Ireland - 5 Days - $810 to $950 per person (land only)

Depart U.S. on overnight flight to Dublin. Day 1 - Welcome to Ireland - Arrive at Dublin AirportTransfers to hotel. You are free to explore the city at your leisure this afternoon. Your hotel will be within walking distance of the city centre. Overnight, dinner and full Irish breakfast at hotel in Dublin. Day 2 – Ireland's Midlands, Blarney Castle & Kerry Today meet with your coach and English speaking driver/guide and depart Ireland’s Capital and travel to County Kerry. En route stop for a visit to Blarney Castle. Dating from 1446, the castle is a tower house built on solid limestone in wonderful grounds. At the top of the Tower you will find the legendary Stone of Eloquence. Kiss it and you’ll never again be lost for words. But don’t take our word for it – everyone from Sir Walter Scott to a host of American presidents, world leaders, and international entertainers has been eager to take advantage. Enjoy some time for shopping at Blarney Woolen Mills. This industry  helped shield Blarney from the famine. The success of the mills continued until a disastrous fire in 1869. By August 1871, the mill was once again operational with a labor force of 222. In 1976 Chris Kelleher, himself a mill worker, bought the old mill property. Within a short period of time Chris and his family transformed the mill into what is perhaps the largest quality craft shop in Ireland. Continue to your Kerry hotel. Overnight, dinner and full Irish breakfast at hotel in Kerry region Day 3 - Ring of Kerry Today you can enjoy a superb tour of the Iveragh Peninsula, which will give you the opportunity to discover the majestic scenery of Ring of Kerry. Taking in spectacular mountains, peat bogs, lakes and magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean. Leaving Killarney one passes through Killorglin, famous for its Puck Fair, then to Glenbeigh where the cliff road affords panoramic views of the Dingle Peninsula and Dingle Bay. Passing through the peat bogs one arrives at the sea town of Waterville. Continue to Sneem Village, famous because of its brightly colored houses. The road continues through the mountains to Molls Gap and Ladies View with superb views of the famous Lakes of Killarney. We will visit Muckross House, which was built in 1843 by the Herbert Family, in Elizabethan style. This house is one of the most sumptuous residences of Ireland. Muckross, surrounded by beautiful gardens, is in the heart of the Killarney National Park, the first to be opened in Ireland. Overnight, dinner and full Irish breakfast at hotel in Kerry region. Day 4 – Burren & Cliffs Travel northwards to Tarbert and take a short boat ride across the mouth of the river Shannon to land on Clare’s shore at Killimer. Travel along the coast to the famous Cliffs of Moher. The most majestic cliffs in Ireland rise from the Atlantic Ocean at 215 meters and extend for over seven kilometers long. On a clear day, you can admire the Aran Islands, the Connemara Mountains and the many sea birds that nest here. Enjoy a tour of the Burren Region, a strange-looking natural region of Europe. “Burren” means “large stones.” Often described as lunar, the Burren is a high plateau of porous limestone. No trees or soil exist, yet the limestone cracks are home to a large variety of unique flowers that grow all year.  The rocks also hide several caves like Ailwee, as well as “Turloughs”, an interesting phenomenon which transforms lakes into fields during the summer. You will also discover its rich history thanks to countless castles and monastic ruins. Continue to Limerick. Evening: Medieval Banquet at Bunratty Castle, built in the 15th century by the Earl of Thomond on the banks of the Raite River in County Clare. From here The Earl ruled over his Chiefdom and was known for his generosity and his lavish banquets and entertainment. That tradition continues with a four-course meal and of course good wine. Guests are invited to enjoy an unforgettable evening in the splendor of this magnificent castle. A true step back in time to Medieval Ireland. Overnight, bed and full Irish breakfast at hotel in Limerick or region.  Day 5 – Kilkenny to Dublin & Farewell Travel to Dublin via the medieval city of Kilkenny, which is perhaps the most attractive city in Ireland. Its status has more to do with its role in the past than in the present. Visit Kilkenny Castle, built on the site of a fort founded by Strongbow, the castle was the principal residence of the Butler Family for 600 years. You will visit the superb Victorian style apartments. The Long Gallery shows an interesting collection of paintings. Visit St Canice’s Cathedral, a 13th century gothic cathedral built on the site of a 6th century Monastic settlement. The Cathedral dominates Irishtown at the northern end of Parliament Street. Around the cathedral is a graveyard, a round tower and an 18th century bishop’s palace. The city of Kilkenny developed around this settlement. The Cathedral is still very much in use and it is spacious with a bright interior. It has a splendid choir surrounded by beautiful stained glass. Like many of the Cathedrals built during this period it is home to numerous tombs, some very old and important. Continue to Dublin Airport for overnight departure flight home.  Prices March, April and October 2010 $810 pp. + airfare May – September 2010 $950pp. + airfare  2010 Dates: March 16 – 20 April 6 – 10 May 4 – 8 May 18 – 22 June 8 – 12 June 22 – 26 July 6 – 10 July 13 – 17 July 20 – 24 July 27 – 31 August 3 – 7 August 10 – 14 August 17 – 21 August 24 – 28 August 31 – Sept 4 Sept 7 – 11 Sept 14 – 18 Sept 21 – 25 October 5 – 9   Request information or availability