Irish Spirit 8 Days

Overnights for this tour:

• Ashling Hotel , Dublin (1 night) for Thursday departures or the Radisson Blu St Helen's Hotel - Dublin , Dublin (1 night) for Saturdays departures 
• Dooleys Hotel, Waterford (1 night)
• Killarney Towers Hotel, Killarney (2 nights)
• The Lodge at Ashford Castle, County Mayo (2 nights)
• Grand Canal Hotel, Dublin (1 night)

Currency:

Day 1: Dublin Tour & Glasnevin Museum
Tour begins 2:00 PM at your Dublin hotel. Meet your guide and set off on a tour of central Dublin. Highlights include the shopping areas around Grafton and Nassau Streets, Dublin’s elegant Georgian squares, and a drive along the wide O’Connell Street. Visit Glasnevin Cemetery Museum, Ireland’s national cemetery, which is a who’s who of modern Irish history. Then join your group for a welcome drink and to chat about your itinerary before dining independently at one of Dublin’s many restaurants or pubs.

Day 2: Kilkenny Castle & Waterford Crystal
Enjoy the Irish countryside as you head to the city of Kilkenny to visit Kilkenny Castle, which was the principal residence of the powerful Butler family for almost 600 years. Immerse yourself in its rich history through its collection of portraits and artifacts. Witness the creation of crystal masterpieces by skilled glass blowers and cutters during your visit to the House of Waterford Crystal. After dinner, take a gentle walking tour of Waterford with a local guide to learn about the region’s history. 
(B, D)

Day 3: Jameson Experience & Blarney Castle
Head out to County Cork to Midleton for a tour of the Jameson Experience, a journey through the story and making of Irish whiskey complete with a sample at the end. Next up, the famous Blarney Castle with a climb to the top to kiss the “Stone of Eloquence” or enjoy a walk through the lovely parklands and gardens. Treat yourself to quality Irish-made goods at the Blarney Woollen Mills before heading to Killarney, a small town that’s big on glorious scenery. After dinner you may want to explore town on your own, perhaps sampling a lively pub or two.
(B, D)

Day 4: Ring of Kerry & Irish Night
Start your day with a jaunting car ride through the Killarney National Park to Ross Castle for views of Lough Leane and the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks Mountains. Then set out on Ireland’s most popular scenic drive, the Ring of Kerry. Cross to Valentia Island and learn about the off-shore island of Skellig Michael, home of early Christian monk and the backdrop of scenes from the film “Star Wars VII.” Stop in the attractive village of Sneem and at Moll’s Gap for panoramic mountain views. In the evening head out for an Irish night of dinner and a traditional show. 
(B, D)

Day 5: Cliffs of Moher & The Lodge at Ashford Castle
Embark on a memorable ferry ride across the River Shannon Estuary. Take in the spectacular beauty of the Cliffs of Moher, soaring 700 feet above the Atlantic surf. Relax as you travel through the Burren and onto Cong were your hotel sits within the magnificent 350 acre estate of Ashford Castle. Take time to relax before dinner in the Lodge at Ashford.
(B, D)

Day 6: Lough Corrib Cruise & “The Quiet Man” Walk
Enjoy a scenic cruise of Lough Corrib on board the Corrib Princess. Take a walking tour of Cong with a local guide to visit locations of the movie “The Quiet Man,” filmed in the village in 1952. Dine on a casual lunch at Eddie’s of Clonbur, a traditional pub. Explore scenic Connemara before returning to the Lodge at Ashford so that you may enjoy some of the many facilities it has to offer.
(B, L)

Day 7: Clonmacnoise Monastic Site & Dublin’s Abbey Tavern
Head to the center of the country to visit Clonmacnoise. This monastic settlement was founded in 545 AD by St. Ciaran and is set on the banks of the mighty River Shannon. See elaborate high Celtic crosses decorated with biblical scenes. Continue your journey to Dublin and enjoy the fishing village of Howth on the north side of the city. Finish up your tour at the popular Abbey Tavern with a hearty dinner and a lively show of traditional music, songs and step-dancing.
(B, D)

Day 8: Tour Ends in Dublin
Your tour ends after breakfast.
(B)

B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner