Ireland: Town and Country

Welcome to Dublin City (9 am – 2 pm)

Our private, local guide will introduce us to many of the highlights of Dublin including Dublin’s squares, Dublin Castle, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Trinity College and the Book of Kells. Lunch at a local favorite (6:30 – 10pm) Musical Pub Crawl led by two professional musicians who perform tunes and songs while telling the story of Irish Music.

(9am – 4 pm) County Dublin and the Wicklow mountains day trip Did you know that County Wicklow is known as the garden County of Ireland? You’ll understand why as you enjoy the stunning scenery along the entire way. We’ll stop for a guided walking tour at Glendalough, a 6th century monastic settlement located within the valley of two lakes.

(9- noon) (Pm at leisure) Meet Ireland's greatest writers on this tour of Dublin's literary history. Dublin is a city of literature with three of Ireland's Nobel Prize winners in Literature hailing from this fair city. The capital has been immortalized in the works of James Joyce, Flann O'Brien and Samuel Beckett, to mention a few in the pantheon. We will visit sites such as the Abbey Theatre, Sweny's Chemist, the National library, the Irish Houses of Parliament, and the Irish Writer's Museum
*Optional Theater evening (6:30 – 10:30 pm)

(9 am – 4 pm) - Dalkey & Killney Heritage Trail Our day will begin with a short train ride to the historic village of Dalkey. You’ll spend the day exploring the medieval heritage of this coastal region south of Dublin where seven castles once lined its medieval main street. On a tour of Dalkey Castle you’ll immerse yourself in the medieval world. Having worked up a hunger and thirst, we’ll stop for a meal or refreshment at one of a number of cafes, pubs and restaurants in the village.

(9 am – 4:30 pm) - Today we leave our Dublin hotel and head southwest through the lovely little village of Ballyvaughan and on through the Burren with its unique 'moonscape' of limestone plateaus and pavements caused by the impact of the first neolithic farmers in Ireland. The magnificent Cliffs of Moher are next on our itinerary where you’ll experience the effect of the wild Atlantic waves on this coast of Ireland and admire the view of the Aran Islands famous for their wool sweaters. The day ends at our Galway hotel.

(9 am – 2 pm) Galway City Tour & Cruise –-Today you’ll discover that Galway is a quaint medieval city with a big heart as we visit all the key historical sights. We’ll explore Eyre Square and Galway’s Latin Quarter which is steeped in history. Saint Nicholas Church, Claddagh Ring Museum and the old Fishmarket Square are also on the itinerary. We’ll
stop for lunch before taking a cruise of Galway’s Loch Corrib.

(9:30 am – noon) (PM at leisure)- Culinary walking tour in Galway) This morning you’re in for a real treat- a culinary walking tour of the city! The gastronomy scene in Galway is a must visit for travelers and food lovers. You’ll get a great overview of Galway’s passionate people and beautiful produce. Experience the tastes of fresh seafood, local Irish cheese, creative beer projects, artisan chocolatiers and much, much more.
*Optional musical evening (6:30 – 9:30 pm)