Ireland with Luxury & Style (9 Days): Sample Itinerary Outline
ID #: DT-I-9-5-27-10-RAIJ
DAY 1: Arrive Dublin, IRELAND
You are met on arrival and taken to the Hotel Merrion. Located in
the elegant Georgian center of the city, your hotel is pedestrian
friendly, with top restaurants all around. Enjoy the rest of the day
at leisure. ►Some suggested Dublin hotels (in alphabetical order): Hotel Merrion, Dublin (V) Westin Dublin (V) ►Together, we will find the best choice for you!
DAY 2: Dublin, IRELAND
Enjoy a full day private tour through this vibrant capital city with
its mix of 1,000 years of architecture, from the medieval to
Georgian to modern. See the Georgian squares of Merrion, lush St.
Stephens Green and Fitzwilliam Square, as well as Phoenix Park, and
O’Connell Street, site of the 1916 Uprising that led to Ireland’s
independence in 1922. Visit Trinity College - see the Long Room, and
the Old Library to view the historic Book of Kells manuscript. Tour
the Norman St. Patrick’s Cathedral, as your guide elaborates its
history with tales of Jonathan Swift and Gulliver’s Travels. End
your day with a tasty visit to the modern Guinness Storehouse, and
the brewing that began in 1759. ►For Dublin hotel suggestions, see above.
DAY 3: Glendalough & Kilkenny, IRELAND
This morning drive inland through Glendalough, a beautiful hidden
valley and home to the 7th century monastery founded by St. Kevin.
Continue across the emerald-green mountain scenery of Wicklow Way,
before arriving in Kilkenny, a charming city with narrow winding
streets. Visit Kilkenny Castle, built in late 12th century, it is a
picturesque blend of Gothic and Classical styles, with conical
topped towers giving it the flavor of a French chateau. Explore
nearby 13th century St. Canice’s Cathedral, the second longest in
Ireland. Stay tonight in Mount Juliet Conrad hotel, a modern country
estate. ►Suggested hotel: Mount Juliet Conrad Hotel, Kilkenny (V)
DAY 4: Cashel, Cork & Kenmare, IRELAND
This morning drive to the village of Cashel to see the dramatic Rock
of Cashel. This 4th century church and tower was built on a
limestone outcrop that precariously hangs 200 feet above the town.
Continue south to the historic city of Cork, “Ireland’s little
Venice.” This city of hills and bridges has always played a strong
role in the politics and history of Ireland. Your guide will explain
Cork’s early history in fact and fable (as is the Irish way), from
its position as the center of learning in the early 7th century, to
when it became a Norman stronghold in the 12th century. Next, head
west to visit Blarney Castle, and the famous Blarney Stone, that
legend says bestows the power of eloquence on all who kiss it. Stay
the next two nights in Kenmare, at the centrally located Park Hotel,
a Victorian Country house that has one of the best spas in Ireland. ►Some suggested Kenmare (County Kerry) hotels (in alphabetical order): The Park Hotel, Kenmare Sheen Falls Lodge, Kenmare (V) ►Together, we will find the best choice for you!
DAY 5: County Kerry, IRELAND
This morning visit Killarney National Park and Muckross House and
Gardens, a 19th century manor house, situated on the shores of
beautiful Muckross Lake. Surrounded by informal gardens filled with
rhododendrons and azaleas, water gardens, and a natural limestone
rock garden, the house is known for its natural beauty and the
colorful Irish folklore. Explore the town of Killarney before taking
the scenic drive along the famous Ring of Kerry. This nearly 40-mile
circular route reveals ever-changing vistas of mountains, cliffs,
beaches and the Atlantic Ocean. Travel through the colorful villages
en route, and stop at Moll’s Gap for a picture-perfect panorama of
the valley with its three deep blue mountain lakes. ►For Kenmare (County Kerry) hotel suggestions, see above.
DAY 6: Adare, Limerick & Bunratty, IRELAND
Today drive north, stopping in the village of Adare, renowned as
Ireland’s prettiest village, with its pastel colored thatched
cottages and glorious gothic churches. Explore Limerick, a city that
gained international notoriety through the story of ‘Angela’s
Ashes.’ Visit the Hunt Museum to see one of Ireland’s great private
collections of art and antiques, including work from medieval times
as well as art by Leonardo da Vinci, Picasso and Yeats. This
afternoon arrive at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. The castle,
dating back to the mid 15th century, is the most complete example of
a medieval castle in Ireland. The Bunratty Folk Park depicts life
through the 17th to 19th century in rural Ireland through a series
of cottages, houses and street scenes. ►Suggested hotel: Dromoland Castle, Bunratty (V)
DAY 7: The West Coast & Galway, IRELAND
This morning drive west to see the Cliffs of Moher, where the
multi-colored limestone cliffs drop vertically 700 feet to the
raging Atlantic surf below. The views along this five-mile stretch
of coastline are dramatic in any weather; stop to walk up to
O'Brien's Tower for incredible views. On a clear day you can see the
Aran Islands. Next explore the rounded hills of the Burren, where
the porous limestone has allowed the rain to flow through, creating
a network of underground rivers, lakes and waterfalls. There is an
abundance of alpine and arctic flora, along with many prehistoric
burial chambers, tombs and Dolmens. This afternoon arrive in Galway.
Founded in the late 12th century, while under the control of the
"tribe" families, Galway developed an extensive trade business with
Continental Europe and the West Indies. The city has a medieval
network of narrow streets that has expanded over the centuries to
include cathedrals, a large university and modern industries. Spend
the next two nights in nearby Ashford Castle. ►Suggested hotel: Ashford Castle, Cong (V)
DAY 8: Connemara, IRELAND
Today enjoy a full day exploration of scenic Connemara, with its
rugged purple mountains, deep blue lakes, and shimmering seascapes.
Visit Kylemore Abbey, idyllically situated in the heart of Connemara,
amidst rivers, lakes and the rolling hills. Once a 19th century
neo-Gothic mansion, with massive walls and gracious windows, it is
now a prestigious boarding school. Take a look through the exquisite
chapel and reception rooms. ►Suggested hotel: Ashford Castle, Cong (V)
DAY 9: Shannon, IRELAND
Today you are taken to Shannon airport for your flight home or on to
your next destination.