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Day 1 - Dublin
After we will arrive at Dublin Airport and meet with our driver and guide we will be transfer to the hotel for check-in, and enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Dublin.
Day 2 – Wicklow - Kilkenny
Today we will take a tour of Wicklow.
South of Dublin is County Wicklow. Known as “the Garden of Ireland”, it is home to Powers court, Mount Usher and Russ borough, to name a few of its many houses and gardens. This region features all the various types of scenery that makes Ireland so beautiful. The coastline is bordered by charming sea resorts such as Bray or Grey stones.
We will continue our tour and visit the Powers court Gardens, a magnificent example of aristocratic gardens from the 19th century. The gardens have many features including the Triton pool with its 100-ft fountain. There are statues of winged horses (emblems of the Wingfield coat of arms) flanking a grotto by the pool. There are many rare plants and wonderful views of the Great Sugar Loaf Mountain.
Following a visit to Powers court Gardens, stop at Glendalough.
Enjoy a city tour of Kilkenny upon your arrival.
Capital of County Kilkenny, the town of Kilkenny is often referred to as “the Marble City”. It is the most interesting and best preserved of the medieval Irish cities. It owes its immense charm to the various impressive historical monuments. A medieval city of 24,000 people it is characterised by many beautifully restored buildings and winding slipways ~ it is small and compact (best explored on foot), yet full of fascinating historical buildings and contemporary shops, design galleries and restaurants.
Overnight, dinner and full Irish breakfast at your Kilkenny Hotel.
Day 3 – Rock of Cashel, Blarney, Kerry
Today, we will travel to Kerry. En Route, we will visit the Rock of Cashel
Possibly the most photographed site in Ireland, the Rock of Cashel is one of Ireland's leading tourist attractions. Towering over the town of Cashel from its perch on a 200-foot high outcrop of limestone, the Rock of Cashel was once the seat of the Kings of Munster.
We will continue our tour and Visit Blarney Castle, Attracting visitors from all over the world; Blarney Castle is situated in Blarney 8 km from Cork City. An ancient stronghold of the McCarthy's, Lords of Muskerry, it is one of Ireland's oldest and most historic castles, and indeed one of the strongest fortresses in Munster.
Travel onwards to Kerry.
Day 4 – Ring of Kerry
Today, we will travel the Ring of Kerry- the most famous and panoramic route in Ireland. The astonishing beauty of this large peninsula comes from the great diversity of its scenery, which offers incessant contrasts. En route around the Ring, take in spectacular scenery - mountains, peat bogs, lakes and magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean as one travels along the coast road. Continuing to Cahirciveen, you’ll pass the birthplace of our National hero, Daniel O’Connell. Next, continue on through peat bogs to the town of Waterville. Continue to Sneem Village, famous for its brightly coloured houses. The road then continues through the mountains to Molls Gap and Ladies View with superb views of the famous Lakes of Killarney.
We will Visit Muckross House and Gardens, a magnificent Victorian mansion built in 1843 and is one of Ireland’s leading stately homes. Built on the shores of Muckross Lake, it is beautifully situated amidst the spectacular scenery of Killarney National Park.
Day 5 – Cliffs of Moher and Bunratty Castle.
Today, visit Bunratty Castle, one of the most complete and authentic medieval castles in Ireland. Within the grounds of Bunratty castle is Bunratty Folk Park. The Folk Park demonstrates everyday life in rural Ireland of the 19th century. It contains reconstructed farmhouses, cottages and shops, and great care has been taken to make its buildings as authentic as possible. It is a living museum ~ animals are tended, bread is baked, milk is churned, walls are whitewashed and roofs are thatched. You may visit an Irish farmhouse, watch the blacksmith fit a horseshoe, attend a weaving demonstration, and bake and eat scones at the local teahouse.
Next we will Visit the Cliffs of Moher, which Situated on the Atlantic Ocean and bordering the Burren Area, the Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland's most spectacular sights. Standing 230 metres above the ground at their highest point and 8km long, the Cliffs boast one of the most amazing views in Ireland.
Day 6 – Connemara and Kylemore Abbey.
Today, we will take a Connemara tour
Connemara, is a land of lakes and rivers, bogs and mountains. A land of small villages where Gaelic is still the spoken language and where little has changed little since the beginning of time. It is without a doubt the wildest and the most romantic part of Ireland. Connemara is a real paradise for Nature lovers and those in search of strong emotions.
Visit Kylemore Abbey- located in the Kylemore Pass in Connemara. A Mitchell Henry built the House in 1868, after having spent his honeymoon in the area. The architecture is best described as neo-gothic and the house still displays all the characteristics of that period. Facilities at Kylemore include a visitor centre, an exhibition housed in the main reception rooms of the house and a video which takes the visitor through the history of the house and its occupants.
Day 7 – Dublin City Tour
Today we will enjoy a panoramic tour of Dublin, discovering the north side of the River Liffey. This area offers great striking monuments such as the GPO (General Post Office) on the city main thoroughfare, O'Connell Street, or the Custom House along the quays, as well as the Phoenix Park, the largest public park in Europe.
The south side appears more sophisticated with its vast Georgian squares, such as Merrion Square, where Oscar Wilde’s House can still be found (today owned by an American College), its colourful doors, along with Grafton Street and its quality shops. Not so far from St. Stephen’s Green, in Kildare St., you will see the house of Bram Stoker, the author of Dracula. This part of the city is also dominated by the students of Trinity College, where the famous book of Kells is permanently exhibited in its library. The university is facing the medieval district where Dublin Castle and the two Anglican Cathedrals can be found.
Day 8 – Farewell
Following your final Irish breakfast, enjoy a time at leisure in Dublin.
Transfer to Dublin Airport for departure.
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