Friday, September 16th, Killorglin and Waterville

Our second full day of touring takes us to the famous Ring of Kerry.  It is rich in scenic views with mountains on one side and stunning Atlantic coast on the other.  Visit the Skellig Experience, which describes the life of early Christian Monks on the offshore island.  We will also visit Moll’s Gap with views of the three Lakes of Killarney.  Time is built into the schedule to relax before dinner. 

Saturday, September 17th, Cliffs of Moher and Galway

After breakfast we travel north through the village of Listowel to Tarbert.  Here, we will take a short ferry ride across the river Shannon estuary and drive along the coastline of Co. Clare to view the stunning Cliffs of Moher.  We will also spend time at the Burren display center in Kilfenora for an explanation of formation and flora of the Burren countryside.  We will then drive around the shore of Galway Bay and check into the Harbour Hotel in Galway.  This evening is free for you to experience the best of what Galway has to offer.

Sunday, September 18th, Clifden and Kylemore Abbey

After breakfast, we set out to explore Connemara.  The first stop is in the quaint village of Spiddal, which retains the Irish language.  We then continue to Clifden, a delightful town on the western seaboard.  From there it’s onto the 19th Century Kylemore Abbey with its beautiful gothic church.  The day wouldn’t be complete unless we stopped off at Maam Cross where part of the movie “The Quite Man” was filmed in 1952.  On the way back to Galway, we stop in Moycullen where we visit the Connemara Marble Visitor Center.  Then return to Galway for dinner at the Harbour Hotel.

Monday, September 19th, Ballintubber and Westport

This morning after breakfast we head north to Ballintubber Abbey.  The history of the Abbey goes back to pre Christian times.  The present Abbey was founded in 1216 and is still in use today.  From there, we travel to Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s holy mountain where thousands of pilgrims come to pay homage to Ireland patron saint.  In the afternoon, we drive to Knock one of the world’s leading shrines where over 2 million pilgrims visit each year.  We conclude the day at Kilronan Castle Hotel to enjoy dinner and relax and experience the ambience of this beautiful castle. 

Tuesday, September 20th, Athlone and Clonmacnoise

After our Irish breakfast in and Irish castle we journey across the rolling pastures of Ireland’s heartland to visit Clonmacnoise.  This monastic settlement was founded in 545 by St. Ciaran and is delightfully set on the banks of the Shannon.  From here, we travel to Dublin for a tour that includes the Phoenix Park, Dublin Castle and the National Museum.  We check into the Maldron Hotel in the afternoon and you are then free to explore Dublin city on your own for the evening. 

Wednesday, September 21st, Glendalough and Dublin

After breakfast, we travel to Glendalough in Co. Wicklow to visit a fascinating monastic settlement.  This Monastery was founded by St. Kevin, a hermit monk who died around 618 AD.  The ruins include several early churches, a graceful round tower and various sites associated with the life of St. Kevin.  We then return to Dublin city to view the home of the founder of the Sisters of Mercy on Baggot Street.  Grafton Street, St. Stephen’s Green and Temple Bar are not to be missed.  Dinner will be served at the hotel.

Thursday, September 22nd.

After breakfast we proceed to Dublin Airport in time to shop at duty free before boarding our flight back to the United States.