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Best of Ireland |
10 day
tour from US$1499
Tour Type: Regional Europe |
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Highlight |
Itinerary |
What's
Included |
Optionals |
Dates
& Rates |
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HIGHLIGHT |
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Highlights:
- Bunratty
- Limerick
- Adare
- Killarney
- Blarney
- Waterford
- Kilkenny
- Kildare
- Dublin
- Kylemore Abbey
- Galway Bay
- Galway
- Cliffs of Moher
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ITINERARY |
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| Best
of Ireland |
Day
1- Arrive Shannon - Ennis
On your arrival in Ireland, you are transferred to your hotel in
Ennis. This evening, we enjoy a welcome drink with our Tour Director
and fellow travelling companions followed by dinner at our hotel.
(Dinner)
Hotel: West County
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Day
2 - Ennis - Bunratty - Limerick - Killarney (2 nights)
After breakfast this morning our day will begin with a visit to
nearby Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. Then we head to Limerick where
an orientation tour features St. Mary's Cathedral and King John's
Castle. Time to explore further or to shop for some souvenirs before
we continue to Adare, the prettiest village in Ireland. Then on
through County Kerry en route to Killarney, with its beautiful
lakes, for two nights. Dinner will be served at our hotel this
evening. (Full Irish breakfast/ Dinner)
Hotel: Riverside / Killarney Court (2 nights)
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Day
3 - Ring of Kerry Excursion
Enjoy a full day of spectacular scenery through plunging cliffs and
lakes, granite mountains and endless beaches, as we tour the 'Ring
of Kerry'. Our route passes Killorglin (of Puck Fair fame), Daniel
O'Connell's Cahirciveen, the fishing village of Waterville and
Moll's Gap in the Black Mountains before returning to our hotel at
Killarney. (Full Irish breakfast)
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Day
4 - Killarney - Waterford
This morning after breakfast, we cross into County Cork, stopping at
Blarney Castle for a chance to kiss the Blarney Stone and acquire
the 'gift of the gab'! Then we pass through Cork on our way to
Youghal and along the scenic coast arriving at the Waterford Crystal
Factory for an included visit to see how crystal is created. Then on
to our hotel for dinner and overnight stay. (Full Irish breakfast/
Dinner)
Hotel: Quality
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Day
5 - Waterford - Kildare - Dublin (2 nights)
After a hearty Irish breakfast, we make our way to Kilkenny – the
medieval city dominated by its Norman Castle and ancient Cathedral.
Then we enjoy a highlight visit to the Irish National Stud Farm
located outside the historic town of Kildare. Later, we continue to
Ireland's capital city, Dublin for our two night stay. (Full Irish
breakfast)
Hotel: Grand Canal
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Day
6 - Dublin sightseeing & at leisure
Our morning sightseeing tour in this 'fair city' includes views of
Trinity College, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin Castle and Phoenix
Park. Then, there's time on your own to perhaps explore this
fascinating city further or window shop in O'Connell or Henry
Streets. This evening, you may wish to join us at an Irish cabaret.
(Full Irish breakfast)
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Day
7 - Dublin - Sligo
After breakfast we drive deep into County Sligo, an area rich in
ancient ruins. Then we continue to beautiful Sligo Bay and our
overnight hotel. Time to relax or take an optional excursion to
Drumcliff to see the church where Yeat's is buried and across the
border into Northern Ireland to visit the famous pottery at Belleek
in County Fermanagh. Dinner is at our hotel tonight. (Full Irish
breakfast/ Dinner)
Hotel: Riverside
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Day
8 - Sligo - Connemara - Galway
We enjoy a full day of dramatic scenery as we travel into beautiful
County Mayo and the town of Westport on the coast at Clew Bay. From
here we will continue through the magnificently wild region of
Connemara making a stop to see Kylemore Abbey. Then on to the
wonderful Inagh Valley and more spectacular views as we head to our
hotel in Galway. This evening, we will enjoy a typical Irish meal in
a local restaurant. (Full irish breakfast/ Highlight dinner)
Hotel: Quality
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Day
9 - Galway - Cliffs of Moher - Ennis
Thers's time to explore this morning before we drive through the
pretty fishing village of Kinvarra. Then into County Clare and the
rocky landscape of the Burren. Next we will continue past Black Head
and along the coast to the Cliffs of Moher towering above the
Atlantic. Finally, we make our way across country back to Ennis for
our final night on this Emerald Isle. This evening, why not
celebrate and join us for a farewell Cieli evening along with your
fellow travelling companions.
(Full Irish breakfast)
Hotel: West County
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Day
10 - Ennis - Depart Shannon
This morning after breakfast it is time to bid a fond farewell to
your new-found friends as we transfer you to Shannon Airport for
your return flight home. (Full breakfast)
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WHAT'S
INCLUDED
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Best of Ireland
What's Included
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Sightseeing
Highlights
- Bunratty:
Visit the Castle and Folk Park.
- Limerick: See St.
Mary's Cathedral and King John's Castle.
- Adare: Visit the
prettiest village in Ireland.
- Killarney: See the
beautiful Lakes. Ring of Kerry excursion including
Killorglin, Cahirciveen, Waterville and Moll's Gap.
- Blarney: Visit the
Castle and the famous Blarney Stone.
- Waterford: Visit the
Crystal Factory to see how crystal is created.
- Kilkenny: Visit the
medieval city.
- Kildare: Visit the
Irish National Stud Farm.
- Dublin: Sightseeing
viewing Trinity College, St. Patrick's Cathedral, the Four
Courts and Phoenix Park.
- Kylemore Abbey: Stop
at the Benedictine Convent.
- Galway Bay: Panoramic
views.
- Galway: Orientation
tour.
- Cliffs of Moher: See
the spectacular seascape towering above the Atlantic.
- Scenic drives through
the Killarney Lake District, around the Ring of Kerry,
scenic coastal drive to Youghal, the Lakes of Connemara,
through the rocky landscape of the Burren, the Inagh
Valley and along the shores of Lough Corrib.
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Dining
Highlights
- A welcome drink with your Tour
Director
- 9 full Irish breakfasts
- 4 three-course dinners
- 1 local pub restaurant dinner in
Galway
14 meals in total (see day-by-day
itinerary)
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First
Class Travel Highlights
- The services of one of Trafalgar's
top professional Tour Directors on tour. A qualified local city
guide in Dublin.
- Chauffeur driven on Trafalgar's
luxury air-conditioned motorcoaches with reclining seats and
washroom.
- You'll stay in twin-bedded rooms
with private facilities.
- All hotel service charges and
tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes included.
- A stylish travel bag and wallet
containing tour documents and helpful information.
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Airport
Transfers
- London Gateways:
Transfers can be expensive, particularly between the Airport and
central London. When you book your tour with Trafalgar your
transfers to and from the airport are included. It's that
simple. Trafalgar has included a Free transfer to and from your
airport and Central London.
- Important – Please Note: Passengers
will only be entitled to transfers to and from London Airports
providing the following conditions are met:
- You are staying at a London hotel,
booked by Trafalgar, on the night of your arrival and the night
prior to the date of your departure.
- Flights are either booked by
Trafalgar or detailed information on flights is provided by your
Travel Agent not less than 21 days prior to departure.
- Only one included transfer both
inbound and outbound per tour is included by Trafalgar.
Transfers are by express train to a Central London Rail Station.
- Heathrow Express operates between
05.10-23.30. Gatwick Express operates inbound services between
05.20-23.45 and outbound services from 04.30-23.45. Transfers
outside of these times are at the passengers own expense.
- In the event of unforeseen events
(road or rail works, demonstrations, strikes) Trafalgar will not
be held responsible for delayed or cancelled transfers.
- No refund is available for
passengers not utilising this service.
- Why not upgrade to a Hotelink
transfer from the Airport to-the-door of your Trafalgar London
hotel? (please ask Trafalgar or your travel agent of the
additional upgrade price per person when booking)
- European Gateways: With
Trafalgar all passengers will receive complimentary arrival and
departure transfers on the scheduled arrival and departure day
of their tour at the times specified below. Please ensure your
Travel Agent reserves your flight to co-ordinate with the
transfer times shown.
- Trafalgar Bonus - Passengers who
book Trafalgar's Land+Air package and who arrive or depart
outside of these specified times on the scheduled arrival and
departure day of the tour will also be provided with a transfer.
- Passengers arriving before or
leaving after the scheduled tour days are not entitled to a
transfer but may book and purchase one through Trafalgar
providing that they also purchase the additional pre and/or post
tour hotel night(s) from Trafalgar. Please ask for prices of
transfers at the time of booking your extra night accommodation.
- Land only passengers arriving or
departing on the scheduled tour arrival or departure days but
whose flights don't coincide with the listed transfer times
below may also book and purchase these transfers. Flight details
must be provided to Trafalgar not less than 21 days before the
flight departure.
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OPTIONALS |
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Best of Ireland
Optional Excursions
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Note:
All optional excursions listed are for
2004/2005 please use the information as a guide only.
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GB49
- Excursion into Northern Ireland & the Belleek Pottery Factory
An opportunity to witness the art of the beautiful pottery
manufacturing at Belleek in county Fermanagh, Northern Ireland.
14.00 (€)
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GB24
- Dublin Malahide Stately Home
Malahide is both a castle and a stately home, and has been the seat
of the Talbot family since the reign of Henry II. Today, it is the
home of the National Portrait Gallery of Ireland as well as one of
the finest collections of Georgian furniture and antiques in the
country. There are fine gardens, wonderful views of Dublin Bay and
even a famous miniature railway close by.
17.00 (€)
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GB24a
- Glendalough. The Glen of the Two Lakes
This is one of the most important monastic sites in Europe dating
back to the 7th century. This sacred site is famous for its tranquil
beauty - set amidst the rolling countryside of County Wicklow, the
garden of Ireland.
18.00 (€)
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GB27
- Shannon Castle Banquet
The banquet is held in the great hall of the Castle: we dine,
we’re entertained by the court jester, the Castle musicians and
the ladies and gentlemen of the medieval court, in the splendour of
a by-gone age. There’s fine music, singing, dancing, good food and
laughter. It won’t be long before you join in with the ‘court
entertainers’ taking home warm memories of this delightful
evening.
58.00 (€)
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GB28
- Irish Celi Evening
Enjoy the great atmosphere or ‘craic’ at our ceili evening.
Traditional Irish music and dancing and the chance to sing along to
some familiar Irish melodies. Dinner is included on this fun
evening.
50.00 (€)
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GB29
- Killarney Jaunting Car Ride
Take a traditional pony and trap ride through the streets of
Killarney and into the beautiful Bourne - Vincent National Park.
Your ‘Jarvey’ will tell you stories about Killarney - remember
he has probably kissed the Blarney Stone once or twice!
15.00 (€)
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GB30
- Siamsa Tire with Dinner
Tonight relax over dinner and enjoy traditional hospitality before
visiting the famous Siamsa Tire, one of Ireland’s magic evenings.
Tonight we live the folklore and spirit of the life and times when
even the most everyday chore would be celebrated, in old Ireland.
You’ll be enthralled by the performance of the Siamsa Tire players
who will cast a spell tonight which will stay with you forever.
51.00 (€)
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GB32
- Dublin Dinner and Cabaret
Over an excellent dinner you’ll enjoy a non-stop show featuring
comedy, dance, song, music and fine food. Ireland’s musical
history unfolds in a cabaret that will delight you long after the
night has ended. The cast will have you tapping your toes and
joining in the fun, and it’s all wrapped up in the spirit of Irish
humour. We will even serve you an Irish Coffee at the end of dinner,
it will put you in the mood for Ireland’s best night out.
61.00 (€)
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GB35
- Muckross House and Gardens
The oak clad mountains provide a dramatic backdrop to the beautiful
gardens around Muckross House. Towering Azaleas and Rhododendrons
vie with each other for your attention amid the quiet meandering
walks along the shores of the Killarney Lakes. The 18th century
house, standing amid twenty thousand acres of park is a microcosm of
Irish history. It contains wonderful examples of furniture and
paintings. Keep an eye out for the brooding portrait of King James
VI for whom Shakespeare wrote Macbeth, or Countess Catherine of
Desmond painted in the 136th year of her age. Guided visit
15.00 (€)
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GB48
- Irish Pub Experience
Why not join in the fun and laughter of one of the cosiest pubs in
the country? Traditional Irish music tops the evening and before you
know it you’ll be joining in the songs and laughter. (Two drinks
of your choice is included).
20.00 (€)
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GB61
- River Shannon Cruise
A unique opportunity to take a cruise on the majestic River Shannon
through the beautiful rolling countryside of counties Leitrim and
Roscommon. Famed in song and steeped in legend, the Shannon offers
258km of cruising waterway and is the longest river in the British
Isles. Our cruise includes tea and coffee and homemade Irish scones
on the luxurious “Moon River” Pleasure Cruiser.
18.00 (€)
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GB71
- Killarney Lakes. Boat Trip
Cruise on the lower lake of Killarney. We view Ross Castle,
Mcgillycuddy Reeks and Inisfallen Island whilst listening to a
lively local commentary.
15.00 (€)
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GB85
- Dublin. Theatre & Dinner
Dublin has a great literary heritage. Join us for dinner and a
performance at one of Dublin's Theatres.
75.00 (€)
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GB86
- Waterford Walk
Join our local guide for a dip into some of the fascinating history
of Waterford, followed by a drink at a local pub.
20.00 (€)
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GB88
- Dublin. Georgian Evening
Enjoy a personalised tour of an 18th century Georgian house and
afterwards relax over dinner in one of Dublin’s finest
restaurants.
47.00 (€)
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DATES
& RATES |
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*These prices are correct at
the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at
the time of booking.
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