Shades of Ireland

Anticipation mounts as you make your way toward the Emerald Isle and its many wonders. Rich history, rolling hills and warm smiles lie ahead in Dublin, Waterford, Killarney and Limerick. With tomorrow comes quintessential Ireland.
Hotel Name: Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham

Get a taste of old Dublin. Tonight, you and your fellow travelers revel in a traditional Irish evening, including regional cuisine.
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Dublin
Dublin is the capital and the largest city in Ireland. Dublin is located on Ireland’s east coast, and sits at the mouth of the River Liffey. Dublin was founded in 841 by the Vikings. Today, Dublin is the economic center of Ireland and the historical and contemporary center for industry, education and the arts.

Today, ride with a local guide to see St. Patrick’s Cathedral, O’Connell Street, the National Gallery, and the historic Phoenix Park. What follows is an afternoon to discover Dublin’s charms on your own. Later, you may join an optional tour to the Guinness Storehouse, followed by dinner at a contemporary restaurant showcasing Irish cuisine.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: Granville Hotel

Admittance: Irish Evening
Raise a pint and dine on classic Irish fair as you and your fellow travelers are treated to a night of traditional Irish entertainment.

Step back in time and begin the day in the medieval splendor of 12th century Kilkenny on the River Nore. Then, in Waterford, embark on a leisurely paced walking tour of Ireland’s oldest city. It’s your choice! Tour the Waterford Crystal factory and learn how exquisite crystal has been made for centuries -OR- visit the Medieval Museum for a guided tour and a glass of wine in the 15th-century Mayor’s Wine Vault.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included
Hotel Name: The O'Donoghue Ring Hotels

Visit Area: Kilkenny
Kilkenny is a city located in the southeast part of Ireland in the county town of County Kilkenny. It is built on the banks of the River Nore. Killkenny is rich in history as it was the seat for political power in the Middle Ages. Much of the city's architecture dates back to the 17th century.

The legend goes that those who kiss the Blarney Stone gain the gift of eloquence - give it a try if you wish at historic Blarney Castle, by navigating the 128 narrow steps to the top. Cross into County Kerry and continue on to charming Killarney. Enjoy a traditional jaunting car ride* through Killarney National Park. Tonight, it’s Diner’s Choice... choose your included dinner from a "menu" of Killarney’s great restaurants.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Waterford
Waterford is Ireland's oldest city with a history that dates back to Viking times. This busy port city on a tidal reach of the River Suir is known as the home of the famous Waterford crystal.

Take in the rugged coastline as you loop your way around the picturesque Ring of Kerry, past pristine beaches, quaint villages and majestic landscapes. At the Gap of Dunloe, shop for local artisan-made crafts. The night is free for reminiscing about the day as you find your own authentic taste of Irish culture.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: The Absolute Hotel

Admittance: Choice on Tour: Waterford Crystal Factory or Waterford Museum and Wine Vault
Today in Waterford, you have the choice between two activities. First, you may choose a behind-the-scenes tour revealing the century’s old tradition of Waterford Crystal making. Your guide will detail the step-by-step phases of creating this beautiful product, including sculpting, engraving and design inspiration. Meet high-end crystal makers. Visit the Waterford retail store, home to the largest collection of Waterford Crystal found anywhere in the world. Your other option is to enjoy a privately guided tour of Waterford’s Medieval Museum, the only museum of its kind in Ireland. Discover the story of Ireland’s oldest city through the Middle Ages. Your tour will take you down into centuries old vaults, through the 13th century Choristers Hall, past the magnificent Cloth of Gold and High Mass Vestments, and culminate in the 15th century Mayor’s Wine Vault. Here, enjoy a glass of wine. House of Waterford Crystal Factory Tour - NEO Day 3 Activity Level: 1 Guided tour of crystal factory. Leisurely and slow paced. Minimal physical activity, approximately 45 minutes in duration and guests will have time to enjoy the café and gift shop. Waterford Medieval Museum and Wine Vault - NEO Day 3 Activity Level: 2 Leisurely paced. Approximately one hour in duration.

Today brings you to the dramatic, 700-foot-high Cliffs of Moher for cinematic views of the mighty Atlantic. Continue to Limerick, where a panoramic city tour showcases King John's Castle and the Treaty Stone. Delve into the fascinating history of the "city of the violated treaty." This evening you may join an optional medieval banquet dinner, hosted in a castle.

Breakfast Included

Admittance: Blarney Castle
Blarney Castle is a medieval castle in Blarney near County Cork, Ireland. The castle was built nearly 600 years ago by Cormac MacCarthy. The castle is very popular with tourists because of the Stone of Eloquence, more commonly referred to as the Blarney Stone. Millions of tourists have flocked to the castle in kiss the Blarney Stone, located at the top of the castle.

Pass through the windswept, limestone landscape of the Burren, known for its stark beauty and Neolithic tombs. See border collies in action during a traditional sheepdog demonstration. Continue on to Galway for a brief tour that showcases “The City of Tribes.” Return to Limerick to relax over dinner.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included
Hotel Name: Cabra Castle

Visit Area: Killarney
Killarney is a town in County Kerry in southwestern Ireland. The town is on the shores of Lough Leane which is a part of Killarney National Park. Killarney has been welcoming tourists and visitors for over 250 years.

You don’t have to be a connoisseur to appreciate the old-world heritage of Ireland’s whiskey territory. Your journey brings you to Kilbeggan in the heart of Ireland, where a superb distillery brings whiskey craftsmanship to life and gives you a taste of the final product. Top your day off with an overnight stay on the stately grounds of Cabra Castle, where you toast the end of a memorable trip during an elegant dinner.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Admittance: Jaunting Car Ride
A Jaunting Car Ride refers to a two wheeled carriage pulled by a single horse, with seating for 2 or 4 people placed back to back. This was the main mode of transport for people in Dublin throughout the 19th century and around other parts of Ireland at that time. Jaunting cars are primarily used in Ireland today for tourists.

Your journey ends in Kingscourt.

Breakfast Included

Visit Area: Ring of Kerry
The Ring of Kerry is a 111-mile-long circular tourist route in County Kerry in southwestern Ireland. It is Ireland’s longest and one of its most diverse big circle driving routes. The route features beautiful beaches, lakes, medieval ruins, mountains and lakes. Driving The Ring is a very popular daytrip for tourists visiting the area, especially in the summer months.