Scenic Ireland

Céad míle fáilte—a hundred-thousand welcomes! Enjoy free time upon arrival before meeting your Tour Director and travel companions at 6 pm for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)

Seacliff Rocks & Sheep Flocks Embark on an exhilarating excursion along Ireland’s spectacular Atlantic coastline with a drive to the Cliffs of Moher, rising over 700 feet above the ocean, where you take in the breathtaking panorama of the Clare coast. Visit Rathbaun Farm, [LOCAL FAVORITE] try your hand at scone baking and learn about sheep herding from the farmer before enjoying coffee and your own home-made scones. 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, for some free time before an overnight in the small fishing town of Clifden. (B,D) LOCAL FAVORITE Someone’s in the kitchen in Rathbaun Farm, just outside of 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.

Abbey Roads & Irish Roses Start the day with a visit to Kylemore Abbey, home to a Benedictine community of nuns. At Westport, on the banks of the beautiful Carrowbeg River, enjoy some free time before continuing through rugged landscapes to the coastal town of Sligo, known for its literary heritage. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT Nestled between the woodlands and lakeshore in Connemara, County Galway, Kylemore Abbey is home to the Benedictine Sisters who have been in residence since 1920 in a life of prayer, work, and community. The history of this stunning abbey reaches back to the 1800s as the estate of Irish patriot Mitchell Henry. Visit the abbey where handmade chocolates, wild Irish honey, and traditional fuchsia pottery are sold. Stroll the lovely grounds of Ireland’s largest walled garden in the heart of the Connemara countryside.

Ancient Walls and Giant Steps in Northern Ireland Head into Northern Ireland today and enjoy a [LOCAL FAVORITE] walking tour with a local guide along the city walls of Derry’s Old Town. Follow in the legendary footsteps of Finn McCool as you admire the Giant’s Causeway, composed of 40,000 basalt columns formed millions of years ago. Stay in Belfast tonight, Northern Ireland’s seat of government. (B) LOCAL FAVORITE Derry is known as the only remaining completely walled medieval city in Ireland and one of the best-preserved walled cities in Europe. Walk around the 17th-century fortification masterpiece with 7 gates and 24 cannons while also discovering a city full of history, heritage, and culture.