Itinerary

Wednesday, May 11- Arrival Shannon Airport, Transfer to Galway; Welcome Reception

Arrive Shannon Airport no later than 11:00am. We will depart the airport as a group and travel together to Galway. Galway dates back to the 13th century with the invasion by the Anglo Normans against the Irish. It has progressed through the centuries to be the fastest growing city in Western Europe and the cultural capital of Ireland. Tonight we will get together for our welcome reception.

 

Thursday, May 12 - Walking Tour; Afternoon Free (B,D)

Our day begins with a walking tour to all the must see locations in the city such as Eyre Square; the town wall dating to 1270; Lynch's Castle, one of the oldest buildings in Ireland; Collegiate Church of St Nicholas dating from the 1300's; the Spanish Arch as well as other important sights. The afternoon is free to continue your sightseeing and the WTT tour leader will be leading an afternoon outing for those who may wish to join her.  Later this evening enjoy dinner at a traditional Irish Pub.

 

Friday May 13 – Day Trip To Inishmor, Aran Islands; Dun Aenghus (B,L)

The Aran Islands, along Ireland's west coast, are a Gaelic treat. The largest, Inishmore, is the most populated and interesting. We will travel by boat and will spend a full day on Inishmor exploring this last remnant of authentic Gaelic civilization, where Christian ruins and Pagan relics stand side by side. Inishmore's famous Iron Age fortress, Dún Aenghus, is the most impressive of its kind in all of Europe. We will return to Galway for the evening.

 

Saturday, May 14 – Day Trip to Connemara and Cong (B,D)

Today we will visit the beautiful Connemara region with stops at Clifden Town - the capital of Connemara, before going to Kylemore Abbey - "Ireland’s most romantic building". Kylemore Abbey is now the monastic home to the Benedictine Order of Nuns in Ireland. We will travel through some of the most beautiful areas in Ireland as we pass by Killary fjord that straddles the Mayo-Galway border and the scenic village of Leenane. We then continue to the village of Cong, home to Cong Abbey. Later this evening enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant in Galway.

 

Sunday, May 15 – Day Trip to The Burren and Cliffs of Moher (B,L)

Today we travel to Burren National Park for a short hike in a nature reserve. We will discover the beauty of a 6th century hermitage, a holy well and be introduced to the geology and flora that make the Burren so special. Next we will visit the sea-port village of Kinvara as we make our way to the Cliffs of Moher. The Cliffs of Moher are Ireland's top natural scenic attraction and are amazing in their scale; 200-metre high limestone cliffs for almost 8kms.In the afternoon, we drive inland where we will hear about the history, folklore and archaeological wonders of this protected landscape. Before stopping at the famous Poulnabrone Dolmen we also make a stop at Kilfenora also known as the City of the Crosses after the High Crosses located in the grounds of the 12th century monastery.

 

Monday, May 16- Train Galway to Dublin (B,D)

Today we will travel by train from Galway to Dublin. Sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery along the way. Upon arrival into Dublin we will transfer to our hotel located in the heart of the city. Relax or go exploring before we gather for dinner together this evening.

 

Tuesday, May 17- Dublin city tour, Free Time (B)

This morning we’ll embark on a tour of this delightful city. Of interest is Trinity College, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and the Irish Parliament. The remainder of the day and evening are free for you to enjoy Dublin. The WTT tour leader will have an optional outing planned for anyone wishing to join her.

 

Wednesday, May 18- Newgrange (B,L)

Newgrange is one of the best examples in Ireland of a passage-tomb, however, it is now recognized to be more of an ancient temple with astrological, spiritual, religious and ceremonial importance. It was constructed around 3200 BC, making it more than 600 years older than the Giza Pyramids in Egypt, and 1,000 years more ancient than Stonehenge. Newgrange is part of a complex of monuments built along the River Boyne. In 1993, Newgrange was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its outstanding cultural legacy.

After our visit to Newgrange we will have lunch together and then return to Dublin where the remainder of the day is at leisure.

 

Thursday, May 19 – Free Day in Dublin; Farewell Dinner (B,D)

This day is yours to explore Dublin on your own. From our tour you may have several ideas of places you wish to visit and of course, any shopping you want to do would be a good activity for today. Get together tonight for our farewell dinner.

 

Friday, May 20 – Return Home from Dublin (B)

It's time to go home. Make your return flight at your convenience remembering that there will be two transfers to the airport. The first transfer will be for flights departing at or before 9:00am and second transfer will be for flights departing after 9:00am.

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