Shades of Ireland - September 5- 14, 2024.

Images of Ireland

Highlights of our Collette Tour.... Dublin, Irish Evening, Choice on Tour: Dublin City Bus or Walking Tour, Kilkenny, Waterford, Choice on Tour: Waterford Crystal Factory or Waterford Medieval Museum and Wine Vault, Blarney Castle, Killarney, Jaunting Car Ride, Ring of Kerry, Limerick, Cliffs of Moher, Sheepdog Demonstration, Galway, Castle Stay

Your Tour Includes

• 5 Handpicked Accommodations
• 13 Meals
• 4 Choice on Tour Options

Must-See Inclusions:

• Jump into Ireland's vibrant capital city — Dublin.
• Stand in awe of the stunning 700-foot-high Cliffs of Moher.
• Kiss the famed Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle.

Cultural Experiences:

• Overnight on the grounds of a regal castle.
• Experience the Ring of Kerry, one of the world's great coastal roads.
• See Irish sheepdogs in action during a traditional demonstration.

Culinary Inclusions:

• Enjoy a hearty dinner and night of traditional Irish entertainment.
• Taste the "water of life" during an Irish whiskey tasting.
• Be treated to a farewell dinner at a castle.

ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
Day 1  Overnight Flight
Days 2 & 3 Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin, Dublin
Day 4 Granville Hotel, Waterford
Days 5 & 6 Killarney Avenue, Killarney
Days 7 & 8 The George Hotel Limerick, Limerick
Day 9 Cabra Castle, Kingscourt
On some dates alternate hotels may be used.

 Day by Day Itinerary:

Meals specified as B-Breakfast, L-Lunch and D -Dinner.

Day 1: Thursday, September 5, 2024 Overnight Flight

Anticipation mounts as you make your way toward the Emerald Isle and its many wonders. Rich history, rolling hills and warm smiles lie ahead in Dublin, Waterford, Killarney and Limerick. With tomorrow comes quintessential Ireland.

Day 2: Friday, September 6, 2024 Dublin, Ireland - Tour Begins

Get a taste of old Dublin. Tonight, you and your fellow travellers revel in a traditional Irish evening, including regional cuisine. (D)

Day 3: Saturday, September 7, 2024 Dublin

Today, it’s your choice! Choose to ride with a local guide to see St. Patrick’s Cathedral, O’Connell Street, the National Gallery, and the historic Phoenix Park -OR- choose a walking tour of the city’s historic centre, exploring St. Stephen’s Green, Grafton Street, and the General Post Office. Either way, what follows is an afternoon to discover Dublin’s charms on your own. Later, you may join an optional tour to the Guinness Storehouse, followed by dinner at a contemporary restaurant showcasing Irish cuisine. (B)

Day 4: Sunday, September 8, 2024 Dublin - Kilkenny - Waterford

Step back in time and begin the day in the medieval splendour of 12th century Kilkenny on the River Nore. Then, in Waterford, embark on a leisurely paced walking tour of Ireland’s oldest city. It’s your choice! Tour the Waterford Crystal factory and learn how exquisite crystal has been made for centuries -OR- visit the Medieval Museum for a guided tour and a glass of wine in the 15th-century Mayor’s Wine Vault. (B, D)

Day 5: Monday, September 9, 2024 Waterford - Blarney Stone - Killarney

The legend goes that those who kiss the Blarney Stone gain the gift of eloquence – give it a try if you wish at historic Blarney Castle. Cross into County Kerry and continue on to charming Killarney. Enjoy a traditional jaunting car ride* through Killarney National Park before boarding a boat* and sailing through the breathtaking lakes in the company of an expert boatman. Tonight, it’s Diner’s Choice... choose your included dinner from a "menu" of Killarney’s great restaurants. (B, D)

Day 6: Tuesday, September 10, 2024 Killarney - Ring of Kerry - Killarney

Take in the rugged coastline as you loop your way around the picturesque Ring of Kerry, past pristine beaches, quaint villages and majestic landscapes. At the Gap of Dunloe, shop for local artisan-made crafts. The night is free for reminiscing about the day as you find your own authentic taste of Irish culture. (B)

Day 7: Wednesday, September 11, 2024 Killarney - Cliffs of Moher - Limerick

Today brings you to the dramatic, 700-foot-high Cliffs of Moher for cinematic views of the mighty Atlantic. Continue to Limerick, where a panoramic city tour showcases King John's Castle and the Treaty Stone. Delve into the fascinating history of the "city of the violated treaty." This evening you may join an optional medieval banquet dinner, hosted in a castle. (B)

Day 8: Thursday, September 12, 2024 Limerick - Galway - Limerick

Pass through the windswept, limestone landscape of the Burren, known for its stark beauty and Neolithic tombs. See border collies in action during a traditional sheepdog demonstration. Continue on to Galway for a brief tour that showcases “The City of Tribes.” Return to Limerick to relax over dinner. (B, D)

Day 9: Friday, September 13, 2024 Limerick - Kilbeggan - Kingscourt

You don’t have to be a connoisseur to appreciate the old-world heritage of Ireland’s whiskey territory. Your journey brings you to Kilbeggan in the heart of Ireland, where a superb distillery brings whiskey craftsmanship to life and gives you a taste of the final product. Top your day off with an overnight stay on the stately grounds of Cabra Castle, where you toast the end of a memorable trip during an elegant dinner. (B, D)

Day 10: Saturday, September 14, 2024 Kingscourt - Tour Ends

Your journey ends in Kingscourt. (B)

EXTEND YOUR VACATION

Optional 5 Days 3-Night London Pre Tour Extension

OR - Optional 4 Days 3-Night Edinburgh Post Tour Extension

Ask us for further details.