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Enchanting Ireland - KCAU TV
Highlights
- Day 1: Fly to IrelandOur journey to the Emerald Isle begins with a pleasant overnight flight to Dublin.
- Day 2: DublinThis morning, we discover the capital city of Dublin on a tour featuring its top highlights, historic landmarks, Georgian-style buildings, and a visit to Christ Church Cathedral. This incredible day concludes with dinner at our beautiful hotel.
Meals Included: Dinner
- Day 3: ClonmacnoiseWe travel west this morning to Clonmacnoise, a ruined monastic site nestled along the banks of the River Shannon. This ancient site, featuring remains of nine churches, a round tower, and high Celtic Crosses, was previously a major center of religion and education that attracted scholars from all over Europe. Later, we experience authentic Irish hospitality at Rathbaun Farm, where sheep graze the fields as the fragrance of freshly baked goods and a peat fire fill the air. Our hosts invite us inside their charming, thatched cottage to enjoy homemade scones and a pot of Irish tea. Tonight, we settle into our accommodations for the next two evenings in Galway.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 4: Kylemore AbbeyOur day begins at the Connemara Celtic Crystal factory in Pollacappul, where Celtic motifs are expertly cut into colored crystal. Then, enjoy a scenic drive through the dramatic canvas of Connemara, dense with gleaming rivers and lakes, stunning coastal views, and rugged rock formations. We arrive at Kylemore Abbey, home to a community of Benedictine Nuns since World War I. Spend time exploring this expansive historic site including the castle, Victorian walled gardens, a neo-Gothic church, a shop with handmade Irish goods, and more. Back in Galway, experience local culture while stepping into the city’s lively entertainment scene during an evening at leisure.
Meals Included: Breakfast
- Day 5: Cliffs of MoherSoak up otherworldly beauty on our morning drive through the Burren in County Clare, famous for its archaeological sites, unique rock formations, and glacial-age limestone that has eroded over the years to form moonscape patterns. Next, we stop at the Cliffs of Moher, an iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site. This geological marvel, extending five miles along the coast and soaring up 700 feet from the sea, once assured World War II pilots that they had reached European shores. We then explore Ireland’s heritage at Bunratty Folk Park, a recreated 19th-century village. Later, life in old Ireland comes alive during this evening’s merrymaking at a medieval castle banquet! Tonight’s hotel is in Limerick.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 6: KillarneyThis morning, we admire thatched cottages and beautiful stone buildings in the traditional Irish village of Adare. Next, we travel to Killarney, a vibrant little town surrounded by gorgeous countryside and our home for the next two nights. After checking in to our hotel, we enjoy a traditional jaunting car ride through the unspoiled terrain of Killarney National Park, Ireland’s first national park. Tonight, our cultural experience continues with authentic Irish cuisine, folk music, and dancing at Kate Kearney’s Cottage, a 150-year-old family-run establishment.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 7: Ring of KerryWe spend today relaxing on one of Ireland’s most picturesque drives, the Ring of Kerry. Have your camera ready to capture the rugged mountains, shimmering lakes, emerald valleys, and dramatic seascapes. We return to Killarney with an evening at leisure exploring the city and its incredible live music.
Meals Included: Breakfast
- Day 8: Blarney CastleOur morning begins with a tour of Blarney Castle, including an opportunity to kiss the fabled stone and be rewarded with the gift of gab. We also enjoy time to shop for some treasured gifts among the array of Waterford crystal, Irish sweaters, and other locally made items at Blarney Woollen Mills Store. Later, we travel to the stunning Rock of Cashel to learn about the rise of this majestic fortress, once an assembly place for kings and then an important religious center. This evening, we check in to our accommodations in Kilkenny.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 9: KilkennyWe kick off our day with a tour of medieval Kilkenny Castle, built in the 12th century to guard against crossings of the River Nore. Admire the opulent halls, browse Period Rooms, and see three of its original four towers. This afternoon is yours to explore as you wish. Stroll the medieval city’s narrow winding streets, visit the National Design & Craft Center, or enjoy lunch at a local pub. Later, we return to Dublin for a special Farewell Dinner to celebrate our spectacular Irish journey and new friendships.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 10: Fly HomeWe fly home from Dublin with wonderful memories of the Emerald Isle.
What's Included
All Accommodations
- 1 night at Dunboyne Castle Hotel near Dublin
- 2 nights at Maldron Hotel Glasgow
- 1 night at The Savoy in Limerick
- 2 nights at the Muckross Park Hotel in Killarney
- 1 night at Lyrath Estate Hotel in Kilkenny
- 1 night at Dunboyne Castle Hotel near Dublin (before we return home)
Attractions & Highlights
- Dublin guided city tour
- Christ Church Cathedral
- Rathbaun Farm
- Clonmacnoise monastic ruins
- Kylemore Abbey
- Connemara Crystal Factory
- Connemara region
- Burren in County Clare
- Bunratty Folk Park
- Cliffs of Moher
- Jaunting car ride in Killarney National Park
- Adare, traditional Irish village
- Ring of Kerry scenic drive
- Blarney Castle
- Blarney Woollen Mills Store
- Rock of Cashel
- Kilkenny Castle
13 Excellent Meals
- Daily deluxe breakfast
- Irish Evening at Kate Kearney’s Cottage
- Farewell Dinner in Dublin
Learn more about what's included with the Holiday Advantage.
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