Saturday - Depart US for your overnight flight to Shannon, Ireland. Our travel planners are available to assist with your flight arrangements and any pre- or post-tour arrangements.

Sunday - Meet your Irish driver/guide in the arrivals hall and start your journey. Your first stop will be to one of Ireland's top visitor attractions, the Cliffs of Moher. Then make your way to the city of Limerick, located on the banks of the majestic River Shannon, Ireland's longest river. Its past is etched from Viking & Norman, to Medieval & Georgian, to modern times. You will have free time to relax in your room or explore the city before dinner in your hotel. Perhaps visit the Hunt Museum, set in the former 18th century Custom House to see an art collection with some Renoir, Picasso, Gauguin, O'Connor and Yeats. Why not try a true Irish coffee before dinner with our compliments, invented by Joseph Sheridan, a native of Co. Limerick. Overnight: Absolute Hotel, Limerick (B, D)

Monday - After breakfast journey to the charming town of Killarney in Co. Kerry. Here take pleasure in a tour through history, legend & folklore on a jaunting car ride that rambles its way through Killarney National Park, and onto Ross Castle on the shores of Lough Lein. Enjoy some free time in town before continuing on to County Cork. Arrive in Cork City in the late afternoon for hotel check-in and free time before dinner. You must take in the English Market, the building dates back to 1786 is something of an institution in Cork. The colors, tastes, and flavors are unforgettable, so too are the characters there. This evening enjoy a pint in one of the many pubs that Cork has to offer. Overnight: Imperial Hotel, Cork (B,D)

Tuesday - Today's touring begins with a visit to the legendary Blarney Castle where you will have the chance to kiss the famous Blarney Stone and tour the castle and its gardens. There are many legends as to the source of the stone, but some say that it was the Lia Fáil-a magical stone upon which Irish kings were crowned. According to legend, kissing the stone endows one with the gift of eloquence. Visit Kinsale where you will have the chance to meander through the quaint streets and alleyways down by the harbor and marina. Stop into one of the many restaurants for some lunch and discover why the town is referred to as the 'gourmet capital of Ireland'. Return to Cork City where the remainder of your day is free. Have dinner and enjoy some traditional Irish music on your own this evening. While out, try the local brew. Midleton Whiskey is distilled nearby and both Beamish and Murphy's are made in Cork as well. They go very well with live traditional music! Overnight: Imperial Hotel, Cork (B)

Wednesday - Begin the day with a visit to the Midleton Distillery. Tour the old distillery complex, built in 1825. Amongst the stunning old buildings on site, you will see the large water wheel, still turning today, and the largest pot still in the world. Perhaps get the chance to become a qualified Irish Whiskey taster? Then journey onward to Kilkenny, a vibrant, flourishing city with a fascinating medieval history and a thriving crafts industry, Kilkenny City is one of the country's most appealing cities to visit. With an 800-year-old Norman castle looking over the ancient streets, Kilkenny City is a hip, cosmopolitan destination with a diverse range of restaurants, lively pubs and bars.
This city is home to the popular brew, 'Smithwicks'. Try a pint at Kyteler's Inn and hear the fascinating story of Dame Alice le Kyteler. Was she really a witch? Listen to the story and make your own decision. Overnight: Kilkenny River Court, Kilkenny (B, D)

Thursday - Today's journey will take you to the vibrant city of Dublin. En route stop at Glendalough, an early Christian Monastic site was founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. Set in a glaciated valley with two lakes, the monastic remains include a superb round tower, stone churches and decorated crosses. Tonight enjoy dinner and entertainment at The Brazen Head, known as the oldest pub in Ireland. Dine in a candlelit room and be mesmerized by the storytelling of a local Irishman who will narrate the history, folklore and myths of times past and present. Afterwards you can head downstairs to the bar for some lively music by the locals!
Overnight: Camden Court, Dublin (B, D)