Day 2

Day 2 - National Stud & Medieval Kilkenny
Drive to the coast to view the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, which rise to almost 700 feet above the wild Atlantic breakers and stretch along the coast for five miles. Then head south for a short ferry ride across the River Shannon. Stop in the charming village of Listowel for a stroll around before continuing through mountainous countryside to Killarney. Take a look around this bustling, compact town before checking in to your home and meeting your Irish hosts. In the evening drive to Kate Kearney's Cottage for dinner and traditional Irish entertainment with popular songs, dances and a lot of laughs. (B, D)

Day 3

Day 3 - Waterford Crystal & Blarney Castle
Drive south to the ancient port of Waterford to visit the House of Waterford Crystal. See how skilled craftspeople transform molten glass into elegant tableware and magnificent trophies of all types. Drive along the south coast to visit Blarney Castle and climb to the ramparts to kiss the “Stone of Eloquence.” Enjoy some time for shopping at the Blarney Woollen Mills or take a break in the pub hidden between the shops! Travel through County Cork and on to Killarney and check in to your hotel. In the evening you may like to explore some of the lively pubs where traditional Irish music is played. (B, D)

Day 4

Day 4 - Ring of Kerry Tour & Pub Dinner
Embark on County Kerry's popular scenic drive with Ireland's highest mountains on one side and a varied Atlantic coastline on the other. Every turn will reveal new vistas of mountains, cliffs and beaches. Meet a local farmer, Brendan Ferris, for a taste of farm life as he demonstrates how dogs herd flocks of sheep. At the Skellig experience learn about early Christian monks who braved a harsh existence on the rocky offshore islands. Continue your trip around the peninsula with stops in the attractive village of Sneem and at Moll's Gap for views of the Lakes of Killarney. In the evening drive to Kate Kearney's Cottage for dinner and traditional Irish entertainment with songs and dances. (B, D)

Day 5

Day 5 - Cliffs of Moher,Connemara & Mayo
Drive north for a short ferry ride across the wide River Shannon Estuary. View the Cliffs of Moher that rise to heights of almost 700 feet above churning Atlantic swells. Pass through the Burren, around the shores of Galway Bay and through the lovely scenery of the Connemara region. Pass hills, little lakes and open country where mountain sheep roam freely. Stop in Leenane, renowned as the location of the movie, “The Field.” Continue to Westport, an attractive estate town built in 1780, and check in to your hotel. Westport is a great town with lots of interesting shops and traditional pubs, many with live music. (B, D)

Day 6

Day 6 - Achill Island Excursion & Westport House
Visit Westport House, an 18th century mansion, set in superb parkland with magnificent views overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Achill Island. See stunning rooms with priceless furnishings, paintings, books, silver and Waterford Crystal. Drive around Clew Bay to Achill Island, joined to the mainland by bridge. Follow the Atlantic Drive to capture wonderful views of steeply-sloped mountains plunging into the shimmering Atlantic Ocean. Near Slievemore see the Deserted Village, the remains of nearly 100 stone cottages abandoned around the time of the 1840's Famine. Return to Westport for free time. (B, D)

Day 7

Day 7 - Strokestown House & 12th Century Brazen Head Pub
Visit Strokestown Park House in County Roscommon. There are three parts to see - the 18th century mansion with its original furnishings; the four-acre walled garden, restored to look as it would have during the heyday of the estate; and the Famine Museum, which explains the circumstances of the 1840's Famine through a combination of original documents and images. Head to the Brazen Head Pub, Dublin's oldest, dating back to 1198 for an evening of “Food, Folk and Fairies” where story-telling will reveal Ireland's myths and beliefs in times past. (B, D)

Day 8

Day 8 - Dublin City Tour & Jameson
The entire day is at leisure so you may schedule sightseeing as you wish. Use your open-top bus tour voucher to explore Dublin - you may get on and off at any of the 23 stops along the route, which include Dublin's most popular attractions. Take a tour around the Old Jameson Distillery to see whiskey production techniques and enjoy a drink of the finished product. (B)

Day 9

Day 9 - Tour Ends Dublin Airport
Take a taxi transfer to Dublin Airport in good time for your flight home. (B)

B: Breakfast, D: Dinner