7 Day Focus on Ireland – Insight Vacations

Day By Day

Day 1 In Dublin’s Fair City

Welcome to a land of legends, of misty mountains, lovely lakes and a warm friendly greeting wherever you go. At Dublin Airport, transfers leave for your hotel at 08:00, 11:00 & 13:30. Later, sightseeing of Dublin takes you past the Custom House, along O’Connell Street and through Phoenix Park. Travel along the River Liffey to see the Guinness Brewery and Dublin Castle before admiring the 18C buildings of the Georgian section of the city. A walk through the cobbled stones of Trinity College Dublin brings you back to the 18th century, when the magnificent Old Library was constructed. Inside, you’ll find the 9C Book of Kells; its delicate paintings remain one of the treasures of the Middle Ages. Venture upstairs to the magnificent barrel-vaulted Long Room, where 200,000 of the Library’s oldest books are housed in a procession of oak bookcases. Later, join your Tour Director for a warm and friendly Welcome Reception, with drinks and the opportunity to mingle and get to know each other over a pleasant evening of dinner and wine. (WR/D) Stay: Doubletree by Hilton – Burlington Road, Dublin

Day 2 To Galway, City Of The Tribes

Leave Dublin and set off through the ‘forty shades of green’ landscape of the Emerald Isle. Pass by the former fortress town of Athlone on the River Shannon, to reach historic Galway, ‘City of the Tribes’, at the mouth of the Corrib River. Join your Tour Director to see the infamous Lynch Memorial and the Church of St. Nicholas, where Christopher Columbus reputedly prayed before his discovery of America. Also see the aged Spanish Arch and Eyre Square, dedicated to the late US President, John F Kennedy. (FB) Stay: The Ardilaun Hotel, Galway

Day 3 Drive To Bunratty And Limerick, Then On To Killarney

Take the scenic route through the mysterious rocky limestone landscape of the Burren, riddled with underground caverns and streams and known for its rare flora. Stop at the Exhibition Centre at the 700-foot Cliffs of Moher with breathtaking views of the Clare Coast. Now on to Bunratty Folk Park where Ireland’s rural heritage comes to life. Walk through the cobbled streets lined with buildings from a bygone era. Nearby is the town of Limerick, famous for rhymes, lace and Georgian houses. See King John’s Castle, St. Mary’s Cathedral and the Treaty Stone. Continue via the village of Adare with its thatched roofed cottages, to Killarney. (BB/D) Stay: Killarney Towers, Killarney

Day 4 Ring Of Kerry Experience

After a good night’s sleep and a hearty Irish breakfast, take a leisurely excursion around the magnificent Ring of Kerry for breathtaking views over mountains and sea. Pass through the small towns of Killorglin, where the famous Puck Fair takes place, and Caherciveen, birthplace of the great patriot Daniel O’Connel. Follow the narrow road as it winds along the cliffs to the fishing town of Waterville. Continue through delightful villages like Sneem and cross the peat bogs of the Black Mountains to Moll’s Gap to admire Queen Victoria’s ‘Ladies View’. Back in Killarney, enjoy a memorable ride on a traditional horse-drawn jaunting car with the local ‘Jarvies’. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Maybe take the opportunity to hire a bicycle and enjoy one of the many scenic trails around the lake or through the National Park. This evening, enjoy an exclusive look at epicurean Ireland in the kitchens of master chef, John Sheehan. Join him and his wife Freda for drinks, canapes and a personal insight into classic Irish recipes so much loved throughout the world. Then settle down amid panoramic views over the lakes and mountains for an evening of great food and drink in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. (BB/HD) Stay: Killarney Towers, Killarney

Day 5 Travel To Cobh And Blarney Castle On The Way To Cork

Journey through the rugged Derrynasaggart Mountains to the pretty riverside village of Cobh, which was the last port of call for the Titanic. Walk through the Queenstown Story exhibition at the Heritage Centre which recounts the era of Irish emigration and the life of this once great passenger port. Then drive to visit the 15C Blarney Castle, home of the famous Stone of Eloquence, once kissed – never forgotten! Continue on to Cork for a visit to the bustling English Market. Meet a local market stall holder who introduces you to a taste of delicious farmhouse cheese. Continue, along spacious Grand Parade and South Mall, seeing the Court House and fine Georgian houses en route to your hotel. Raise your glasses this evening and revel in rich flavours at a lively Celebration Dinner. (BB/CD) Stay: Imperial Hotel, Cork

Day 6 Make Your Way To Waterford, Kildare And On To Dublin

An exciting day takes you along the coast via Youghal, where tradition says Sir Walter Raleigh planted the first potatoes in Ireland. Continue via Dungarvan to Waterford for a guided visit of the world famous crystal factory and to meet a master craftsman. See the 9th century Reginald’s Tower and the remains of the old city walls, then head north to visit the Irish National Stud at Kildare. Get a behind the scenes look at one of the country’s main racehorse breeding centres and visit the fabulous Japanese Gardens. Laid out by a Japanese landscape artist at the turn of last century, the thought-provoking garden celebrates a journey through life. Return to your Dublin hotel, located in the heart of Dublin’s leafy southside, just minutes from the city centre. (FB) Stay: Doubletree by Hilton Dublin – Burlington Road

Day 7 Depart Dublin

Your memorable tour comes to an end today. Departure transfers arrive at Dublin Airport at 07:30, 09:30 & 11:30. (FB)