Tour Overview
Come explore the Emerald Isle and discover the spectacular scenery - from steep mountains to heather-covered hills, magnificent coastlines and tranquil lakes. Begin with a visit to Galway, a seaboard town with its colourful streets and numerous authentic pubs. It feels much more like a village than a city. Next, drive to Connemara, the wildest and most romantic part of Ireland. Travel from Galway to Kenmare via the Cliffs of Moher- the most majestic cliffs in all of Ireland. Discover the Ring of Kerry- take in the spectacular scenery- mountains, peat bogs, lakes and magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean- as you travel along the coastal road. Also visit Blarney Castle, Waterford and end in Dublin- Ireland's dynamic capital.Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive ShannonArrive Shannon International Airport. Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, you are met by an iExplore Representative who will present you with a welcome packet including all necessary documentation. You will then be transferred by private car to Galway and the Glenlo Abbey Hotel for check-in. Glenlo Abbey Hotel, an 18th century country residence, is located on a 138-acre lakeside golf estate just 4km from Galway City. Thoughtfully and carefully restored as a superb 5-star hotel, Glenlo Abbey offers a truly unique blend of Old World Irish hospitality combined with every modern convenience. The Pullman Restaurant, comprising of two Orient Express carriages, offers a unique dining experience. Glenlo Abbey is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the world. This afternoon visit Galway. Situated between Lough Corrib and Galway Bay, Galway is considered the capital of the west. A seaboard town, which has experienced some of the most impressive growth in Europe, it has managed to retain its medieval charm. Students, tourists and locals alike frequent Galway, with its colourful streets and numerous authentic pubs. It feels much more like a village than a city. The best way to discover Galway is on foot as the city centre has now been pedestrianized. There are still vestiges of the era when it was the center of trade with Spain, such as the “Browne Doorway” on Eyre Square and the “Spanish Arch”.
Glenlo Abbey Hotel Day 2: Galway-Connemara-Galway
This morning you will be met at the hotel by your private driver/guide for a full day of touring. Connemara is without a doubt the wildest and the most romantic part of Ireland. It is a bumpy land, characterized by stonewalls, thatched cottages and heather covered hills. Connemara is an area full of contrast. It is a vast peninsula bordered by the arid and rocky coastline of Galway Bay in the south. In the northern half, you will see the beautiful fjord of Killary Harbour, as well as steep mountains overlooking numerous lakes and bog areas. The road takes you from Galway to the lake-dotted centre of Connemara at Maam Cross. The road continues through the colorful town of Clifden and through the Gaelic-speaking low-lying part of Southern Connemara with its countless lakes towards Galway.
Breakfast
Glenlo Abbey Hotel Day 3: Galway-Cliffs of Moher-Kenmare
This morning, visit the Galway Heritage Centre. A guided tour will take you through various rooms dedicated to different aspects of Galway’s life and history: the Claddagh village, the Galway Hookers (boats) and the Galway Tribes. You can also visit the crystal factory and watch an audio-visual presentation about the city and its crystal Then, travel from Galway to Kenmare via the Cliffs of Moher. The most majestic cliffs in Ireland rise from the Atlantic Ocean at 215 meters (705 feet) and extend over 7km (4 miles) long. From this height, you can admire the Aran Islands and the Connemara Mountains. Listen to the many seabirds that colonize this place from springtime on. Drive to Killimer, County Clare, where you board the ferry across the River Shannon to Tarbet. This pleasant, 20 minute journey on the Killimer-Tarbet car ferry links the main highlights of the west of Ireland’s Shannon region. Continue by road to Kenmare. Sheen Falls Lodge is located on the shores of Kenmare Bay and the Sheen River, only 2km from the heritage town of Kenmare. The setting of 300 acres of magical woodlands and crystal cascading waterfalls is truly unique to Sheen falls Lodge. The signature restaurant, La Cascade, offers a distinctive fine dining experience overlooking the Sheen Waterfalls. Choose from an extensive array of activities from salmon fishing to horseback riding, or unwind with luxurious treatments in the health spa. Dedicated staff provides outstanding service to make your stay as unforgettable and unique as Ireland itself. Sheen Falls Lodge is a member of Relais Chateaux.
Breakfast
Sheen Falls Lodge Day 4: Kenmare-Ring of Kerry-Kenmare
Today enjoy a drive along the Iveragh Peninsula (170km, 105 miles), which gives you the opportunity to discover the Ring of Kerry. Take in the spectacular scenery- mountains, peat bogs, lakes and magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean- as you travel along the coastal road. Leaving Kenmare you will pass through Molls Gap and Ladies View with superb views of the Lakes of Killarney. Visit Muckross House, a 19th century country residence with a folk museum. The gardens at the rear are famous for their beautiful rhododendrons. Continue on to Sneem Village, with its brightly colored houses, and then onwards back to Kenmare
Breakfast
Sheen Falls Lodge Day 5: Kenmare
The day is yours to enjoy as you choose. Activities available to you at Sheen Falls Lodge include horseback riding, bicycling, fishing, or hill walking. These optional activities are available at an additional charge. Your driver/guide is at your disposal for the full day, in case you would like to do additional touring.
Sheen Falls Lodge Day 6: Kenmare-Waterford
Today you will drive from Kenmare to Waterford along the scenic coastal road. Stops along the way include the famous Blarney Castle and the port city of Cobh. Blarney Castle is home to the Blarney Stone, which is said to give the gift of gab to all who kiss it. Long ago, a witch told a shy, tongue-tied lord of the castle that his fear of public speaking would vanish if he kissed the stone. According to legend, he did so and became a great orator. Today thousands of tourists take their lives in their hands and lean out over the castle walls to repeat the feat. The castle and its views make a visit very worthwhile. Just 15 miles (24 km) southeast of Cork, you can stop in Cobh and visit Colman’s Cathedral. Above the town on a large platform, the cathedral dominates the town. The building was finished in 1915 and is noted for its 47-bell carillon, the largest in Ireland. Continue by road to Ardmore, founded by St. Declan in the 6th century. You will drive through Dungarvan with its pretty seaport and pass the famous resort of Tramore en route to Waterford. The final stop of the day is a visit to Waterford Crystal. The crystal factory of Waterford, founded in 1783, is one of the most visited attractions in the country. Visitors are guided through the different stages of production from the blowing, cutting and engraving areas to the magnificent showrooms when you end your tour. Continue onwards to your hotel for overnight. Waterford Castle is a 16th century castle that has been converted into a luxury hotel and golf resort. It is located on its own private 310-acre island downstream of Waterford City.
Breakfast
Waterford Castle Day 7: Waterford-Dublin
This morning, drive from Waterford to Dublin. Time permitting, pay a visit to the Avoca Hand weavers along the way. Situated in the charming village of Avoca, in the heart of a gentle valley, Avoca Hand weavers is the oldest surviving business in Ireland, dating from 1723. Here you can observe three different kinds of weaving, including the traditional fly shuttle handloom, still in use today. Continue to Dublin, the Republic of Ireland’s capital and home to one third of its inhabitants. Dublin is a young and dynamic city, adored by residents and visitors alike. A multitude of visits and unforgettable cultural experiences are at hand. This afternoon, enjoy a half-day walking tour of Dublin. The River Liffey divides the city. The north side houses great civil monuments such as the GPO (General Post Office) and the Custom House, as well as Phoenix park, the largest public park in Europe. The south side appears more sophisticated with its vast Georgian squares characterized by their colorful doors, and Grafton Street, with its luxurious shops. Trinity College, the oldest university in Ireland, dominates this part of the city. The university faces the medieval district where Ireland’s most important cathedral, St. Patrick’s is located. Visit Trinity College, founded in 1592 by Elizabeth I. Within its walls you can admire Parliament Square and its 18th century edifices. The magnificent ancient library contains over twenty thousand manuscripts. The 9th century Book of Kells, famous for its precious illuminations, is exhibited here. Overnight at the Merrion, Dublin’s famous five-star hotel. Since opening in 1997, the Merrion has established itself as the epitome of relaxed grandeur, welcoming Dubliners and visitors to the city with stunningly appointed rooms, crackling turf fires and a host of facilities. The Merrion is located in the heart of Dublin city centre, a short walk from the “golden mile” of lively pubs, shops and restaurants dotted around St. Stephen’s Green.
Breakfast
Waterford Castle Day 8: Depart Dublin
After a final full Irish Breakfast at your hotel this morning you will be transferred to the airport for your departing international flight.
Breakfast
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