| 2008
Itinerary
Day
1 – Welcome to Ireland
Tour departs: 9:30 am from Shannon Airport. As your Ireland
tour featuring Northern Ireland travel begins, journey through
through emerald countryside and along the coast to the Cliffs
of Moher en route to legendary Ashford Castle. Meet your
Tauck Director and your fellow travelers at our welcome
dinner this evening.
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Lodging: Ashford Castle, Cong, Ireland
Day
2 – Discover Connemara
Connemara is one of the more scenically diverse regions
seen on any Ireland and Northern Ireland travel adventure,
with glistening lakes, bogs, mountain vistas and the craggy
Atlantic coastline. At Kylemore Lough, see Kylemore Abbey,
a splendid Gothic-revival castle.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Ashford Castle, Cong, Ireland
Day
3 – Ulster-American Folk Park and Derry
Your Northern Ireland travel begins today as you journey
north from Ashford Castle into Ulster. Learn the story of
the Irish immigration to America from Ulster during the
18th and 19th centuries at the Ulster-American Folk Park.
Take a guided walk along the impressive 17th-century city
walls of Derry.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: City Hotel, Londonderry, Northern Ireland
Day
4 – Irish Whiskey / Giants Causeway
A highlight of any Northern Ireland travel adventure is
a private guided tour of the world-famous Old Bushmills
Distillery, revealing how Irish Whiskey is produced; enjoy
tasting the finished product. Irish legend has it that the
giant Finn McCool single-handedly built the Giants Causeway
to bring his equally giant ladylove across the sea to him;
see this natural wonder as well as Dunluce Castle today
as you drive to County Down.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Hastings Culloden Hotel, Holywood, Northern Ireland
Day
5 – From Belfast to Dublin
Before departing Northern Ireland travel to Belfast for
a tour with a local guide, exploring the historic city's
past and present; continue south to Dublin for a two-night
stay in a historic hotel near Trinity College.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: The Westin Dublin, Ireland
Day
6 – Discover Dublin’s Fair City
Ireland’s capital and largest city, Dublin is known
for its rich literary history, the intricate glass lace
found on the doors of its Georgian townhouses, and its lively
pubs proudly serving locally-made Guinness Stout. Read a
page from the Book of Kells at ancient Trinity College,
and visit Dublin Castle before spending the rest of the
day experiencing Dublin life as you please.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: The Westin Dublin, Ireland
Day
7- Through the Wicklow Mountains to Kilkenny
Today’s adventures are a highlight of any Ireland
and Northern Ireland travel experience. The 19th-century
Powerscourt Gardens, in the beautiful Wicklow Mountains,
are a treat for the senses. The medieval town of Kilkenny
is as well known for the quality and variety its crafts
as for its rich history.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Mount Juliet Conrad, Thomastown, Ireland
Day
8 – Waterford Crystal and Historic Cobh
Watch as gifted artisans create treasures in glass at the
Waterford Crystal factory. The last port of call for the
ill-fated Titanic, Cobh also saw the sailing of the first
steamship to cross the Atlantic; discover the role that
Cobh has played in maritime history at the Cobh Heritage
Center. Your Ireland and Northern Ireland travel adventure
continues in Cork, where you'll spend the night in an elegant
country manor house.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Hayfield Manor Hotel, Cork, Ireland
Day
9 – From Blarney to Killarney
Few visitors to 15th-century Blarney Castle can resist the
opportunity to kiss the famous Blarney stone in the hope
of being gifted with legendary Irish eloquence. Journey
into County Kerry, stopping at the historic town of Kenmare
en route to Killarney and a visit to Muckross House. Tour
this Elizabethan-style mansion, with time to enjoy its lovely
gardens.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa, Killarney, Ireland
Day
10 – Explore the Ring of Kerry
One of the most famous drives in the world, the 100-mile
route around the Ring of Kerry reveals some of Ireland’s
most splendid scenery. Return to Killarney for time at leisure,
adding more enjoyment of the countryside’s rich cultural
heritage to this Ireland tour with Northern Ireland travel.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa, Killarney, Ireland
Day
11 – From a Farm to a Castle
Enjoy a visit and lunch with Irish farmers at their working
dairy farm and discover the role of farming in the west
of Ireland. Then, it’s off to Dromoland Castle to
stay for the night. Prior to becoming a world-renowned hotel,
this magnificent baronial manor was home to the O’Brian
family for over 500 years. Join your new friends at a festive
farewell reception and dinner tonight as your Ireland and
Northern Ireland travel adventure draws to a close.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Dromoland Castle, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Ireland
Day
12 – Journey Home
Tour ends: 7:00 am at Shannon Airport. Persons who are departing
at other times should secure their own transportation to
the airport.
Meals: Breakfast
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