republic of ireland Tours Best of Ireland

Itinerary:

Day 1 Dublin  
Arrive into the whimsical capital city of Dublin and transfer to your hotel. This afternoon, join a local specialist to explore the sights of the city. Later, visit Glasnevin Trust for an informative and poignant tour explaining the efforts to preserve Irish history before enjoying a welcome reception with your tour director and fellow travellers.  

Day 2 Dublin to Waterford  
Journey through the scenic countryside of County Wicklow, known as the Garden of Ireland, to New Ross. Gain an insight into the plight of the starving Irish emigrants who fled the potato famine here, before continuing to Waterford. Upon arrival, celebrate the centuries old craft of flint glass creations as you witness master craftsmen at work at the House of Waterford Crystal.  

Day 3 Waterford to Killarney  
Travel via the historic seaport town of Youghal, once home to Sir Walter Raleigh and pursue the 'gift of the gab' at Blarney Castle to kiss the famous stone, before arriving at Killarney, your home for the next two nights.  

Day 4 Ring of Kerry  
Embark on a scenic drive past mountains, lakes and lush green countryside on one of the most scenic routes of Ireland. See Daniel O'Connell's Cahirciveen, the fishing village of Waterville, Moll's Gap and remote Black Valley, the last area in Ireland to receive electricity due to its remoteness.  

Day 5 Killarney to Limerick  
Continue through the windswept countryside to Limerick and enjoy a sightseeing tour upon arrival. See sights such as St Mary's Cathedral, the Treaty Stone and the 13th Century King John's Castle, before stepping back in time and discovering what Irish life was like in the 18th and 19th Centuries on a visit to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.  

Day 6 Limerick to Galway  
Head to the magnificent Cliffs of Moher which plunge over 200 metres onto the Atlantic waters below. Gain an insight into the history of these imposing cliffs during a visit to the 'Atlantic Edge' exhibition, before continuing to Galway where you will have free time to explore the city at leisure.

Day 7 Connemara  
Explore the 'savage beauty' of Connemara today and tread in the footsteps of Oscar Wilde who once described it 'wild and mountainous splendour' as magnificent. Admire the views on a scenic drive to Kylemore Abbey and visit the county's most romantic castle with its exquisite Victorian walled garden.

Day 8 Galway to Sligo  
Indulge in morning tea at Westport House and hear tales of the Pirate Queen, whilst enjoying banoffee and Baileys flavours in the Drawing Room of this stately 16th Century house. Head north to Sligo, stopping at the town of Knock to see the pilgrimage of Marian Shrine where villagers are said to have witnessed an apparition of our lady in 1879.

Day 9 Sligo to Dublin
Head back to Dublin and enjoy some free time to explore. Perhaps take a walk down Grafton Street or stroll along the Liffey, before joining your tour director and fellow travellers for a farewell dinner this evening.  

Day 10 Dublin  
After a hearty Irish breakfast, transfer to the airport for your journey home.  

Optional Excursions:

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