Southern Intimate

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

Day 2
Shannon-Limerick
Arrive Shannon. Make your way on own via taxi to nearby Clayton hotel Limerick. The rest of the day you are free to explore the Shannon area. This afternoon we take an optional trip up to county Clare to see the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher. The cliffs, a spectacular natural phenomenon, rise 660 feet above the Atlantic. The cliffs are a very popular tourist attraction and a must see for anyone visiting Ireland. Overnight at The Clayton Limerick

Limerick-Killarney
After breakfast we head to Killarney. It is one of Ireland’s leading tourist destinations because of the abundant lake and mountain scenery in Killarney National Park. It is also situated on the scenic drive of the Ring of Kerry. Dinner and Overnight Great Southern Hotel. Built in 1854, as a Railroad Hotel is now a 4 star with modern upgrades.

Dingle
After breakfast we depart Killarney 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 portray a time that has continued to stand still. The population of 1500 people and only 52 pubs are ready to welcome you this afternoon. Worth the wait is the native seafood chowder served up at lunch time with freshly baked brown bread. We continue on to Slea Head. Along the way, we will see beehive style huts, originally inhabited by 12th century monks, which overlook the rugged Blasket Islands. The awe-inspiring beauty of this particular area is unmatched. There is no other landscape in Europe. Overnight at The Great Southern Hotel.

Killarney-Glengarriff-Bantry-Skibbereen-Clonakilty-Cork
After breakfast we depart Killarney. We then head to Glengarriff. Its sheltered position nurtures luxuriant Mediterranean flowers such as fuchsia and arbutus. Bantry sits at the head of one of Ireland’s most beautiful bays with a harbor that reaches right into the town center. Skibbereen is rightly known as the capital of West Cork. It is the “hub” from which the many “sparkling jewels” of the area can be reached. Eight miles southwest the little fishing village of Baltimore is located. We travel onto Cork City stopping at The English Market, which is an indoor food market offering a Victorian wonderland of exotic imported goods and delicious local produce. Dinner and Overnight 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. After Kinsale we travel onto Blarney, stopping at the woolen mills. This is one of the best-known Irish shops in the country – the actual mills are located in here, within sight of the famous castle. This stop should not disappoint, with a particularly wide range of cut crystal, porcelain presents and its trademark woolly things. While here you can stop to plant your lips on the Blarney Stone, (extra charge) which supposedly gives one the gift of gab. Overnight at The Hayfield Manor.

Cork-Dublin
After breakfast we depart Cork. We continue to the Medieval City of Kilkenny, where we enjoy a visit to The Kilkenny Castle which has been completely refurbished in recent years. The impressive Victorian building was erected in the mid-19th century when it served as a home to the Hackett family. It is onto Dublin Overnight Dublin Westbury Hotel. (Upon arrival at the hotel, we bid farewell to our driver guide who has become like a member of the family).

Dublin
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 still 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 Guinness Storehouse for a peek at the makings of this world-famous brew? Overnight Dublin Westbury Hotel.

Day 9
Dublin-Dublin Airport
This morning we make our way to Dublin Airport via taxi for our flight onwards. In the true Irish tradition, we wish you a “Safe Home”