7N/8D Taste of Ireland

07 Nights / 08 Days Taste of Ireland

Destinations Covered

Dublin, Galway, Connemara, Kerry, Killarney, Limerick

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival Dublin

Arrive at Dublin Airport. According to the time of arrival, enjoy a tour of the highlights of Dublin, which includes a visit to Trinity College to view the beautifully illuminated Book of Kells and visit the National Museum of Ireland (entry free of charge). Overnight: Dublin (B & B or Hotel or Manor House)

Day 02: Dublin – Galway

Sightseeing tour of Dublin. You could visit St-Patrick’s Cathedral, Ireland’s largest church, where Jonathan Swift, author of “Gulliver’s Travels” was once Dean. Stop off at the Old Jameson Distillery (option), situated in the old markets area of the city. An audio-visual explains the process by which whiskey is made and this followed by a whiskey tasting by all in the “Ball o’ Malt Bar”. A special tasting is organised to compare the most popular Irish whiskeys with bourbon and scotch whiskey. Early afternoon depart for Galway. Overnight: Galway (B & B or Hotel or Manor House)

Day 03: Connemara

The country of the “Quiet Man”and “The Purple Taxi” – it is an area full of contrast, granite mountains populated only by sheep with hundreds of lakes forming a fisherman’s paradise. Its stone walls, small farms, thatched cottages in isolated splendour with its heather covered hills create an unforgettable scene for all its visitors. The route takes us from Galway to the lake dotted centre of Connemara at Maam Cross. The road continues through the colourful town of Clifden. Continue through the Irish speaking low-lying part of Southern Connemara with its countless lakes. Overnight: Galway (B & B or Hotel or Manor House)

Day 04: Galway – Kerry

Depart for Kerry and travel through the heart of County Clare – the Burren Region. This is a geological paradise boasting over 2,000 plants and many rare flowers. Continue along the coast of Clare to view the spectacular Cliffs of Moher, which form a 200m wall that plunges into the Atlantic Ocean. Continue through the farming countryside of Limerick to Kerry. Overnight: Killarney (B & B or Hotel or Manor House)

Day 05: Ring of Kerry

A superb tour of the Iveragh Peninsula (170 kms),taking in spectacular scenery – mountains, peat bogs, lakes and magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean as one travel along the coast road. Leaving Killarney one passes through Killorglin, famous for its Puck Fair, then to Glenbeigh where the cliff road affords panoramic views of the Dingle Peninsula and Dingle Bay. Continuing to Cahirciveen one passes the birth place of National hero, Daniel O’Connell. Passing through the peat bogs one arrives at the sea town of Waterville. Continue to Sneem Village, famous because of its brightly coloured houses. The road continues with superb views of the famous lakes of Killarney.

Overnight: Killarney (B & B or Hotel or Manor House)

Day 06: Kerry – Limerick

Depart for a tour of the Dingle Peninsula, where films such as Ryan’s Daughter and Far and Away have been made. The Peninsula has an extraordinary number of ring forts, high crosses and other ancient monuments. The area west of Dingle has the greatest concentration of ancient sites in Kerry. This area is also a genuine Irish-speaking area. The landscape here is dramatic and there are striking views of the Blasket Islands from Slea Head. Overnight: Limerick (B & B or Hotel or Manor House)

Day 07: Limerick – Dublin

Return to Dublin and afternoon free to explore the city or to do your last minute shopping. Overnight: Dublin (B & B or Hotel or Manor House)

Day 08: Departure

Depart for Dublin Airport for departure flight.