WMT’s Ireland

WEDNESDAY, JULY 15: OVERNIGHT FLIGHT TO DUBLIN
Begin your travels with an overnight flight from the U.S.A. to Dublin, Ireland.

THURSDAY, JULY 16: ARRIVE IN DUBLIN
Arrive in Dublin in the morning with a day to explore on your own before we stay the night. We have a full day to get acquainted with Dublin and plenty of options such as several types of museums, memorials and gardens.  Or if you are a bit thirsty, you can check out the Jameson Distillery or Guinness Storehouse. A good night’s sleep will prepare the group for touring the next day.

FRIDAY, JULY 17: DUBLIN
Céad míle fáilte—a hundred-thousand welcomes! Enjoy a morning at leisure to relax or explore the area. At 3 pm, meet for an afternoon orientation drive through statue-lined O’Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares, and past St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Oscar Wilde’s Trinity College. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel. (B, D)

SATURDAY, JULY 18: KILDARE-STROKESTOWN-CASTLEBAR
Horse-racing country awaits this morning. Drive across the Curragh to visit the Irish National Stud at Kildare, whose fine thoroughbreds command respect on the racecourses of the world.  Relive history at Strokestown Park House, a stunning Georgian Palladian Mansion, with its original furnishings, and stroll the walled gardens in this historic site. Get a glimpse into the lives of generations of people who lived and worked here over the centuries, each adding their own chapter to the story and leaving their mark. Witness the history of the Great Irish Famine with a visit to the National Famine Museum to learn about the most devastating and tragic event in Irish history. (B,D)

SUNDAY, JULY 19: KYLEMORE-GALWAY
Nestled between the woodlands and lakeshore near Galway City, Kylemore Abbey is home to the Benedictine Sisters who have been in residence since 1920 in a life of prayer, work, and community. The history of this stunning abbey reaches back to the 1800s as the estate of Irish patriot Mitchell Henry. Visit the abbey where handmade chocolates, wild Irish honey and traditional fuchsia pottery are sold. Stroll the lovely grounds of Ireland’s largest walled garden in the heart of the Connemara countryside. (B)

MONDAY, JULY 20: GALWAY. EXCURSION TO ARAN ISLAND
We take the ferry crossing to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands. Stop in for a light lunch at Joe Watty’s pub and hear from a local who shares stories about life on Inishmore Island. A minibus tour of the island with a local guide-driver includes a visit to the prehistoric clifftop fort of Dun Aengus. Joe Watty’s pub is the place for good food, Gaelic music, and craic (good company). Unwind beside the fire or enjoy a Guinness in the beer garden to watch the world go by and learn a cúpla focal (few words of Irish) from some of the locals.  (B,L)

TUESDAY, JULY 21: GALWAY-CLIFFS OF MOHER-LIMERICK
A special treat today at Rathbaun Farm: try your hand at scone baking, and learn from the farmer about sheep shearing and herding. Afterwards, enjoy coffee and your scones, fresh from the oven. We’ll drive along Ireland’s spectacular Clare Coast to view the rocky landscapes of The Burren and visit the 668-foot-high cliff’s above the Atlantic Ocean—the famous Cliffs of Moher. Tonight’s suggestion for a very special night out: attend an optional 4-course medieval feast with music and stories at an historic castle. (B)

WEDNESDAY, JULY 22: FOYNES-DINGLE PENINSULA
Experience the era of transatlantic passenger flights, and the maritime legends of the River Shannon with a visit to the fantastic Flying Boat & Maritime Museum in Foynes, home to the world's only full-size replica of a B314 flying boat, commemorating this Irish town’s role in early passenger flights across the Atlantic and the legendary flying boats that carried celebrities, royals, and refugees alike. Learn about the daring history and folklore of Ireland’s longest river.  We will enjoy an Irish coffee demonstration and tasting. Enjoy a scenic drive on Slea Head promontory of Dingle Peninsula. (B,D)

THURSDAY, JULY 23: KILLARNEY-RING OF KERRY
County Kerry is home to the exquisite natural beauty of a rugged and mountainous expanse in Killarney National Park. The Ring of Kerry is a 100-mile panoramic drive around the island’s southwestern tip, including the 1,000-foot McGillycuddy’s Reeks, the highest mountain range in Ireland. Nestled at the foot of these mountains, the Lakes of Killarney’s shores and woodlands share this magical place with waterfalls and dramatic skies above Ross Castle. A horse-drawn jaunting car ride is a great way to experience some of this National Park. (B)

FRIDAY, JULY 24: BLARNEY—WATERFORD
Cross the Kerry Mountains and through County Cork to Blarney, renowned for its magical Kissing Stone. You’ll have time for lunch, to walk up to the castle, and to shop for traditional Irish handicrafts. Cut the blarney and hear the history of how telling tales is forever linked to the 15th-century castle and the village below in Blarney. In the afternoon, proceed to Waterford, a stronghold founded by the Danish Vikings, and look forward to a guided tour of the famous House of Waterford Crystal. Optional experience: Get a real taste of everyday life in Ireland on this memorable evening at a Waterford pub, featuring live music, two drinks of your choice, and the chance to rub elbows with the friendly locals! (B,D)

SATURDAY, JULY 25: KILKENNY-DUBLIN
We will travel to Kilkenny, one of Ireland’s most quaint towns. Time to explore the city of Kilkenny, referred to as the "Marble City" because of the widespread use of local black limestone to construct many local buildings. The "Medieval Mile" is the city's main thoroughfare and is lined with medieval landmarks, quaint shops and charming pubs. Today Kilkenny is renowned for its active arts and crafts scene.  Back in Dublin for a free afternoon. Tonight, consider a fitting optional farewell to Ireland would be a cabaret evening, not to be missed—featuring a delicious dinner, drinks, outstanding music, dance and comedy! (B)

SUNDAY, JULY 26: RETURN HOME
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. We will transfer to the airport for our flight home with new friends and wonderful memories. (B)

Included:

• Fully Escorted
• 10-night accommodations, taxes and luggage handling
• Airport transfers
• Luxury air-conditioned motorcoach transportation
• Complimentary WiFi on motorcoach and in most hotels lobbies
• Sightseeing and admissions as per the itinerary
• 10 full breakfasts (B), 1 lunch (L), 4 dinners (D) as specified

Not included:

• Airfare
• Airline baggage fees
• Tips and Gratuities
• Travel Insurance

Contact Lori Nietert today to receive a brochure on this tour!  Lori@duagency.com or 319-393-1359

Group Tour Disclosures