Escorted Tours Ireland and Ireland Tours by Isle Inn Tours

Included:

Depart US

Return

Land Only

Air Inclusive from JFK

Eight nights at first class hotels
Full Irish/Ulster breakfast daily
Five table d'hote dinners
Dinner and entertainment at The Merry Ploughboy Pub
Services of an experienced Irish driver/guide
Admissions as highlighted on the itinerary
Porterage of one suitcase per person
All service charges & local government taxes
Isle Inn Tours flight bag & luggage tag
Deluxe document holder with information package

May 12	May 21	Sold Out
June 2	June 11	Sold Out
July 21	July 30	Sold Out
Aug 4	Aug 13	Sold Out
Oct 13	Oct 22	Sold Out
Single Supplement: $ 475 Departure Tax not included Legend: B = Breakfast D = Dinner *Air inclusive prices are estimated, subject to change and do not include departure tax. All prices are per person sharing.

ITINERARY

Day 1

Depart US for Shannon. Welcome aboard your overnight flight to Shannon, Ireland..

Day 2

Upon arrival at Shannon Airport you will meet your experienced Irish driver/guide in the Arrivals Hall. The first stop will be at the Templegate Hotel in the town of Ennis where a complimentary light Irish breakfast will be served. Journey northward along the coast of Clare and stop for a refreshing walk along the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher that stand 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. Continue through the Burren region and on to Galway city. Overnight: The House Hotel, Galway. (B, D)

Day 3

After breakfast drive west into the wild and wonderful Connemara region for a visit to the Connemara History & Heritage Center. The Center offers a unique insight into the history and heritage of this beautiful part of the West of Ireland. The drive continues through the Inagh Valley passing heather covered mountains and picturesque lakes. The vista is ever changing from day to day as the slightest change in the weather is reflected in the lakes and mountains. The highlight of the day will be a cruise along Ireland's only fjord, Killary. Sit back and enjoy some of Ireland's finest scenery from the comfort of this luxurious catamaran. Complimentary tea and scones will be served on board. Return to Galway in the late afternoon where you can enjoy some free time before dinner. Overnight: The House Hotel, Galway (B, D)

Day 4

After a leisurely breakfast enjoy some free time in Galway city. Continue your journey north to the town of Belleek to visit the Belleek Pottery Factory. See how skilled craftspeople form and decorate clay to produce delicate porcelain. You will arrive in Donegal in the late afternoon. Overnight: Mill Park Hotel, Donegal. (B, D)

Day 5

Leaving Donegal town you will journey north along the rugged landscape of the Blue Stack Mountains. Take a tour of Glenveagh National Park & Castle which lies to the east of the Derryveagh Mountains. High walls and conifers provide shelter for exotic plants and a large herd of red deer. Glenveagh is a granite castle, which was built in 1870 on the shores of Lough Veagh. Enjoy some time at leisure to explore the beautiful gardens. Continue into the city of Derry to check into your hotel. Overnight: Everglades Hotel, Derry (B, D)

Day 6

This morning a local guide will take you on a walking tour around Derry still mostly encircled by its medieval city walls. They are among the best-preserved city fortifications in the Western World. Learn about the city's fascinating history while enjoying some spectacular scenery. Board your motorcoach to visit the Ulster American Folk Park, an outdoor museum of cottages, including that of Thomas Mellon's ancestors. See traditional cottages and displays of rural Irish life together with portrayals of the Atlantic crossing to the United States and the life of early Appalachian settlers. Return to Derry in the early evening. Overnight: Everglades Hotel, Derry (B, D)

Day 7

Travel up to the Northern Coast to the Giant's Causeway, a mass of 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns formed over 60 million years ago. Legends about giants abound, especially Finn McCool, a hardy Ulster hero. Tour the Old Bushmills Distillery, the world's oldest, first licensed in 1608. Journey along the spectacular "Glens of Antrim", nine wooded river valleys running down to the shore. It's a coastline sprinkled with historic castles, churches and forts. Continue onto Belfast City. This evening you may wish to visit the Crown Liquor Saloon, a restored national landmark located across from your hotel. Overnight: Holiday Inn Hotel, Belfast (B)

Day 8

A local guide will take you on a two-hour tour through Belfast City, rich in Victorian and Edwardian architecture. See major points of interest including Stormont House, Belfast City Hall and Queen's University. Stop in Downpatrick to visit the Saint Patrick Centre to learn about Ireland's Patron Saint. Drive along the coast and enjoy spectacular views of the Mourne Mountains as they "sweep down to the sea". This evening is free to explore Ireland's cosmopolitan city on your own. Overnight: Camden Court Hotel, Dublin. (B)

Day 9

Following breakfast you will enjoy a driving tour of this ancient city, which was once occupied by Vikings. You will visit Dublinia, which houses an exhibition covering the formative period of Dublin's history from the arrival of the Anglo-Normans in 1170 to the closure of the monasteries in the 1540's. Followed by a tour of Christ Church Cathedral. Standing on high ground in the oldest part of the city, this cathedral is one of Dublin's finest historic buildings dating back to 1038. The remainder of the afternoon is free for independent exploration. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner at The Merry Ploughboy's Pub, followed by authentic Irish entertainment. Overnight: Camden Court Hotel, Dublin. (B, D)

Day 10

This is the final day of the scheduled tour. Those returning home will depart your hotel after breakfast for the short drive to Dublin Airport arriving in plenty of time for last minute shopping. Return to the US. Those wishing to remain in Dublin or add a side trip to London can make those arrangements at the time of booking. We will be happy to extend your stay and customize your additional days in Ireland. (B)