This relaxed 10-day tour combines many lesser visited parts of Ireland with some of the must-see iconic locations. The delights of Dublin, Kilkenny, Waterford, Killarney, and Galway are combined with more remote and unique experiences. Hear from an expert about the ancient Gaelic sport of hurling and take the chance to hit a few “sliotars” yourself; take a boat ride over to the tiny island of Cape Clear where one of its 110 inhabitants will tell all about their life; make (and eat) your own scones and watch a sheep dog at work at a typical Irish farm; have lunch in an Irish pub; hear about the ancient art of whiskey distilling at a modern distillery at the cutting edge of 21st century sustainability; and visit one of the world’s premier horse studs. You’ll leave with your Irish Heart filled! PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Waterford so you can plan your day your way.
Special Features Included in this Tour:• Orientation drive in Dublin• Hurling demonstration in Freshford• Globus Choice excursions in Waterford – included on your tour with your choice of a walking tour of Waterford or a visit to the House of Waterford Crystal• Excursion to Cape Clear Island• Horse-drawn jaunting-car ride through Killarney National Park• Visit to Cliffs of Moher• Rathbaun Farm visit with scone baking, coffee and sheep herding demonstration• Visit to Ahascragh Whiskey distillery• Pub lunch in Shannonbridge• Visit to the Irish National Stud in Kildare• Panoramic drive around the Ring of Kerry• Visit to Blarney village
Notes: This tour includes some walking on rough terrain on Cape Clear Island.We encourage all guests to prebook their preferred included Globus Choice excursions to ensure your selection is available. If your preference is not selected 35 days prior to departure, we will select a Choice excursion on your behalf based on availability.
Céad mile fáilte—a hundred-thousand welcomes! Free time. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at the hotel Dinner
Day 2 DUBLIN
Ireland’s Capital City The morning’s orientation drive in the “Fair City” includes statue-lined O’Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Oscar Wilde’s Trinity College. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy this vibrant city. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CITY SIGHTS “In Dublin’s fair city where girls are so pretty,” you’ll also find great personality and charm. The charisma of Dubliners and the bounty of pubs here is matched only by the gorgeous Georgian Squares, 12th-century St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Trinity College Breakfast
Day 3 DUBLIN–FRESHFORD–KILKENNY–WATERFORD
Hit the Sliotar! A unique start to the day! Learn about [LF] hurling, one of Ireland’s native Gaelic games, and maybe take a shot at the goalposts yourself. Relax with a coffee after this fun experience. On to the “Marble City” of Kilkenny, to enjoy one of Ireland’s most quaint towns. Consider a visit to its 800-year-old castle or enjoy its active arts and crafts scene. Overnight is in Waterford, a stronghold founded by Danish Vikings. (B,D)
122 mi / 196 km
LOCAL FAVORITE
CULTURE & TRADITION Hurling is a game of stick (caman) and ball (sliotar), recognized as being the oldest and fastest field sport in the world, going back 3,000 years. Today it is played around the world but is an integral part of Irish life and culture. Hear all about it from an expert and take the opportunity to give it a go! BreakfastDinner
Day 4 WATERFORD–BLARNEY–ROSSCARBERY
Spend your day your way in Waterford Explore Waterford with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions.
Afterwards, visit Blarney, renowned for its magical Kissing Stone. Take the opportunity to walk up to the castle or shop for traditional Irish handicrafts. You’ll have some free time on arriving in Rosscarbery. (B,D)
125 mi / 202 km BreakfastDinner
Day 5 ROSSCARBERY. EXCURSION TO CAPE CLEAR ISLAND
Island Life An exciting excursion awaits today! Visit the village of Baltimore, whose heritage revolves around sailing and fishing. From there, board your ferry to [LF] Cape Clear Island. In the company of one of the islanders, learn about the lives of its 110 inhabitants. (B)
57 mi / 91 km
LOCAL FAVORITE
A FERRY GOOD DAY Cape Clear Island is just 3 miles long by 1 mile wide. Situated 8 miles off the coast of West Cork, it is the southernmost inhabited part of Ireland with its own distinct culture and history. An islander guide will talk about life on the island as you take a stroll from North to South Harbour. On the ferry journey to and from Cape Clear, watch for whales, leatherback turtles, dolphins, and even sharks. A truly memorable experience! Breakfast
Day 6 ROSSCARBERY–KILLARNEY–ADARE–LIMERICK
A Jaunting Good Time The breathtaking beauty of Ireland awaits with a panoramic drive around part of Ireland’s spectacular southwestern peninsula, the Ring of Kerry. In Killarney, experience a horse-drawn jaunting car ride through Killarney National Park, before discovering more of this popular town. Stop in quaint Adare to view its pretty thatched cottages, before arriving in Limerick. (B)
139 mi / 224 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS County Kerry is home to the exquisite natural beauty of a rugged and mountainous expanse in Killarney National Park. A horse-drawn jaunting car ride is a great way to experience this natural wonderland, including the 3,300-foot MacGillycuddy’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 Breakfast
Day 7 LIMERICK–CLIFFS OF MOHER–RATHBAUN FARM–GALWAY–BIRR
Sheep and Scones At the spectacular Cliffs of Moher, rising 668 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, step on to the edge of the world to admire awe-inspiring views. Visit Rathbaun Farm and [LF] try your hand at scone baking, learn from the farmer about sheep shearing and herding before enjoying coffee and your homemade scones. Continue to Galway, a popular seaside destination with a buzzing center of colorful shops and a busy café culture. (B,D)
165 mi / 266 km
LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES Someone’s in the kitchen in Rathbaun Farm, just outside of Galway. You can don an apron and whip up your own delicious home-made scones, served with fresh preserves and whipped cream. Learn about the long-time tradition of sheep farming in this beautiful Irish landscape BreakfastDinner
Day 8 BIRR
Whiskey and Waters First today is a visit to Ahascragh distillery, Ireland’s first zero emissions distillery. Enjoy lunch at a local pub in the picturesque village of Shannonbridge. Return to Birr this afternoon where you’ll have plenty of free time to experience this designated Irish Heritage town. (B)
63 mi / 102 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
WHISKEY GALORE! Ahascragh Distillery a historic old mill building has been brought back to life by careful restoration to become Ireland’s first zero emissions distillery, powered completely by renewable energy and cutting-edge technology. On your guided tour you’ll hear all about their award-winning passion for sustainability, from the heat pump technology to sustainable packaging, heritage preservation and community engagement. And the whiskey’s good too! Breakfast
Day 9 BIRR–KILDARE–DUBLIN
The Winner’s Circle Hit your stride this morning with a trip to Ireland’s horse-racing country! Enjoy a visit to the Irish National Stud in Kildare, whose thoroughbreds command respect on the racecourses of the world. Return to Dublin to enjoy free time in the fair city. (B)
98 mi / 157 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITION The Irish National Stud is home to the long tradition of Ireland’s love of horses. This horse breeding facility in County Kildare, considered the beating heart of Ireland's thoroughbred industry, continues to inspire all who visit. Hear about some of the world’s most magnificent champion stallions that have made racing history since the turn of the 20th century Breakfast
Day 10 DUBLIN
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Accommodations
Dublin
Waterford
Rosscarbery
Limerick
Birr
Dublin
The Samuel Hotel Superior First-Class
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Ireland." Dublin Ireland
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Granville Hotel Superior First-Class
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Celtic Ross Hotel First-Class
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Limerick Strand Hotel Superior First-Class
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County Arms Hotel Superior First-Class
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Hilton Dublin City Superior First-Class
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