Best of Ireland

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Itinerary

• Day 1

  ARRIVAL DUBLIN / DUBLIN TOUR & BOOK OF KELLS

  Arrival at Dublin airport, meet & greet by our representative, transfer to hotel for check in or pick up self drive car from the airport and depart for hotel for check in
  
  Dublin, a lively capital city that�s as intimate as a village and as friendly as your local Irish pub. With its seamless blend of classic visitor sights, excellent social scene and the natural playgrounds of Dublin Bay and the Dublin Mountains framing it on all sides, this laidback city is an adventure in itself.
  
  For as long as it's been around, Dublin has looked beyond Irish shores for inspiration. Once the second city of the (British) Empire, Dublin has always maintained a pretty cosmopolitan outlook and in the last three decades has conspicuously embraced diversity and multiculturalism. You'll hear languages and eat foods from all four corners of the globe, and while it used to be said that �real� Dubs had to be born within the canals like their parents and grandparents before them, these days you�re just as likely to meet a Dub whose parents were born in Warsaw, Lagos, Cairo or Beijing.
  
  Afternoon head out for an introductory tour of Dublin including Connell Street, St. Stephen's Green, the seat of government at Leinster House and other public buildings.
  
  Take a stroll through Trinity College campus in the center of the city with a student guide and view the priceless 8th century Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript of the four gospels
  
  Evening at leisure to hit a pub
  
  Overnight at Dublin

• Day 2

  DUBLIN to GALWAY / CLONMACNOISE MONASTIC SITE & GALWAY CITY TOUR

  After breakfast, start journey across the rolling pastures of Ireland's heartland to visit Clonmacnoise. This monastic settlement was found in 545 AD and is set on the banks of the mighty River Shannon. See elaborate high Celtic crosses decorated with biblical scenes
  
  Later continue to Galway
  
  Arty, bohemian Galway (Gaillimh) is one of Ireland's most engaging cities. Brightly painted pubs heave with live music, while restaurants and cafes offer front-row seats for observing buskers and street theatre. Remnants of the medieval town walls lie between shops selling handcrafted Claddagh rings, books and musical instruments, bridges arch over the salmon-stuffed River Corrib, and a long promenade leads to the seaside suburb of Salthill, on Galway Bay, the source of the area's famous oysters.
  
  While it's steeped in history, the city buzzes with a contemporary vibe, thanks in part to students, who make up around a fifth of the population. Its energy and creativity have seen it designated a European Capital of Culture for 2020.
  
  On arrival check in at hotel
  
  Later enjoy a guided walking tour through the city center
  
  Walk across Galway city are fun, quirky, entertaining and interesting. The tour is with a top-rated guide where you will explore some of the top sites of the city, learn about Galway's history and get a taste of local life.
  
  Overnight at Galway

• Day 3

  GALWAY / CONNEMARA CATAMARAN CRUISE & KYLEMORE ABBEY

  After breakfast, day free for Galway sightseeing
  
  Today explore scenic Connemara to admire how constantly-changing cloud formations give granite hills, sparkling lakes and peat bogs an added dimension.
  
  Head to Kylemore Abbey to tour elegant rooms and the charming church, set beside a tranquil lake.
  
  Enjoy a short, casual catamaran cruise of Killary Harbour, a 9-mile fjord
  
  Return to Galway where the evening is free to explore the city.
  
  Overnight at Galway

• Day 4

  GALWAY TO KILLARNEY / CLIFFS, SHEEPDOGS & TRADITIONAL IRISH NIGHT

  After breakfast, travel south around Galway Bay and through the Burren, a region of rounded limestone hills which has a curious lunar-like appearance.
  
  Immerse yourself in farm life and watch trained sheepdogs obey their owner as they direct sheep through various obstacles.
  
  View the Cliffs of Moher, which rise almost 700 feet (200m) above the pounding Atlantic surf.
  
  Embark on a memorable ferry across the River Shannon Estuary and head to Killarney.
  
  A town that�s been in the business of welcoming visitors for more than 250 years, Killarney is a well-oiled tourism machine fuelled by the sublime scenery of its namesake national park set amid sublime scenery that spans lakes, waterfalls and woodland beneath a skyline of 1000m-plus peaks. Competition keeps standards high and visitors on all budgets can expect to find good restaurants, great pubs and comfortable accommodation.
  
  Mobbed in summer, Killarney is perhaps at its best in late spring and early autumn when the crowds are manageable, but the weather is still good enough to enjoy its outdoor activities.
  
  On arrival check in at hotel
  
  Evening at leisure
  
  Overnight at Killarney

• Day 5

  Killarney / JAUNTING CAR & RING OF KERRY

  After breakfast, take a horse-drawn jaunting car through the Killarney National Park to scenic Ross Castle, set on the shores of Lough Leane.
  
  Head to Muckross House for a guided tour and a stroll through the gardens.
  
  Set out on Ireland�s most popular scenic drive � the Ring of Kerry -- with plenty of stops for photo opportunities.
  
  Take a break in the colorful village of Sneem. Cross to Valentia Island by bridge and tour the Skellig
  
  Experience, which explains the life of early Christian monks on Skellig Michael, a rocky offshore island that was featured in the �Star Wars VII� movie.
  
  Return to Killarney for an evening at leisure
  
  Overnight at Killarney

• Day 6

  KILLARNEY / BLARNEY CASTLE & TRADITIONAL MUSIC SESSION

  After breakfast, drive through the mountains into richer farming country on the way to Blarney Castle.
  
  Kiss the famous �Stone of Eloquence� or explore the tranquil gardens. Treat yourself to quality Irish made goods at Blarney Woollen Mills before travelling along the coast to the Marine Bar in Dungarvan for a creamy Irish coffee and traditional music.
  
  Continue to Waterford to witness the creation of crystal masterpieces during your visit to the House of Waterford Crystal.
  
  Overnight at Killarney

• Day 7

  KILLARNEY to DUBLIN / WATERFORD WALK, O�CONNELL�S RESTAURANT & PARNELL STREET

  After breakfast, join a local guide for a walking tour through the narrow streets of the old city to discover Waterford's long history and some of its colorful characters
  
  Visit the nearby Medieval Museum, a modern building which incorporates a 13th century Choristers' Hall and the 15th century Mayor's Wine Vault
  
  Stop in Kilkenny for a look around the compact city center
  
  Later drive to Dublin
  
  On arrival check in at hotel
  
  Rest of the day at leisure to explore Parnell Street
  
  Parnell Street is located on Dublin's North side and runs from Capel Street in the west to Gardiner Street and Mountjoy Square in the east. It is at the north end of O'Connell Street, where it provides the south side of Parnell Square.
  
  Originally, Parnell Street was part of the ancient road connecting the old city to northern coast, with Father Matthew Bridge connecting Church Street and Wood Quay in the east, to Ballybough and Fairview in the west.
  
  During the 18th century, development of Amiens Street and Annesley Bridge provided a new coast road, and Parnell Street and its continuation to the east, Summerhill, became home to Georgian architecture. The Cineworld (UGC) cinema on Parnell Street is the largest cinema in Ireland, with 17 screens.
  
  The Ilac Shopping Centre is the oldest shopping centre in the city centre. It is a large single-story complex that contains many shops. One entrance leads out to Moore Street's famous market, and there are also a public library and chapel inside the centre. The Moore Street Mall, a recently opened shopping centre, also has an entrance on Parnell Street.
  
  The Cineworld (UGC) cinema on Parnell Street is the largest cinema in Ireland, with 17 screens.
  The street also has flagship city centre stores for German discount supermarket chains such as Aldi and Lidl.
  
  Smyths Toys, Maplin Electronics and Toymaster are on Jervis Street, just off Parnell Street.
  The street also has many other bars, restaurants, shops and internet cafes.
  
  Overnight at Dublin

• Day 8

  DEPARTURE FROM DUBLIN

  After breakfast, morning at leisure
  
  Later transfer to airport for onward flight

Notes

Best time to visit is May to Sep. ... Extensions recommended to England, Scotland & Countries across Europe

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