9 Days Dublin to Dublin.
Highlights Include: Dublin, Cashel, Blarney, Killarney, overnight in Dromoland Castle, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, and Connemara.
Specially customized for private small groups of 8 to 16 guests.
Magical Ireland – A Family Adventure
DAY 1 ARRIVE IN DUBLIN, IRELAND: Welcome to Ireland! After collecting your bags, you will meet with your transfer driver in the arrivals hall at Dublin Airport. Shortly afterwards, your private transfer will depart and make its way towards your Dublin hotel. This afternoon, take a walk to the courtyards of Trinity College to its library and world treasure, the 8th century Book of Kells. This evening, you are free to explore Dublin at your own pace.
DAY 2 DUBLIN / CASHEL / BLARNEY / KILLARNEY: This morning after breakfast, meet with your private chauffeur in the lobby of your hotel. Departing Dublin, you travel south towards County Kerry. Pause at the Rock of Cashel, a spectacular group of medieval buildings set on an outcrop of limestone in the Golden Vale including the 12th century round tower, High Cross and Romanesque Chapel, 13th century Gothic cathedral, 15th century Castle and the restored Hall of the Vicars Choral. Afterwards, travel south towards County Cork for a visit to Blarney Castle with its magical stone that gives the gift of eloquence for a kiss. There is time to stop at Blarney Woollen Mills to shop before continuing on to bustling Killarney. The town on the lakes is famous for its lively pubs and open, cheerful atmosphere, full of what the Irish call “craic!” – Gaelic for fun. Tonight you are free to explore Killarney’s many pubs and restaurants. (B)
DAY 3 KILLARNEY: Enjoy breakfast in your hotel before departing on one of the following three excursions:
Option #1 – Killarney National Park: Today you will begin with a spectacular viewing of Killarney National Park by Horse-Drawn Jaunting Car, including Muckross Lake and the 15th Century Muckross Abbey. You will be informed & entertained by your local Jarvey, with local folklore & history of the area. You will also journey to Muckross House & Gardens, where you will experience Victorian elegance in all its grandeur.
Option #2 – Ring of Kerry: Travel the road that winds around the beautiful Iveragh Peninsula, better known as The Ring of Kerry. It is undoubtedly one of the most magical places in all Ireland. Here mountains, valleys, lakes, and sea blend into a landscape that is often breathtaking beyond words. A number of stops will allow you to marvel at the spectacular scenery; walk around the colorful village of Sneem and pause at Moll’s Gap for amazing views of the Lakes of Killarney.
Option #3 – Dingle Peninsula: Today head out to the beautiful Dingle Peninsula. This peninsula is a Gaeltacht, a unique area where the Irish language is preserved. There is time to explore the town of Dingle, a colorful fishing port.
Later you will return to Killarney, where the balance of the day is free. Perhaps play a round of golf! (B)
DAY 4 KILLARNEY / FOYNES / BUNRATTY / NEWMARKET-ON-FERGUS: After breakfast, depart from Killarney and head north towards Foynes to visit the Flying Boat Museum. Step on board the famous Boeing 314, “Yankee Clipper” flying boat; travel back in time while enjoying the award-winning film “Atlantic Conquest”. Adults will enjoy an Irish coffee, sure to warm you up! Afterwards, travel on to Bunratty. This is your chance to experience a window on Ireland’s past and explore the acclaimed 15th century Bunratty Castle and the 19th century Bunratty Folk Park. Later, make your way to your hotel for overnight. (B)
DAY 5 NEWMARKET-ON-FERGUS / CLIFFS OF MOHER / GALWAY: After breakfast, you depart for a walk along the Cliffs of Moher, rising 700 feet above the pounding Atlantic waves. Afterwards, travel through the Burren and on to Rathbaun Farm where you will watch the farmer shear a sheep and maneuver a flock with the help of a sheep dog. Then, enjoy traditional tea, coffee, and scones in the 150-year-old thatched farmhouse. Onwards to Galway where you will enjoy a panoramic tour before checking in to your centrally located hotel. (B)
DAY 6 GALWAY: Enjoy breakfast in your hotel before departing on one of the following two excursions:
Option #1 – Connemara Excursion: After breakfast, depart on a full-day excursion in Connemara. Whitewashed cottages are scattered over a land of rocky mountains, sparkling brooks and rivers. Stop to visit the beautiful Kylemore Abbey, a castellated neo-Gothic mansion, occupied since 1920 by the Irish Benedictine community of Nuns.
Option # 2 – Excursion to the Aran Islands: This morning after breakfast, travel west from Galway out to the ferry terminal at Ros a’ Mhíl (Rossaveal). Here you board a comfortable, modern ferry for the 45-minute crossing to Kilronan on Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands and where Gaelic is the first language of the islanders. Your fascinating day continues when you board a minibus to enjoy your driver/local guide’s commentary on a tour of the island, ending with a visit to cliff top Dun Aengus, one of the most spectacular and dramatic prehistoric stone forts in Europe. Back in Kilronan, board your ferry back to the mainland where your driver will meet you and transfer you back to Galway.
Return to Galway where the remainder of your day and evening are free. (B)
DAY 7 GALWAY / DUBLIN: After breakfast you depart from Galway and make your way to Dublin. On your way, you might consider deviating slightly for an optional visit to Clonmacnoise, an early Christian site founded by St. Ciarán in the mid-6th century on the eastern bank of the River Shannon. The site includes the ruins of a cathedral, seven churches (10th-13th century), two round towers, three high crosses, and the largest collection of Early Christian graveslabs in Western Europe. The original high crosses and a selection of graveslabs are on display in the visitor center. The long and varied history of Clonmacnoise is recounted in an audiovisual presentation shown in the visitor center. There are also exhibitions that deal with the flora, fauna, and landscape of the region. Once back in Dublin, say goodbye to your chauffeur and check in to your centrally located hotel. (B)
DAY 8 DUBLIN: Today you will enjoy a full day at leisure to enjoy Dublin. You will have a full-day ticket for the Hop-on Hop-off Dublin Bus to explore and enjoy Dublin at your own pace. (B)
DAY 9 DUBLIN / USA: After breakfast, bid farewell to Ireland as you transfer to Dublin airport, where after check-in you will have plenty of time for your last-minute duty-free shopping. Your flight to the US arrives the same day. Have a safe journey! (B)
Customize to Suit
The above suggested itinerary can be customized to suit; more or less meals, different cities and/or sightseeing based on your clients’ interests. You name it, our expert group specialist professionals will put it together for you. Please call 1-800-818-8455, or simply complete the group request form, and we’ll get back to you with your proposal.
Inclusions
- Twin-bedded rooms in 4- or 5-Star hotels; hotel taxes, service charges and baggage handling
- Breakfast daily, except day of arrival
- Travel by private, luxury, air-conditioned mini-coach
- Professional Irish Driver/Guide
- Trinity College and the Book of Kells
- Rock of Cashel
- Blarney Castle
- The Ring of Kerry or Dingle Peninsula or Jaunting Cart Ride in Killarney National Park
- Foynes Flying Boat Museum and Irish Coffee
- Bunratty Folk Park
- The Cliffs of Moher
- Rathbaun Farm, including tea, coffee and scones
- Connemara Excursion or Excursion to the Aran Islands
- Full-day Hop-on Hop-off Dublin Sightseeing Bus Pass
- Portfolio of travel documents
- 24-hour local customer service while traveling in Ireland
Private Departures
Please Call 1-800-818-8455 for Group Rates on this Custom Group Journey
This suggested itinerary can be customized to suit; more or less meals, different cities and/or sightseeing based on your clients’ interests. You name it, our expert group specialist professionals will put it together for you. Please call 1-800-818-8455, or simply complete the group request form, and we’ll get back to you with your proposal.
Group Discounts
On custom journeys, discounts vary depending on group requirements. Typically, travel with a group of 20 and the 21st traveler receives a 100% discount* off the land portion of the vacation price. A second traveler receives a 100% discount* off the land on a group of 40 paying passengers.
*Per person prices are land only and based on two people sharing a room. Above dates represent “land start” date. Air: Please note that airfares are not included in the prices above. Journeys Connect can quote you the lowest possible GROUP airfare available on the day that you book. Minimum of 10 seats from same gateway. Less than 10 air seats will require full payment at time of booking. Single Room Supplement: On Request. Triple Room Reduction: On Request. Group discounts cannot be combined with our Triple Room discounts. Not valid on Specialty, Customized Vacations or River Cruises, optional extensions, extra nights, airfares, taxes and fees, flight supplements, or airport transfers. Other restrictions may apply. All passengers’ names must be advised before the discount is applied. *Group discount is on a twin-share basis only.
Contact Journeys Connect
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Travel professionals, please call and speak with one of our Group Specialty Professionals:
1-800-818-8455