The Irish Tradition Packages

Day 1
Shannon-Galway.
Morning arrival at Shannon Airport where after clearing customs you are met by your Professional Irish Driver/Guide. Leaving Shannon Airport you travel via Limerick, Irelands 3rd largest city. Early morning drive through Ennis to Go on to Galway. Check into our hotel for a short rest… This afternoon we tour rugged Connemara. We take in the magnificent views of the Connemara region, Ireland’s treasure of wild, natural beauty where Gaelic remains the only spoken language. We travel via Clifden to Kylemore Abbey, monastic home of the Benedictine Nuns before returning to Galway. After dinner why not enjoy a pint at the pub “AuPouchan” a short walk from Eyre Square with great Irish Music. Overnight Hardiman Hotel or ASHFORD CASTLE (Ask for Rates)

Day 2
Galway-Cliffs of Moher-Killarney.
After breakfast we head south through the rugged Burren. We stop at The Cliffs of Moher which rise 700 feet and stretch along the Atlantic Coastline for five miles. Enjoy the view and perhaps a coffee before continuing along the coast as we head towards Killmer to take the Tarbert Ferry to cross the Shannon Estuary. We then continue south through Abbeyfeele and on to Killarney. Enjoy a late lunch before checking into your hotel. You could decide to eat your hotel this evening; however, another suggestion is to check out “Gaby’s”. It is in the middle of town where you will be and has great seafood. Plenty of local pubs to hear great music this evening. Overnight Killarney International Hotel.

Day 3
The Dingle Peninsula.
After breakfast, experience the true beauty of Ireland on this full day tour to the breathtaking Dingle Peninsula. Traveling via Tralee and The Slieve Mish Mountains we will stop in the sleeping fishing village of Dingle before heading out to see Slea Head and the ominous views of The Blasket Islands With its 12th century Beehive Huts, its ominous views of the Blasket Island originally home to Irish Monks, we have been told by many travelers that the awe-inspiring beauty of this particular area has left them with a truly spiritual feeling. Suggested lunch stop in Dingle is Maria DeBraae, right on the main street, Dingle. We depart Dingle and travel via Tralee where every August the famous Rose of Tralee Festival is held. Tonight, enjoy many of the local restaurants Killarney has to offer. Overnight Killarney International Hotel

Day 4
Killarney-Macroom-Blarney-Kinsale.
After a leisurely breakfast we depart Killarney and travel over the Derry Nasaggart Mountains to Macroom. Macroom Castle is the boyhood home of William Penn during the years that he lived in County Cork. It stands on the western margin of the town of Macroom, and its windows look away into the distance where a rugged land lies at the foot of the mountains. We continue to picturesque Kinsale. As part of the European conflict raging between Catholic Spain and Protestant England, Spain sent a force of men to support the Irish leader O’Neill. The rendezvous was set for Ulster, however the Spanish under Aquila landed at Kinsale in October 1601. Here they soon took possession of the local strong points. Kinsale is now noted as “The Gourmet Capital of Ireland” and is especially noted for its seafood. Be sure to partake of this fine food at The Blue Haven. Stroll through the narrow street filled with local artisan’s ware. Overnight Trident Hotel.

Day 5
Kinsale-Kilkenny-County Laois-Dublin.
Morning departure from Kinsale takes us through the Medieval Town of Kilkenny. Time to visit Kilkenny Castle (optional) which in the last few years has been completely restored with original artifacts. We continue through County Laois, stopping as you like to see the county of your Irish Heritage. You may also eliminate Kilkenny to spend more time in Laois. We continue to Dublin where on arrival we bid farewell to our Irish Driver Guide. By now he surely has become a part of our family. Overnight Davenport Hotel.

Day 6
Dublin.
Our last day in Ireland presents itself with a plethora of activities. I would suggest taking a ½ day sightseeing tour of this 1000-year-old city. You can purchase you tour from the Dublin Bus Company which is located at 69 O’Connell Street. 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 till 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. Make sure to visit Dublin’s oldest Pub, O’Donohues for a last pint! Overnight Davenport Hotel.

Day 7
Dublin-USA.
Make your way to Dublin Airport allowing time for last minute duty-free shopping before boarding your flight.