Day 1- September 16
- Your adventure begins! Sit back and relax on your ride to Chicago’s O’Hare Airport for your overnight flight to Dublin, Ireland
Day 2- September 17 (L,D)
- “Beannacht lá maith!” (Irish “Good day”). Upon arrival in Dublin, we’ll meet our driver/guide
- Traveling south to Huntington Castle, we’ll enjoy lunch with Alex, the current Lord, and direct descendent of the original Castle owners
- Next, our Ireland exploration will take us to Waterford for a walking tour of Ireland's oldest city
- After a long day of travel, we’ll enjoy dinner together prior to turning in tonight for our first of two nights at the Waterford Granville Hotel (or similar accommodation)
Day 3- September 18 (B,L)
- We start our day with a visit to the fishing village of Dunmore East with its unique character, charm and spell-binding beauty
- Traveling along the UNESCO Geopark known as the Copper Coast, we’ll enjoy stunning sea views
- Returning to Waterford, we’ll have a truly unique experience with our visit to Mayfield Birds of Prey. Here we'll view firsthand “The Sport of Kings” when watching amazing hawks, owls and falcons take flight. This is a perfect photo opportunity as you may be able to handle one of these incredible birds
- Enjoy a free evening exploring Waterford restaurants and pubs
Day 4- September 19 (B)
- This morning, we’ll enjoy a private tour of Mount Congreve's beautiful gardens
- We then make our way to historic Lismore – with Lismore Castle as a stunning backdrop - for a walking tour with a local guide(including a tour of the 6th century St. Carthage Church)
- Our afternoon journey continues south to the colorful harbor town of Kinsale, where the evening is yours to enjoy prior to turning in at the Kinsale Trident Hotel (or similar accommodation)
Day 5- September 20 (B,L,D)
- Departing Kinsale, we’ll journey west through County Cork to the town of Ballylickey
- A true joy for our taste buds awaits us at Manning’s Food Emporium. We’ll get a taste of West Cork with a platter of good food with local cheese for lunch, followed by a visit to a local chocolate maker
- Scenic beauty will surround us as we travel over the Caba Mountains to Kenmare and along the interior of the Ring of Kerry over Molls Gap
- Tonight, we’ll dine together prior to turning in for the first of our two-night stay at the Benners Hotel, Dingle (or similar accommodation)
Day 6- September 21 (B)
- Exploring the Dingle Peninsula is a perfect way to spend the day, with its monastic and ancient sites
- Enjoy free time wandering through the Dingle shops and the evening enjoying the pubs and restaurants for dinner on your own
Day 7- September 22 (B,D)
- For our next adventure, we’ll ferry across the River Shannon
- After arriving in Killimer, we’ll travel to Kilrush along the Clare coastline with a visit to St. Tola Goat Cheese Farm before heading through the limestone landscape of the Burren
- Our dinner and restful overnight – the first of two - will be at the Ballyvaughan Hylands Hotel (or similar accommodation)
Day 8- September 23 (B)
- This morning we’ll take the ferry across to the smallest of the Aran lslands, lnis Oirr, to enjoy exploring the Island known for its unique culture and warm and outgoing spirit
- Upon our return to the mainland, breathtaking views of the Cliffs of Moher will welcome us
- The evening is yours to enjoy the local Ballyvaughan restaurants and pubs
Day 9- September 24 (B)
- Today, we’ll travel along the shores of Galway Bay, where we’ll enjoy free time in the historic city of Galway
- We’ll head to Dublin, where the afternoon and evening are free for you to enjoy exploring and dining at one of the many pubs or restaurants
- Our overnight will be the first of two nights at the Dublin Ashling Hotel (or similar accommodation)
Day 10- September 25 (B,D)
- We’ll start our day with a panoramic tour of Dublin, followed by a free afternoon to visit local landmarks of interest to you or maybe some shopping
- This evening, a special treat – a farewell dinner at Nancy Hands, with traditional Irish music and dancing
Day 11- September 26 (B)
- Today we say a fond “slán” (Irish “Goodbye”) to the Emerald Isle as we transfer to the Dublin Airport for our flight to Chicago
- Upon disembarking from the plane at Chicago O’Hare Airport, you will be greeted by your transfer driver for your return trip to your chosen departure location
- Welcome home with wonderful memories to last a life-time
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