At Home with the Irish

ESCORTED - 8 days Dublin/Dublin - from $1445 land only
A unique and intimate travel experience combining lovely Irish B&Bs with deluxe and superior first class hotels.

YOUR TRAVEL VALUE INCLUDES:
Airport transfers on days 2 and 9
Accommodations in hotels and B&B’s in twin-bedded rooms with private bath or shower as listed or similar; hotel taxes, service charges and tips for baggage handling
7 breakfasts (B); 1 morning coffee (MC) at Rathbaun Farm; and 5 three-course dinners with choice of entrée and coffee (D) including an evening at the renowned Abbey Tavern
Services of a professional Irish Driver/Guide
Private luxury motorcoach with air- conditioning, extra leg room and emergency washroom
Complete sightseeing program as detailed in the itinerary, including:
St. Patrick’s Cathedral; Trinity College Library; Belleek China Factory; Knock; Cong Abbey; Rathbaun Farm; Cliffs of Moher; Ring of Kerry; Blarney Castle; Blarney Woollen Mills; Waterford Crystal Factory; Kilkenny Castle
Inside visits and special features as shown in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable
Portfolio of travel documents

GROUP AIRPORT TRANSFERS:
ARRIVAL transfers at Dublin Airport will operate at 7 a.m., 9:30 a.m. & 12 noon
RETURN transfers from the last Dublin hotel will depart the hotel at 6 a.m., 8 a.m.& 10 a.m.

HOTELS:
DUBLIN - Radisson St. Helen’s (DLX)
BALLYSHANNON - B&B accommodation with private bath
CONNEMARA - Connemara Coast (SF)
KILLARNEY - B&B accommodation with private bath
WATERFORD - B&B accommodation with private bath
DUBLIN - Crowne Plaza (SF)

Day 1, Sat. BOARD YOUR OVER­NIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT.

Day 2, Sun. ARRIVE IN DUBLIN, ­IRELAND. at Dublin
Dublin is one of Europe’s liveliest cities, where medieval and fine 17th century buildings stand comfortably amid all the trappings of the 21st century. At 2 p.m., a city tour brings to life Dublin’s history stretching back more than 1,000 years. Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, see Dublin’s beautiful Georgian squares, walk the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College to its famed library and its truly unique world treasure – the 8th ­century Book of Kells. This evening, take a short drive to the fishing harbor of Howth for dinner and rousing Irish music at the Abbey Tavern. (D)

Day 3, Mon. DUBLIN / BALLY­SHANNON. at Ballyshannon
Travel north via Kells and Cavan to Belleek. Watch skilled craftsmen design and produce fine china of renowned delicacy at the Belleek China Factory. Be sure of a hearty welcome and delicious meal from your Ballyshannon host. (B,D)

Day 4, Tue. BALLYSHANNON / CONNEMARA. at Connemara
Bid your own farewell to W.B. Yeats at Drumcliff churchyard where his simple tombstone reads: "Cast a cold eye / On life, on death / Horseman, pass by!" Continue through the dramatic West Country. On to Knock, a humble ­village that attracts pilgrims from all over the world ever since local residents ­experienced Marian apparitions in 1879. Travel on to the picturesque village of Cong, the setting of the 1951 classic, The Quiet Man. Next tour Cong Abbey, an Augustinian abbey founded in the 12th century. Enjoy driving through Connemara, where whitewashed cottages are scattered over a land of rocky mountains, sparkling brooks and rivers. Dinner tonight is at your hotel. (B,D)

Day 5, Wed. CONNEMARA / GALWAY / CLIFFS OF MOHER / KILLARNEY. at Killarney
This morning visit Galway Cathedral before dropping in for refreshments at Rathbaun Farm. Meet a farming family as they carry out their everyday chores. Watch as the farmer shears a sheep and maneuvers his flock with the help of his dog. Next, cross the Burren, a stark and barren landscape dotted with rare flora. Travel west to the Cliffs of Moher rising approximately 700 feet above the pounding Atlantic waves. Later cross the Shannon estuary by ferry before setting off for Killarney. This evening, savor dinner at a local restaurant. (B,MC,D)

Day 6, Thu. THE RING OF KERRY. at Killarney
The road that winds around the beautiful Iveragh Peninsula, better known as The Ring of Kerry, 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. Even the names of the towns seem to whisper their beauty: Cahirciveen, Glenbeigh, Killorglin and Sneem. You are free this evening to stroll through Killarney town or perhaps join an optional pub dinner and entertainment. (B)

Day 7, Fri. KILLARNEY / BLARNEY / WATERFORD. at Waterford
Visit Blarney Castle with its magical stone that gives the gift of eloquence for a kiss. Then wander across to the Blarney Woollen Mills for Irish knitwear and crafts. Next is Water­ford, for a visit the famous Waterford Crystal Factory and Showrooms. Here ancient skills, often handed from one generation of local family to the next, lovingly turn molten glass into exquisite crystal. Spend the night in the hospitality of local Waterford B&Bs. (B,D)

Day 8, Sat. WATERFORD / KILKENNY / DUBLIN. at Dublin
Kilkenny is undoubtedly Ireland’s loveliest inland city. It rose to prominence in the 13th century, when the Irish Parliament often met at Kilkenny Castle. Enjoy a guided tour of the Castle and some free time to explore this medieval city. Return to Dublin where the evening is free to relax at your beautiful hotel or you may attend an optional farewell show of song, dance and dinner all topped off with Dublin’s wit. (B)

Day 9, Sun. DEPART DUBLIN.
Your home­bound flight arrives the same day. (B)