Best of Ireland 2009

A travel experience that combines Ireland's medieval heritage with its most striking landscapes.

Highlights

  • Dublin
  • Kilkenny
  • Kildare
  • Waterford
  • Blarney
  • Killarney
  • Adare
  • Limerick
  • Bunratty
  • Ring of Kerry
  • Galway Bay
  • Galway
  • Cliffs of Moher

    Whats Included

    Sightseeing Highlights

  • Dublin: Visit Trinity College, view St. Patrick's Cathedral and Phoenix Park.
  • Kilkenny: Visit the medieval city.
  • Kildare: Visit the Irish National Stud Farm and the Japanese Garden.
  • Waterford: Visit the crystal factory.
  • Blarney: Visit the cafestle and the famous Blarney Stone.
  • Killarney: See the beautiful lakes.
  • Ring of Kerry: Visit Killorglin, Cahirciveen, Waterville and Moll's Gap.
  • Adare: Visit the prettiest village in Ireland.
  • Limerick: See St. Mary's Cathedral and King John's Castle.
  • Bunratty: Visit the cafestle and folk park.
  • Galway Bay: Panoramic views
  • Galway: Orientation tour. Visit Connemara, Dunmore Abbey, Sligo.
  • Visit Old Jameson Whiskey Distillery.

    Dining Highlights

  • 9 full Irish breakfasts.
  • 3 three-course dinners.
  • Local highlight restaurant dinner with wine in Sligo.
  • Farewell Dinner with wine and an Irish coffee in Dublin.

    14 meals in total (see day-by-day itinerary)

    First Class Travel Highlights

  • All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes included.
  • Touring by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and a washroom onboard.
  • The services of one of Trafalgar's top professional Tour Directors.
  • Stay in twin-bedded rooms with private facilities.
  • A qualified local city guide in Dublin.
  • Airport transfers are provided on Day 2 and Day 11.
  • A stylish wallet, tour documents and map book journal.

    • Call (612) 253-3383 for more information or to book today! Mention code 8201904

    Tour Operator
    Trafalgar Tours
    Duration
    11 Days
    Escorted
    Escorted - Yes
    DayDestinationDescription
    Day 1Depart USADepart USA :
    Overnight flight to Dublin.
    Day 2DublinArrive Dublin :
    Welcome to Ireland and Dublin! After check-in the afternoon is free to relax and unwind. This evening we enjoy a Welcome Drink with our Tour Director and fellow travelling companions.

    Hotel: Trinity Capital / Maldron
    Day 3WaterfordDublin - Kildare - Waterford :
    After breakfast we make our way to Kildare to the Irish National Stud, where we will enjoy a walking tour to see some of the finest stallions in the world. We will also have time to visit the Japanese Garden. We continue to Kilkenny where we view the medieval city dominated by its Norman Castle and ancient cathedral. Finally on to Waterford. (Full breakfast / Dinner)

    Hotel: Waterford Marina
    Day 4KerryWaterford - Kenmare Bay (Kerry) (2 nights) :
    This morning we visit the Waterford Crystal Factory and our Tour Director tells us that a Hidden Treasure will be revealed to us today! On to Cork and Blarney Castle where we kiss the stone and aquire the "gift of the gab". We travel across the Derrynasaggaret mountains along the picturesque Loo Valley to the pretty town of Kenmare.(Full breakfast / Dinner)

    Hotel: Kenmare Bay (2 nights)
    Day 5KerryRing of Kerry Excursion :
    Enjoy a full day of spectacular scenery through plunging cliffs and lakes, granite mountains and jagged coastlines as we tour the Ring of Kerry. Our route passes Killorglin (of Puck Fair fame), Daniel O'Connell's Cahirciveen, Waterville and Moll's Gap in the Black Mountains before returning to our hotel at Kenmare Bay.(Full breakfast)
    Day 6LimerickKenmare Bay - Limerick :
    This morning we drive through the Glanaruderry Mountains and into County Limerick. We pause a while in Adare - with its thatched cottages, it is one of the prettiest villages in Ireland. Then on to the mouth of the River Shannon and to Limerick, where on arrival an orientation tour shows us St. Mary's Cathedral, King John's Castle and the Treaty Stone. Then we visit the Bunratty Castle and folk park before going on to our hotel in Limerick.(Full breakfast)

    Hotel: Radisson SAS
    Day 7Galway BayLimerick - the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren - Connemara - Galway Bay :
    Our first stop today is to see the beautiful Cliffs of Moher, then we follow the coastline ejoying splendid views of Galway Bay and the Aran Islands. Soon we come to the Burren country, a haven for geologists and botanists because of the unusual rocks and flora. Then we head for Galway city where our orientation tour shows us the Spanish Arch and Galway cathedral. Finally we take a drive through the barren mountainous region of Connemara before continuing via Lough Corrib to our hotel.(Full breakfast / Dinner)

    Hotel: Days
    Day 8SligoGalway Bay - Sligo :
    This morning we depart for County Sligo, an area rich in ancient ruins, travelling via the County of Mayo. Our first stop is in the village of Knock, the place of pilgrimage where villagers saw apparitions of the Virgin Mary. Finally via the small market town of Tobercurry to splendid Sligo Bay and our overnight hotel. Time to relax or to take an excursion to Drumcliff to see the church where Yeats is buried and across the border into Northern Ireland to visit the famous pottery at Belleek in County Fermanagh. Tonight we enjoy a Highlight Dinner in a local pub restaurant.(Full breakfast / Highlight Dinner)

    Hotel: Yeats Country Hotel
    Day 9DublinSligo - Dublin (2 nights) :
    Today we travel via Boyle - famous for its Cistercian abbey - and along the valley of the mighty River Shannon back to Dublin. You'll have time to perhaps visit a stately home or beautiful monastic site this afternoon. Why not take the opportunity this evening to attend an Irish cabaret and enjoy the unique entertainment and atmosphere plus the Irish sense of humour?(Full breakfast)

    Hotel: Mespil (2 nights)
    Day 10DublinDublin sightseeing and at leisure :
    Morning sightseeing tour with a local guide includes views of St. Patrick's Cathedral, Phoenix Park and visits Trinity College to see the famed 8th century Book of Kells. Then we visit the famous Old Jameson Whiskey Distillery and taste some too! Tonight, we enjoy a Farewell Dinner with wine and an Irish coffee with our Tour Director and new-found friends.(Full breakfast / Farewell Dinner)
    Day 11Return USADublin - USA :
    This morning it is time to bid farewell to our Tour Director and fellow travelers as our tour of Ireland comes to an end.(Full breakfast)
    Dates/Pricing

    Click Quote or call us to get additional information on your chosen travel date. Special offers or competitive pricing may be available!

    DatePrice / DescriptionQuote
     Contact us for detailsQuote
    Disclaimer
    * This list indicates brochure rates and dates.
    For single travellers purchasing the twin-share option, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms.
    For details on discounts that apply to this tour please refer to a brochure or see your Travel Agent.
    The displayed prices are based on twin-share accommodation. A single supplement price is available on request.

    - These prices are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
    - All tour information is correct at time of tours going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.
    - For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Conditions page.

      
    Online Agency Travel Websites