Introduction to Ireland

Céad míle 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 Trinity College, where Oscar Wilde studied. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D) TOUR HIGHLIGHT “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) TOUR HIGHLIGHT 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, beginning with a drive to the Cliffs of Moher, rising over 700 foot above the ocean, 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, enjoy a special treat at Rathbaun Farm [LOCAL FAVORITE] with coffee and your own homemade scones. (B) LOCAL FAVORITE Someone’s in the kitchen in Rathbaun Farm, near Ardrahan, County Galway. You can don an apron and whip up your own delicious homemade 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. Join the road known as the Ring of Kerry for a spectacular drive around Ireland’s Iveragh Peninsula. Enjoy an [LOCAL FAVORITE] Irish coffee in a local bar before arriving at the popular resort of Killarney. (B,D) LOCAL FAVORITE 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 Flying Boat Terminal chef Joe Sheridan concocted this soothing elixir of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and whipped cream to make their canceled flight a little more palatable. Raise a toddy glass of caife Gaelach with a hearty “sláinte!”