The Classic Tour of Ireland
8 Days / 7 Nights
A great tour for the first time visitor to Ireland and includes many of the country highlights in just eight days. We begin in the capital Dublin and get to see the famed Book of Kells and National Museum and city tour. Onward we head west to Galway city. This is the perfect location to explore the wilds of the Connemara region. This is typical idyllic Irish countryside of stone walls, sheep and spectacular vistas along with friendly locals along the way. We then venture south to explore the unique karts landscape of the Burren en-route to the Kingdom of Kerry. This county is home to the famed Ring of Kerry route, an amazing peninsular drive and a must see for any visit to Ireland. It includes Dingle, Killarney and many other fascinating towns. In the west of the Iveragh Peninsula you can still find native Irish speakers. Following on we head to Limerick city and then return to Dublin.
The Itinerary
DAY 1 – DUBLIN ARRIVAL
Arrive at Dublin Airport today, and transfer to your hotel. Depending on the time of arrival, enjoy a tour of the highlights of Dublin, which could include a visit to Trinity College to view the beautifully illuminated Book of Kells and the National Museum of Ireland..
Overnight: Dublin area
DAY 2 – DUBLIN TO GALWAY
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Dublin today. This day can be tailored to your liking, perhaps a 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, situated in the old markets area of the city, Smithfield. An audio-visual tour explains the process by which whisky is made and this is followed by a whisky tasting by all in the "Ball o' Malt Bar". A special tasting is organized to compare the most popular Irish whiskies with bourbon and scotch whisky. This afternoon depart Dublin for your next stop, County Galway.
Overnight: Galway area.
DAY 3 - CONNEMARA
Spend today exploring the country of the “Quiet Man” and “The Purple Taxi”-Connemara, 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 splendor with its heather covered hills create an unforgettable scene for all its visitors. The route takes us from Galway to the lake dotted center of Connemara at Maam Cross. The road continues through the colorful town of Clifden and on through the Irish speaking lowlying part of Southern Connemara with its countless beautiful lakes.
Overnight: Galway area
DAY 4 – GALWAY TO KERRY
Depart for Kerry this morning, and travel through the heart of County Clare - the Burren Region. The Burren 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, from which you can see from Galway Bay. Continue through the farming countryside of Limerick to Kerry.
Overnight: Kerry area
DAY 5 – 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 travels along the coast road. Leaving Killarney you travel through Killorglin, famous for its Puck Fair, then to Glenbeigh where the cliff road affords panoramic views of the Dingle Peninsula and Dingle Bay. Continue to Cahersiveen, the birth place of National hero, Daniel O’Connell, drive through the peat bogs to the sea town of Waterville. Continue to Sneem Village, famous because of its brightly colored houses. The road continues with superb views of the famous Lakes of Killarney.
Overnight: Kerry area
DAY 6 – DINGLE PENINSULA & LIMERICK
Depart for a tour of the Dingle Peninsula, where movies such as “Ryan’s Daughter” and “Far and Away” were filmed. 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 Irishspeaking region. The landscape here is dramatic and there are striking views of the Blasket Islands from Slea Head.
Overnight: Limerick area
DAY 7 – LIMERICK TO DUBLIN
Return to Dublin and afternoon free to explore the city or to do your last minute shopping.
Overnight: Dublin area
DAY 8 – Dublin & International Departure
Travel to Dublin Airport for return flight home.