Day 1. Dublin
Upon arrival at Dublin airport, you will be met by your driver guide who will transfer you in your private vehicle to your hotel, The Merrion, one of the most elegant hotels in Dublin. Accommodation for 2 nights.
Day 2. Dublin (B)
After breakfast you can enjoy a full day guided tour of Ireland's historic capital including St. Patrick's Cathedral, Trinity College (including the Book of Kells), the Guinness Store House, Dublin Writers Museum and Phoenix Park. Perhaps in the evening you would like to check out the lively Temple Bar area or one of the city's excellent restaurants, as recommended by your guide.
Day 3. Dublin - County Mayo (B,D)
Departing Dublin in your private vehicle, you will travel north to the historic, romantic Boyne Valley; you will take time to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Newgrange and the archaeological complex of the Hill of Tara. Your guide will then take you through the green heart of Ireland to the West Coast where you can visit the fascinating 6th-century Clonmacnoise monastery. You will continue your journey to sumptuous Ashford Castle which dates back to 1228; set in the spectacular countryside of County Mayo, the estate houses several exceptional restaurants and activities including fishing, golfing and boating.
Day 4. County Mayo (B,D)
After a restful breakfast, you can take a guided excursion to experience the rugged beauty and spectacular scenery of Connemara in County Galway. You will have an opportunity to visit the Benedictine Kylemore Abbey and Gardens, Sky Road Drive and the workshop of Malachy Kearns to see the production of traditional Irish Drums called Bodhrans. Your guide will return you to Ashford Castle at your wish; you are welcome to enjoy one of the more active options on the estate or can choose a pampering spa treatment before dinner.
Day 5. County Mayo - County Limerick (B,D)
Today you will travel to County Limerick via the magnificent Cliffs of Moher; rising up from the Atlantic Ocean, the headland offers wonderful views and is home to a major colony of cliff nesting seabirds. There will also be the chance to explore the amazing Burren region where you will visit the authentic medieval fortress of Bunratty Castle. You will then travel to the magnificent Adare Manor Castle Hotel & Golf Resort, set amid 840 acres of formal gardens and rolling parkland.
Day 6. County Limerick - Killarney (B)
Your guide will take you on an excursion to explore the remote beauty of the Dingle Peninsula and discover some of the folklore and mythology for which it is famous. Your journey will take you via Conor Pass and Slea Head Drive with its small villages and miles of unspoilt scenery. You will continue to the town of Killarney in County Kerry where the hospitable, elegant Killarney Park Hotel is situated. This evening your guide will recommend, and can make a reservation for, a traditional Irish restaurant in town or you may prefer to eat at the hotel.
Day 7. Killarney (B)
After breakfast, you will spend a full day taking the classic Ring of Kerry tour; the Ring of Kerry has attracted visitors for generations due to its unspoilt, spectacular beauty, numerous outdoor pursuits and amazing insight into Ireland's ancient heritage. At the Gap of Dunloe you can take a gentle horse and carriage ride to experience tranquillity of the Killarney Lakes. After a full day of unforgettable sightseeing, your guide will take you back to Killarney where you can enjoy an evening stroll around the town.
Day 8. Killarney - Cork (B,D)
This morning is at your leisure to enjoy an optional visit to Muckross House, set amidst the beautiful scenery of Killarney National Park; here you can take a boat ride on the Lake from Ross Castle, visit the craft shop or stroll around the walled gardens. Alternatively you can choose to relax at your hotel, play some golf or visit the spa. After lunch you will travel to Cork, stopping along the way to visit the charming Blarney Castle and its legendary Stone of Eloquence. Your guide will take you to Hayfield Manor; set in 2 acres of mature gardens, the hotel is an oasis of calm within the vibrant city of Cork, where you can enjoy a gourmet dinner at their Orchids restaurant.
Day 9. Cork - Waterford (B,D)
After breakfast you can take a guided walk through Cork's English Market, browse at the Crawford Gallery or visit the Cobh Heritage Centre. Your driver will then offer you the option of taking a tour either of the Midleton Jameson Whiskey Distillery just outside Cork where there will be a few samples on hand for you to try, or of the exquisite Waterford Crystal workshop. After the short journey from Cork, your guide will transfer you to magnificent Waterford Castle, situated on its own private island, where you can relax over dinner at the award winning Munster Dining Room.
Day 10. Waterford - Dublin (B)
Today you can enjoy a morning of sightseeing in Waterford or you can take the Waterford Crystal tour (if you did not already do so yesterday) and return to Dublin in the afternoon. Alternatively your guide will take you back to Dublin in the morning to allow you a full afternoon to further explore this wonderful city's medieval heritage or to partake in some last minute souvenir shopping. In Dublin, you will return to the wonderful Merrion Hotel in the city centre.
Day 11. Dublin (B).
Your guide will transfer you to Dublin airport in time to catch your international flight.
Day 1. Dublin
Day 2. Dublin (B)
Day 3. Dublin - County Mayo (B,D)
Day 4. County Mayo (B,D)
Day 5. County Mayo - County Limerick (B,D)
Day 6. County Limerick - Killarney (B)
Day 7. Killarney (B)
Day 8. Killarney - Cork (B,D)
Day 9. Cork - Waterford (B,D)
Day 10. Waterford - Dublin (B)
Day 11. Dublin (B).