Thurs., Sept. 22 -MINNEAPOLIS/EN ROUTE (I)
We'll depart Minneapolis in the early afternoon by scheduled service of Continental Airlines as we travel to Newark Airport in preparation for the overnight transatlantic flight to Dublin, Ireland.
Fri., Sept. 23 -DUBLIN (I)
Shortly after the sun rises on the Irish coast we will arrive in Dublin where we'll be met by our Irish Driver/Guide who will travel with us throughout our tour. Then we're headed into the capital city of Dublin surrounded by Dublin Bay to the east, the Wicklow Mountains to the south, and the River Liffey flowing right through the heart of the city. Following a brief drive through the city we'll stop to visit the Guinness Storehouse to see exhibits on how this world famous stout was first created and why it is so popular today. Afterwards we'll visit the rooftop bar where you can sample a draft Guinness and enjoy a view overlooking the city. Then we'll continue to our hotel where the remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.
Sat., Sept. 24- DUBLIN (B)
Our day will begin with an introductory tour of this famous city on the Liffey River. Points of interest on our tour include the Bank of Ireland built in 1729 and formerly the Irish Parliament, the National Museum, Dublin Castle, and Four Courts built in the 18th century and now housing the High Courts of Justice. We'll also visit Trinity College's Old Library and see the Book of Kells, the most richly decorated of Ireland's medieval illuminated manuscripts, and St. Patrick's Cathedral, Ireland's largest church dating back to the 12th century. The afternoon is then free to explore Dublin on your own. Southeast Dublin is the heart of the modern city and home to the prestigious Trinity College. Southwest Dublin is the site of the old city around Dublin Castle, and north of the Liffey River is the area along imposing O'Connell Street, the city's main thoroughfare and home to many of its colorful and lively markets. Whatever you choose to do, Dublin has something for everyone!
Sun., Sept. 25- DUBLIN/KENMARE (B,HD)
This morning we will depart Dublin and travel south through the Curragh, the center of the Irish horse-breeding industry. Here we'll visit the Irish National Stud Farm where we'll have an opportunity to visit the grounds to see the next champions as they are being exercised. Then we'll sit back and relax as we take in the picturesque rolling countryside of County Tipperary as we travel further south to County Cork. Here we'll visit Blarney Castle where you'll have an opportunity to climb the steps of the fabled fortress and kiss the famous Blarney Stone. Just a stone's throw away we'll also be able to visit the Blarney Woolen Mills, the largest emporium of Irish crafts in the country where you can browse through the finely woven Irish woolen products or simply relax at one of its welcoming pubs. Our day will come to an end in the town of Kenmare set in the scenic southwest where we'll find some of the most picturesque views in all of Ireland!
Mon., Sept. 26 -KENMARE (Gap of Dunloe & Killarney) (B)
This morning we will travel to Kate Kearney's Cottage, home to a local beauty who ran an illegal-drinking house for passing travelers in the 19th century. Today the cottage marks our starting point for a jaunting car ride through the famed Gap of Dunloe. The Gap is a four-mile gulch where glaciers have carved a dramatic mountain pass offering fabulous views of the boulder-strewn-gorge, the Tomies and Purple Mountains. Just as our carriage ride comes to an end we'll take to the waters of Lough Leane as we sail towards Ross Castle where we'll rejoin our motor coach for the short ride to Killarney. Free time then will allow us to walk the lively streets of this "tourist town" known all over the world before our return to Kenmare.
Tues., Sept. 27- KENMARE/GALWAY (B,HD)
Today we depart Kenmare and travel through the village of Listowel to Tarbet and board a ferry for the crossing of the Shannon River Estuary to Killimer in County Clare. Then we'll follow the coast to the Cliffs of Moher. Even when shrouded in mist or buffeted by gales, the Cliffs of Moher are a breathtaking sight as they rise to a height of 650 feet from out of the Atlantic. Extending for almost five miles, the sheer rock face with its contrasting layers of black shale and sandstone provide sheltered ledges for many of Ireland's flora and fauna. Early this afternoon we'll arrive in County Galway and the city of Galway.
Wed., Sept. 28- GALWAY (Kylemore Abbey) (B)
Our day will begin with a sightseeing drive of Galway. The center of Galway lies on the banks of the River Corrib, and following an extensive restoration in the early 70's, the narrow and winding streets of this once- walled city have been brought back to life. Then we'll travel to the rugged yet serene Connemara region. This rocky land of broad-backed mountains and pearl-like lakes is the largest Irish-speaking section of the country and the old traditional ways of life are as much a part of this region's attractions as is the scenery. On our return to Galway we'll stop to visit picturesque Kylemore Abbey and Gardens, a castellated neo-Gothic mansion occupied by an Irish Benedictine community of nuns. Due to its compact size Galway is easy to explore on foot and a leisurely afternoon will offer plenty of opportunity to visit its shops, historic sights and pubs.
Thurs., Sept. 29 -GALWAY /LIMERICK (B,RD )
Today we depart Galway and travel to County Limerick where we'll visit the formidable 15th century Bunratty Castle and have an opportunity to walk through the adjacent Folk Park that is home to a turn of the century recreated Irish village. We'll also allow time to visit nearby Durty Nelly's where the 17th century atmosphere is sustained by the warren of rooms, inglenook fireplaces and historical portraits. We'll end our day in nearby Limerick located on the banks of the River Fergus. Although King's Island was the first area to be settled, the old Irishtown south of the Abbey River also has its own historic buildings in St. John's Square. Tonight our vacation ends in grand style with a Medieval Banquet complete with storytelling and singing.
Fri., Sept. 30 -LIMERICK/MINNEAPOLIS (B,I )
This morning we travel to Shannon Airport in preparation for our transatlantic journey to Newark and continuing flight home to Minneapolis. No better time to reflect on memories of the "Emerald Isle" that will last a lifetime and new friends made along the way!
* * * Welcome Home * * *
I = In-flight Meal B = Breakfast HD = Hotel Dinner RD = Restaurant Dinner
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