Day 2: Arrive in Dublin, Ireland

On arrival in Dublin we will quickly pass through the informal and welcoming Irish immigration and customs to the arrivals hall, where we will meet our Driver/Guide, who will be with us for the duration of our stay in the Emerald Isle. After we have all gathered our belongings and made our way to our luxury motorcoach we will depart the airport and set off to Dublin, the capital of Ireland and one of Europe’s most vibrant cities. We will take a panoramic tour of Dublin’s elegant Georgian squares and streets. We will visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, founded in 1190 and Trinity College to view the Book of Kells. We will then check into our hotel and have time to freshen up and rest a little before we head out and begin our pub crawl with a tour of the Guinness Brewery. Ireland’s finest brew can be seen and tasted as we view the entire Dublin area from the Guinness Gravity Bar on the top of the brewery for the first pint of the evening. Return to the hotel for our welcome dinner, and then you are fee to set out and find any of the pubs that your tour director pointed out earlier in the day. (D)

Day 3: Dublin, Ireland

Today after breakfast we will head off and tour Dublin Castle’s State Apartment to learn about Ireland’s history and see the magnificent chambers where many state events are held. Drive around the spacious Phoenix Park, home of Ireland’s President and the U.S. Ambassador. We will stop at the Old Jameson Distillery where you will learn about “uisce beatha” the “Water of Life” – how it is produced etc. of course that would not be enough unless of course we had a sample of this “Water of Life”. The remainder of your afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps, explore the city’s stylish shops, galleries and museums, stroll through a park or relax in a café or a pub. This evening we will meet at the Duke Pub and join in the “Dublin Literary Pub Crawl” ~ we will be transported away from everyday life to the richness of Ireland’s famous writers including Joyce, O’Casey, Yeats and Behan. Each group is led by actors on a trail from pub to pub (walking tour) no props, no lights, no make-up, just the voice and personality of the actor. Nothing like it exists anywhere else in the world. (B)

Day 4: Dublin / Glendalough / Waterford / Cork

After breakfast we will leave Dublin and travel through the serene Wicklow Mountains to the monastic ruins of Glendalough. Continue on to the ancient town of Waterford. At the renowned Waterford Crystal Factory, watch master craftsmen at work in the centuries-old tradition of glass blowing and engraving. Then, stroll through the splendid showrooms. We will continue on to bustling Cork. After a day of memorable sightseeing, dinner and conversation in your hotel is a perfect end to the day. (B, D)

Day 5: Cork / Cobh / Blarney Castle / Killarney

This morning after breakfast we will head out to the Cobh Heritage Center. From 1848-1950 over 6 million adults and children emigrated from Ireland- over 2.5 million departed from Cobh, making it the single most important port of emigration. Cobh was also the last port of call for the Titanic before it headed across the Atlantic. Your next stop is Blarney Castle with its magical stone that gives you the gift of eloquence for a kiss. Visit the castle, and then wander across to the Blarney Woolen Mills to shop for fine traditional Irish knitwear and crafts and enjoy an Irish coffee. We will then continue our journey as it’s on to the charming market town of Killarney, your home for the next two nights. Dinner will be in the hotel this evening – just before you head out to find your favorite pub in this gown. (B, D)

Day 6: Killarney

Travel the road that winds around the beautiful Iverah Peninsula, better known as “The Ring of Kerry.” It is undoubtedly one of the most magical places in all Ireland. Here mountains, valleys, lakes and sea blend into a landscape that is often breathtaking beyond words. Return to Killarney, where you will enjoy dinner at The Laurel Singing Pub. Log Fires, tiled floors, beamed ceilings and a warm welcome combine to give ambiance that is characteristic with the Irish Pub. (B, D)

Day 7: Killarney / Bunratty Castle / Shannon Area

This morning we will head north towards the quaint village of Adare with its thatched cottages. We will stop at the Flying Boat Museum at Foyne’s; here you can celebrate the days when the great flying boats ruled the skies between Europe and America. We will enjoy an Irish Coffee as it was here that the drink was invented to welcome intrepid travelers. Then we continue to Limerick at the mouth of the River Shannon, we will tour the city before setting out to visit Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. In the shadow of the fully restored 15th century castle stands a 25 acre living museum with authentic thatched farmhouses recreating rural living of bygone times, and a Victorian village, complete with village stores and schoolhouse. We will check into our local hotel, and have time to freshen up and possibly have a pint or two before returning to the Castle this evening so that we may step back in time and enjoy a Medieval Banquet. (B, D)

Day 8: Homeward Bound

Sadly, after breakfast it is time to check out of our hotel and be transferred to Shannon Airport for our flight home to the U.S. (B, in-flight meals)