Description
Ireland: the Emerald Isle
Bunratty
On your first day on the Emerald Isle we will pick you up at the Shannon Airport and transport you the short distance to Bunratty where you will experience a night of traditional Irish dance, music, craic and food with the rest of the group. Before departing for Doolin, you will also explore Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. The castle sits on ground that has been occupied for over a thousand years and is the last of 4 castles were built on the spot. It was finally restored in the 1960’s and decorated with an impressive collection of medieval furnishings. The park includes a living recreation of a 19th century village, a faery village and a Georgian mansion.
Doolin
Since Doolin is known for music, you may want to spend your evenings in town at one of the local pubs. While in Doolin you will board the ferry for a stop on Inisheer, one of the Aran Islands, then a cruise past the magnificent Cliffs of Moher, take a day trip to the Burren and archaeological sites near Doolin to include the Poulnabrone dolmen and Caherconnell Stone Fort. While you are at the stone fort, you will eat lunch and enjoy a sheepdog demonstration. Finally, you’ll tour Aillwee Cave and experience a birds of prey demonstration.
Killarney
On the way to Killarney, the tour stops for a few hours in the City of Adare where you can enjoy local ice cream, visit a row of charming thatched roof homes, and do some gift shopping. Adare is often referred to as the most beautiful village in Ireland.
Your Killarney stay includes a tour around the gorgeous Ring of Kerry with stops at some lovely villages and awe inspiring view points along the way. This tour stands out as one of the most scenic road trips that can be taken in Ireland and truly demonstrates why this was nicknamed the Emerald Isle.
You will have a free day in Killarney to do as you please, on your own. Since there are so many things to see and do in Killarney, it is worth your time to plan ahead. You could take a jaunting car ride, hike in the national parks, visit the Muckross House and Gardens or the Killarney House, boat or kayak, shop, or just enjoying the pubs. If you plan far enough ahead, you may be able get in a fishing trip or a round of golf.
Dublin
After saying good-bye to Killarney, you’ll board the coach Blarney Castle and Dublin. You should be sure to kiss the Blarney Stone if you have not done so in the past 7 years. It’s said to impart the gift of eloquence and 7 years of good luck. And, the top of the castle is the best place for you to catch beautiful views of the rest of the grounds. These grounds include the beautiful Blarney House, the Witches Kitchen, the Druid’s Cave, the poison garden and more.
Once in Dublin, use your special pass for many of the most popular attractions in the city including the Guinness Storehouse, Jameson Distillery, a hop-on/hop-off bus tour, and many more. In addition, you will have a pass for the local transportation system.
Our last Emerald Isle event will be a farewell dinner at a lively local pub.
The Emerald Isle tour is fairly active and you will walk 3 – 5 miles daily over mostly even terrain. Since many B&Bs do not have elevators or escalators and may not have ground floor rooms, you must be able to manage 1 to 3 flights of stairs with your luggage.
Inclusions:
12 nights in hand picked accommodations, 1 night in Shannon, 3 nights in Doolin, 3 night n Killarney, 1 night in Kilkenny and 4 nights in Dublin
Breakfast daily, 3 dinners and 3 lunch. If your departure flight is very early, breakfast may not be available on July 26th.
Ground transportation from the Shannon Airport at the beginning of the tour, to the Dublin airport at the end of the tour
Ground transportation to all itinerary destinations.
Fees for tours and activities per itinerary
Dublin Pass
English speaking tour guides
Onsite tour manager
Dublin Leap Card
This itinerary is a general outline of activities. Tours arranged with local guides will go on regardless of weather conditions. However, VanEvans tours may change, add, or delete itinerary activities if there is bad weather or better opportunities come along. For that reason, it is important to be open and flexible in order to have the best possible experience. **
*Prices are per person based on double occupancy and are subject to change without notice. In addition, a $800 surcharge will apply for guests who require single accommodations. Currency exchange rates can fluctuate and affect the cost of the tour. For this reason, the tour price may increase between now and the tour date. Your 20% down payment will lock in your tour price.
**You must make and pay for add on reservations when you submit the trip deposit.
VanEvans Tours may cancel this tour if we receive fewer than 10 reservations.
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