Irish Cities, Landscapes & Castles

Welcome to Dublin! Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel by your private chauffeur. This afternoon, your voyage of discovery begins with a tour of Ireland’s capital city. Visit stately St. Patrick’s Cathedral, founded in 1190, tour Dublin’s Georgian squares with their brightly colored doors, and walk the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College to its unique world treasure, the ornate 8th-century Book of Kells. The remainder of the day is free. 

Travel to the Boyne Valley in County Meath. This river valley was the cradle of Irish civilization, and it supported a sophisticated society in Neolithic times. Witness this when you stop at the Bru-na-Boinne Centre to visit one of the Megalithic Passage Tombs at Newgrange or Knowth. These stunning structures predate both the Pyramids of Egypt and England’s Stonehenge. After your visit, return to the city, where the balance of the day is at leisure.

Heading out of Dublin, stop to visit Powerscourt Estate’s glorious formal gardens. Originally created in the 1740s, the superb blend of
sweeping terraces, fine statuary, ornamental lakes, rambling walks, and walled gardens are a magnificent sight to behold. Next, visit Glendalough, the “Valley of the Two Lakes,” famous for its early monastic ruins and scenic setting. Be sure to find St. Kevin’s cross. Legend
holds that those who can wrap their arms around it will receive their wish. Continue to the ancient town of Waterford with colorful terrace houses, cafés, and bars overlooking the quayside. Enjoy a night in the intimate Cliff House Hotel with dinner in their Michelin star restaurant.

Your day starts with a visit to Blarney Castle home to the magical stone that gives the gift of eloquence for a kiss. Stroll through its grounds
with gardens, arboretums, and waterways. If you dare, enter the Poison Garden – just don’t touch the plants! Cross to the Blarney Woollen Mills to shop for fine traditional knitwear and crafts. Then continue on to the charming town of Killarney, the gateway to the Ring of Kerry.

Admire the breathtaking scenery of rugged landscapes and crashing seas along the famous Ring of Kerry, and delight in traditional Irish life
as you stop in quaint villages along the way. This unspoiled land has inspired artists and poets for centuries. Returning to Killarney, the rest of your day is free.

Travel to the Cliffs of Moher, rising up to 700 feet above the pounding Atlantic waves and stretching 5 miles along the coast. Perhaps
visit the interpretive center, a huge, domed, underground building with images, exhibits, and displays, a delight for young and old alike. Then
on to bask in the royal glow of Dromoland Castle. This baronial estate has ties to the High King of Ireland as far back as the 11th century. Today it is one of the most luxurious castle hotels in Ireland.

You will be transferred to Shannon Airport whereyour vacation ends. Slán go fóill – goodbye until we meet again.