Itinerary

Day 1

Depart US for your overnight flight to Shannon, Ireland. Our travel planners are available to assist with your flight arrangements and any pre- or post-tour arrangements.
 
Day 2

Upon arrival at Shannon Airport you will be meet by your experienced Irish driver/guide in the Arrivals Hall. Once everyone has convened, your driver will escort you to the motorcoach to begin your tour of Ireland. Journey northward along the coast of Clare to Galway, en route the group will stop for a refreshing walk along the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher. These dramatic cliffs plunge 700 feet into the lashing Atlantic Ocean and offer a spectacular backdrop for one of your first photo-opportunities in Ireland. Continue through the Burren region and on to Galway City. Arrive with time to relax in your room or roam the bustling streets before gathering with your group for a delicious dinner in your hotel. Overnight Westwood Hotel, Galway (B, D)

 Day 3

After a hearty Irish breakfast, drive west into the wild and wonderful Connemara region for a visit to the Connemara History & Heritage Center. The Center offers a unique insight into the history and heritage of this beautiful part of the West of Ireland. The drive continues through the Inagh Valley, passing heather covered mountains and picturesque lakes. The vista is ever changing as the slightest change in the weather is reflected in the lakes and mountains of this region. The highlight of the day will be a cruise along Ireland's only fjord, Killary. Sit back and enjoy some of Ireland's finest scenery from the comfort of this luxurious catamaran. Complimentary tea and scones will be served on board. Return to Galway in the late afternoon where you can enjoy some free time before dinner. Overnight Westwood Hotel, Galway (B, D)
 
Day 4

Enjoy some free time in Galway before heading north to Donegal; along the way you stop in County Mayo to visit Knock Shrine. The Story of Knock began on the 21st August 1879 when Our Lady, St. Joseph, and St. John the Evangelist appeared at the south gable of Knock Parish Church. The apparition was witnessed by fifteen people, young and old. From this miraculous apparition, Knock has grown to the status of an internationally recognized Marian Shrine. Arrive in Donegal in the late afternoon to visit Donegal Castle, one of the finest Gaelic castles in Ireland. Join your fellow group members for a delightful dinner in your charming traditional Irish hotel. Overnight: Kee's Hotel, Donegal (B, D)
 
Day 5

En route to Belfast, you will have the opportunity to explore a city which remains nearly completely encircled by medieval stone walls. Derry, a city of great historical significance, is among the best-preserved city fortifications in the Western World. A charismatic, local guide will take you on a walking tour of the city, atop the walls, and provide detailed insight of the fascinating, and complex, history of this medieval city. Continue around the Antrim Coast to the spectacular Giant's Causeway, one of the amazing natural wonders of the world. Discover the legend of Finn MacCool and ponder the creation of the past before you. The more pragmatic may take interest in the geological changes that contributed to the creation of this mass of 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns which were formed over 60 million years ago. The tops of the columns form stepping stones that lead from the cliff foot and disappear under the sea. Journey along the spectacular Glens of Antrim, nine wooded river valleys running down to the shore, it's a coastline sprinkled with historic castles, churches, and forts. Continue onto Belfast City where you will enjoy dinner in the hotel this evening. Overnight: Europa Hotel, Belfast (B, D)
 
Day 6

Today a local guide will take you on a tour through Belfast City, rich in Victorian and Edwardian architecture. See major points of interest including Stormont House, Belfast City Hall, Queen's University, and areas around the Shankill and Falls Roads. Your tour will conclude with a visit to the Titanic's dock and pump house for a tour of this impressive maritime marvel. The tour will give you an in-depth understanding of the story of the dock; as you walk the length of it you will better comprehend the size and magnitude of the Titanic. The remainder of the afternoon and is free to explore this capital city. Enjoy dinner with your group in the hotel this evening. You might consider a visit to the Crown Liquor Saloon, a restored national landmark located across the street from your hotel. Overnight: Europa Hotel, Belfast (B, D)*
 
Day 7
After breakfast you will board the motorcoach and begin the scenic drive to Dublin. The drive will take you to the Boyne Valley to the Bru Na Boinne Visitor Center where you will learn about the fascinating Megalithic Passage Tombs of Newgrange, Knowth, and Dowth. Enjoy a coveted tour of the site at Newgrange, a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site. Arrive Dublin and check-in to your hotel with free time to explore the city independently and dine in one of the many traditional pubs or restaurants. Overnight: Alexander Hotel, Dublin (B)

 Day 8
Enjoy a full Irish breakfast before embarking on a sightseeing tour around Dublin City. You will see elegant Georgian squares and houses, colorful parks, and bustling shopping areas. Take a guided tour of Trinity College, one of the oldest centers of learning, dating back to the 16th century. The library is home to the world-renowned nineth-century Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript containing meticulous artwork. Next, visit Christchurch Cathedral, which was founded in 1038 by the Christian Norse King, Sitric. Part of the structure dates back to the twelfth-century. The remainder of this afternoon and evening is free to explore this vibrant city. Tonight, a fun-filled night of music, song, and dance awaits you as you are transported to Taylors Three Rock for an evening of dinner and authentic Irish entertainment. Overnight: Alexander Hotel, Dublin (B, D)
 
Day 9

Depart your hotel after breakfast for a short drive to Dublin Airport arriving with plenty of time for last minute duty-free shopping before boarding your flight home to the US.(B)

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