Introduction to Ireland

Cead mile failte-a hundred-thousand welcomes!

At 3pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for an afternoon orientation drive to see O'Connell Street, Georgian squares, 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 the legendary library of Trinity College.

Stallions, Saints & Stones

KILDARE: Visit the Irish National Stud.

CASHEL: See the Rock of Cashel, where St. Patrick preached.

LIMERICK: Orientation drive includes St. Mary's Cathedral, King John's Castle, and the Treaty Stone. Free time this evening. (B) 165 mi / 266 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CULTURE & TRADITION: The Irish National Stud is home to the long tradition of Ireland's love of horses. This horsebreeding facility in County Kildare, considered the beating heart of Ireland's thoroughbred industry, continues to inspire all who visit. Hear about some of the world's most magnificent champion stallions that have made racing history since the turn of the 20th century.

Sheep, Scones & Seacliffs

CLARE COAST: Visit the Cliffs of Moher and the rocky plateau of The Burren above the Atlantic coast.

GALWAY: Free time.

RATHBAUN: Try your hand at scone baking, learn about sheep herding, and enjoy coffee and scones at an Irish farm. (B) 135 mi / 217 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 long-time tradition of sheep farming in this beautiful Irish landscape.

Beauties of Counties Kerry & Clare

ENNIS: Take a short drive via Clonderlaw Bay to Killimer; cross the Shannon estuary by ferry.

RING OF KERRY: Drive around part of Ireland's southwestern peninsula and enjoy an Irish coffee at a local bar.

KILLARNEY: Free time the remainder of the day. (B/D) 174 mi / 281 km

LOCAL FAVOURITE - LOCAL TASTES: It's clear why we get a warm feeling with traditional Irish Coffee - as much a warm welcome now as it was for stranded travellers in 1943. It was a wintry night in Limerick when Foynes Port chef Joe Sheridan concocted this soothing elixir of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and whipped cream to make their cancelled flight a little more palatable. Raise a toddy glass of Caife Gaelach with a hearty 'slainte!'

Fine Crystal & The Gift of Gab

Drive across the Kerry Mountains and through County Cork.

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

WATERFORD: Guided tour of the House of Waterford Crystal. (B/D) 131 mi / 210 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!

Medieval & Modern Irish Capitals

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

DUBLIN: Free time this afternoon. (B) 111 mi / 179 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)