Best of Ireland

Day 1 - Welcome to Ireland
This Best of Ireland tour begins at 6:00 PM at the Old Ground Hotel. A transfer is included from Shannon Airport to the Old Ground Hotel, set in the charming village of Ennis. Meet your Tour Director and your fellow travelers at our welcome reception and dinner this evening.

Meals: Dinner
Lodging: Old Ground Hotel, Ennis, Ireland

Day 2 - The Cliffs of Moher, the Burren and Loch Corrib
Your Ireland tour continues with travels through emerald countryside and along the coast to the mighty Cliffs of Moher, towering over the Atlantic shoreline. Journey along the Yellow Roads through the eerie landscapes of the Burren en route to legendary Ashford Castle on the shores of Loch Corrib; it's continually ranked as one of the finest hotels in the world.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Ashford Castle, Cong, Ireland

Day 3 - Discover Connemara
Connemara is one of the more scenically diverse regions seen on any Ireland tour, with glistening lakes, bogs, mountain vistas and the craggy Atlantic coastline. At Kylemore Lough, see Kylemore Abbey, a splendid Gothic-Revival castle. Return to Ashford Castle, where the remainder of the day is free; dine à la carte tonight in one of the castle's celebrated restaurants.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Ashford Castle, Cong, Ireland

Day 4 - Sligo to Donegal Bay
Noted poet, W. B. Yeats, described Sligo as the Land of Heart's Desire. While in Sligo, visit Yeats' resting place at Drumcliffe, beneath Ben Bulben. Continue on to Donegal for a two-night stay at a lakeside hotel in the serene Irish countryside, voted AA Ireland's 2007-2008 "Hotel of the Year."

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Harvey's Point Country Hotel, Donegal Town, Ireland

Day 5 - Explore County Donegal
This northwest Ireland tour enchants visitors with the beauty of its scenery and the warmth of its people. A lovely drive today encompasses both the coast of Ireland along Donegal Bay, through ports like Killybegs, and her lush farms and meadows.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Harvey's Point Country Hotel, Donegal Town, Ireland

Day 6 - Journey across Ireland en route to Dublin
Your Ireland tour takes you through the picture-perfect scenery for which the Emerald Isle is known across the Republic of Ireland en route to a two-night stay in the heart of Dublin, in one of the city's finest hotels. View verdant green hills dotted with grazing sheep, ruined castles and abandoned abbeys along the way. Arrive in Dublin, where the afternoon is free to explore. Tonight you'll experience one of Ireland's enduring traditions - an evening of traditional Irish music and Irish dancing. The Irish House Party takes place in the private parlor room of a family-owned Georgian building in the literary quarter. You'll be treated to dinner and an evening that will both entertain and educate with stories about Dublin's unique characters, traditional music by leading musicians, and dance.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: The Westin Dublin, Ireland

Day 7 - Dublin's "Fair City," an Ireland tour highlight
Ireland's capital and largest city, Dublin is known for its rich literary history, the intricate glass lace found on the doors of its Georgian townhouses, and its lively pubs proudly serving locally made Guinness Stout. Read a page from the Book of Kells at ancient Trinity College, and visit Dublin Castle before spending the rest of the day experiencing Dublin life as you please.Your hotel, The Westin Dublin, is located in the heart of the city, close to Grafton Street and Nassau Street.

Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: The Westin Dublin, Ireland

Day 8 - Through the Wicklow Mountains to Kilkenny
Today's adventures are a highlight of any Ireland tour. The 19th-century Powerscourt Gardens, in the beautiful Wicklow Mountains, are a treat for the senses. The medieval town of Kilkenny is as well known for the quality and variety its crafts as for its rich history.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Mount Juliet Conrad, Thomastown, Ireland

Day 9 - Waterford Crystal and historic Cobh
Stop at the Waterford Crystal visitors center for a look at Ireland's famed glassware before a visit to the Old Jameson Distillery for a guided tour and tasting. On to Cobh, the last port of call for the ill-fated Titanic. Cobh also saw the sailing of the first steamship to cross the Atlantic; discover the role that Cobh has played in maritime history at the Cobh Heritage Center. Continue on to Cork, where you'll spend the night in an elegant country manor house.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Hayfield Manor Hotel, Cork, Ireland

Day 10 - From Blarney to Killarney
Few visitors to 15th-century Blarney Castle can resist the opportunity to kiss the famous Blarney Stone in the hope of being gifted with legendary Irish eloquence. Journey into County Kerry, stopping at the historic town of Kenmare en route to Killarney where you'll visit Muckross House. Tour this Elizabethan-style mansion, with time to enjoy its lovely gardens. Spend the night at Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa; overlooking the Lakes of Killarney, the five-star hotel exudes the warmth of a country home - every room looks out upon the beautiful landscapes of Killarney.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa, Killarney, Ireland

Day 11 - Explore the Ring of Kerry
One of the most famous drives in the world, the 100-mile route around the Ring of Kerry reveals some of Ireland's most splendid scenery. Wind your way through charming towns including Cahirciveen and Waterville, and features such as Mols Gap and Ladies View. Return to Killarney for time at leisure, adding more enjoyment of the countryside's rich cultural heritage to this Ireland tour. Dine à la carte at your leisure in your hotel's acclaimed restaurant tonight.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa, Killarney, Ireland

Day 12 - From a farm to a castle
Enjoy a visit with Irish farmers at their working dairy farm, which has been in the same family for generations; enjoy a light lunch at the farm as you discover the important role of farming in the west of Ireland. Then, it's off to Dromoland Castle; prior to becoming a world-renowned hotel, this magnificent baronial manor was home to the O'Brian family for over 500 years. Join your new friends at a farewell cocktail reception and dinner as this Ireland tour approaches its end.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Dromoland Castle, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Ireland

Day 13 - Your Ireland tour draws to a close - slaínte!
This Ireland tour ends: Dromoland Castle. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from Dromoland Castle to Shannon Airport. Please allow a minimum of 2 1/2 hours for check-in.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Night 1: Old Ground Hotel
Ennis, Ireland

A former manor house dating back to the 18th century set amidst the pretty streets of Ennis in County Clare, the Old Ground Hotel blends the warmth of a country home and the stylish ambiance of a luxurious contemporary Irish hotel. Crisp white linens and a soft duvet await you in your comfortable guest room equipped with multi-channel color TV, direct-dial telephone, coffee and tea making facilities, trouser press and hairdryer. The Town Hall Bistro, located in what actually was the Ennis Town Hall, will tempt your palate with freshly baked scones in mid-morning; sweet treats during afternoon tea; and a bistro-style lunch menu served throughout the day. The Poet’s Corner is the perfect place to sip a nightcap and perhaps share a story or two with local residents who frequent this cozy bar.

Night 2 & 3: Ashford Castle
Cong, Ireland

Ashford Castle has the distinction of being named one of the best hotels in world by the readers of both Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler. Guests experience the royal lifestyle at this fairy-tale castle dating back to the 13th century. Stately Ashford Castle sits regally amidst a 350-acre private estate, surrounded by woodlands. Facilities include a championship nine-hole golf course, two outdoor tennis courts, a superb health and leisure center offering a plunge pool, whirlpool and a wide range of health and beauty treatments.

Night 4 & 5: Harvey’s Point Country Hotel
Donegal Town, Ireland

Set on the shores of Lough Eske at the foot of the Blue Stack Mountains in County Donegal, the Harvey’s Point Country Hotel showcases Ireland at its scenic best. Tastefully decorated guest rooms, designed to create a sense of lavish comfort and space, offer all the amenities that today’s sophisticated travelers expect. The Bar, warmed by an inviting fire, is the perfect place to enjoy a nightcap after a busy day of exploration and discovery.

Night 6 & 7: The Westin Dublin
Dublin, Ireland

Located opposite famed Trinity College and just steps away from bustling O’Connell Street and Temple Bar, The Westin Dublin offers an ideal location from which to see and sample all the many pleasures of Dublin’s fair city. This thoroughly modern hotel in the very heart of Dublin resides behind the impressive historical facade of the 1863 Irish Allied Bank building. Guest rooms reflect Irish charm and elegance with traditional mahogany furnishings and Westin’s signature Heavenly Beds®. The Fitness Center offers the latest Technogym® equipments. Dine in one of three fine restaurants within the hotel.

Night 8: Mount Juliet Conrad
Thomastown, Ireland

The baronial Mount Juliet Conrad regally reigns over what once was Ireland’s largest estate. Operating as a luxury hotel since 1989, the opulent Georgian mansion that lies at the heart of the Mount Juliet Conrad is a grand tribute to 18th-century craftsmanship. The Mount Juliet Conrad features the only Jack Nicklaus signature golf course in Ireland as well as The Spa, which offers a wide range of pampering programs. Leisure activities, such as angling, horseback riding, clay target shooting, tennis and croquet, are available. The Mount Juliet Conrad is included in the Condé Nast Traveler 2008 Gold List.

Night 9: Hayfield Manor Hotel
Cork, Ireland

Located just five minutes from the lively center of Cork, the Hayfield Manor Hotel has the look and feel of a centuries-old grand residence of the wealthy elite, surrounded by gracious gardens and ancient trees. Although the atmosphere is one of traditional charm, the hotel’s Leisure Facilities complex is state-of-the-art and offers a lovely indoor heated swimming pool, an outdoor Jacuzzi, gym and steam room as well as extensive spa treatment alternatives to soothe the body and the soul.

Night 10 & 11: Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa
Killarney, Ireland

Located high on a hill in the midst of the emerald-green County Kerry countryside, the Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa offers a luxurious and serene ambiance surrounded by the sweeping panorama of the Killarney’s lakes and mountains. Indulge yourself at the impressive Spa, take a swim in the lovely indoor pool, walk in the hills or in the gardens, play a game of tennis or fish for salmon and trout from the hotel’s nearby private stretch of riverbank.

Night 12: Dromoland Castle
Newmarket-on-Fergus, Ireland

The readers of Travel + Leisure have named Dromoland Castle the number 1 hotel in Ireland and the readers of Condé Nast Traveler voted it the number 2 hotel in all of Europe. One of the world’s most famous castle hotels, Dromoland Castle is magnificently steeped in history and tradition. In addition to all the pleasures to be found within the castle, to include the full-service spa and indoor pool, guests can enjoy superb golf, boating, shooting, fishing, tennis, walking and cycling within the extensive grounds of the estate.

Inclusive Prices

Tour prices are per person in U.S. dollars. All hotel accommodations, motor coach transportation, special dinners, sightseeing, admissions, luggage handling and the services of local guides, drivers, and the Tour Director are included. A representative of the Tour Operator will meet you at Shannon Airport and provide transportation to the Old Ground Hotel, regardless of the day and time of your arrival, provided you have given us accurate flight information at least two weeks prior to the start of the tour. They will also provide you with transportation from the Dromoland Castle to Shannon Airport regardless of the day and time of your departure.

Hotel Accommodations – The tour price includes all hotel accommodations with private baths. The Tour Operators standard is to provide the best available hotels without sacrificing value. Although the quality may differ slightly from place to place, our commitment to your comfort is unwavering. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels. Triples are two-bedded rooms with a rollaway cot where available and are not recommended for comfort. King beds are not available in most hotels; a king-type bed usually consists of two single beds pushed together which are made up separately with one headboard. Some two-bedded rooms may have two single – not full or queen - beds.

Meals – Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary.

Tour Director – The Best of Ireland is conducted by a Tour Director who remains with the group throughout the tour. Your Tour Director is a professional, fully trained employee of the Tour Operator.

Gratuities Included – All gratuities for restaurant and hotel staff and local guides are included.

No Options Sold – Your Tour Director will assist you with information on free-time activities based on honest opinion and guidance but will not sell you anything. This means better value and a more relaxed and pleasant experience for you.

Not Included

Airfare to the tour departure point and from the tour ending point is not included. Airfare may be purchased from the Tour Operator for travel originating in the United States.

Hotel Rooms Before and After Tours – To avoid jet lag and possible flight delays, you may wish to make hotel arrangements for the nights preceding or following your tour. As a service, we will book additional nights for you on a space-available basis using special rates only available through the Tour Operator. Hotel room charges will be added to the tour cost. If you wish to spend additional nights, please consult the Extend This Journey section on this website and discuss it with the reservations agent when you book your tour.

Luggage Responsibility – Although every effort is made to handle your luggage carefully, we cannot be responsible, assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft, or fair wear and tear through hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is important for your own self-interest and protection that you make certain you have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities. Please refer to the Protection Plan for more information.

Personal Expenses - Phone calls, room service, alcoholic and bar beverages, laundry, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa fees and services, individual airport transfers and other optional or incidental extras are not included and may be significant.

Tour Director and Driver Gratuities - The customary gratuities to the Tour Director and driver are not included. Gratuities should be extended on a voluntary, individual basis and not as a group.