Charming villages, untold natural beauty, music-filled pubs, and plenty of local culture await you on our tour of the ‘Land of Saints and Scholars’. In addition to the historic cities of Dublin and Galway, we’ll experience the breathtaking natural beauty of Ireland during our visit to the Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry, and Dingle Peninsula. The true highlight of this unique trip is our walk in the famous Killarney St. Patrick’s Day Parade!
DAYS 1/2—WELCOME TO IRELAND
Tour Dublin City, founded as a Viking settlement and home to the Irish Parliament since 1922 to see St. Patrick’s Cathedral, fashionable Grafton Street, Trinity College and Guinness Brewery. D
DAY 3—NATIONAL STUD FARM/ROCK OF CASHEL
Travel south to County Kildare, the center of Ireland’s horse breeding industry, for a guided tour of the Irish
National Stud Farm. See the Rock of Cashel, seat of the Kings of Munster from 370 — 1101 and early associations with St. Patrick. Overnight in Kinsale at the four-star Trident Hotel overlooking Kinsale Harbour. B, D
DAY 4—QUEENSTOWN STORY/BLARNEY CASTLE
Travel to Cobh, one of the main points of emigration during the great famine, to experience “The Queenstown Story.” See (and kiss!) the famous Blarney Stone before returning to Kinsale for a free afternoon. B
DAY 5—WEST CORK/MIZEN HEAD/KENMARE/KILLARNEY
Travel the coastline to Mizen Head to visit the Maritime Museum and Heritage Attraction. Continue to the famous Ring of Kerry with rolling green hills and sparkling ocean views. B, D
DAY 6— MUCKROSS HOUSE & GARDENS/ST PATRICK'S DAY PARADE
Board an Irish Jaunting Car to Killarney National Park, winding its way through the oldest oak forests in Ireland for a visit to Muckross House and Gardens. Join the locals for a march in the annual Killarney St. Patrick’s Day Parade, an exclusive experience you will treasure forever! The evening is free to continue the celebrations and enjoy Killarney’s many traditional pubs. B
DAY 7—THE DINGLE PENINSULA
Enjoy some free time in the Dingle Peninsula for lunch before returning to Killarney and dinner in a local pub. B, D
DAY 8—TRALEE/SHANNON FERRY/CLIFFS OF MOHER/GALWAY
Travel to Tralee, and continue to Tarbert to board the Shannon Ferry to Killimer. Take the coast road to the Cliffs of Moher and experience one of the most famous views in the world. Later, continue through the lunar landscape of the Burren to the shores of Galway Bay. B, D
DAY 9—CONNEMARA
Explore Connemara, the background of countless movies including “The Quiet Man” with John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. Visit Kylemore Abbey and enjoy a farewell dinner in a local pub accompanied by traditional Irish music. B, D
DAY 10—TRAVEL HOME
Return to Dublin for your flight home with marvelous memories of the Emerald Isle. B
Quality Accommodations
Night 2: Camden Court Hotel, Dublin
Nights 3-4: Trident Hotel, Kinsale
Nights 5-7: Killarney Plaza Hotel, Killarney
Nights 8-9: Harbour Hotel, Galway
Dates:
Mar 12-21, 2024
Price Per Person:
Double $4,297
Single $4,795
Pre/Post Tour Hotel
$198/night
Depart/Return:
Chicago, IL
Inclusions:
Round-trip airfare from the U.S.
Professional, English speaking Tour Director
Welcome Reception and meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Fees and tips for included attractions and meals
Luggage handling at most hotels
Free bottled water on coach
24-hour emergency call service
Arrival Time
On Day 1 of the tour, schedule your flight into Chicago O'Hare International Airport by 5:45 p.m. This will allow ample time to connect to your international flight.
Departure Time
On Day 10 of the tour, schedule your return flight home from Chicago O'Hare International Airport to depart after 6:00 p.m.
Airport Transportation / Vehicle Parking
Our Pre and Post hotel offers complimentary shuttle service to and from Chicago O’Hare International Airport. Free parking is offered during the tour at our hotel in Chicago with a Pre or Post night booked.
Walking Distance
To fully enjoy your CTD vacation, you should be in good physical health and understand there are times when a good deal of walking is involved in our tours. Those who have difficulty walking may not want to take this trip or should discuss their personal situation with their doctor before deciding. You should be able to walk at a steady pace for a mile at a time for a daily total of three to four miles per day and be able to manage steps to board/de-board the motorcoach several times a day. In addition, many US and European airports require lengthy walks to get from ticketing counters to your departure gate. Due to the lack of proper facilities at some of the farms, ranches, and off-the-beaten-path sites we often visit, we are unable to accommodate walkers and wheelchairs.
We are finding that larger European cities are closing their historic districts to motor traffic. This, of course, adds to the amount of walking involved when visiting a city (sometimes on uneven and/or cobblestone walkways). In addition, you should know that you may be required to exit the motorcoach at each stop because local law often does not allow travelers to remain on the motorcoach while it is parked for a scheduled stop.
Average Temps
March – high of 54°, low of 37°
Currency
Euro
Time Zone
Irish Standard Time (5 hours ahead of New York)
Hotel Amenities
Each hotel has a Hair dryers, TV/cable, coffee/tea makers, and WI-FI available at hotels.
Camden Court Hotel and Killarney Plaza Hotel also offer a Spa, Exercise room & pool
Additional Information
A total of three mailings are sent to assist you in preparing for your tour, including information sent upon receipt of your reservation.
A valid US Passport is required for travel to/from the United States.
Land Tours begin one day later. Airport transfers are not included with Land Only Tours.
Dress on tour is casual. Comfortable walking shoes are needed.
Travel Protection Available?
Yes, see CountryTravelDiscoveries.com/TravelProtectionPlan.
