Day 2

Day 2 -  Book of Kells & Theatre Evening
This morning see central Dublin's public buildings, tranquil parks and bustling shopping streets. Drive past Leinster House, the seat of government, and St. Stephen's Green. Cross the River Liffey and see the wide O'Connell Street with many monuments and pause at the Famine Memorial. Walk through Trinity College to see stately buildings and visit the Old Library where the priceless 8th century manuscript of the Book of Kells is housed. In the afternoon you may take an independent open-top bus tour and a visit to Guinness or Jameson. Dine in the hotel restaurant before heading to the world-famous Abbey or Gate Theatre for a performance. (B, D)

Day 3

Day 3 -  Rock of Cashel & Sheep Farm Visit
Travel south to visit the Rock of Cashel, where Brian Boru was crowned King of Munster in 977. See the 12th century Cormac's Chapel with its Hiberno-Romanesque decorations, the large cruciform cathedral and a round tower. At a nearby farmhouse sample home-made scones with tea and watch a farmer use his trained dogs to round up sheep. Drive south past the gentle slopes of the Galtee Mountains, through the town of Mallow and on to Killarney, famous for its scenic location. Check into your hotel and enjoy a superb dinner in the fine restaurant. (B, D)

Day 4

Day 4 -  Ring of Kerry & Killeen House Restaurant
Today experience the Ring of Kerry drive where every bend in 100 miles of road reveals breathtaking views of mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. You will have plenty of stops to admire or photograph scenic vistas. At the tip of the peninsula visit the Skellig Experience, which shows the austere conditions of early Christian monastic life on the nearby rocky islands. Today the islands provide sanctuary for sea birds. Return through the attractive village of Sneem and pause at Moll's Gap for panoramic views of Killarney. In the evening enjoy a warm welcome and delicious cuisine at award-winning Killeen House Restaurant. (B, D)

Day 5

Day 5 -  Cliffs of Moher & Dromoland Castle
Take a ferry ride across the River Shannon Estuary to visit the Cliffs of Moher, majestic walls of rock, which extend five miles along the coast. You may walk to O'Brien's Tower at the highest point for a view of the Aran Islands in Galway Bay. Journey through part of the Burren to the lovely Dromoland Castle Hotel. Relax in the wonderful setting or take a short drive to Bunratty Village for an opportunity to visit Bunratty Castle and Folk Park or the 200-year-old pub of Durty Nelly's. In the evening experience gourmet dining in the hotel's elegant dining room. (B, D)

Day 6

Day 6 -  Galway & Ashford Castle
Travel to Galway for a panoramic tour of Galway Cathedral, the Claddagh area and the Spanish Arch. Have free time to browse around the main areas near Eyre Square and the network of streets filled with shops, pubs and restaurants. Continue north to Cong for a two-night stay at the famous Ashford Castle Hotel, arriving in time to unwind in the wonderful surroundings or use some of the leisure facilities. Dine in Ashford's lovely restaurant and afterwards listen to music in the Dungeon Bar. (B, D)

Day 7

Day 7 -  Connemara & “The Quiet Man” Walk
Travel through Connemara to Leenane and embark on a catamaran cruise around Killary Harbour, Ireland's only fjord. As you sip an Irish coffee, see remains of houses and potato patches abandoned during the 1840's Famine as well as stunning scenery. Take a walking tour around Cong to see movie locations of the 1952 production of “The Quiet Man.” In the evening drive to the nearby village of Clonbur for an informal dinner with local entertainment at Eddie's Pub. (B, D)

Day 8

Day 8 -  Tour Ends Shannon Airport
Bid farewell to Ashford Castle and take a group transfer to Shannon Airport where your tour concludes at 10:30 am. The drive from Ashford to Shannon takes two hours and, if you need an earlier transfer, that can be arranged. (B)

B: Breakfast; D: Dinner