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

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

Get a taste of old Dublin. With no scheduled activities through the afternoon, take your time to wander the city streets and soak up that Irish charm. Tonight, you and your fellow travelers revel in a traditional Irish evening, including regional cuisine.
Dinner Included

Admittance: Irish Dinner & Entertainment

Today, ride with a local guide to visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral and see O’Connell Street 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: 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. It's very popular with travelers because of the Stone of Eloquence, more commonly referred to as the Blarney Stone. Millions of travelers have flocked to the castle in kiss the Blarney Stone, located at the top of the castle.

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

Admittance: Brewery Experience

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. Tonight, it’s Diner’s Choice — choose your included dinner from a "menu" of Killarney’s great restaurants.

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.

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. Meet the local McGill family at their roadside artisan brewery and enjoy a taste of their finest beers. Continue around the Ring of Kerry and top off the day back in Killarney with a ride in a traditional jaunting car.* 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

Visit Area: Ring of Kerry
The Ring of Kerry is a 111-mile-long circular 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 travelers visiting the area, especially in the summer months.

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

Visit Area: Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher are a series of cliffs located on the Atlantic coast of County Clare in the west of Ireland. They are 5 miles/8 kilometers long and 702 feet/213 meters tall at their highest point. On a clear day, one can see the Aran Islands and Galway Bay. These cliffs are Ireland’s most visited natural attraction with up to 1 million visitors every year.

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 some free time to explore this pretty and vibrant city. Return to Limerick to relax over dinner.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included
Hotel Name: Cabra Castle

Admittance: Sheepdog Demonstration

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: Castle Stay
Ireland features many historic castles throughout the different regions of the country. Enjoy a stay on the grounds of a castle.

Your journey ends in Kingscourt.

Breakfast Included