Ireland 2026 Departure #2

Day 1 Mon May 11:

We take an evening flight from Philadelphia to Dublin. Transportation to the Airport will be provided.

Day 2 Tue May 12:

Following our arrival at Dublin Airport, you will meet your Driver/Guide and be escorted to your awaiting motor coach. this morning, you will enjoy a tour of Dublin- Ireland's capital city on the banks or the River Liffey. You will see the Georgian Squares with their 18th Century houses, St. Patricks's Cathedral, Trinity College, the Phoenix Park (the biggest town park in Europe), statue filled O'Connell Street and the fashionable Grafton Street. You will also visit EPIC - The Irish Emigration Museum which tells the story of the many Irish who emigrated over the centuries and how they helped to change the world. This afternoon you will check into your hotel for a two-night stay. Later you will regroup with your fellow travelers and enjoy a welcome dinner in your hotel. Overnight: The Camden Court Hotel, Dublin.

Day 3 Wed May 13:

This morning you will travel to Trinity College where you will visit the Long Room which houses 200,000 of Trinity College's oldest books and considered to be one of the world's most beautiful libraries. You will view the Book of Kells a 9th century Latin manuscript of the four gospels written on Vellum (prepared calfskin); it is one of Ireland's greatest cultural treasures and the world's most famous medieval manuscript. You will also visit Saint Patrick's Cathedral, an architectural and historical site which has been the heart of Dublin history for over 800 years. No visit to Dublin would be complete without a visit to Guinness Brewery founded in 1759 by Arthur Guinness. Here you will enjoy a self-guided tour which concludes with a leisurely pint of Guinness in the 360-degree roof top bar while enjoying some spectacular views of Dublin City. The remainder of the day is free to soak up the atmosphere of the vibrant city. You may choose to explore its many lively streets and enjoy dinner in one of the city's charming pubs and restaurants. Overnight: The Camden Court hotel, Dublin.

Day 4 Thu May 14:

This morning, you depart Dublin and travel through the horse breeding country of Kildare and the rich farmlands of county Tipperary to Cashel where you will see the amazing Rock of Cashel. This was the seat of the Kings of Munster from 370-1101 and has early association with St. Patrick. your journey continues to Blarney where you will visit Blarney Castle and kiss the famous Blarney Stone said to bestow the gift of eloquence on all those who dare. As you make your way through the castle grounds you can also visit the Castle Gardens. From here you continue to beauty's home Killarney and a two-night stay. This evening you will enjoy dinner in your hotel. Overnight: The Killarney Plaza Hotel. Killarney.

Day 5 Fri May 15:

Today, you embark on one of Ireland's most famous tours - The Ring of Kerry. Your first stop this morning will be the Kerry Bog Village where you can visit little thatched cottages and see how people would have lived in Ireland many years ago. Your tour continues through the wild and rugged landscape of the Iveragh Peninsula which has some breathtaking views of the Atlantic coastline. You will pass through the towns of Killorglin, Glenbeigh, Cahirciveen and Waterville to Sneem. Your tour the winds its way through the mountains taking in some views of the Lakes of Killarney and the Ladies View before returning to Killarney. The remainder of the evening is free to enjoy Killarney at your leisure. You may choose to have dinner in one of its many restaurants or simply wander around its bustling streets and let the sound of Irish music draw you into one of the town's lively pubs. Overnight: The Killarney Plaza Hotel. Killarney.

Day 6 Sat May 16:

This morning, you bid farewell to Killarney and travel to Tralee, capital town of County Kerry and famous for the Rose of Tralee Festival. You continue to Tarbert where you board the Shannon Ferry, which crosses the Shannon Estuary to Killimer. From here you take the coast road to the majestic Cliffs of Moher which rises to a height of 600 ft over the Atlantic Ocean. Following some free time to enjoy the cliffs, you will continue to Ennis where you will check into your hotel for an overnight stay. This evening you will travel to the 15th century Bunratty Castle where you will join the Earl of Thomond for a glorious medieval banquet. The entertainment which accompanies dinner is a superb selection of Irish medieval and traditional songs and instrumental music. Overnight: The Old Ground Hotel, Ennis.

Day 7 Sun may 17:

This morning you depart Ennis and travel to Galway City where you will begin your tour of Connemara. The landscape of Connemara is made up of mountains, lakelands and boglands and because of its wild and rugged beauty it has been the location of many films such as, "The Quiet Man" with John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara and in more recent times "The Field" starring Richard Harris. The scenery is magical and is a paradise for artist and photographer alike. You will visit Kylemore Abbey, built in 1866 and from 1920 to 2008 was home to the Benedictine Nuns. You can also visit the Abbey's Victorian walled Garden which is compltetly enclosed by a brick and limestone wall and the beautiful Gothic Church built by Mitchell Henry in memory of his wife who died four years after the castle was constructed. You tour the winds its way through the scenic Doolough Valley taking in a stretch of road known as the famine walk and follow in the footsteps of the many people who left their home in search of food during the great famine. You will visit Glen Keen Farm and enjoy some fresh baked scones followed by a sheep herding demonstration. From here you continue by the foothills of Croagh Patrick, Ireland's Holy Mountain to Westport for a two-night stay. This evening you will enjoy dinner at our hotel. Overnight: The Clew Bay Hotel, Westport.

Day 8 Mon May 18:

This morning you travel to Mulranny and cross the Michael Davitt Bridge to Achill, Ireland's largest off shore island and recently featured in the award-winning film - The Banshees of Inisherin. As your tour follows the coastline you will get some breathtaking views on the island's spectacular Atlantic Drive. You will visit the destered village at Slievemore which consist of 80-100 stone cottages (booley homes) on the southern slopes of Slievemore Mountain. You will also have a lunch stop on the island before returning to Westport where you will have the remainder of the afternoon free to explore the picturesque town with its cheerful, multicolored shop fronts and an attractive selection of pubes, cafes, and restaurants. Overnight: The clew Bay Hotel, Westport.

Day 9 Tue May 19:

This morning, we bid farewell to Westport and travel to Knock in County Mayo. It was here on the 21st of August 1879 that our Lady appeared to 15 people ranging in age from 12 to 75. Knock is now an internationally recognized Marian Shrine. Pope John Paul II visited in 1979, commemorating the centernary of the apparation and Mother Teresa of Calcutta visited the Shrine in June of 1993. One and half million pilgrims visit the Shrine annually. From here you travel to County Roscommon where you will visit Strakestown Park. The park comprises of Strokestwon House, the Irish National Famine Museum and Strokestown Park Walled Gardens. The house was the family home of the Packenham Mahon family and preserves the original furnishings and fabrics. The National Famine Museum which is located in the old stable yards of Stokestown House was designed to commemorate the history of the great famine. Following you visit you continue to the City North Hotel, conveniently located 30 minutes from Dublin Airport for an overnight stay. This evening you will enjoy a farewell dinner in your hotel. Overnight: The City North Hotel, Dublin.

Day 10 Wed May 20:

After breakfast you will have a surprise stop before we travel to Dublin Airport for your flight home with fond memories and newly acquired accents and many stories to relate to friends and family.

B=Breakfast, D =Dinner