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Day 1 We arrange flight from your gateway to Dublin, Ireland. Day 2 Arrive in Dublin and transfer on our own to our hotel. This afternoon we meet our fellow travelers. Day 3 We learn right away why this is called the emerald Isle. Motor north through history-steeped landscapes , with Irelands's typical round towers and ruined castles, to the legendary Hill of Tara. See might Trim Castle, then cross the River Boyne through the agricultural and angling center of Mullingar. Stop in Longford the country capital. On the way to Sligo we stop for a photo opportunity at scenic Carrick-on-Shannon and the Cistercain Abbey ruins at Boyle (BD) Day 4 At Druncliff see the grave of the native son and poet, W. b. Yeats, then step across the border into Northern Ireland to visit the Belleek pottery factory, renowned for its exquisite cream colored Parian china. Then follow the route through Omagh to the fascinating city of Derry where a walking out5 an expert local guide takes in the old city walls and St Columb's Cathedral. This afternoon shop for hand-knitted woollen goods in Donegal town (BD) Day 5 After a hearty breakfast our deluxe motor coach takes us south to Knock, a village that attracts pilgrims from all over the world since the townsfolk saw apparitions, and Galway, a vibrant city with a great seafaring tradition, where we hear about the infamous Lynch Stone commemorating the day Mayor James Lynch Fitzstephen hanged his son for murder. Cross the limestone plateau of The Burren to visit the spectacular 668 foot high Cliffs of Moher. We can arrange an optional banquet this evening. (B) Day 6 This mornings orientation drive in Limerick acquaints us with St. Mary's Cathedral, King John's Castle, and the Stone where the Treaty of Limercik was signed in 1691. Travel via Adare, a village known for its prize-winning thatched cottages. Breathtaking scenery awaits us this afternoon on the Dingle Peninsula, wehre the 32 mile Slea Head drive affords sweeping vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. Pass miles of white sandy beaches, setting for the film Ryan's Daughter. We spend the first of 2 nights in Killarney. (BD) Day 7 At Killorgin join the road known as the "ring of Kerry" for a 100 mile coastal panoramic dirve past scenic seascapes, mountains dotted with brightly colored farmhouses, winding lanes bordered with subtropical vegetation and spectacular views of the Lakes of Killarney from Ladies View. Wow!! We can arrange an outing this evening that includes a performance at Siamsa Tire, Ireland's National Folk Theater (B) Day 8 More scenic splendor unfolds as we head over the Kerry Mountains into County Cork. Stop in Blarney, famous for its Stone of Eloquence, with a little time at leisure to see the castle and shop for Irish crafts and handmade crystal. After lunch we drive through Cork, the country's second-largest city. Youghal and Dungarvan are further milestones on our way to world-famous Waterford Crystal factory tour. (BD) Day 9 Travel north into Enniscortht, site of the final battle of the Great Rebellion of 1798. Visit to Ireland's oldest handweaving mill at Avoca is a must see as is Wicklow Mountains and Glendalough. Witness the ruins of a center of Irish Christianity founded by St. Kevin. Arrive in Dublin. (B) Day 10 Depart to Dublin International Airport for the flight home Includes hotel, transportation, 8 breakfasts, 4
dinners, free teacher, tour guide, tax, tips. Departures: March
$905USD ($1399CAD)
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