Ireland - A Week in Ireland

Day 1: Welcome to Ireland
Your exploration of the Emerald Isle begins immediately upon your arrival in Ireland. Tour departs: 9:30 AM from Shannon Airport. Discover the earliest traditions of Ireland during a visit to Bunratty Folk Park. Have lunch on a working dairy farm en route to luxurious Dromoland Castle for a two-night stay. Meet those who will share this Ireland travel experience with you at a welcome cocktail reception and dinner.
Meals: Lunch, 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 enjoy the castle’s many amenities for the rest of the day.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Dromoland Castle, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Ireland

Day 3: Irish countryside delights
Explore the charming village of Adare, with its ancient stone walls and thatched cottages, then it’s on to Ireland’s beautiful lake district and the city of Killarney. At Muckross House, travel back in time in a traditional, horse-drawn jaunting cart to discover a 19th-century stately home and estate.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Hotel Europe/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.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Hotel Europe/Hotel Dunloe Castle, Killarney, Ireland

Day 5: A visit to the Blarney Stone and a train ride to Dublin
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. The Tour Operator has arranged an evening of Irish folklore and storytelling tonight at a typical Irish pub.
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. Known for the intricate, glass-laced doorways of its charming Georgian houses, as the site of ancient Trinity College and the amazing Book of Kells, as well as for its impressive literary tradition, Dublin enchants at every turn. While in Dublin, 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. Return 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: 7:00 AM at Dublin Airport. Those departing other times should secure their own transportation to the airport; allow a minimum of 2 ½ hours for flight check-in.
Meals: Breakfast

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 2006, and the readers of Condé Nast Traveler named it to the Gold List for 2007. 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 Europe
Killarney, Ireland

One of Ireland’s finest hotels, 5-star Hotel Europe is set amidst 30 acres of gardens on the shores of Loch Lein, adjacent to the Killarney Golf and Fishing Club. All guestrooms are warmly furnished with a comfortable rustic feel. Leisure facilities include an indoor swimming pool, two exercise rooms, two indoor tennis courts and a beauty center. Enjoy the views of this area of Ireland’s marvelous scenery from the Panorama Restaurant and the Brasserie bistro.

*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 guestrooms 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.

*Some departures will stay at Hotel Dunloe Castle for nights

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 guestrooms 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.