Experience the stunning and varied landscapes of this beautiful "Emerald Island"!

What's included:

**11 Nights Accommodations (4 & 5 Star Hotels)
**11 Days Irish Breakfast
**10 Day Car Rental - V-Nissan Qashqai Automatic (or similar)
(Unlimited mileage - with low-deductible Insurance)

**Celtic Steps - The Show, Killarney - Day 5

Hotels OR Similar

**Leonardo Hotel Dublin Christchurch, Christchurch Place. Dublin 8 

**Kinsale Hotel & Spa, Rathmore Road, Kinsale. Co Cork 

**The Lake Hotel, Lake Shore. Muckross, Killarney. Co. Kerry 

**Dingle Benners Hotel, Main Street. Dingle, Co. Kerry

**Leonardo's Hotel, Galway

**Ballynahinch Castle & Estate, Recess Connemara. Co. Galway

**Portmarnock Resort, Dublin, Strand Rd. Portmarnock, Co. Dublin 

Hertz Car Rental 

Pick Up: Dublin City – South Circular Road @ 0900

Return: Dublin Airport @ 1200

Duration: 10 days (with times)

Celtic Steps Killarney Racecourse - Directions From Your Hotel

Celtic Steps Show. Tickets will be at the Door the evening of the Show.

Time: Show starts at 8.30pm (Be at the venue between 7:30PM & 8:00PM)

Venue: Killarney Racecourse, Ross Road, Killarney, V93 KR0H

EMERGENCY CONTACTS:

**To contact EMERGENCY POLICE SERVICES when in Ireland, dial 112 from

any phone.

**US Embassy 42 Elgin Rd, Dublin 4, D04 TP03, Ireland - Phone: +     

353 1 668 8777

Today would be the perfect day to relax and settle into the fair city of Dublin.

You may wish to visit the world famous Guinness Storehouse. The Guinness Brewery in Dublin is Europe's largest stout producing brewery and home to the Guinness Storehouse. Opened in 1904, the Storehouse was an operational plant for fermenting and storing Guinness.

Today it houses a very fine exhibition dedicated to the Guinness story. Visitors on the Tour will discover what goes into the making a pint of Guinness - the ingredients, the brewing process, the time, the craft and the passion.

The exhibition shows how the brew has been marketed and how it is today sold in over 150 countries. Once a tour has finished the group is invited to the Gravity Bar to enjoy a pint of Guinness. Regular demonstrations on the art of pulling a pint of Guinness also take place in the Storehouse.

Launched on the fifth floor in 2011, “Five” at Guinness Storehouse, includes a small replica authentic Irish Bar, an 18th Century inspired Brewers Dining Hall, and a restaurant named Gilroy’s where guests enjoy a Guinness gastronomical experience driven entirely by the Irish tradition of wholesome local produce. Menus include local foods such as Ardsallagh goat’s cheese, Irish mussels from Carlingford and the Waterford Blaas bread supplied by MD Bakery in Waterford.

This area will host from time to time live cooking demonstrations using Guinness in the recipe and it includes an interactive recipe sharing bank that allows visitors to take Guinness recipe cards home.

Or you may want to visit the Old Jameson Distillery in Smithfield Village, located in the heart of Old Dublin. This old barley storehouse, once the centre of Distilling in Dublin, was renovated in 1998 and converted into a museum where all the secrets of Irish whiskey’s distillation will be revealed. An audio-visual show will introduce the history of this spirit and it is followed by a guided visit which will take a visitor through the various stages of whiskey distilling from grain intake to malting, mashing, fermentation, distillation, maturation and finally bottling.

The visit culminates in the Jameson bar with an opportunity for all to taste the signature Jameson drink. During the visit a number of volunteers are selected to take part in a tasting session to compare a Jameson whiskey with a Scottish Whisky and American bourbon. Participants will receive a Diploma for their achievement.

If time allows you may wish to visit some of the other memorable sites listed below, or perhaps these will be visited during your day in Dublin tomorrow.

Christchurch Cathedral
King Sitric Silkenbeard, the 1st Christian Viking King of Dublin, built the city’s first church on this site in 1038.The current building was built in 1172 by the Anglo-Norman Richard de Clare (Strongbow).

Similar to St Patrick’s Cathedral, it is adorned with funeral monuments, including the reputed tomb of Strongbow. Unlike St. Patrick’s however, Christchurch posses a crypt which stretches nearly its entire length & much of the Cathedrals memorabilia is displayed here. 

Attached to the Cathedral is Dublinia an excellent exhibition of medieval Dublin. 

EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum. 

This is a state-of-the-art interactive experience located in the beautiful vaults of the 1820 Custom House Quarter building in Dublin’s Docklands, the original departure point for so many of Ireland’s emigrants. It will inspire and guide you on a journey to discover the stories of Irish emigration around the world, from early times to the modern day. 

Historic Dublin
Explore Ireland’s Capital City discovering the north and south side of the River Liffey. Wandering around the Heart of Historic Dublin—the Liberties.

This area offers great striking monuments such as the GPO (General Post Office) on the city main thoroughfare, O'Connell Street, or the Custom House along the quays, as well as the Phoenix Park, the largest public park in Europe.

The south side appears more sophisticated with its vast Georgian squares, such as Merrion Square, where Oscar Wilde’s House can still be found (today owned by an American College), its colourful doors, along with Grafton Street and its quality shops.

Not so far from St. Stephen’s Green, in Kildare St., you will see the house of Bram Stoker, the author of Dracula. This part of the city is also dominated by the students of Trinity College, where the famous Book of Kells is permanently exhibited in its library. The university is facing the medieval district where Dublin Castle and the two Anglican Cathedrals can be found.

Trinity College
Trinity was founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth 1st on grounds confiscated from an Augustinian priory and is the oldest University in Ireland. The Campanile, erected in 1852, was built on what is believed to be the centre of the monastery. Built to further the education of the ruling Anglo-Irish families, restrictions were imposed to prevent Catholic from attending courses. These restrictions were not fully lifted until the 1970’s. Trinity however admitted women in 1902, earlier than most British universities.

Most of the main buildings off the main square were built during the Georgian period, some of which replaced older buildings. Within its walls, you will be able to admire Parliament Square and its 18th Century edifices. 

Trinity College has had many famous students such as Jonathan Swift and Samuel Beckett who later became a lecturer in French at the university. The Inter-denominational Church is very much worth a visit, should it be open during our visit.

 Overnight

Leonardo Hotel Dublin Christchurch (or similar)

Christchurch Pl, Dublin, D08 REK7, Ireland

This morning you head to Kinsale. The foodie capital of Ireland!

Take a Taxi to the Hertz Car Rental in Central Dublin for pickup of your vehicle.

On your drive to Kinsale there are spectacular scenic views of the the countryside.

The Rock of Cashel

On your route make a visit to the Rock of Cashel - Possibly the most photographed site in Ireland, the Rock of Cashel towers over the town of Cashel from its perch on a 200-foot high outcrop of limestone. Once the seat of the Kings of Munster. St. Patrick visited the rock in 450 AD, while Brian Boru was crowned the first high King of Ireland here in the tenth century.

Granted to the church in the twelfth century, by the O'Brien clan, today the impressive stone walls enclose a round tower, a cathedral, a twelfth century Romanesque chapel and high crosses. The Vicars Choral has been recently restored and its basement houses a small museum of artefacts found on the site. One of the leading visitor attractions in Ireland, in 2011 it was visited by Queen Elizabeth II on her historic first visit to the Republic of Ireland.

Kinsale
The charming town of Kinsale is famed as Ireland's gourmet capital.  Its location is situated at the mouth of the harbor and is exceptionally colorful with picture post card buildings and many country Irish folk with strange and distinguished accents

Picturesque Kinsale Harbor and its 2 forts - Charles Fort and James Fort. It was just off the Old Head of Kinsale that in 1915 the Lusitania sank with grave loss of life.

The town has a unique 1,000 year history, with enchanting streets, fine restaurants, great pubs, all situated in this beautiful harbor town. A town famed for the battle of Kinsale in 1601.

Discover its medieval past, the beautiful Kinsale Beach and the town's intriguing connection to the world’s most famous ship.

Overnight
Kinsale Hotel & Spa (or similar)
Rathmore

Kinsale

County Cork

Tel: 00353 21 470 6000

This morning depart Kinsale for Kerry via Skibereen & Bantry in West Cork.

Visit the Bantry House & Gardens. 

Bantry House is the ancestral home of the Earls of Bantry. The title lapsed in 1891 but the House is still owned and lived in by the direct descendant of the 1st Earl of Bantry, Egerton Shelswell-White and his family.

It has been open to the public since 1946. The House has an important collection of art treasures mainly collected by the 2nd Earl of Bantry on his Grand Tour.

The treasures include a unique collection of French and Flemish tapestries, furniture, and carpets and objects of art. The Garden is laid out in the Italian style over seven terraces, with the house sitting on the third terrace.

A Parterre was created facing south surrounding a wisteria circle which again surrounds a fountain. From there rise the famous Hundred Steps, a monumental staircase built of local stone, set amidst azaleas and rhododendron.

From the top garden at the top of the stairs, stunning views over Bantry Bay await the visitor. Bantry House hosts a number of events including classical and traditional music festivals, food festivals, outdoor theatre, and is a popular location for filming. A small cafe is open in the house during the season.

Continue along the Beara Pensinsula to Glengarriff, to Molls Gap and Ladies View and into Killarney.

Overnight
The Lake Hotel (or similar)
Lake Shore, Muckross Rd, Castlelough
Killarney, Co. Kerry

T: +353 (0)64 66 31035

Today enjoy a superb tour of the Iveragh Peninsula, which will give you the opportunity to Discover the Ring of Kerry, taking in spectacular scenery - mountains, peat bogs, lakes & magnificent views of Killarney National Park

The Gap of Dunloe is one of the most stunningly beautiful parts of County Kerry and indeed Ireland. Stretching through the MacGuillicuddy Reeks mountain range, this beautiful glacial valley simply must be experienced to be appreciated. .

You can begin your excursion with a short journey to Kate Kearney's Cottage where you can drive through the Gap of Dunloe into the Black Valley. Why not take a rest at Lord Brandon's cottage, before continuing to Moles Gap onto the ring of Kerry around by Sneem, Waterville, Charsiveen, Killorgen and back into into Killarney Towne. 

This evening you will enjoy "The Show"

Celtic Steps, The Show - Ireland

A Celebration Of Irish Culture! Where Passion Fuels Every Step

From local beginnings to international acclaim, Celtic Steps The Show is a captivating blend of traditional Irish Music, Song and Dance, masterfully showcased in one sensational performance.

Celtic Steps, The Show, brings together the raw energy of popular Irish Dance with the timeless authenticity of traditional Irish Music.

From grass roots to global recognition, the Show enchants guests worldwide, taking them on a magical journey from Ireland’s nostalgic past to its vibrant present, expressed through the universal language of music, song and dance, all masterfully showcased in one sensational performance.

The Show intricately highlights the rich culture of Ireland, mirroring the spirited atmosphere of the rambling house where world-renowned musicians, artists and champion dancers come together in an unforgettable celebration of Irish talent and tradition.

Overnight

The Lake Hotel (or similar)

Lake Shore, Muckross Rd, Castlelough

Killarney, Co. Kerry

T: +353 (0)64 66 31035

Dingle Peninsula via Inch Beach - a long beach bordered by dunes and made famous by David Lean’s movie “Ryan’s daughter,” Admire the Iveragh Peninsula and Rossbeigh Beach and possibly have your lunch in Sammy's Restaurant, situated on the beach.

While on-route in Annascaul, you may have an interest in stopping in for a Pint at the World Famous explores old homestead, Tom Crean's South Pole Inn. Here you will see images and learn of the history of his historic expedition to the South Pole with Earnest Shackleton.

Some of the finest coastal scenery to be seen in Ireland can be found in West Kerry, on the Dingle Peninsula, the most northern of the Kerry Peninsulas. This peninsula is famous for its Celtic, pre Christian monuments and Christian churches.

It is also a ‘Gaeltacht' (Irish speaking) area, where the Irish language and traditional ways of life are preserved. Dingle town itself is a thriving fishing town and offers plenty of opportunity for shopping or simply savouring the atmosphere of a typical country Irish town with its plentiful pubs, narrow streets and busy harbour.

The road around the Peninsula is truly spectacular. 

It passes through a chain of Mountains, called Slieve Mish.

Continue around the peninsula exploring some of Ireland’s nicest & most picturesque local shops, pubs, cafes etc. 

Overnight
Dingle Benners Hotel (or similar)

Main Street, Dingle, Co. Kerry,

Ireland. V92 FTK2.

T: +353 (0)66 915 1638

The Dingle Peninsula will charm you with it's villages painted in bright colours and will bewitch you with the dramatic beauty of it's landscapes. 

Slea Head

From Dingle, drive around the coast to Slea Head. Here the blue of the marine landscape surrounds the Blaskets Islands, deserted since 1953. 

In the distance are the two rocky Skellig Islands. 

The Skellig Islands are 2 uninhabited, rocky islets off the southwestern coast of Ireland. Skellig Michael is known for its well-preserved early Christian monastery. The site, reached by steep steps, includes stone beehive-shaped huts, oratories and crosses. Thousands of puffins breed on Skellig Michael during the warmer months. To the northeast, the island of Little Skellig is home to a large colony of gannets

The road between Dunquin and Slea Head is dotted with beehive huts, forts and church sites. 

Prehistoric Dunbeg Fort is on a cliff top promontory with a sheer drop to the Atlantic and has four outer walls of stone. Inside are the remains of a house and a beehive hut as well as an underground passage.

Beehive huts are circular stone buildings shaped like a beehive which were lived in by the Kerry monks. 

You may want to stop for a refreshment or a bit of Lunch at  PÁIDI Ó SÉ’S PUB.

Overnight
Dingle Benners Hotel (or similar)

Main Street, Dingle, Co. Kerry,

Ireland. V92 FTK2.

T: +353 (0)66 915 1638

Today, travel to Galway via The Cliffs of Moher & The Burren.

Galway, a harbour city on Ireland’s west coast, sits where the River Corrib meets the Atlantic Ocean. The city’s hub is 18th-century Eyre Square, a popular meeting spot surrounded by shops and traditional pubs that often offer live Irish folk music.

Nearby, stone-clad cafes, boutiques and art galleries line the winding lanes of the Latin Quarter, which retains portions of the medieval city walls.

Visit the Cliffs of Moher

Situated on the Atlantic Ocean and bordering the Burren region, the Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland's most spectacular sights. Standing 230 metres above the ground at their highest point and 8km long, the Cliffs boast one of the most amazing views in Ireland. 

On a clear day, the Aran Islands are visible in Galway Bay as well as the valleys and hills of Connemara. The cliffs reach their highest point just north of O' Brien's Tower built by Cornelius O’ Brien, a descendant of Brian Boru, to entertain his lady friends. 

A visit of the tower is also possible. The sweeping view across the Atlantic has recently been ranked the best 'cliff-view' on the planet by Conde Nast Traveler. The respected travel publication has voted the world-famous landmark at the top of a new chart of ' Nine Gorgeous Cliff Views That Rival The Grand Canyon'.

The Burren is a strange & unique region in Europe; it is a high plateau of porous limestone situated in Northern Clare. The limestone is bare, with no trees growing here or land covering the stone. But the Burren is not as deserted as we believe: the cracks allow different types of flowers to grow all year round. The rocks hide many caves like Ailwee.

Overnight
Leonardo's Hotel (or similar), Galway

Quay St, Galway, H91 E8D7, Ireland
+35391566444

Connemara

This morning you will explore the Connemara region. Connemara is a land of lakes and rivers, bogs and mountains. A land of small villages where Gaelic is still the spoken language and where little has changed little since the beginning of time. It is without a doubt the wildest and the most romantic part of Ireland.

Connemara is a vast peninsula bordered by the arid and rocky coastline of Galway Bay in the south ~ a land characteristic for it's stone walls and thatched cottages. On it's northern shore the land is harsher and more secret, with spectacular views of the Ocean and the beautiful Fjord of Killary Harbour, as well as the steep mountains overlooking numerous lakes and large bog areas. 

Connemara is a real paradise for Nature lovers and those in search of strong emotions.

Ballnahinch Castle

Upon arrival at the Castle, spend the rest of the day at leisure, in your beautiful surrounds.

Ballynahinch Castle has been intertwined with the history of Connemara and its people for many centuries, from a famous recorded battle between the O'Flahertys and O'Malleys in 1384 to a visit by all the Lord Mayors and Mayors of Ireland and some overseas celebrating the Quincentennial of Galway city receiving its charter in 1984. 

Ballynahinch in Irish is Baile na hInse, meaning 'household of the island', which refers to the O'Flaherty Castle built on an island in Ballynahinch Lake. 

Overnight

Ballynahinch Castle

Recess, Connemara, Recess, Co. Galway, Ireland
+3539531006

Enjoy the grounds of the Castle and if you wish to take a short road trip, you can visit Clifden and Kylemore Abbey, via the Sky Road, which is a truly spectacular route. 

Kylemore Abbey is located in the Kylemore Pass in Connemara. Mitchell Henry built the House in 1868, after having spent his honeymoon in the area. The architecture is best described as neo-gothic and the house still displays all the characteristics of that period. One of Kylemore Abbey's most famous features is it's miniature cathedral, built in 1870 and known locally as the Gothic church. Today, the abbey is home to the Irish order of Benedictine nuns. 

They bought the house in 1920, having fled their convent in war-torn Belgium in 1914.

They established a private school for young girls, which today is the renowned Kylemore Abbey International School for young girls. Facilities at Kylemore include a visitor centre, an exhibition housed in the main reception rooms of the house and a video which takes the visitor through the history of the house and its occupants.

Return to the Ballynahinch Castle via Lough Inagh.

Overnight

Ballynahinch Castle

Recess, Connemara, Recess, Co. Galway, Ireland

+3539531006

Depart Ballynahinch Castle traveling to Dublin for your overnight at the Portmarnock Resort.

Tucked away in a quiet corner of ‘The Velvet Strand’, one of Ireland’s most stunning stretches of uninterrupted coastline – the historic Portmarnock Resort & Jameson Golf Links, once the family home of the Jameson Dynasty awaits.

With an award-winning Links Course and Spa, three dining outlets including the historic Jameson Bar,  Resort & Jameson Golf Links is the perfect coastal retreat, where the only thing overlooked is the sea...

Overnight

Portmarnock Resort, Dublin

Strand Road, Portmarnock,Co. Dublin,

Ireland, D13V2X7

Telephone : +353 (0) 1 846 0611

After a full Irish breakfast, depart to Dublin Airport for your return flight home.