Day 2

Day 2 -  Boyne Valley 5,000-year old Tombs & Taylor's Three Rock
This morning drive north of Dublin to the Boyne Valley Visitor Centre to learn about the passage burial tombs of Newgrange and Knowth, both of which are over 5,000 years old. Visit one of the tombs to see how primitive people managed to align these buildings precisely with the sun or the moon. Return to Dublin where the afternoon is at leisure. You may use your voucher for an open-top bus tour with a visit to Guinness or Jameson. In the evening drive to Taylor's Three Rock Pub for a dinner with Irish specialties. Then sit back with an Irish coffee to watch a lively show with music, songs and step-dancing. (B, D)

Day 3

Day 3 -  National Stud & Waterford Walk
Depart Dublin this morning and travel to Kildare to visit the Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens. As a nation, the Irish are very interested in horses and the Stud will tell you about the valuable breeding industry. See magnificent horses before walking around the delightful Japanese Gardens, established a century ago. Stop in the attractive city of Kilkenny to see its medieval streets and huge castle. Drive to your hotel in central Waterford and, after dinner, take a walking tour around historic Waterford with a local guide. (B, D)

Day 4

Day 4 -  Waterford Crystal, Titanic Tour & Blarney CastleVisit the House of Waterford Crystal to learn about glass blowing and cutting and see one-of-a-kind masterpieces. Travel along the south coast to Cobh, the last port of call of the Titanic. A walking tour will reveal many of the places associated with emigrants as they left Ireland. At Blarney Castle climb the ramparts to gain the “Gift of Eloquence.” You may visit the Blarney Woollen Mills, which offer excellent Irish-made products. Drive through Macroom to Killarney and check in to your hotel. (B, D)

Day 5

Day 5 -  Dingle Peninsula Tour
Today discover the glorious Dingle Peninsula, made famous by two movies that showcased the scenery - “Ryan's Daughter” and “Far & Away.” Drive along the south shore to admire views of heathery mountains, sandy stretches of beach and rocky headlands. Stop for a while in Dingle before continuing to the Blasket Centre in Dunquin to learn about the offshore Blasket Islands, inhabited until 1953 by hardy families who eked out a living by farming and fishing. Return to Killarney and enjoy free time to take a jaunting car ride or walk around town. After dinner you may like to visit local pubs featuring live music. (B, D)

Day 6

Day 6 -  Flying Boat Museum & Cliffs of Moher
Drive north through Listowel and along by the River Shannon to Foynes to visit the Flying Boat Museum, which recalls the early days of air travel during the 1930's and early 1940's. Travel through the outskirts of Limerick and look around Bunratty Village. Head to the coast of County Clare to view the Cliffs of Moher, which rise to heights of almost 700 feet above the churning Atlantic swells. Walk along the top of the cliffs to O'Brien's Tower for great views. Drive through the Burren and take a short orientation tour of central Galway. Check in to your hotel, overlooking Galway Bay and the Aran Islands. (B, D)

Day 7

Day 7 -  Aran Islands & Dun Aengus
Take a short ferry ride from Rossaveal to Inis Mor, the largest of the three Aran Islands (Apr 13 - Oct 19 departures). These rocky islands are renowned for the hardy islanders who maintained traditional fishing and farming methods and where the popular intricately-patterned fishermen's sweaters originated. The Irish language is still spoken widely. Take a minibus ride to Dun Aengus, a huge pre-historic fortress perched on sheer cliffs, which fall away to the Atlantic Ocean below. In Kilronan, the main town, visit the Aran Heritage Centre to learn about unique local customs before returning to the mainland by ferry. For departures outside the dates above, there will be a “Quiet Man” walking tour of Cong and a drive around Connemara, stopping in Leenane and Clifden. (B, D)

Day 8

Day 8 -  Strokestown Park House & Famine Museum
Visit Strokestown Park House in County Roscommon. There are three parts to see - the 18^th 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 Great Irish Famine through a combination of original documents and images. Drive to the village of Dunboyne, on the outskirts of Dublin. Check in to Dunboyne Castle Hotel and relax for a while before a farewell dinner with entertainment. (B, D)

Day 9

Day 9 -  Return Home from Dublin
Complimentary group transfers to Dublin Airport are provided to arrive at 6:00 am, 9:00 am or 12:00 noon so that you can check in for your flight home. (B)