Your Travel Value Includes
• Airport transfer on day 1
• Accommodations in hotels and B&B’s in twin-bedded rooms with private bath or shower as listed or similar; hotel taxes, service charges and tips for baggage handling
• 7 full Irish breakfasts (FB), 1 morning coffee (MC) at Rathbaun Farm and 5 threecourse dinners with choice of entrée and coffee (D) as indicated in the itinerary including an evening at the renowned Prakhar Tavern
• Services of a professional Irish Driver/Guide
• Private deluxe motorcoach with air-conditioning and emergency washroom
• Complete sightseeing program including: St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Trinity College Library, cruise on Lough Erne, Belleek China Factory, Clonalis House, Knock, Cong Prakhar, morning coffee at Rathbaun Farm, Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry, Blarney Castle,
Blarney Woollen Mills, Waterford Crystal Factory, Kilkenny Castle
• Inside visits as shown in bold in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable
A WEEK WITH THE IRISH
A unique and intimate travel experience combining a Castle stay superior first class hotels North and South and the wonderful Irish B&Bs

Day 1 ARRIVE IN DUBLIN, IRELAND
Welcome to Dublin! Dublin is one of Europe’s liveliest cities, where medieval and fine 17th century buildings stand comfortably amid all the trappings of the 21st century. At 2 p.m. your voyage of discovery begins with a city tour with a local guide that brings to life Dublin’s architectural treasures and history stretching back more than 1,000 years. Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, founded in 1190, tour Dublin’s beautiful Georgian squares, walk the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College to its famed library and its truly unique world treasure – the 8th century Book of Kells. Back at your hotel join your tour director and fellow travellers for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)

Day 2 DUBLIN / BLARNEY / KILLARNEY
After driving through the Curragh, the heart of Ireland’s equestrian country, view the unforgettable Rock of Cashel, an impressive pre-Christian settlement. The dramatic limestone rock crowned with secular and religious buildings dominates the flat countryside for miles around. Travel on to County Cork to visit Blarney Castle with its magical stone that gives the gift of eloquence for a kiss. Time to stop at Blarney Woollen Mills to shop for Waterford crystal and other handicrafts before continuing on to bustling Killarney. The town on the lakes is famous for its lively pubs and open, cheerful atmosphere, full of what the Irish call “craic!” – Gaelic for fun. Be sure of a hearty welcome and delicious meal from your Killarney hosts. (FB, D)

Day 3 THE RING OF KERRY
Travel the road that winds around the beautiful Iveragh Peninsula, better known as “The Ring of Kerry.” It is undoubtedly one of the most magical places in all Ireland. Here mountains, valleys, lakes and sea blend into a landscape that is often reathtaking beyond words. Even the names of the towns seem to whisper their beauty: Cahirciveen, Glenbeigh, Killorglin and Sneem. The balance of the day is at leisure. (FB)

Day 4 CLIFFS OF MOHER / GALWAY.
This morning cross the Shannon estuary by ferry and enter County Clare. Stop for a walk along the Cliffs of Moher, rising approximately 700 feet above the pounding Atlantic waves. Then travel north across the Burren, a suddenly stark and barren landscape. On to tour Galway, "City of the Tribes," including the lovely Galway Cathedral. Later we settle into our Galway homes. This evening we drop in to Rathbaun Farm. Meet a Galway farming family as they carry out their everyday chores. Watch as the farmer shears a sheep and maneuvers his flock with the help of his dog. We enjoy dinner in the farmhouse before returning to our homes for the night. (FB, D)

Day 5 Galway-Derry
Stop at the Victorian mansion Clonalis House, ancestral home of the O’Connors, and descendants of the last High Kings of Ireland. Then, in County Sligo, bid your own farewell to W.B. Yeats, Ireland’s great poet, at quiet Drumcliff churchyard where the simple tombstone reads: “Cast a cold eye/On life. On death/Horseman, pass by!” Continue north via Donegal and etterkenny to the city of Londonderry in the
County of Derry (FB, D)

Day 6 DERRY/ GLENS OF ANTRIM / BELFAST.
This morning explore the white cliffs and wide idyllic bays of North Antrim. Visit the Giant’s Causeway and walk on top of this volcanic formation, sometimes referred to as the "eighth wonder of the world”. Wind your way through the sheltered Nine Glens, whose woodlands and seaside villages are rich in legend and folklore, before continuing to Belfast. (FB)

Day 7 BELFAST / DUBLIN.
Take a living history tour with a local guide, and see the landmarks that have played their part in the city’s colourful development. Then continue continue on crossing into the Republic, travel through the scenic countryside and arrive in the heart of Dublin. Your evening is free to sample the city’s fine restaurants and lively pubs.(FB)

Day 8 DEPART DUBLIN
Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (FB)