Emerald Isle

Cead mile failte-a hundred-thousand welcomes!

At 3pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for an afternoon orientation drive, including O'Connell Street, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and Trinity College. (D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CITY SIGHTS: "In Dublin's fair city where girls are so pretty," you'll also find great personality and charm. The charisma of Dubliners and the bounty of pubs here is matched only by the gorgeous Georgian Squares, 12th-century St. Patrick's Cathedral, and legendary library of Trinity College.

Triumphs & Tragedies

KILDARE: Visit the Irish National Stud.

STROKESTOWN: Guided tour of the 1740s mansion and gardens at Strokestown House and the Famine Museum. (B/D) 172 mi / 276 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HISTORIC SPOT: Relive history at Strokestown Park House, a stunning Georgian Palladian Mansion, with its original furnishings, and stroll the walled gardens in this historic site. Get a glimpse into the lives of generations of people who lived and worked here over the centuries, each adding their own chapter to the story and leaving their mark. Witness the history of the Great Irish Famine with a visit to the National Famine Museum to learn about the most devastating and tragic event in Irish history.

Wild Atlantic Way and Irish Roses

KYLEMORE: Visit the Benedictine Abbey.

GALWAY: Free time this afternoon. (B) 165 mi / 265 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CULTURE & TRADITION: Nestled between the woodlands and lakeshore near Galway City, Kylemore Abbey is home to the Benedictine Sisters who have been in residence since 1920 in a life of prayer, work, and community. The history of this stunning abbey reaches back to the 1800s as the estate of Irish patriot Mitchell Henry. Visit the abbey where handmade chocolates, wild Irish honey and traditional fuchsia pottery are sold. Stroll the lovely grounds of Ireland's largest walled garden in the heart of the Connemara countryside.

Islands of Saints & Scholars

GALWAY: Ferry crossing to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands.

INISHMORE: Stop in for a light lunch at Joe Watty's pub and hear from a local who shares stories about life on Inishmore Island. A minibus tour of the island with a local guide-driver includes a visit to the prehistoric clifftop fort of Dun Aengus. (B/L) 45 mi / 72 km

LOCAL FAVOURITE - TRADITION & CULTURE: Joe Watty's Bar & Seafood Restaurant on Inishmore Island is the place for good food, Gaelic music, and craic (good company). Unwind beside the fire or enjoy a Guinness in the beer garden to watch the world go by and learn a cupla focal (few words of Irish) from some of the locals.

Sheep, Scones & Ancient Stones

RATHBAUN: Visit Rathbaun Farm and try your hand at scone baking, learn about sheep herding, and enjoy coffee and scones.

CLARE COAST: See the rocky landscapes of The Burren and stop to take photos of the prehistoric megalith at Poulnabrone Dolmen.

CLIFFS OF MOHER: Visit the 668-foot-high cliffs above the Atlantic Ocean.

LIMERICK: Free time this evening. (B) 129 mi / 207 km

LOCAL FAVOURITE - LOCAL TASTES: Someone's in the kitchen in Rathbaun Farm, just outside of Galway. You can don an apron and whip up your own delicious home-made scones, served with fresh preserves and whipped cream. Learn about the longtime tradition of sheep farming in this beautiful Irish landscape.

Daring Young Men & Flying Machines

FOYNES: Take a guided tour of the Flying Boat & Maritime Museum, followed by Irish coffee demonstration and tasting.

DINGLE PENINSULA: Enjoy a scenic drive on Slea Head promontory. (B/D) 159 mi / 255 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - LEGENDS & LORE: Experience the era of transatlantic passenger flights, and the maritime legends of the River Shannon with a visit to the fantastic Flying Boat & Maritime Museum in Foynes, home to the world's only full-size replica of a B314 flying boat, commemorating this Irish town's role in early passenger flights across the Atlantic and the legendary flying boats that carried celebrities, royals, and refugees alike. Learn about the daring history and folklore of Ireland's longest river.

A Jaunting Good Time

RING OF KERRY: Panoramic drive around part of Ireland's southwestern peninsula.

KILLARNEY: Take a horse-drawn jaunting-car ride through the national park (B) 99 mi / 159 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - NATURAL WONDERS: County Kerry is home to the exquisite natural beauty of a rugged and mountainous expanse in Killarney National Park. A horse-drawn jaunting car ride is a great way to experience this natural wonderland, including the 1,000-foot McGillycuddy's Reeks, the highest mountain range in Ireland. Nestled at the foot of these mountains, the Lakes of Killarney's shores and woodlands share this magical place with waterfalls and dramatic skies above Ross Castle.

Fine Crystal & The Gift of Gab

KILLARNEY: Cross the Kerry Mountains into County Cork.

BLARNEY: Visit the village known for its magical Kissing Stone.

WATERFORD: Take a guided tour of the House of Waterford Crystal. (B/D) 126 mi / 203 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - LEGENDS & LORE: Cut the blarney and hear the history of how telling tales is forever linked to the 15th-century castle and the village below in Blarney. One of the last estate villages that remain standing in Ireland, the village was built by an 18th-century landlord to house the castle workers there. It's true!

Mountain Loughs & Medieval Monks

KILKENNY: Time to explore one of Ireland's most quaint towns.

DUBLIN: Free time this afternoon. (B) 122 mi / 196 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HISTORIC SPOT: Time to explore the city of Kilkenny, referred to as the "Marble City" because of the widespread use of local black limestone to construct many local buildings. The "Medieval Mile" is the city's main thoroughfare and is lined with medieval landmarks, quaint shops and charming pubs. Today Kilkenny is renowned for its active arts and crafts scene.

Safe travels until we meet again!

Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)