Ireland: The Emerald Isle

Day One

Convenient shuttles bring us together at Pearson International Airport in Toronto, where we fly overnight to Dublin.

Day Two

This morning, we arrive at the Dublin Airport, where we'll meet our tour director and board the coach. We'll start this getaway with a sightseeing tour of Dublin City, from the Georgian Squares to Phoenix Park, to the iconic and fashionable Grafton Street and more. There are so many historical and architectural wonders to spot, including Saint Patrick's Cathedral. Afterwards, we check into The Trinity Hotel. This afternoon is free for you to explore on your own. Passengers will meet later for an included dinner at the hotel.

Day Three

We depart Dublin and travel to County Wicklow (known as the Garden of Gardens) to visit the Powerscourt House and Garden. Then, we continue to Glendalough (known as the Valley of Two Lakes) for a guided tour of the 7th century monastic settlement. Learn about the craft of Avoca hand weaving in the Vale of Avoca before travelling to Waterford City for an overnight stay at Dooleys Hotel.

Day Four

Visit the House of Waterford Crystal to see highly skilled local craftsmen demonstrate crystal blowing and cutting. Then, we continue along the southern coastline through Dungarvan, Youghal and Midleton until we arrive in Cobh. This region was one of the main points of emigration during the Great Famine and was also the last port of call of the Titanic! Learn more about the hardships of life aboard historic ships through "The Queenstown Story". Afterwards, we head to Kinsale, a charming fishing town, for an overnight stay at The Trident Hotel. Kinsale's cobble stone streets are sprinkled with shops and pubs; be sure to explore.

Day Five

Today we travel along the southern coastline through Skibbereen, Ballydehob to Mizen Head - the most Southerly point of Ireland. Visit and explore the award-winning Maritime Museum and Heritage Attraction, and perhaps take a stroll to the Lighthouse (please note that there are 99 steps on this 10-minute walk). Afterwards, we travel through Bantry, over the Caha Pass to Kenmare. From there we continue to Killarney. Take in the 20-mile stretch of the famous Ring of Kerry before we arrive for 2-night stay at the International Hotel.

Day Six

This morning, we board a traditional style Irish Jaunting Car to the Killarney National Park. We'll travel through some of the oldest oak forests and famous lakes in Ireland until we arrive at the Muckross House and Gardens. Enjoy a guided tour of the mansion onsite. This afternoon we're free to explore the town of Killarney. Peruse the many shops, try a local pub, or indulge in other leisurely activities such as golf, fishing, hiking and more. The coach will be available throughout the day for trip transfers.

Day Seven

We bid farewell to Killarney and travel to Tralee, the capital town of County Kerry. We continue to Tarbert where we'll board the Shannon Ferry to reach Killimer. After cruising around the coast, we reach the majestic Cliffs of Moher. Some free time is allotted here; take in the astounding views from 600 ft above the Atlantic Ocean. Our tour continues through the Burren region, along the shores of Galway Bay to Galway City where we'll enjoy a two-night stay at the Leonardo Hotel.

Day Eight

This morning we escape the mainland and travel to Rossaveal to board the Aran ferry to Inishmore, the largest of the three Aran Islands. It's steeped history and resembles an outdoor museum with over 50 different monuments of religious and Celtic mythological heritage. Enjoy a mini bus tour of the island which includes a stop at the world renowned fort of Dun Aonghasa. You're invited to promenade along the grounds and take in the spectacular views atop a dramatic 300 ft cliff. We'll then board the ferry and travel back to our hotel in Galway.

Day Nine

Today, we retreat to Donegal. Our first stop is in Knock in the County Mayo. It was here on August 21, 1879, that Our Lady Mary is said to have appeared to 15 people. Knock is now an internationally recognized Marian Shrine, with visits from Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa. From here, we travel to Drumcliffe in County Sligo - stunning region set against the Benbulben Mountain. We'll continue to Belleek on the banks of the River Erne. After a guided tour, we travel to Donegal town for a two-night stay at The Mill Park Hotel.

Day Ten

Enjoy a tour of County Donegal this morning, the most north-westerly county in Ireland. We'll be making a stop in Ardara to experience a hand-weaving demonstration at the Triona Design Center. We'll have some free time for shopping and a complimentary Irish Coffee before departing. We then wind our way around the Blue Stack Mountain range before stopping for lunch in Leo's Tavern. Afterwards, we continue through scenic Finn Valley before returning to our hotel in Donegal Town.

Day Eleven

Today we travel to Derry City on the banks of River Foyle. Founded in 546AD, it still retains its 17C walls. After a guided tour, we'll continue to Limavady to begin the Antrim Coast Road Drive to one of the Natural Wonders of the World - the Giant's Causeway, a remarkable Basaltic formation made of approximately 37,000 columns. Then, we arrive in Belfast for an overnight stay at the Europa Hotel Belfast.

Day Twelve

We explore beautiful Belfast this morning on a city tour. Visit City Hall, the Linen Hall Library, and the Grand Opera House and enjoy the notable architecture. We'll also be visiting the Titanic Visitor Centre to learn more about the ill-fated journey, along with sister ships RMS Olympic and HMHS Brittanic. This afternoon, we'll travel south to County Meath for an overnight stay at the City North Hotel.

Day Thirteen:

We bid farewell to The Emerald Isle and fly from Dublin back to Toronto’s Pearson International Airport.