Thurs. July 29^th        Depart for overnight flight.  Enjoy in-flight entertainment and meal service.

Fri. July 30^th            Arrival in Dublin.  After clearing customs we will be met by our CIE Tours Driver/Guide Dave Yeats.  Dave will escort us to the coach and begin our journey through the Wicklow Mountains to the 6^th Century ruins of Glendalough.   We then continue on south through the lovely Vale of Avoca to the pleasant medieval town of Kilkenny.   We will have a guided tour around Kilkenny Castle which was built in 1192.  We’ll then check into our hotel to freshen up and relax before meeting for dinner. Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny

Sat. July 31^st            After breakfast we travel southeast to Co. Wexford to John’s hometown of New Ross to visit the Dunbrody Emigrant Ship.  We can take a short walk up the street to see John’s family pub.  We continue on to visit a farm for tea and scones and watch the border collies herd the sheep.  We’ll drive by the Rock of Cashel for a photo opportunity and then back to Kilkenny with the remainder of the afternoon and evening free to explore on your own.   www.flynnhotels.com

Sun. Aug. 1^st            Today we head southwest with our first stop at the Old Midleton Distillery where you learn how whiskey is made.  At the end of the tour you will have a chance to sample the finished product.  We continue on down the road with our next stop Blarney Castle to kiss the magical stone.  You will also have plenty of time for shopping in the Blarney Woollen Mills.  Our final destination today is busy city of Killarney.  Check into our hotel and relax before meeting for dinner.  Towers Hotel, Killarney    www.killarneytowers.com

Mon. Aug. 2^nd            Today we discover the beauties of the Dingle Peninsula.  Drive along the shore with its beautiful beaches and mountains of heather.  We’ll stop in the town of Dingle for lunch.  It’s back to Killarney for some free time to relax & freshen up before we make the short trip this evening to the Gap of Dunloe and Kate Kearney’s Cottage for a superb meal and night of traditional entertainment with musicians and dancers. www.katekearneyscottage.com

Tue.  Aug 3^rd            Depart Killarney and take the Ferry across the Shannon to Co. Clare to view the spectacular Cliffs of Moher, which rise 700 feet above the Atlantic.  

Continue along the coast through the limestone region of the Burren for more beautiful scenery. Arrive in Galway and take a panoramic tour of the city before checking into our hotel in the heart of the city. You’ll have time to relax or wander around before dinner in our hotel. Meyrick Hotel  Galway   www.hotelmeyrick.ie

Wed. Aug 4th Today is another beautiful scenic drive around Connemara.  We’ll stop to visit the Kylemore Abbey visitor center for some great photo opportunities.  Next its on to Cong where the Quiet Man was filmed and take a short walking tour to visit some of the familiar sights from the movie.  We finish our tour at the Quiet Man Heritage Cottage.  We return back to Galway with time to relax before we depart for dinner and entertainment at Dunguaire Castle.        www.shannonheritage.com   

Thurs.  Aug. 5^th    Today is a free day to relax and do your own thing.  There are optional trips to the Aran Islands or perhaps you’d like to play a round of golf.  Tonight there is an option for a fabulous show in Galway that Dave will offer.  .Dinner is on your own this evening.  www.tradontheprom.com

Fri. Aug 6^th            Drive back across the midlands today for a visit to the ancient monastic site of  Clonmacnoise.  You will learn about he history and walk the grounds.

We continue on to the village of Dunboyne just outside of Dublin.  Here we’ll check into our beautiful Dunboyne Castle Hotel where you will have time to relax in the elegant surroundings or perhaps play a round of golf.  This evening we have a farewell dinner in the hotel.   www.dunboynecastlehotel.com

Sat. Aug 7th.   Sadly today our tour has come to an end.  We make the short journey to Dublin airport with plenty of time for Duty Free Shopping.

Itinerary is subject to change due to weather or discretion of our driver.  Airline taxes & surcharges  are subject to change, which could affect the price of the tour.