Day 1 - Arrive in Dublin with time enough for some sightseeing and shopping in Ireland's Capitol City. You will take an Open Top Bus
Tour with hop on and off service this afternoon. Stops you may want to make while on the tour are Guinness Storehouse, Phoenix
Park, Old Jameson Distillery, Christ Church Cathedral, St. Patrick's Cathedral. This evening we will gather for a Welcoming
Pub Dinner and Irish Music Night with the Merry Ploughboys to kick off the tour! Dinner and Overnight Dublin. (L,D)
Day 2 - This morning we journey a short ways out of Dublin to the Hill of Tara. Tara was the political and spiritual center of Celtic Ireland
and the Seat of High Kings until the 11th century. Sitting on top of the King's Seat is the most famous of Tara's monuments, Ireland's
ancient coronation stone. 142 kings are said to have reigned there in prehistoric and historic times. In ancient Irish religion and mythology
Tara was the sacred place of dwelling for the gods, and was the entrance to the otherworld. Saint Patrick is said to have come to Tara to
confront the ancient religion of the pagans at its most powerful site. Our next stop is Trim Castle, the largest and one of the most important
Norman military constructions in Ireland and possibly the first stone castle. The castle was also used as a film location for the movie
Braveheart. Pub Lunch at Brogan's Bar in Trim before we return to Dublin with some free time to explore, shop and sample the many
eateries to be found in Temple Bar and Dublin. Overnight Dublin. (B,L)
Day 3 - This morning we will take a drive through the beautiful Wicklow Mountains to Powerscourt House and Gardens. The
house is now home to the best of Irish design in gifts, clothes, and furniture in the Avoca Stores and the Interiors Gallery but the
setting and the 47 acres of gardens is what draws visitors to this lovely estate. We are then off to Enniscorthy and Enniscorthy Castle.
The town of Enniscorthy developed around this much rebuilt and restored 13th-century castle standing on a rock at the head of the River
Slaney. We then continue on to the lovely inland city of Kilkenny. Set upon the banks of the River Nore, Kilkenny is abound in history
and just as importantly in pubs! This small city boasts more than 80 official pubs! Dinner at Langton's in Kilkenny. And then you are
free to take in one or several of the over 80 listed pubs! Overnight near Kilkenny. (B,D)
Day 4 - This morning will take some time to investigate the medieval town of Kilkenny before a visit to Kilkenny Castle. Built in the
1190's, Kilkenny Castle was occupied right up to 1935. High spots of the tour include the library, the wood-paneled dining room and the
Chinese bedroom. Heading out of Kilkenny City we make our way to a working farm where will have a Tour of the Farm followed by
Afternoon Tea in the Farmhouse. We then make our way to Jerpoint Abbey, one of the finest Cistercian ruins in Ireland. Built in
1160, the fortified medieval complex flourished until the dissolution of the Monasteries. It offers a unique insight into the lives of the monks
because many of its domestic arrangements are still recognisable. We then return to Kilkenny before a Pub Dinner. Overnight near
Kilkenny. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - This morning we make our way to Waterford and a visit to Waterford Crystal Factory. Waterford has been making their
famous crystal since 1783 and we will take a tour of the factory where we will see every stage of the glass production. The new visitor centre
opened in June 2010 and has followed the tradition of Waterford. After some lunch on your own we will visit Reginalds Tower, a circular
tower, part of the town's defences, built in the beginning of the 13th century, with a second phase in the 15th century. It was also used as a
mint, prison and military store. We then visit Waterford's Museum of Treasures. The museum houses a unique exhibition that, using a
superb collection of historic and archaeological artifacts, tells the 1000-year-story of Waterford from Viking times through medieval times
to the present. Dinner and Overnight near Waterford. (B,D)
Day 6 - Much of today is about spectacular scenery! The Dungarvan and Copper Coast Drive embraces the panoramic seascapes,
cliffs, bays and coves between Dungarvan and the major seaside resort of Tramore. We will also see more intimate Seaside Resorts with
Blue Flag Beaches, Clonea and Bunmahon. We will stop in Ardmore for a Lovely Farmhouse Afternoon Tea before a visit to
Midleton and the Old Midleton Distillery, the home of Jameson Irish Whiskey. A tour of the distillery takes in the Mills,
Maltings, Still-houses, Kilns, Granaries and Warehouses. Then on to the lovely village of Cobh which was the last docking point of
the Titanic before it's fateful last voyage. After dinner Ghost Walk of Cobh ending in Pillars Bar, the most haunted building in Cobh.
Dinner and Overnight Cobh. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Our first stop today is Blarney Castle in County Cork. If the gift of gab has not been bestowed on you, you may want to kiss the
Blarney Stone. The castle itself sits in spectacular grounds and is well worth a visit along with the Blarney Woollen Mills Outlet with 3
floors of wonderful shopping. We will stop in Cork for Lunch at the Silver Springs Moran Hotel before a chance to wander around
Cork. Cork City is Ireland's third city (after Dublin and Belfast) and has always been an important seaport. It began on an island in the
swampy estuary of the River Lee and gradually climbed up the steep banks on either side. There is a signpost Walking Tour, so get the
accompanying booklet and set off to explore the hilly streets and meet the people. Important landmarks are St. Finn Barre's Cathedral,
English Market and the Grand Parade. Dinner on your own back in Cobh. Overnight Cobh. (B,L)
Day 8 - This morning we make our way to the town of Kinsale on our way west. The medieval town of Kinsale is known for good food,
traditional bars, beautiful buildings, narrow streets, shops and galleries and lots of activities on land and sea. After some time to investigate,
our next visit is to Bantry House and Gardens. Bantry House is not only one of the finest historic houses in Ireland, but it also
commands one of the best views overlooking Bantry Bay in West Cork. The house is still owned and lived in by Egerton Shelswell-
Whites. We then make our way to Kenmare where we find Afternoon Tea waiting. Kenmare is the Gourmet and Lace Capitol of
Ireland and you will have some time to investigate the shops here in Kenmare before we journey to Killarney. We will be out to listen to
some Traditional Irish Music tonight following dinner. Dinner and Overnight Killarney. (B,L,D)
Day 9 - This morning we take in the wilds of the Dingle Peninsula. A drive around the area reveals fascinating antiquities ranging from
Iron Age Stone Forts to Inscribed Stones, early Christian Oratories and Beehive Huts. Stops include Dunbeg Fort, Slea
Head, Ballyferriter, Kilmalkedar and Gallarus Oratory Drystone Church. The Gallarus Oratory was built and used by local
farmers of the area at an early date, estimates of which generally range from the 6th century to the 9th century. Built in the Iron Age,
Dunbeg Fort is an impressive and elaborate example of a promontory fort. Its location makes it one of the most dramatic archaeological
sites on the Dingle Peninsula. It is built on a sheer cliff which projects South into Dingle Bay, at the base of Mount Eagle on the Slea
Head Road. We then return to Dingle with some time to investigate this attractive fishing port village. This afternoon finds us back in
Killarney which is one of my favorite places in Ireland. Dinner and Overnight Killarney. (B,D)
Day 10 - Today we make our way to Tipperary as we drive through the Glen of Aherlow a country valley, which lies between the
Slievenamuck Ridge and the main Galtee Mountain Range. We will take in the market town of Tipperary in the heart of the Golden
Vale before we make our way to Cahir and Cahir Castle. Once the stronghold of the powerful Butler family, the castle retains its
impressive keep, tower and much of its original defensive structure. It is one of Ireland's largest and best preserved castles. We then journey
to Fethard for Lunch at McCarthy's Pub and Undertakers. This afternoon we visit Cashel and the Rock of Cashel. Cashel with
its well preserved ecclesiastical remains, is one of Ireland's spectacular landmarks, rising above the surrounding plain and dominating the
land route southwards. There is a 13th century cathedral, 12th century round tower and the Chapel of King Cormac. Dinner and
Overnight Cashel. (B,L,D)
Day 11 - This morning we visit Limerick. In the heart of Limerick City, we find King John's Castle, a 13th century Castle on ‘King’s
Island’ overlooking the majestic River Shannon offering wonderful views of the city. After a visit to the castle we will spend some time
looking around Limerick before visiting The Georgian House, one of a terrace of six houses built c. 1830 by the Pery Square Tontine
Company. This terrace is widely regarded as being the best example of late Georgian Architecture in Limerick and probably in
Ireland. This afternoon we make our way to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. The Folk Park is a meticulous recreation of rural life at the
end of the 19th century. After exploring the park and this 15th century formidable castle the highlight of the day will be a Medieval
Banquet for which the castle is famous! Banquet Dinner and Overnight near Shannon. (B,D)
Day 12 - This morning we make our way north to visit The Burren, a unique botanical environment in which
Mediterranean and Alpine plants rare to Ireland grow side by side. In the southern part of the Burren, limestone gives away to black
shale and sandstone to form the dramatic Cliffs of Moher. Even when shrouded in mist, the Cliffs of Moher are breathtaking, rising to a
height of 650 feet out of the sea and extending for 5 miles. This afternoon finds us at Dromoland Castle for Mrs. White's Afternoon
Tea. Our next stop is Ennis with narrow streets and quaint shops in every nook and perhaps, the most endearing town in Ireland. Tonight
we are out to Farewell Dinner and a Traditional Music Night in Ennis. Overnight near Shannon. (B,L,D)
Day 13 - October 31st - Off to the Shannon International Airport for the journey home. (B)
Tour with hop on and off service this afternoon. Stops you may want to make while on the tour are Guinness Storehouse, Phoenix
Park, Old Jameson Distillery, Christ Church Cathedral, St. Patrick's Cathedral. This evening we will gather for a Welcoming
Pub Dinner and Irish Music Night with the Merry Ploughboys to kick off the tour! Dinner and Overnight Dublin. (L,D)
Day 2 - This morning we journey a short ways out of Dublin to the Hill of Tara. Tara was the political and spiritual center of Celtic Ireland
and the Seat of High Kings until the 11th century. Sitting on top of the King's Seat is the most famous of Tara's monuments, Ireland's
ancient coronation stone. 142 kings are said to have reigned there in prehistoric and historic times. In ancient Irish religion and mythology
Tara was the sacred place of dwelling for the gods, and was the entrance to the otherworld. Saint Patrick is said to have come to Tara to
confront the ancient religion of the pagans at its most powerful site. Our next stop is Trim Castle, the largest and one of the most important
Norman military constructions in Ireland and possibly the first stone castle. The castle was also used as a film location for the movie
Braveheart. Pub Lunch at Brogan's Bar in Trim before we return to Dublin with some free time to explore, shop and sample the many
eateries to be found in Temple Bar and Dublin. Overnight Dublin. (B,L)
Day 3 - This morning we will take a drive through the beautiful Wicklow Mountains to Powerscourt House and Gardens. The
house is now home to the best of Irish design in gifts, clothes, and furniture in the Avoca Stores and the Interiors Gallery but the
setting and the 47 acres of gardens is what draws visitors to this lovely estate. We are then off to Enniscorthy and Enniscorthy Castle.
The town of Enniscorthy developed around this much rebuilt and restored 13th-century castle standing on a rock at the head of the River
Slaney. We then continue on to the lovely inland city of Kilkenny. Set upon the banks of the River Nore, Kilkenny is abound in history
and just as importantly in pubs! This small city boasts more than 80 official pubs! Dinner at Langton's in Kilkenny. And then you are
free to take in one or several of the over 80 listed pubs! Overnight near Kilkenny. (B,D)
Day 4 - This morning will take some time to investigate the medieval town of Kilkenny before a visit to Kilkenny Castle. Built in the
1190's, Kilkenny Castle was occupied right up to 1935. High spots of the tour include the library, the wood-paneled dining room and the
Chinese bedroom. Heading out of Kilkenny City we make our way to a working farm where will have a Tour of the Farm followed by
Afternoon Tea in the Farmhouse. We then make our way to Jerpoint Abbey, one of the finest Cistercian ruins in Ireland. Built in
1160, the fortified medieval complex flourished until the dissolution of the Monasteries. It offers a unique insight into the lives of the monks
because many of its domestic arrangements are still recognisable. We then return to Kilkenny before a Pub Dinner. Overnight near
Kilkenny. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - This morning we make our way to Waterford and a visit to Waterford Crystal Factory. Waterford has been making their
famous crystal since 1783 and we will take a tour of the factory where we will see every stage of the glass production. The new visitor centre
opened in June 2010 and has followed the tradition of Waterford. After some lunch on your own we will visit Reginalds Tower, a circular
tower, part of the town's defences, built in the beginning of the 13th century, with a second phase in the 15th century. It was also used as a
mint, prison and military store. We then visit Waterford's Museum of Treasures. The museum houses a unique exhibition that, using a
superb collection of historic and archaeological artifacts, tells the 1000-year-story of Waterford from Viking times through medieval times
to the present. Dinner and Overnight near Waterford. (B,D)
Day 6 - Much of today is about spectacular scenery! The Dungarvan and Copper Coast Drive embraces the panoramic seascapes,
cliffs, bays and coves between Dungarvan and the major seaside resort of Tramore. We will also see more intimate Seaside Resorts with
Blue Flag Beaches, Clonea and Bunmahon. We will stop in Ardmore for a Lovely Farmhouse Afternoon Tea before a visit to
Midleton and the Old Midleton Distillery, the home of Jameson Irish Whiskey. A tour of the distillery takes in the Mills,
Maltings, Still-houses, Kilns, Granaries and Warehouses. Then on to the lovely village of Cobh which was the last docking point of
the Titanic before it's fateful last voyage. After dinner Ghost Walk of Cobh ending in Pillars Bar, the most haunted building in Cobh.
Dinner and Overnight Cobh. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Our first stop today is Blarney Castle in County Cork. If the gift of gab has not been bestowed on you, you may want to kiss the
Blarney Stone. The castle itself sits in spectacular grounds and is well worth a visit along with the Blarney Woollen Mills Outlet with 3
floors of wonderful shopping. We will stop in Cork for Lunch at the Silver Springs Moran Hotel before a chance to wander around
Cork. Cork City is Ireland's third city (after Dublin and Belfast) and has always been an important seaport. It began on an island in the
swampy estuary of the River Lee and gradually climbed up the steep banks on either side. There is a signpost Walking Tour, so get the
accompanying booklet and set off to explore the hilly streets and meet the people. Important landmarks are St. Finn Barre's Cathedral,
English Market and the Grand Parade. Dinner on your own back in Cobh. Overnight Cobh. (B,L)
Day 8 - This morning we make our way to the town of Kinsale on our way west. The medieval town of Kinsale is known for good food,
traditional bars, beautiful buildings, narrow streets, shops and galleries and lots of activities on land and sea. After some time to investigate,
our next visit is to Bantry House and Gardens. Bantry House is not only one of the finest historic houses in Ireland, but it also
commands one of the best views overlooking Bantry Bay in West Cork. The house is still owned and lived in by Egerton Shelswell-
Whites. We then make our way to Kenmare where we find Afternoon Tea waiting. Kenmare is the Gourmet and Lace Capitol of
Ireland and you will have some time to investigate the shops here in Kenmare before we journey to Killarney. We will be out to listen to
some Traditional Irish Music tonight following dinner. Dinner and Overnight Killarney. (B,L,D)
Day 9 - This morning we take in the wilds of the Dingle Peninsula. A drive around the area reveals fascinating antiquities ranging from
Iron Age Stone Forts to Inscribed Stones, early Christian Oratories and Beehive Huts. Stops include Dunbeg Fort, Slea
Head, Ballyferriter, Kilmalkedar and Gallarus Oratory Drystone Church. The Gallarus Oratory was built and used by local
farmers of the area at an early date, estimates of which generally range from the 6th century to the 9th century. Built in the Iron Age,
Dunbeg Fort is an impressive and elaborate example of a promontory fort. Its location makes it one of the most dramatic archaeological
sites on the Dingle Peninsula. It is built on a sheer cliff which projects South into Dingle Bay, at the base of Mount Eagle on the Slea
Head Road. We then return to Dingle with some time to investigate this attractive fishing port village. This afternoon finds us back in
Killarney which is one of my favorite places in Ireland. Dinner and Overnight Killarney. (B,D)
Day 10 - Today we make our way to Tipperary as we drive through the Glen of Aherlow a country valley, which lies between the
Slievenamuck Ridge and the main Galtee Mountain Range. We will take in the market town of Tipperary in the heart of the Golden
Vale before we make our way to Cahir and Cahir Castle. Once the stronghold of the powerful Butler family, the castle retains its
impressive keep, tower and much of its original defensive structure. It is one of Ireland's largest and best preserved castles. We then journey
to Fethard for Lunch at McCarthy's Pub and Undertakers. This afternoon we visit Cashel and the Rock of Cashel. Cashel with
its well preserved ecclesiastical remains, is one of Ireland's spectacular landmarks, rising above the surrounding plain and dominating the
land route southwards. There is a 13th century cathedral, 12th century round tower and the Chapel of King Cormac. Dinner and
Overnight Cashel. (B,L,D)
Day 11 - This morning we visit Limerick. In the heart of Limerick City, we find King John's Castle, a 13th century Castle on ‘King’s
Island’ overlooking the majestic River Shannon offering wonderful views of the city. After a visit to the castle we will spend some time
looking around Limerick before visiting The Georgian House, one of a terrace of six houses built c. 1830 by the Pery Square Tontine
Company. This terrace is widely regarded as being the best example of late Georgian Architecture in Limerick and probably in
Ireland. This afternoon we make our way to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. The Folk Park is a meticulous recreation of rural life at the
end of the 19th century. After exploring the park and this 15th century formidable castle the highlight of the day will be a Medieval
Banquet for which the castle is famous! Banquet Dinner and Overnight near Shannon. (B,D)
Day 12 - This morning we make our way north to visit The Burren, a unique botanical environment in which
Mediterranean and Alpine plants rare to Ireland grow side by side. In the southern part of the Burren, limestone gives away to black
shale and sandstone to form the dramatic Cliffs of Moher. Even when shrouded in mist, the Cliffs of Moher are breathtaking, rising to a
height of 650 feet out of the sea and extending for 5 miles. This afternoon finds us at Dromoland Castle for Mrs. White's Afternoon
Tea. Our next stop is Ennis with narrow streets and quaint shops in every nook and perhaps, the most endearing town in Ireland. Tonight
we are out to Farewell Dinner and a Traditional Music Night in Ennis. Overnight near Shannon. (B,L,D)
Day 13 - October 31st - Off to the Shannon International Airport for the journey home. (B)
| Scottish Dream Tours Presents A Fall Ireland Castle, Pub and Tearoom Discovery Tour October 19th - 31st, 2011 13 Days in Ireland featuring Dublin and Dublin City Bus Tour, Hill of Tara, Trim Castle, Irish Music Night, Powerscourt House and Gardens, Kilkenny and Kilkenny Castle, Jerpoint Abbey, Waterford and Waterford Crystal Factory, Dungarvan and Copper Coast, Jameson Distillery, Blarney Castle, Bantry House and Gardens, Killarney, Dingle Peninsula, Cahir Castle, Rock of Cashel, Limerick, Blarney Castle Medieval Banquet, The Burren, the Cliffs of Moher and more! A small intimate tour of Ireland limited to 8 - 10 people in order to provide a more personal experience. In keeping the tour size small we are able to take advantage of accommodation, restaurant and sightseeing options that would not be available to a larger group. With a small tour size we can veer off the main tourist areas and get a real feel for these warm wonderful countries. We will not rush you from venue to venue and each tour is designed to spend as little time on the minibus as possible. You may find yourself experiencing a delightful city guest house, a warm country house hotel, a fine country farmhouse and a 200 year old coaching Inn all in the same visit. Full Irish breakfast each morning and all meals as indicated in itinerary. All accommodations. Guided minibus tour with luggage handling. All sightseeing including any entrance fees. All taxes and service charges. $4195US per person double occupancy. $495US single occupancy supplement. $500 per person deposit to reserve your spot. Make your deposit by clicking here Click here for a route map. |
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