Day 1 - In Dublin's Fair City
Welcome to Dublin. On arrival at Dublin airport, your airport transfer shuttle service leaves for your hotel at 08:30, 11:00 and 13:00. Meet your Travel Director at 14:30 for an orientation tour that brings to life Dublin’s architectural treasures and history, stretching back more than 1,000 years. Travel along the River Liffey, see Custom House, Guinness Storehouse, Christchurch Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Enjoy your VIP priority entry to the 9th century Book of Kells and a walk through the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College, accompanied by a university insider who will share their insights into modern life and the establishment’s impressive history. Back at your hotel, join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly Welcome Reception with drinks and the opportunity to mingle and get to know each other over a pleasant evening of dinner and wine. Hotel: Clayton Hotel Cardiff Lane, Dublin (or similar). Dinner with wine.
Day 2 - Cashel and Blarney, heading for Killarney
Depart Dublin, and pass the famous Curragh Racecourse and green meadows where many of the finest Irish racehorses are bred. Explore Blarney with Insight Choice. Visit Blarney Castle where you climb to the ramparts and kiss the magical stone to ensure a lifetime of eloquence or meet a senior gardener for a tour of Blarney Gardens.Head to Killarney, where you may fancy a ‘pint of porter.' This town on the lakes is famous for its lively pubs so in the evening why not join in the ‘craic’? Hotel: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa (or similar). Breakfast, dinner with wine.
Day 3 - Ring of Kerry Experience
In the morning, marvel at spectacular mountain and sea views as you travel the road that winds around the beautiful Iveragh Peninsula, better known as the Ring of Kerry. Meet John for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit his family-run seaweed farm to learn about sustainable farming practices that protect the wild Irish Atlantic coasts. Hotel: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa (or similar). Breakfast.
Day 4 - The Cliffs of Moher and on to Galway
Cross the Shannon Estuary by ferry and enter County Clare. Stop at the Exhibition Centre and enjoy a walk along the Cliffs of Moher, raised approximately 700 feet above the pounding Atlantic waves. Then travel north across the Burren, a suddenly stark and barren landscape, scarred with interesting limestone creases. Journey to Galway, the City of the Tribes, and visit the lovely cathedral. Take in the scenery from your hotel, which is spectacularly set on the shores of Galway Bay. Hotel: Connemara Coast Hotel, Galway (or similar). Breakfast, dinner with wine.
Day 5 - Captivating Connemara
Embark on a superb excursion through the Connemara National Park and see a wonderland of rivers, lakes and silent hills. Explore Connemara with Insight Choice. Choose between a visit to the turreted Neo-Gothic Kylemore Abbey or a visit to an oyster farm for a tasting. Hotel: Connemara Coast Hotel, Galway (or similar). Breakfast.
Day 6 - Majestic Ashford Castle
Sitting on the edge of Lough Corrib and nestled on the border of County Galway and County Mayo, is the delightful Cong. You may recognise much of the town as it was used as the location in the 1952 film, 'The Quiet Man.' With free time to explore this quintessential Irish village, see the statue of the lead characters played by John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara, and the ruins of the Medieval Cong Abbey. Then a short drive down the road leads you to Ashford Castle, the highlight of your travels. As you arrive, lone piper escorts you over the drawbridge. Your exquisite hotel provides a romantic backdrop in superior surroundings, offering both relaxation and comfort. There are many opportunities to explore the vast estate, pamper yourself at the spa, or get to know the hawks and woodland surroundings at the hotel's falconry school. Dining at Ashford Castle ranks among the finest culinary experiences in the world. Creative cooking, locally sourced ingredients and an innovative menu await at your Celebration Dinner. Gentlemen, a jacket is required. Hotel: Ashford Castle, Cong. Breakfast, dinner with wine.
Day 7 - Across the Emerald Isle to Dublin
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the morning and perhaps a stroll on the estate? Then cross the midlands to Dublin where the rest of the day is free for independent activities and maybe some last minute shopping. Hotel: Clayton Hotel Cardiff Lane, Dublin (or similar). Breakfast.
Day 8 - Depart Dublin
Your journey comes to an end after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Dublin airport at 07:00, 09:00 and 10:30. Meal included: breakfast.
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