. Patrick's Cathedral and Phoenix Park.
  • KildareVisit the Irish National Stud Farm and the Japanese Garden.
  • KilkennyVisit the medieval city.
  • BlarneyVisit the castle and kiss the famous Blarney Stone.
  • KillarneySee the beautiful lakes.
  • Ring of KerryVisit Killorglin, Cahirciveen, Waterville and Moll's Gap.
  • AdareVisit one of the prettiest villages in Ireland.
  • LimerickSee St. Mary's Cathedral and King John's Castle.
  • BunrattyVisit the Castle and Folk Park.
  • Cliffs of MoherSee the stunning cliffs and the Burren.
  • Galway BayPanoramic views and an orientation tour of Galway.
  • KnockVisit this pilgrimage town.
  • DrumcliffVisit the church where Yeats is buried.

Dining

  • Welcome Pub Reception in Dublin, which includes a Traditional Irish pub meal and Welcome Drinks.
  • 9 full breakfasts.
  • 2 three-course dinners.
  • Be My Guest dinner in a farmhouse.
  • Farewell Dinner with wine in Dublin.

Travel Highlights

  • First class hotel accommodation featuring twin rooms and private facilities
  • All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes included.
  • Travel by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and onboard restroom
  • The services of one of our professional Travel Directors throughout your journey
  • A qualified Local Guide in Dublin.
  • Audio Headsets on all guided visits and included sightseeing.
  • Capture treasured memories of your trip with a complimentary group photo taken at a landmark location.
  • A stylish wallet, travel documents, keepsake booklet and map.

Airport Transfers

  • For full details on transfers, please click here.
Disclaimer
  • These prices are LAND-ONLY and are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
  • All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.
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Hotel Class Key
  • SF= Superior First Class, F = First Class, MF = Moderate First Class, ST = Superior Tourist, D = Deluxe and MD = Moderate Deluxe.
  • Hotels are subject to change.
Notes
  • * For single travellers purchasing the twin-share option, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms.
  • ^Twin-share option not available for trips to South America., Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey.

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