Is the Emerald Isle on your bucket list? Imagine experiencing rolling green hills, magical castles, vibrant towns, friendly people, and history everywhere you turn. Drum roll please as we announce our next Sunset group tour: Irish Legends, a 9-night/10-day land tour starting and ending in Dublin, Oct 13-22, 2023! This small-group tour will delve deep into Ireland and its storied past, mixing plenty of hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path sights along with tried-and-true favorites. Join Tom and Denise Koranek to experience Ireland at its best! Contact us today; we’d love to have you along!
Highlights:
- Cliffs of Moher
- Aran Islands Excursion
- Cobh Heritage Centre
- Clonmacnoise Monastic Site
- Sean’s Bar in Athlone – Tour Exclusive
- Irish National Stud & Gardens
- Foley’s Bar Dinner & Entertainment
- Dun Aengus Fort
- Dunbrody Famine Ship
- Irish Night in Dublin
Itinerary:
Day 1 (Oct 13): Dublin Arrival, Malahide Castle
Your tour begins at 2:00 PM at Dunboyne Castle Hotel. Head out to visit Malahide Castle, first built in 1185 and filled with medieval artifacts. Enjoy a Welcome drink with your group before dinner in your hotel. (D) Overnight in Dunboyne Castle Hotel.
Day 2 (Oct 14): National Stud, Kilkenny Walk
Visit the home of equine royalty: the Irish National Stud in Kildare, the heart of Irish horse racing. Some of the world’s finest thoroughbreds live in these beautiful surroundings. Walk through the gardens before heading to Kilkenny, where you’ll enjoy lunch in the Kilkenny Design Centre. Take a walking tour with a local guide to see the gems along the Medieval Mile, a stretch of city streets from cathedral to castle, with buildings dating back as far as the 13th century. Dine independently and explore as you wish this evening. (B, L) Overnight for 2 nights in Kilkenny.
Day 3 (Oct 15): House of Waterford Crystal, Dunbrody Famine Ship
Visit the House of Waterford Crystal; see skilled artisans create crystal masterpieces on a factory tour. Then join a local guide for a walking tour of Waterford; discover the history of this port city, the oldest in Ireland, and its many colorful characters. Take time to explore independently. Head to New Ross to visit the Dunbrody Famine Ship, a replica of a vessel that in the 1840s brought desperate emigrants fleeing famine to new lives in North America. (B, D)
Day 4 (Oct 16): Cobh Heritage Centre, Blarney Castle
Travel south to Cobh, the last port of call of the Titanic and where many places associated with the liner still exist. Visit the Cobh Heritage Centre, which traces the history of emigration over a number of centuries from Ireland to North America. Head to Blarney Castle to kiss the famous stone or stroll through the spacious parklands to view Blarney House before traveling on to Killarney. (B, D) Overnight for 2 nights in Killarney.
Day 5 (Oct 17): Killarney, Dingle Peninsula
Visit Moriarty’s in the beautiful Gap of Dunloe. Then go to discover the glorious Dingle Peninsula as you drive along the south shore to admire views of heathery mountains, sandy stretches of beach, and rocky headlands. Stop at the South Pole Inn to learn about Tom Crean, an early Irish explorer who braved the South Pole. Browse around the town of Dingle and enjoy a drink, dinner and entertainment at Foley’s Bar and Restaurant before returning to Killarney. (B, D)
Day 6 (Oct 18): Cliffs of Moher, Galway
Embark on a ferry ride across the River Shannon before driving to the Cliffs of Moher, soaring 700 feet above churning Atlantic swells. Walk along the top of the cliffs; on a clear day you can see great views of Galway Bay and the Aran Islands. Immerse yourself in life at a traditional farm and watch a farmer demonstrate how his trained dogs herd sheep. Enjoy tea and homemade scones at the farm. Head to Galway for a panoramic city tour. (B, D) Overnight for 2 nights in Galway
Day 7 (Oct 19): Aran Islands, Dun Aengus
Set out on a ferry across Galway Bay for Inishmore, the largest of the three Aran Islands. The hardy islanders still speak the Irish language and maintain traditional fishing and farming methods. Head to Dun Aengus, a huge pre-historic fortress perched on sheer cliffs above the Atlantic. Visit Kilronan, the island’s main village, for a casual lunch, then take some time to explore before returning by ferry. (B, L)
Day 8 (Oct 20): Clonmacnoise, Sean’s Bar
Visit Clonmacnoise, a monastic settlement founded in 545 AD and set on the banks of the River Shannon. Marvel at elaborate High Celtic crosses decorated with biblical scenes, and walk around the many church ruins and two round towers. Head to nearby Athlone and stop at Sean’s Bar for an Irish coffee. This pub has a documented history going back to 900 AD – and is featured in the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest pub in Europe. During renovations in 1970, ancient walls and old coins dating back centuries were discovered. In the evening, head to Dublin’s Abbey Tavern for an Irish dinner and lively show. (B, D) Overnight for 2 nights in Dublin
Day 9 (Oct 21): Independent Dublin Sightseeing
Spend a day in Dublin independently on the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tour and a visit to your choice of one of Dublin’s top attractions – Teeling Distillery, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, or GPO Museum. (B)
Day 10 (Oct 22): Tour Ends in Dublin
Your tour ends after breakfast (B)
Booking Details:
- Non-refundable deposit of $250 per person. If paid by October 21, 2022, you will receive a 5% tour discount.
- Cost of land only arrangements is $2,930 per person/double occupancy.
- Single room supplement is $755.
- Airport transfers included if arriving on 10/13/23 and departing 10/22/23.
- Travel insurance and air arrangements additional.
- Includes 9 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 6 dinners.
- Additional nights in country can be added if you wish to explore Ireland longer, pre or post tour. Or you can extend your trip within Europe.
Contact Denise today for more information and to reserve your spot. Space is limited to 22 guests.
B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner
Due to unforeseen circumstances, all hotels and visits are subject to change until departure.