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Highlights of Ireland 2012

Enjoy touring Ireland while our experienced driver takes you on a leisurely journey through beautiful towns, villages, and other dramatic scenery. Ireland truly is a magical country. Prepare to be amazed by her breathtaking scenery and the many interesting attractions you will encounter, including Trinity College, Muckross House, Rock of Cashel, Ireland's only fjord, and the Guinness Storehouse. This is our most requested escorted tour for over 10 years.

This tour is limited to 25 participants.

Included:
Tour Dates 2012
Depart USA
Arrive Dublin
Depart Dublin
Land Only
 
  • 7 nights first class hotels
  • Full Irish breakfast daily(B)
  • 5 table d'hote dinners(D)
  • Special dinner with entertainment in Dublin at The Merry Ploughboy(D)
  • Services of an experienced Irish driver/guide
  • Admissions as highlighted on the itinerary
  • Porterage of one suitcase
  • All service charges & local government taxes
  • Isle Inn Tours flight bag & luggage tag
  • Deluxe document holder with informational booklet
April 28 April 29
May 06
$1435
SOLD OUT
June 23 June 24
July 01
$1565
SOLD OUT
August 18August 19
August 26
$1589
October 06 October 07
October 14
$1385
GUARANTEED DEPARTURE
November 03November 04November 11
$1335
 
Single Supplement $399


* Tour pricing is per person, land-only, & based on double occupancy.

Legend: B = Breakfast D = Dinner





 ITINERARY
 Day 1

Saturday - Depart the United States on your overnight flight to Dublin, Ireland. Our travel planners are available to assist with your flight arrangements and any pre- or post-tour arrangements.

 Day 2

Sunday - Fáilte go h-Éirinn! Meet your Irish driver/guide in the arrivals hall and start your journey. Your early arrival should have you ready for some tea and scones. Afterwards, enjoy the scenic views of Ireland's wild green countryside as you venture to the medieval city of Kilkenny. You will have free time to explore the city before dinner in your hotel. Set in the heart of the city, your hotel is steps from countless pubs and shops were you can enjoy a few pints and perhaps exchange some banter with the locals of Kilkenny. Overnight: Pembroke Hotel, Kilkenny (B, D)

 Day 3

Monday - Leaving Kilkenny travel a short distance to Cashel, in County Tipperary. Here visit the Rock of Cashel, home to the ruins of a great Celtic cathedral. Legend associates the Rock of Cashel with St. Patrick, but the name comes from Caiseal, meaning "stone fort", and the hill was originally the residence of the king of Munster. Excavations have revealed some evidence of burials and church buildings from the 9th or 10th century, but it was in the early 12th century that the Rock began to develope into a major Christian center. Next, continue on to Blarney Castle, in County Cork, where those energetic enough will have an opportunity to climb the 104 steps to kiss the stone located in the battlements and gain "the gift of the gab." Arrive in Killarney in the early evening and check-in to your hotel. Overnight: Killarney Avenue Hotel, Killarney (B, D)

 Day 4

Tuesday - Today your driver/guide will take you on a tour with such beautiful scenery, the memories will last a lifetime. First, you will stop for a visit at Muckross House, a Victorian mansion, once visited by Queen Victoria and one of Ireland's finest stately manors. Next, you will drive the majestical Ring of Kerry, one of the most spectacular scenic drives in all of Ireland. Above all, the Ring of Kerry provides an amazing insight into the ancient heritage of Ireland - see the Iron Age Forts & Ogham Stones, Old Monasteries and a landscape carved out of rock by the last Ice Age 10,000 years ago. Return to Killarney with time to explore the town, or enjoy a drink in the hotel pub before dinner with your group. Overnight: Killarney Avenue Hotel, Killarney (B, D)

 Day 5

Wednesday - As you journey to Galway, you will travel along the beautiful coast of Clare and the lunar landscapes of the Burren with a stop at the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher. From the Cliffs one can see the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, as well as The Twelve Pins, the Maum Turk Mountains in Connemara and Loop Head to the South. The Cliffs of Moher take their name from a ruined promontory fort "Mothar" which was demolished during the Napoleonic wars to make room for a signal tower. Arrive Galway with time to explore the city before reuniting with your group for a delicious dinner in the hotel.
Overnight: Menlo Park, Galway (B, D)

 Day 6

Thursday - Relax and enjoy the scenery of the wild and wonderful Connemara region. Today's journey takes you to Killary Harbor, Ireland's only fjord, for a delightful cruise including complimentary tea and scones as you take in some of Ireland's most rugged scenery. Back on land, continue to Kylemore Abbey, one of the most photographed locations in Ireland. Originally built in 1867, Kylemore Abbey and the surrounding mountains and lakes are steeped in history including engineering initiatives, model farms, tragedy, royal visits, gambling debts, a hideaway during Ireland's troubled history as well as excellence in education. Return to Galway in early evening with time to explore, relax, or discover the perfect spot for a pint.
Overnight: Menlo Park, Galway (B, D)

 Day 7

Friday - Today's journey will take you to the vibrant city of Dublin. Stop en route for a tour of Clonmacnoise; a guided tour of this site will reveal some of the best examples of high crosses and round towers in Ireland. Tonight enjoy dinner and authentic Irish entertainment at the Merry Ploughboy from start to finish, this show is based on fantastic interaction between the performers and the audience live music, comedy, song, and dance. Overnight: Alexander Hotel, Dublin (B, D)

 Day 8

Saturday - After breakfast, embark on a sightseeing tour of Dublin City, one of the most vibrant capitals in the world. Explore the elegant Georgian squares and houses, colorful parks, and bustling shopping areas. Then, onto the Guinness Storehouse, filled with 250 years of history, seven floors of exhibits, and topped with a complimentary pint of Guinness and panoramic views of Dublin from the Gravity Bar. Your tour culminates with a visit to Trinity College for a glimpse of the world-renowned 9th century Book of Kells. The remainder of the day is free to explore this historic city and dine in one of the many traditional pubs or restaurants. Overnight: Alexander Hotel, Dublin (B, D)

 Day 9

Sunday - Arrive Dublin airport with time for last minute duty-free shopping and airport check-in. . (B)