Irish Explorer 9 Days

• 9 days (8 nights) 
• Roundtrip group transfers when you book our flights ($30 fee for transfers on land-only bookings)
• Sightseeing by luxury coach
• Professional tour director
• 8 nights in hotels listed above
• Full breakfast daily except on day 1 (B)
• 9 day Tour Meals: 7 dinners (D) including
  • welcome dinner at Clontarf Castle Hotel 
  • Nancy's Restaurant in Adara 
  • Abbey Tavern traditional Irish dinner/show
  • 4 table d'hote dinners
  • 2 Lunches
• Welcome get-together drink
• Tour of Dublin with a local guid
• Dan O'Hara's Homestead Farm
• Enjoy a perfectly poured pint or a creamy Irish coffee at Blakes of the Hollow Pub, one of County Fermanagh’s oldest pubs.
• Walking Tour of Galway with local guide
• Sheepdog trials on Ring of Kerry
• Visits and admissions to Belleek Pottery, Blarney Castle, Cliffs of Moher, Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory, Glasnevin Museum, Florence Court House, Sheepdog Demonstration and Slieve League Cliffs. 
• Deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, luggage tags & strap
• Headsets for walking tours
• All local taxes, hotel service charges & porterage for one suitcase per person
• Dublin open-top bus tour with a visit and drink at Guinness Storehouse or General Post Office (10 day tour only

Overnights for this tour:

• Clontarf Castle Hotel Hotel, Dublin (1 nights)
• Mill Park Hotel, Donegal (2 nights)
• Hotel Meyrick, Galway (2 nights) 
• Killarney Avenue Hotel, Killarney (2 nights)
• Herbert Park Hotel, Dublin (1 night)

Day 1: Dublin Touring & Glasnevin Cemetery Museum
Tour begins 2:00 PM at Clontarf Castle lobby, a short ride from Dublin Airport, and a few miles to the north of Dublin city center. Head out for a tour of central Dublin with a local guide to see elegant Georgian squares, public buildings, and monuments. Visit Glasnevin Cemetery Museum, Ireland’s national cemetery, a who’s who of modern Irish. Join your group for a welcome drink followed by dinner in the castle hotel.
(D)

Day 2: Florence Court House & Donegal
Visit Florence Court House, home of the Irish Yew. The original tree, discovered in 1760, can still be viewed on the grounds. Tour the magnificent 18th century mansion, renowned for its elaborate rococo plasterwork. Head to Blakes of the Hollow Pub, one of County Fermanagh’s oldest pubs, for a drink with your fellow travelers. Continue your travels north to Donegal, with its windswept hills where only sheep can thrive. Donegal is renowned for woolen production and tweeds.
(B, D)

Day 3: Slieve League Cliffs & Glengesh
Head to Teelin to reach the best viewing point of the Slieve League sea cliffs, the highest in Europe. Afterwards, sample home-baked scones with coffee or tea. Travel along the coast then head inland through the majestic Glengesh Pass for views of mountains and valleys to Donegal, renowned for its tweed and knitting industries. Watch demonstrations of spinning and weaving at a local woolen shop. Enjoy an early dinner in a popular pub.
(B, D)

Day 4: Belleek Pottery & Lough Corrib Cruise
Discover the secrets that have made Belleek Pottery one of the most enduring success stories of Irish craftsmanship during a tour of Belleek Pottery. You’ll go behind the scenes to see how this world-famous fine china is made. Travel south to Galway and embark on a cruise of Lough Corrib for unsurpassed views of castles and various sites of both historical and cultural interest (April 1 – October 21 departures).
(B, D)

Day 5: Scenic Connemara & Dan O’Hara Homestead
Explore scenic Connemara to admire how constantly-changing cloud formations give granite hills, sparkling lakes and peat bogs an added dimension. Stop at the Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory where craftsmen demonstrate fine glass cutting. Travel through the picturesque scenery of hills and lakes to visit Dan O’Hara’s Homestead. Experience traditional methods of farming, see Connemara ponies, and have a light lunch. Return to Galway and enjoy free time before dinner.
(B, L, D)

Day 6: Cliffs of Moher & Killarney
Embark on a short ferry ride across the River Shannon Estuary to view the Cliffs of Moher, which soar 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. Walk to O’Brien’s Tower, for views of the Aran Islands and Galway Bay. Drive through the pleasant countryside of Country Clare, which is dotted with ruined castles. Enjoy lunch on your own in a coastal village. Arrive in Killarney with time to relax or explore before dinner.
(B, D)

Day 7: Ring of Kerry Tour
Head out to the Ring of Kerry, Ireland’s most famous and popular scenic drive. Immerse yourself in farm life with a sheepdog demonstration of herding flocks. Enjoy a casual lunch and continue on the scenic drive. Pause for panoramic mountain views at Moll’s Gap. In Killarney there is free time to discover some of the excellent restaurants and lively pubs.
(B, L)

Day 8: Blarney Castle & Dublin’s Abbey Tavern
Visit Blarney Castle to kiss the famous stone or take a gentle walk through the lovely parklands and colorful gardens. Treat yourself to Irish-made goods at the Blarney Woollen Mills before traveling north. Pause for photos at the stately Rock of Cashel, a limestone outcrop with picturesque ruins and continue to Dublin. Head to the Abbey Tavern for Irish cuisine, and lively entertainment.
(B, D)

Day 9: Your Tour Ends in Dublin
Your tour ends after breakfast.
(B)

B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner