Introduction to Ireland

Céad mile fáilte—a hundred-thousand welcomes! Irish eyes will be smiling at 3 pm as you meet your Tour Director and travel companions for an afternoon orientation drive through statue-lined O’Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares, and past St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Oscar Wilde’s Trinity College. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D) TOUR HIGHLIGHT CITY SIGHTS “In Dublin’s fair city where girls are so pretty,” you’ll also find great personality and charm. The charisma of Dubliners and the bounty of pubs here is matched only by the gorgeous Georgian Squares, 12th-century St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Trinity College.

Stallions, Saints & Stones Hit your stride this morning with a trip to Ireland’s horse-racing country! Drive across the Curragh to visit the Irish National Stud at Kildare. There’s still lots more to see, including the Rock of Cashel, where St. Patrick preached; and Limerick, where an orientation sightseeing drive features St. Mary’s Cathedral, King John’s Castle, and the stone where the Treaty of Limerick was signed in 1691. (B) 165 mi / 266 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURE & TRADITION The Irish National Stud is home to the long tradition of Ireland’s love of horses. This horse-breeding facility in County Kildare, considered the beating heart of Ireland's thoroughbred industry, continues to inspire all who visit. Hear about some of the world’s most magnificent champion stallions that have made racing history since the turn of the 20th century.

Sheep, Scones & Sea Cliffs Embark on an exhilarating excursion along Ireland’s spectacular Atlantic coastline begins with a drive to the 668-foot Cliffs of Moher, where you take in the breathtaking panorama of the Clare coast. A scenic route across the limestone plateau of The Burren takes you to Galway, a popular seaside destination and a buzzing cosmopolitan center with colorful shops and a busy café and bar culture. This afternoon, a special treat at Rathbaun Farm [LOCAL FAVORITE] to enjoy coffee and your own home-made scones. (B) 135 mi / 217 km LOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES Someone’s in the kitchen in Rathbaun Farm, just outside of Galway. You can don an apron and whip up your own delicious home-made scones, served with fresh preserves and whipped cream. Learn about the long-time tradition of sheep farming in this beautiful Irish landscape.

Beauties of Counties Kerry & Clare The breathtaking beauty of Ireland awaits with a short drive via Clonderlaw Bay to Killimer, where you’ll cross the Shannon estuary by ferry. A drive around part of Ireland’s southwestern peninsulareveals the spectacular Ring of Kerry and enjoy [LOCAL FAVORITE] an Irish coffee in a local bar before arriving at the popular resort of Killarney. (B,D) 174 mi / 281 km LOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES It’s clear why we get a warm feeling with traditional Irish Coffee – as much a warm welcome now as it was for stranded travelers in 1943. It was a wintry night in Limerick when Foynes Port chef Joe Sheridan concocted this soothing elixir of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and whipped cream to make their cancelled flight a little more palatable. Raise a toddy glass of Caife Gaelach with a hearty “slainte!”

Spend your day your way in Waterford Your Irish luck continues across the Kerry Mountains and through County Cork to Blarney, renowned for its magical Kissing Stone. Take the opportunity to walk up to the castle, and to shop for traditional Irish handicrafts. In the afternoon, continue to Waterford, a stronghold founded by the Danish Vikings. Explore more of Waterford with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions before enjoying dinner at your hotel. (B,D) 131 mi / 210 km THE VIKING TRIANGLE Join a Local Guide in Waterford for a walk through Ireland¿s oldest city where two cathedrals, four national monuments, and eleven centuries of rogues and rascals add up to a trifecta of tales in the Viking Triangle. Hear engaging stories of extraordinary characters, delivered in witty, entertaining style by a master storyteller. CRYSTAL CLEAR The city of Waterford is synonymous with the luxury crystal manufacture that bears its name. Visit the House of Waterford Crystal for a fascinating tour featuring the molding room, and glass-blowing, cutting, and engraving departments to witness the highly skilled master craftsmen creating exquisite Waterford Crystal.

Medieval & Modern Irish Capitals Head to the “Marble City” of Kilkenny to enjoy one of Ireland’s most quaint towns, or consider a visit to its 800-year-old castle. Return to Dublin, Ireland’s capital city, and enjoy some free time. (B) 111 mi / 179 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SPOT Explore the city of Kilkenny, referred to as the "Marble City" because of the widespread use of local black limestone to construct many local buildings. The "Medieval Mile" is the city's main thoroughfare and is lined with medieval landmarks, quaint shops, and charming pubs. Today Kilkenny is renowned for its active arts and crafts scene.

Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)