Elegant Southern Ireland

USA-Ireland
Depart from USA for overnight flight to Ireland. Flight not included.

Day 2
Shannon-Limerick-Adare.
Upon arrival at Shannon Airport, make our way via taxi to our five-star hotel. This afternoon you enjoy a tour to the majestic Cliffs of Moher. Dinner and Overnight at a Five Star Property Hammond will select the five-star hotels from the following: Dromoland Castle, Adare Manor, Savoy Limerick.

Limerick-Dingle-Killarney.
After breakfast we depart Limerick for the Dingle Peninsula. The journey begins with some of the most magnificent scenery in all of Ireland. The little town of Dingle is straight out of a story book. The fishing boats in the harbor and tiny brightly painted pubs reflect a place where time has continued to stand still. We continue to Slea Head. Along the way, we will see bee-hive style huts, originally inhabited by 12th century monks, which overlook the rugged Blasket Islands. There is no other landscape in western Europe with the density and variety of archaeological monuments as found on the Dingle Peninsula. It is then onto Killarney for our overnight. Overnight in Killarney at the Killarney Park Hotel. The Killarney Park Hotel is one of the finest luxury hotels Ireland has to offer. Perfectly located in the heart of Killarney town center, set in mature grounds and framed by the legendary surroundings of Killarney National Park, this is a Five Star Hotel really like no other.

Ring of Kerry.
 After breakfast we enjoy an optional tour to the beautiful Gap of Dunloe in the Killarney National Park. We then start on a full day tour of “The Ring”. There is an unspoiled nature to Ireland’s most beautiful region and the Ring of Kerry provides many unforgettable memories as it passes through the many picturesque villages such as Glenbeigh, Waterville and Sneem and returns via Ladies View and the famous Lakes of Killarney. Overnight Killarney Park Hotel.

Killarney-Blarney-Cork.
After breakfast we depart Killarney and head towards Cork City. Our next stop, the picturesque town of Blarney, is the home of Blarney Castle and the Blarney stone (optional admission), which legend has it bequeaths the “gift of eloquence” to all who kiss it. Time to shop at the historical woolen mills or stop in Christy’s Pub for a Pint! We depart Blarney and travel to Cork City. Driving into Cork City, we are treated to a panoramic tour before reaching our destination, the five-star Hayfield Manor. A sanctuary in the city, the Hayfield Manor is set among two acres of park-like grounds. Overnight at the Hayfield Manor.

Cork-Kinsale-Cork
After breakfast we travel to the Cobh Heritage Center. Over three million Irish people emigrated from this port. Learn about Irish Emigration story, trace your ancestors, hear about the ill-fated Titanic and the Lusitania, and immerse yourself in Irish naval and military history at Cobh Heritage Centre Then we travel on to Kinsale for lunch. The picturesque yachting harbour of Kinsale is one of many colorful gems strung along the coastline of County Cork. Narrow, winding streets lined with galleries and gift shops, lively bars and superb restaurants, and a handsome natural harbour filled with yachts and guarded by a huge 17th-century fortress make it an engrossing place to spend the day. Dinner and Overnight at The Hayfield Manor.

Cork-Cashel-Kildare-Dublin
We depart Cork after breakfast traveling northeast. We stop for a photo opportunity in County Tipperary at the historic Rock of Cashel. The Rock of Cashel is a stone fort poised 200 feet above the town. Built in the 5th century, it is said to be the site where St. Patrick illustrated the sacred trinity to the Kings of Munster using the modest shamrock. It is on through Kildare, home of the famous Irish National Stud, where horse breeding and racing is an art (optional admission). Our final stop today is Dublin. This time is on our own to explore all the shops and pubs via the famous pedestrian walkways. Overnight Dublin. Hammond will select the five-star hotels from the following: the Shelbourne, Westbury, Fitzwilliam, Intercontinental or Westin Hotel. We bid farewell to our driver guide who has become like a member of the family.

Dublin
Today you tour the town of Dublin on your own. Included is a Hop on Hop Off Dublin Bus Pass. You will be sure to see St. Patrick’s Cathedral where writer Jonathan Swift gave his sermons, The G.P.O. on O’Connell Street scene of the 1916 Easter Uprising where the bullet holes remain to this day. Drive through famous Phoenix Park where the Pope said Mass in late 70’s and finally Trinity College to view the 8th century manuscripts, The Book of Kells, still preserved as they were when the Monks produced them all those centuries ago. Why not visit Jamison Distillery? Overnight Dublin. Hammond will select the five-star hotels from the following: the Shelbourne, Westbury, Fitzwilliam, Intercontinental or Westin Hotel.

Day 9
Dublin-Dublin Airport
Morning departure from Dublin hotel via taxi on own to Dublin Airport (please ask concierge to arrange a taxi pickup at your desired time) for our flight onwards.