Shades of Ireland
From vibrant and history-filled Dublin, across rolling green hills to the dramatic coast, experience all of the charms of Ireland on this magical tour of the Emerald Isle. Live like royalty during an overnight stay on the grounds of a castle. Visit the new House of Waterford Crystal factory. Choose from a selection of Killarney’s best restaurants with our Diner’s Choice program. See the Atlantic from the stunning 700-foot Cliffs of Moher. Experience the world-famous beauty of the Ring of Kerry. Have coffee and scones at a working farm. Explore Dublin with a local guide, either by foot or on a panoramic city tour – it’s your choice! See beautiful Killarney from your seat on an Irish jaunting car. Journey to historic Blarney Castle, lean back and kiss its famous stone!
Day 1 Overnight Flight
Travel to the magical Emerald Isle. Soak in the landscape of rolling hills and feel the warmth of an Irish welcome. Visit Dublin, Waterford, Killarney and Limerick as this comprehensive tour introduces Ireland's natural beauty, rich history and most importantly, its hospitable culture.
Day 2 Dublin, Ireland - Tour Begins
Open your tour in Dublin. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for some traditional entertainment during a fun-filled Irish evening including regional cuisine.
Day 3 Dublin
Today you decide how you want to explore Dublin. You may choose to set out with a local guide on a drive to see St. Patrick’s Cathedral, St. Stephan’s Green, Grafton Street, and the historic Phoenix Park. Or, perhaps you will choose a walking tour of the city’s historic center, exploring O’Connell Street, the General Post Office, and the River Liffey. Spend the remainder of your day relaxing or set out to independently explore more of charming Dublin.
Day 4 Dublin - Kilkenny - Waterford
Travel to Kilkenny to explore the medieval atmosphere of this city situated on the banks of the River Nore. Then, arrive in the historic city of Waterford and visit the House of Waterford Crystal. Enjoy a fascinating factory tour and browse the retail store housing the largest collection of Waterford Crystal in the world. Complete your day with a leisurely paced walking tour of this unique city.
Day 5 Waterford - Blarney Stone - Killarney
Today, journey to historic Blarney Castle and embrace the opportunity to kiss the famous Blarney Stone. Legend has it that those who kiss the stone are bestowed with the gift of eloquence. This afternoon you decide how you would like to explore charming Killarney. You may enjoy a time-honored jaunting car ride* to beautiful Muckross House; set out on a tour of this stately home and its gardens and get a glimpse into the elegant lifestyle of the Victorian gentry as you explore the perfectly restored rooms of this magnificent mansion. Or, perhaps you’ll choose to enjoy a scenic jaunting car ride* through Killarney National Park to Ross Castle; then, board a traditional boat* and sail through the breathtaking lakes in the company of an expert boatman known for their local knowledge and ‘craic’ (amusing nature). This evening its Diner’s Choice…tonight’s dinner is included and you’ll choose the perfect spot from a ‘menu’ of Killarney’s great restaurants.
Day 6 Killarney - Ring of Kerry - Killarney
Travel along one of the most beautiful coastal routes in the world, the Ring of Kerry. At the Gap of Dunloe, shop for traditional Irish goods handcrafted by local artisans. Enjoy pristine ocean scenery as you move through picturesque villages. Continue on as you traverse rugged mountain passes into “Ladies View.” From this spectacular vantage point, one of Ireland’s finest, gaze upon the Lakes of Killarney. Tonight you may use your leisure time to sample a true taste of Irish culture.
Day 7 Killarney - Limerick
Today, experience the customs and daily life of a traditional Irish family during a memorable farm visit. Continue to Limerick where a panoramic city tour showcases King John's Castle and the Treaty Stone. Delve into the fascinating history of the "city of the violated treaty."
Day 8 Limerick - Cliffs of Moher - Galway - Limerick
An exciting day awaits. Journey to the stunning, 700-foot-high Cliffs of Moher for awe-inspiring views of the mighty Atlantic. Then, travel through the vast limestone landscape of the Burren, known for its stark beauty and Neolithic tombs. Continue past scenic countryside into Galway, where a brief city tour introduces “The City of Tribes.” Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 9 Limerick - Tullamore/Kilbeggan - Kingscourt
Start your day with a cross-country journey to Irish whiskey territory. The ancient towns of Tullamore and Kilbeggan have long been associated with the whiskey industry. Become engaged in the process of whiskey making and enjoy a tasting of the final product during a visit to one of these historic distilleries. Top your day off with an overnight stay on the regal grounds of Cabra Castle where you toast the end of a fabulous trip during your farewell dinner.
Day 10 Kingscourt - Tour Ends
Your tour ends in Kingscourt.