2008 Emerald Isle

Call (800) 733-5524 for more information or to book today! Mention code 7191602

Tour Operator

CIE Tours

Offer

Offer valid through 9/30/2008

Duration

9 Days

Escorted

Escorted - Yes

Itinerary

Day	Destination	Description
Day 1	Depart U.S. for Dublin	Depart U.S. for Dublin : Travel to Dublin on an overnight flight to start your vacation. Relax with inflight meals and entertainment.
Day 2	Dublin	Dublin Castle & Guinness : Arrive in Dublin Airport, complete immigration formalities and pick up your luggage. Go to the CIE Tours desk in the Arrivals Hall to arrange a group transfer to your hotel between 7:00 am and 12:00 noon. If your flight arrives later, you will need to transfer to the hotel at your own expense. At 2:00 pm tour Dublin city center with your tour director to see elegant Georgian buildings, tranquil parks and lively shopping streets. Tour the State Apartments of Dublin Castle, which date from early Georgian times and contain magnificent chambers with Waterford Crystal chandeliers and fine furnishings. Visit the Guinness Storehouse to learn about the world-famous dark brew and enjoy a pint in the rooftop bar with panoramic views across Dublin. Back at your hotel enjoy a welcome drink to learn more about your tour.
Day 3	Dublin	Glendalough Monastic Site & Abbey Tavern : This morning take a drive south through the lovely Wicklow Mountains to visit the Glendalough Visitor Centre and learn about St. Kevin's 6th century monastery. Walk through the ruined churches and round tower, which are set in a peaceful valley between two lakes. Return to Dublin where the afternoon is free for independent sightseeing or shopping and in the evening head to the Abbey Tavern for dinner, which is followed by a show of traditional music and step-dancing. (B, D)
Day 4	Blarney	National Stud & Blarney Castle : In Kildare visit the Irish National Stud to learn about horse breeding programs and see some magnificent animals. Head south through farming country and pause for photos at the Rock of Cashel, a stately limestone outcrop topped with medieval ruins. Continue past the gentle slopes of the Galtee Mountains and rich pasturelands to visit Blarney Castle, located just a few miles from Cork city. Climb to the battlements to kiss the famous "Stone of Eloquence" or take a look around the village green. Check into your hotel right beside the Blarney Woollen Mills where you may like to shop. (B, D)
Day 5	Killarney	Kinsale Walk & Killarney : This morning drive to Kinsale, a delightful old town on a narrow inlet of the sea. Formerly a fishing and merchant town, today it is popular for sailing and gourmet food. Join a local guide for a short walking tour to see some of historic places. Start at Charles Fort to understand the importance of Kinsale's location for trading and defense and then walk around some of the old streets. Afterwards drive via Macroom, dominated by a huge castle, and into the mountains of County Kerry to Killarney, famous for its beauty. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to take a look around Killarney or enjoy the delightful facilities in your hotel. (B, D)
Day 6	Killarney	Jaunting Car Ride & Muckross House : Take a traditional horse-drawn jaunting car ride to view lakes and mountains on the way to Muckross House. Tour the elegant 19th century furnished mansion on the shores of Muckross Lake while the guide tells you about the influential owners and visitors. Take a walk around the charming gardens. Drive to the delightful town of Kenmare where traditional buildings are gaily painted and enhanced with flowers. Travel through Moll's Gap, a wonderful vantage point on the Ring of Kerry and stop at Ladies' View before returning to Killarney. (B, D)
Day 7	Galway	Cliffs of Moher & Galway : Travel by ferry across the River Shannon Estuary and continue along the coast to view the Cliffs of Moher, a five-mile wall of limestone rising above the foaming Atlantic breakers. Displays in the new Visitor Center explain the geology, flora andfauna of the region. See the rounded limestone hills of the Burren and drive down Corkscrew Hill for views of Galway Bay. Stop in Ballyvaughan for a stroll and continue your journey into Galway. Take a brief drive around Galway before checking into your hotel, located right on Eyre Square. Enjoy some time on your own as the compact city center is great for browsing. (B, D)
Day 8	Galway	Connemara Tour & Catamaran Cruise : Drive through Headford to Cong, a charming village that was the location for the 1952 movie, "The Quiet Man". A short walking tour will show you movie locations and the ruins of Cong Abbey. Travel through Connemara to Killary Harbour, Ireland's only fjord. Embark on a comfortable catamaran, "Connemara Lady", for unspoiled views of the narrow inlet and misty hills. Visit the Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory, which specializes in intricate designs in colored crystal, before returning to Galway. (B, D)
Day 9	Ballybofey	Knock Shrine & Belleek China : Head north through County Mayo and stop at Knock Shrine, to see the church where locals saw an apparition of the Virgin Mary in 1879. Cross into County Sligo and stop at the grave of W. B. Yeats, picturesquely situated near the distinctive outline of Ben Bulben. Continue to Belleek for a tour of the Belleek Pottery Factory. This industry was founded in the mid-19th century to create employment. Watch skilled craftspeople create intricate basket-weave designs in delicate china. Continue your journey past the hazy Blue Stack Mountains to Stranorlar. (B, D)
Day 10	Ballybofey	Grand Atlantic Drive & Glenveagh Castle : Today experience the glorious natural beauty of the Grand Atlantic Drive, which winds through Downings and Rosapenna and past golden beaches and rocky headlands. Travel inland to Glenveagh National Park surrounded by the Derryveagh Mountains. High walls and conifers provide shelter for exotic plants and a large herd of red deer. Tour Glenveagh Castle, a granite castle built in 1870 on the shores of Lough Veagh and walk through some of the gardens. Pass Letterkenny as you return to Stranorlar in ample time for dinner. (B, D)
Day 11	Dunadry	Giant's Causeway & Glens of Antrim : Travel to Derry to join a local guide for a walking tour around the city center to see the medieval city walls, the Diamond and St. Columb's Cathedral. Next, visit the Giant's Causeway, enormous hexagonal columns formed by volcanic activity over 60 million years ago. Continue south to experience wonderful views of mountains, valleys and bays as you travel along the "Nine Glens of Antrim." Drive to Dunadry to your charming hotel, which is set on the site of a linen mill. The interior reflects its important history when linen was the region's major product. (B, D)
Day 12	Dublin	Belfast & St. Patrick's Burial Site : Tour Belfast with a local guide to see Victorian buildings, the Harland & Wolff shipyards where the Titanic was built and the Falls Road and Shankill residential areas. Drive along the Ards Peninsula and cross Strangford Lough by ferry to visit the St. Patrick Centre. Learn about Ireland's Patron Saint and view his reputed grave at Down Cathedral. Travel past the gentle slopes of the Mountains of Mourne and continue to Tyrellstown, to the north of Dublin city. Here you will check into your hotel, relax a little and enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers. (B, D)
Day 13	Leave Dublin for Home	Leave Dublin for Home : Complimentary group transfers are provided to Dublin Airport to arrive at 6:00 am, 9:00 am and 12:00 noon. After check-in, you'll have time to shop at the duty-free stores before U.S. Immigration pre-clearance and boarding your flight for the journey home. (B)

Dates/Pricing

Lodging

	Radisson SAS - Stillorgan, Co Dublin - 2 night(s)		Blarney Woollen Mills Hotel - Blarney, Co Cork - 1 night(s)
	The Brehon Hotel - Killarney, Co Kerry - 2 night(s)		Hotel Meyrick - Galway City, Co Galway - 2 night(s)
	Kees Hotel - Ballybofey, Co Donegal - 2 night(s)		Dunadry Hotel - Dunadry, Co Antrim - 1 night(s)
	Park Plaza Tyrrelstown Hotel - Dublin - 1 night(s)

Disclaimer

Coach Tour and River Cruise prices are based on two people sharing rooms; for single prices.

Taxes, security fees and fuel surcharges are not included.

This list indicates brochure rates and dates. If your date of choice is marked "On Request" or appears in the brochure but not on this page please contact your travel agent for information.

Air price is based on departures from New York. Additional add-on airfares from other cities are available. The air inclusive prices are for general information only and not a reflection of current seat availability.

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