Day 1 – Depart the USA: Depart the USA on an overnight flight to Dublin, Ireland.
Day 2 – Dublin, Ireland: Upon arrival, you’ll be met by a representative of Mayflower Cruises & Tours and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to become acquainted with the area. Join your Tour Manager and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. Meal: D
Day 3 – Dublin: A guided panoramic orientation tour of this capital city awaits. See the River Liffey, St. Stephen’s Green, and travel along O’Connell Street with its monument to Daniel O’Connell and other notable figures from Ireland’s turbulent past. Pass the General Post office, site of rebel headquarters in the 1916 Easter Rising. Stop at Trinity College and see the Book of Kells - the famous hand-illuminated gospel manuscript. Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, one of the few remaining buildings from medieval times, and see its impressive altar and stained-glass windows. After free time for lunch, enjoy a tour of the Guinness Storehouse. The birds-eye views of Dublin from the 7th-floor Gravity Bar, as you sample a pint, is a perfect end to the afternoon! This evening join in the merriment as you dine in an 18th-century pub and enjoy a traditional show featuring Irish dance, music, and song. Meals: B, D
Day 4 – Dublin – Waterford: Depart Dublin and journey to Waterford with touring en-route. Traveling through County Wicklow, stop in the glacial valley of Glendalough for a visit to the ruins of a medieval Monastic site with its famous round tower. Continue to Avoca, well-known for its spinning and weaving artistry, where you’ll enjoy free time to visit the village and have lunch. Upon arrival in New Ross, visit the Dunbrody emigrant ship, a replica of the vessel that sailed to the USA in the 19th century, to experience what life was like onboard during the crossing to America. The final destination of the day is Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city, where dinner is included this evening. Meals: B, D
Day 5 – Waterford: Today is focused on cultural heritage as you tour the Viking Triangle, Waterford’s historic center, with a local guide. Settled by the Vikings in 914 A.D., discover history from architectural ruins and a stone round tower to modern street art as you stroll through the charming narrow streets lined with craft studios and unique attractions of the area. The walk culminates with a visit to the award-winning Medieval Museum whose galleries house some of the most treasured artefacts of medieval Ireland. This afternoon, depart by coach to Kilmeaden where it’s ‘all aboard’ the Suir Railway for a journey on a recommissioned single-gauge steam train through the countryside and along the Suir River. Returning to Waterford, tour the House of Waterford Crystal to see how these beautiful pieces are hand-crafted. The remainder of the afternoon and evening are at leisure. Meal: B
Day 6 – Waterford – Blarney – Killarney: The final morning in Waterford includes a visit to the Bishop’s Palace – an architectural jewel, currently a museum, housing more of the city’s treasures from the 1700’s through the 20th century. Depart Waterford for Killarney, stopping in the village of Blarney en-route. The aura of magic and mystique takes over as you wander the grounds of Blarney Castle. Climb to the top to kiss the famous stone to see if the ‘gift of gab’ is bestowed upon you! Continue to Killarney, ‘the Jewel of Ireland’, with a background of sparkling lakes, deep forests, and jagged misty mountains. Meals: B, D
Day 7 – Killarney: Enjoy a jaunting cart ride through Killarney National Park as your Jarvey (driver) keeps you entertained with tales of history, folklore, and beauty of the area. The afternoon is spent on an exciting and breathtakingly beautiful excursion along a portion of the Ring of Kerry – the most famous and panoramic route in Ireland. With its diverse scenery of mountains, lakes, and awe-inspiring views, you’ll see why words just can’t describe it. After a day of scenery and adventure, the evening is at leisure. Meal: B
Day 8 – Killarney – Co Clare: As you depart Killarney for Limerick, stop in the picturesque village of Adare where you are transported back in time as you stroll through the quaint streets lined with thatched-roofed cottages and cozy shops. Continue to County Clare through the Burren to the Cliffs of Moher – a breathtaking sight where nature’s wildness and spectacular beauty meet. Admire the grandeur of the Cliffs, soaring from the Atlantic Ocean to a height of 700 feet. Tonight you’re in for a treat with overnight accommodations at the luxurious Dromoland Castle. Enjoy the sumptuous dinner served in the Earl of Thomond Dining room. Meals: B, D
Day 9 – Limerick: After a leisurely morning to absorb the atmosphere of this spectacular castle and its grounds, depart for Limerick. The local guide introduces you to the city during an orientation tour. Visit the historic St. Munchin’s Church, named after the patron saint of Limerick. This church also has ties to St. Munchin Parish in Cameron. Travel back in time while touring King John’s Castle, Limerick’s most iconic landmark, right in the heart of the medieval quarter. 800 years of dramatic history is brought to life! The final afternoon and evening are at leisure for your independent exploration. Meal: B
Day 10 – Limerick / USA: After breakfast, depart on the group transfer to Shannon Airport for your flight home, taking with you wonderful memories of your time on the Emerald Isle. Meal: B
Itinerary is subject to change. |
