Day 1 - March 13th- Depart for Shannon Ireland.
Day 2 - Arrive in Shannon, Ireland but our first stop of the tour will be 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 Bunratty. (D)
Day 3 - Today our first stop will be Ardfert Cathedral before taking in the wilds of the Dingle Peninsula. Ardfert, a
complex of churches is linked to Brendan the Navigator who was born nearby in 484AD and founded a monastery here.
The ruined cathedral dates back to the 12th century. 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. Fish and
Chips Lunch before we take in the attractive fishing port village of Dingle. Dinner at Moll Darcys and Overnight
Killarney. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Our first stop this morning is Muchross House, an imposing Victorian Mansion that was built in 1843 and
overlooks the spectacular Lakes of Killarney. We'll stop at The Ladies View made famous by Queen Victoria's ladies in
waiting upon here visit here. Our drive will eventually take us to Kenmare which is the Gourmet and Lace capitol of
Ireland. Afternoon Tea at the Park Hotel and then the rest of the day is free to investigate the shops here in Kenmare
before we return to Killarney. Dinner on your own back in Killarney. Overnight Killarney.(B,L,D)
Day 5 - Happy Paddy's Day! Killarney is a wonderful location to take in the festivities of St. Patrick's Day. Following
breakfast we will take in Ross Castle before starting the festivities. Following our visit we will settle in town to watch the
annual Parade on High Street. 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,D)
Day 6 - 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 then take in a lovely coastal drive from Cork through
Youghal and to Tramore for Afternoon Tea. Then on to Waterford and the Waterford Crystal Factory. The
original glass factory was founded in 1783 and visitors can follow all stages of production. Dinner on your own tonight in the
many eateries to be found in Kilkenny. Overnight Kilkenny.(B,L)
Day 7 - This morning we will take some time to investigate Ireland's loveliest inland village of Kilkenny before we
visit 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. Sumptuous Afternoon Tea at the Kilkenny
Ormonde before a visit this afternoon 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. Dinner tonight at Kyteler's Inn, a 14th
century Coaching Inn haunted by Dame Alice Kyteler. Overnight Kilkenny.(B,L,D)
Day 8 - On our way to Dublin today we will stop at Browne's Hill Dolmen which has the biggest capstone in Europe,
weighing 100 tons. The stone dates back to 2000 BC. Our next stop is Kildare and Afternoon Tea at the Kildare
Courtyard Hotel before continuing on to Dublin. Once in Dublin we will take the rest of the afternoon for sightseeing,
shopping and exploring the many restaurants to be found in Dublin. Overnight Dublin.(B,L)
Day 9 - Following breakfast you will tour the city aboard an Open Top Tour Bus. After the tour you will want to spend
time possibly taking in Trinity College and the Book of Kells and also visit St. Patrick's Cathedral or Christ
Church Cathedral. We will meet at The Clarence Hotel Tearoom for Afternoon Tea before an afternoon free for
Shopping on Grafton Street or Henry Street. We'll meet this evening for Dinner and Traditional Music Night.
Overnight Dublin.(B,L,D)
Day 10 - This morning's adventure begins in the East of Ireland. Our first stop on the way will be The Hill of Tara. Tara
was the political and spiritual center of Celtic Ireland and the seat of High Kings until the 11th century. This afternoon we
visit Kells Monastery set up by St. Columba in the 6th century. Monks fled here from Iona in the year 806 and are
believed to be the ones who scribed the Book of Kells. Our next stop of the day is at 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. Dinner and Overnight
Mullingar. (B,D)
Day 11 - This morning we are off to Clonmancnoise Monastic Settlement. The site includes the ruins of a cathedral,
eight churches (10th -13th century), two round towers, three high crosses and a large collection of early Christian grave
slabs. Lunch stop in the delightful village of Ballinasloe before we are then on our way to Galway, the center for
the Irish-speaking regions in the West and a lively university city. The center of the city lies on the banks of the River
Corrib which flows down from Lough Corrib. You will have some time to investigate the city before checking out one of
the many lovely restaurants to be found in Galway. Seafood Dinner at McSwiggan's and Overnight Galway.
(B,L,D)
Day 12 - This morning we travel through the beautiful Connemara National Park in the heart of Connemara, a
combination of bogland, lakes and mountains. Along the way we visit Kylemore Abbey sheltered by the slopes of the
Twelve Bens, this lakeside castle is a romantic, battlemented Gothic Revival fantasy. This afternoon we visit the lovely
village of Clifden framed by the grandeur of the Twelve Bens mountain range. We then return to Galway for a
Traditional Pub Dinner Outing. Overnight Galway.(B,D)
Day 13 - This morning on our way south we 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. Mrs. White's Afternoon Tea at Dromoland
Castle before we then travel to 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
Ennis.(B,L,D)
Day 14 - Following breakfast we are off to the Shannon International Airport for the return home.
Day 2 - Arrive in Shannon, Ireland but our first stop of the tour will be 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 Bunratty. (D)
Day 3 - Today our first stop will be Ardfert Cathedral before taking in the wilds of the Dingle Peninsula. Ardfert, a
complex of churches is linked to Brendan the Navigator who was born nearby in 484AD and founded a monastery here.
The ruined cathedral dates back to the 12th century. 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. Fish and
Chips Lunch before we take in the attractive fishing port village of Dingle. Dinner at Moll Darcys and Overnight
Killarney. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Our first stop this morning is Muchross House, an imposing Victorian Mansion that was built in 1843 and
overlooks the spectacular Lakes of Killarney. We'll stop at The Ladies View made famous by Queen Victoria's ladies in
waiting upon here visit here. Our drive will eventually take us to Kenmare which is the Gourmet and Lace capitol of
Ireland. Afternoon Tea at the Park Hotel and then the rest of the day is free to investigate the shops here in Kenmare
before we return to Killarney. Dinner on your own back in Killarney. Overnight Killarney.(B,L,D)
Day 5 - Happy Paddy's Day! Killarney is a wonderful location to take in the festivities of St. Patrick's Day. Following
breakfast we will take in Ross Castle before starting the festivities. Following our visit we will settle in town to watch the
annual Parade on High Street. 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,D)
Day 6 - 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 then take in a lovely coastal drive from Cork through
Youghal and to Tramore for Afternoon Tea. Then on to Waterford and the Waterford Crystal Factory. The
original glass factory was founded in 1783 and visitors can follow all stages of production. Dinner on your own tonight in the
many eateries to be found in Kilkenny. Overnight Kilkenny.(B,L)
Day 7 - This morning we will take some time to investigate Ireland's loveliest inland village of Kilkenny before we
visit 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. Sumptuous Afternoon Tea at the Kilkenny
Ormonde before a visit this afternoon 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. Dinner tonight at Kyteler's Inn, a 14th
century Coaching Inn haunted by Dame Alice Kyteler. Overnight Kilkenny.(B,L,D)
Day 8 - On our way to Dublin today we will stop at Browne's Hill Dolmen which has the biggest capstone in Europe,
weighing 100 tons. The stone dates back to 2000 BC. Our next stop is Kildare and Afternoon Tea at the Kildare
Courtyard Hotel before continuing on to Dublin. Once in Dublin we will take the rest of the afternoon for sightseeing,
shopping and exploring the many restaurants to be found in Dublin. Overnight Dublin.(B,L)
Day 9 - Following breakfast you will tour the city aboard an Open Top Tour Bus. After the tour you will want to spend
time possibly taking in Trinity College and the Book of Kells and also visit St. Patrick's Cathedral or Christ
Church Cathedral. We will meet at The Clarence Hotel Tearoom for Afternoon Tea before an afternoon free for
Shopping on Grafton Street or Henry Street. We'll meet this evening for Dinner and Traditional Music Night.
Overnight Dublin.(B,L,D)
Day 10 - This morning's adventure begins in the East of Ireland. Our first stop on the way will be The Hill of Tara. Tara
was the political and spiritual center of Celtic Ireland and the seat of High Kings until the 11th century. This afternoon we
visit Kells Monastery set up by St. Columba in the 6th century. Monks fled here from Iona in the year 806 and are
believed to be the ones who scribed the Book of Kells. Our next stop of the day is at 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. Dinner and Overnight
Mullingar. (B,D)
Day 11 - This morning we are off to Clonmancnoise Monastic Settlement. The site includes the ruins of a cathedral,
eight churches (10th -13th century), two round towers, three high crosses and a large collection of early Christian grave
slabs. Lunch stop in the delightful village of Ballinasloe before we are then on our way to Galway, the center for
the Irish-speaking regions in the West and a lively university city. The center of the city lies on the banks of the River
Corrib which flows down from Lough Corrib. You will have some time to investigate the city before checking out one of
the many lovely restaurants to be found in Galway. Seafood Dinner at McSwiggan's and Overnight Galway.
(B,L,D)
Day 12 - This morning we travel through the beautiful Connemara National Park in the heart of Connemara, a
combination of bogland, lakes and mountains. Along the way we visit Kylemore Abbey sheltered by the slopes of the
Twelve Bens, this lakeside castle is a romantic, battlemented Gothic Revival fantasy. This afternoon we visit the lovely
village of Clifden framed by the grandeur of the Twelve Bens mountain range. We then return to Galway for a
Traditional Pub Dinner Outing. Overnight Galway.(B,D)
Day 13 - This morning on our way south we 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. Mrs. White's Afternoon Tea at Dromoland
Castle before we then travel to 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
Ennis.(B,L,D)
Day 14 - Following breakfast we are off to the Shannon International Airport for the return home.
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| Scottish Dream Tours Presents St. Patrick's Castles, Tearooms, and Pubs Discovery Tour of Ireland March 13th - 26th, 2009 sold out! 14 days in Ireland featuring Bunratty Castle and Medieval Dinner, Dingle Peninsula, St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festivities in Killarney, Muchross House, Ross Castle, Danny Mann's Pub, Drombeg Stone Circle, Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone, Kilkenny Castle and Kilkenny with over 80 official pubs, Afternoon Tea at the Kilkenny Ormonde, Jerpoint Abbey, Waterford Crystal Factory, Browne's Hill Dolman, Dublin City Tour, Afternoon Tea at the Clarence Hotel, Kells Cathedral, Clonmacnoise Monastic Settlement, Galway, Connemara and Kylemore Abbey, Afternoon Tea at Dromoland Castle, The Burren, Cliffs of Moher and much 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. $3295US per person double occupancy. $500 off Holiday Sale through Jan 31st $795US single occupancy supplement. $500 per person deposit to reserve your spot. |