A Week in Ireland

Day 1: Welcome to Ireland
Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Dromoland Castle. A transfer is included from Shannon Airport to Dromoland Castle. Meet those who will share this Ireland travel experience with you at a welcome cocktail reception and dinner at your magnificent castle hotel this evening.

Meals: Dinner
Lodging: Dromoland Castle, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Ireland

Day 2: Behold the power of the Cliffs of Moher
The rugged Cliffs of Moher, looming above the pounding surf of the Atlantic Ocean far below, offer spectacular scenic vistas during a morning visit. In Ireland travel takes on a whole new meaning when you relax and spend the rest of the day enjoying the many amenities of your castle hotel, royally holding forth on 410 park-like acres.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Dromoland Castle, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Ireland

Day 3: Irish countryside delights via farm and field
Discover why farming has been an important part of life in the west of Ireland for centuries on a visit to Molanna Dairy Farm. Learn about the region's agricultural customs and traditions, have lunch, and meet the family who operates this working dairy farm. Then it's on to Ireland’s beautiful lake district and the city of Killarney, for a two-night stay at a hotel situated on sumptuous grounds surrounding castle ruins.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Hotel Dunloe Castle, Killarney, Ireland

Day 4: Around the Ring of Kerry
Nothing is more indicative of Ireland travel than the world-famous Ring of Kerry. Enjoy ever-changing scenic views on the drive – a craggy seacoast, sparking lakes, mighty mountains, peaceful glens and charming villages await you today. Return late afternoon to the hotel for the remainder of the day spent as you wish.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Hotel Dunloe Castle, Killarney, Ireland

Day 5: The Blarney Stone, rail to Dublin, and a night of distillery fun
Attempt to kiss the ancient stone, reputed to bequeath the legendary Irish gift of gab to those who are successful, at 15th-century Blarney Castle. Travel first class on the City Gold train across Ireland’s tranquil countryside to the capital city of Dublin for a three-night stay. For tonight, Tour Operator has arranged a very special private evening at the famous Old Jameson Distillery, where you'll enjoy dinner, a private tour revealing the whiskey distillery process, and a "Shindig Night" featuring traditional Irish entertainment.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: The Westbury Hotel, Dublin, Ireland

Day 6: Dublin’s fair city
No Ireland travel week would be complete without an exploration of Dublin’s fair city. See the intricate, glass-laced doorways of its charming Georgian houses; visit inside the library of ancient Trinity College to see the amazing Book of Kells; and take an opportunity to explore more of the city on your own – and perhaps visit a friendly, lively pub to sample a pint of its most famous locally made product, Guinness Stout. Your hotel, The Westbury, is set right in the heart of the city, just steps away from famed Grafton Street.

Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: The Westbury Hotel, Dublin, Ireland

Day 7: Secrets of Glendalough
Set deep in a valley within the scenic Wicklow Mountains just south of Dublin, the ruins of this 10th-century village are amazingly well preserved and truly remarkable. Discover the site and its secrets on a guided tour before returning to Dublin midday for an afternoon to explore as you please. Share memories of your Ireland travel with your traveling companions at a farewell dinner this evening.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: The Westbury Hotel, Dublin, Ireland

Day 8: From Dublin, Ireland travel home
We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home as your one-week Ireland travel sojourn concludes. Tour ends: Dublin. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from The Westbury Hotel to Dublin Airport; allow a minimum of 2 ½ hours for flight check-in.

Meals: Breakfast

ACCOMMODATIONS

Night 1 & 2:
Dromoland Castle
Newmarket-on-Fergus, Ireland

The readers of Travel + Leisure named Dromoland Castle one of the top 100 world hotels for 2008, and the readers of Condé Nast Traveler named it to the Gold List for 2008. One of the world’s most famous castle hotels, Dromoland Castle is magnificently steeped in history and tradition. In addition to all the pleasures to be found within the castle, to include the full-service spa and indoor pool, guests can enjoy superb golf, boating, shooting, fishing, tennis, walking and cycling within the extensive grounds of the estate.

Night 3 & 4: Hotel Dunloe Castle
Killarney, Ireland

Hotel Dunloe Castle is set amidst 64 acres of parkland and award-winning sub-tropical gardens in the lovely County Kerry countryside, overlooking the “Gap of Dunloe” and the River Laune. The ruins of the keep of its namesake, Dunloe Castle, are found at the end of the gardens and offer spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. Spacious guest rooms offer pleasant views. Leisure facilities include an indoor swimming pool, a sauna and steam room, an exercise room, a putting green, two indoor tennis courts, croquet and fishing in the River Laune. Treat yourself to an Irish whiskey or a glass of stout in the intimate bar overlooking the hotel’s lovely fountain.

Night 5 - 7: The Westbury Hotel
Dublin, Ireland

The heart of Dublin is right on your doorstep at The Westbury Hotel, conveniently situated in the center of “Dublin’s fair city.” At this proud member of The Leading Hotels of the World, spacious guest rooms feature air conditioning, custom-designed handmade Irish furniture, 32” flat-screen TV with cable and satellite channels, iron, in-room safe, high-speed Internet access, robes and slippers, Aveda bath products and a mini bar. The mini-gym offers a rowing machine, exercise bike, treadmill, ski trainer and a full set of free weights should you want to keep up with your workout routine. The Terrace Lounge, with its wingback armchairs and comfortable couches, is a delightful place from which to watch the hustle and bustle of Dublin swirl by as you enjoy a coffee or afternoon tea.

Inclusive Prices
Tour prices are per person in U.S. dollars. All hotel accommodations, motor coach transportation, First Class accommodations on the City Gold train from Mallow to Dublin, special dinners, sightseeing, admissions, luggage handling and the services of the Tour Director, local guides and drivers are included. A representative will meet you at Shannon Airport and provide transportation to the Dromoland Castle, regardless of the day and time of your arrival, provided you have furnished us with accurate flight information at least two weeks prior to the start of the tour. The Tour Operator will also provide transportation from The Westbury Hotel to Dublin International Airport regardless of the day and time of your departure. Please allow at least 2 ½ hours for flight check-in.

Hotel Accommodations – The tour price includes all hotel accommodations with private baths. The Tauck standard is to provide the best available hotels without sacrificing value. Although the quality may differ slightly from place to place, our commitment to your comfort is unwavering. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels. Triples are two-bedded rooms with a rollaway cot where available and are not recommended for comfort. King beds are not available in most hotels; a king-type bed usually consists of two single beds pushed together which are made up separately with one headboard. Some two-bedded rooms may have two single – not full or queen - beds.

Meals – Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary.

Tour Director – A Week in… Ireland is conducted by a Tour Director who remains with the group throughout the tour. Your Tour Director is a professional, fully trained employee of the Tour Operator.

Gratuities Included – All gratuities for restaurant and hotel staff and local guides are included.

No Options Sold – Your Tour Director will assist you with information on free-time activities based on honest opinion and guidance but will not sell you anything. This means better value and a more relaxed, pleasant experience for you.

Not Included

Airfare to the tour departure point and from the tour ending point is not included. Airfare may be purchased from Tauck for travel originating in the United States.

Hotel Rooms Before and After Tours – To avoid jet lag and possible flight delays, you may wish to make hotel arrangements for the nights preceding or following your tour. As a service, Tthe Tour Operator will book additional nights for you on a space-available basis using special rates only available through the Tour Operator. Hotel room charges will be added to the tour cost. If you wish to spend additional nights, please consult the Extend This Journey section on this website and discuss it with the reservations agent when you book your tour.

Luggage Responsibility – Although every effort is made to handle your luggage carefully, we cannot be responsible, assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft, or fair wear and tear through hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is important for your own self-interest and protection that you make certain you have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities. Please refer to the Protection Plan for more information.

Personal Expenses - Phone calls, room service, alcoholic and bar beverages, laundry, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa fees and services, individual airport transfers and other optional or incidental extras are not included and may be significant.

Tour Director and Driver Gratuities - The customary gratuities to the Tour Director and driver are not included. Gratuities should be extended on a voluntary, individual basis and not as a group.