Irish Discovery
| Resort: | Ireland |
| Operator: | Cosmos |
| Destination: | Ireland |
| Price From: | £1169.00 |
OverviewBreathtaking, lush landscapes combined with vibrant cities and historic attractionsall of this and more await you on this guided Ireland tour, including Northern Ireland. Starting and ending in Dublin, explore Ireland in depth and hear exciting stories of its rich history, legends, and myths. On an Ireland tour, you expect to see amazing scenery, and this tour does not disappoint. See the 668-foot Cliffs of Moher on Irelands west coast, offering breathtaking views of rugged cliffs dropping into the ocean. Join the Ring of Kerry, a 100-mile drive with sparkling seascapes and mountains dotted with brightly painted farmhouses. In Northern Ireland, visit awe-inspiring Giants Causeway, basalt columns formed millions of years ago by volcanic eruptions. On the amazingly green Dingle Peninsulaperched on Irelands westernmost tip and dominated by the range of mountainsenjoy one of Europes most dramatic drives passing seaside villages, ancient monuments, and views of the Blasket Islands. On this tour of Ireland, youll also visit some of its vibrant citiesincluding Dublin, Belfast, and Galwayand charming towns, including Killarney. Stop in Adare, founded in medieval times and known today as one of Irelands friendliest and prettiest villages and in Waterford, enjoy a guided tour of the House of Waterford Crystal, where youll see the highly skilled artisans at work in the production of this famous crystal. Visit Kilkenny famous for its medieval architecture and Norman castle. In Northern Ireland, visit Derry, one of Irelands best-preserved fortified cities, and Downpatrick, burial place of Irelands Patron Saint. This value-minded tour through Ireland is a dream vacation!  ItineraryDAY 1ARRIVE IN DUBLIN, IRELANDCheck into your hotel. At 3 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for an afternoon orientation drive through statue-lined OConnell Street and elegant Georgian squares to St. Patricks Cathedral and Trinity College. End the day with an optional dinner evening at the Guinness Storehouse. DAY 2 DUBLINDOWNPATRICK, NORTHERN IRELAND – BELFASTOn your northbound route today, pass Drogheda, the scene of the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, then through the fertile landscape of the Boyne Valley, known for its prehistoric passage graves. Cross the border into Northern Ireland, and drive past the Mountains of Mourne to Downpatrick, the burial place of Patrick, Irelands Patron Saint, and on to the vibrant city of Belfast, where the Titanic was built. Later, why not join a Local Guide on a living history tour, including a visit to the fascinating Titanic Belfast Experience? DAY 3 BELFASTGIANTS CAUSEWAYDERRYDONEGAL, IRELANDSLIGOFirst stop this morning is awe-inspiring Giants Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, let the provinces story unfold as you head for the city of Derry before returning to the Republic to visit Donegal, the ancient town founded by Danish Vikings and home of the ODonnell Clan. Drive along Donegal Bay with its small fishing ports and hidden beaches before arriving in Sligo. DAY 4 SLIGO – GALWAY – CLIFFS OF MOHER – LIMERICKTravel farther south to Galway, a popular seaside destination and a buzzing cosmopolitan district with vibrant shops, and a busy caf and bar culture. Cross the limestone plateau of The Burren to visit the spectacular 668-foot Cliffs of Moher. Tonight, you might like to join an optional medieval banquet. DAY 5 LIMERICK – ADARE – DINGLE PENINSULA – KILLARNEYStart your day with a stroll through Adare, a village known for its prize-winning thatched cottages. Then, take in the breathtaking scenery of the Dingle Peninsula, where the 32-mile Slea Head drive affords magnificent vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. See the Blasket Islands and hear about the way of life and unique literary achievements of its inhabitants prior to their evacuation in 1953. The next two nights are spent in the popular resort of Killarney. Tonight, enjoy the optional outing to Tralee for dinner and a performance at Siamsa Tire, Irelands National Folk Theatre. DAY 6 KILLARNEY. RING OF KERRY EXCURSIONAt Killorglin, join the Ring of Kerry for a 100-mile coastal panoramic drive featuring sparkling seascapes, mountains dotted with brightly painted farmhouses, winding lanes bordered with subtropical vegetation, and spectacular views of the Lakes of Killarney from Ladies View. Back in Killarney, a special optional adventure: take a horse-drawn jaunting car along the national park lakeshore for pictures of Ross Castle. DAY 7 KILLARNEY – BLARNEY – WATERFORD – TRAMOREMore scenic beauty as you head over the Kerry Mountains into County Cork. Stop in Blarney, famous for its Stone of Eloquence, with time at your leisure to see the castle and shop for Irish crafts and handmade crystal. After lunch, drive past Cork, the countrys second-largest city on the way to Waterford, where a guided tour of the House of Waterford Crystal is included. Spend the night at the nearby seaside resort of Tramore. Later, consider an optional pub tour. DAY 8 TRAMORE – KILKENNY – DUBLINOn the last leg of your journey on the way to Dublin, visit Kilkenny to wander the Medieval Mile and learn about its Norman heritage. An optional Irish cabaret evening, including dinner, dance, song, and laughter would be an exciting finale to your vacation. DAY 9 DUBLINYour vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
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