| Scottish Dream Tours Presents St. Patrick's Castles, Tearooms, and Pubs Discovery Tour of Ireland March 10th - 23rd, 2013 14 days in Ireland featuring Dublin and Dublin City Bus Tour, Traditional Music Night, Hill of Tara, Newgrange Megolithic Burial Tomb ,Glendalough, Kilkenny and Kilkenny Castle, Jerpoint Abbey, Waterford and Waterford Crystal Factory, Dungarvan and Copper Coast, Jameson Distillery, Blarney Castle, Bantry House and Gardens, St. Patrick's in Killarney, Dingle Peninsula, Bunratty Castle Folk Park and Medieval Banquet, Cliffs of Moher, The Burren, Limerick, Cahir Castle, Rock of Cashel and more! A small intimate tour of Ireland limited to 12 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 staying in a delightful city guest house, a warm country house hotel, a fine country farmhouse, a 200 year old coaching inn and even a castle all in the same visit. Full Irish breakfast each morning, all lunches and dinners as listed in the itinerary. All accommodations. Guided minibus tour with luggage handling. All sightseeing including any entrance fees. All taxes and service charges. $4295US per person double occupancy. $795US single occupancy supplement. $500 per person deposit to reserve your spot on the tour. Click here to make your deposit. |
Day 1 - This morning we will take a drive through the beautiful Wicklow Mountains to Glendalough. This early
Christian ecclesiastical settlement 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.. 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! Welcoming Dinner at Langton's in Kilkenny. Overnight near Kilkenny. (B,D)
Day 2 - 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 our accommodation before we are out to a Pub Dinner. Overnight
near Kilkenny. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - 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 4 - 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 Lunch
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 5 - 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 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 6 - 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 7 - 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 on your own and Overnight Killarney. (B,L)
Day 8 - Happy Paddy's Day! Killarney is a wonderful location to take in the festivities of St. Patrick's Day. Following
breakfast we visit Ross Castle before starting the festivities with the annual Parade on High Street. Ross Castle is
considered a typical example of the stronghold of an Irish Chieftain during the Middle Ages. The date of its foundation is
uncertain but it was probably built in the late 15th century by one of the ODonoghue Ross chieftains. We then make our
way to the High Street of Killarney for Lunch at Miss Courtney's Tearooms before the parade. After the parade
we will find a pub to settle into for an Afternoon Session of Traditional Music. We'll then journey to Danny Mann's
Pub, a well known music pub in Killarney for a Paddy's Day Pub Dinner. We'll take in a bit of live music at Danny Mann's
and the many pubs offering Traditional Music Sessions. Overnight Killarney. (B,L,D)
Day 9 - Today we make our way to Limerick with a few stops along the way including Adare. Adare with its lovely
Thatched Cottages bills itself as Ireland's loveliest inland town. Our next stop will be for Lunch in Limerick City. Our
some time to explore Limerick we make our way further north to Bunratty and 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! Bunratty Castle
Banquet Dinner and Overnight near Shannon. (B,L,D)
Day 10 - 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. Dinner on your own and Overnight near Shannon. (B,L)
Day 11 - Today we make our way to 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. Our next stop is
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. We stop for Lunch at Spearmans Tearoom before
traveling east toward Dublin. Overnight Dublin. (B,L,)
Day 12 - Our first stop of the day takes out of Dublin to Newgrange Megalithic Passage Tomb. Newgrange was built
about 3200 BC. The kidney shaped mound covers an area of over one acre and is surrounded by 97 kerbstones, some of
which are richly decorated with megalithic art. This afternoon we journey to the Hill of Tara, 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. Before we visit the monument, we will have
Lunch at the Tearoom. We then 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,D)
Day 13 - We will start the day 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 Farewell Pub Dinner and Irish Music Night with the Merry
Ploughboys to finish the tour! Dinner and Overnight Dublin. (B,L,D)
Day 14 - March 23rd - Off to Dublin International Airport for the journey home. (B)
Christian ecclesiastical settlement 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.. 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! Welcoming Dinner at Langton's in Kilkenny. Overnight near Kilkenny. (B,D)
Day 2 - 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 our accommodation before we are out to a Pub Dinner. Overnight
near Kilkenny. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - 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 4 - 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 Lunch
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 5 - 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 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 6 - 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 7 - 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 on your own and Overnight Killarney. (B,L)
Day 8 - Happy Paddy's Day! Killarney is a wonderful location to take in the festivities of St. Patrick's Day. Following
breakfast we visit Ross Castle before starting the festivities with the annual Parade on High Street. Ross Castle is
considered a typical example of the stronghold of an Irish Chieftain during the Middle Ages. The date of its foundation is
uncertain but it was probably built in the late 15th century by one of the ODonoghue Ross chieftains. We then make our
way to the High Street of Killarney for Lunch at Miss Courtney's Tearooms before the parade. After the parade
we will find a pub to settle into for an Afternoon Session of Traditional Music. We'll then journey to Danny Mann's
Pub, a well known music pub in Killarney for a Paddy's Day Pub Dinner. We'll take in a bit of live music at Danny Mann's
and the many pubs offering Traditional Music Sessions. Overnight Killarney. (B,L,D)
Day 9 - Today we make our way to Limerick with a few stops along the way including Adare. Adare with its lovely
Thatched Cottages bills itself as Ireland's loveliest inland town. Our next stop will be for Lunch in Limerick City. Our
some time to explore Limerick we make our way further north to Bunratty and 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! Bunratty Castle
Banquet Dinner and Overnight near Shannon. (B,L,D)
Day 10 - 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. Dinner on your own and Overnight near Shannon. (B,L)
Day 11 - Today we make our way to 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. Our next stop is
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. We stop for Lunch at Spearmans Tearoom before
traveling east toward Dublin. Overnight Dublin. (B,L,)
Day 12 - Our first stop of the day takes out of Dublin to Newgrange Megalithic Passage Tomb. Newgrange was built
about 3200 BC. The kidney shaped mound covers an area of over one acre and is surrounded by 97 kerbstones, some of
which are richly decorated with megalithic art. This afternoon we journey to the Hill of Tara, 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. Before we visit the monument, we will have
Lunch at the Tearoom. We then 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,D)
Day 13 - We will start the day 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 Farewell Pub Dinner and Irish Music Night with the Merry
Ploughboys to finish the tour! Dinner and Overnight Dublin. (B,L,D)
Day 14 - March 23rd - Off to Dublin International Airport for the journey home. (B)
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