Country Roads of Ireland - Insight Guided Vacations

Day 2

Welcome to Dublin

On arrival at Dublin airport, transfers leave for your hotel at 8:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Join your Travel Director at 6:00 p.m. for a warm and friendly Welcome Dinner with the opportunity to mingle and get to know each other over a meal with wine.

Day 3

Dublin

RELAXED START - IN DUBLIN’S FAIR CITY

Become acquainted with Dublin's elegant squares during an orientation of the city. Discover famous O'Connell Street, Custom House and Dublin Castle. Enjoy your VIP priority entrance to the 9th-century Book of Kells and a walk through the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College accompanied by a university insider, who will share their insights into modern life and the establishment's impressive history. The afternoon is free to explore Dublin.

Day 4

Dublin - Kilkenny - Cahir - Cork

A JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE FROM DUBLIN TO CORK

In the morning, visit one of the country’s main racehorse breeding centres. Continue to the acclaimed 100 year old Japanese Gardens where you can ‘journey through life’ during a walk through the beautiful surrounds. Travel to the medieval city of Kilkenny, home of the world's fastest field game. The ancient Celtic sport of Hurling is over 3,000 years old and Ireland's national sport. Meet a player who will share his passion as you test your skill during a lesson. Continue through Cahir and see its imposing 13th century castle, featured in the film 'Excalibur', on the way to Cork. On arrival, your Travel Director will show you around the compact university city, with its vibrant waterfront and grand Georgian parades.

Day 5

Cork - Blarney - Killarney

RELAXED START - ACROSS THE MOUNTAINS TO KILLARNEY

Travel to the ruined Blarney Castle. Will you hang upside down from the ramparts to kiss the stone and ensure a lifetime of eloquence? Travel across the majestic Derrynasaggart Mountains to the peaceful town of Killarney. For your Farm-to-Table dining experience, enjoy some Irish home cooking in the kitchens of chef John Sheehan. Join John and his wife, Freda for drinks and a personal insight into classic Irish recipes that are loved throughout the world. Then, settle down for a night of great food and drink in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.

Day 6

Killarney - Ring of Kerry - Killarney

RELAXED START - RING OF KERRY EXPERIENCE

Start your day with Insight Choice. Choose between a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys or join a gentle hike with a Local Expert along the lake shore and past the farmlands of the Muckross Estate, admiring the incredible scenery. While there aren't any mountains to climb, walkers should be fit, have good walking shoes or boots, sunscreen and rain gear. Take a leisurely excursion around the magnificent Ring of Kerry. Here, mountains, valleys, lakes and sea blend into a landscape that is breathtaking beyond words. Journey past lush lakelands and around towering cliffs as you appreciate sweeping sea views. Continue through delightful villages like Sneem and cross the peat bogs of the Black Mountains to Moll’s Gap to admire Queen Victoria’s Ladies View. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Maybe take the opportunity to hire a bicycle and enjoy one of the many scenic trails around the lake or through the National Park?

Day 7

Killarney - Dingle Peninsula - Dromoland

AROUND THE DINGLE PENINSULA

Continue driving with views of wide skies, peaceful towns and coastal scenery of the Dingle Peninsula - the setting for the film Ryan’s Daughter. Drive to dramatic Slea Head at the peninsula’s far end, before reaching your hotel on the shores of Dingle harbour. With the evening at leisure, why not treat yourself to a relaxing experience at the hotel's spa? Offering holistic and therapeutic treatments, the Peninsula Spa is the perfect place to unwind after a busy day of exploring the coast.

Day 8

Dromoland - Cliffs of Moher - Galway

THE CLIFFS OF MOHER AND GALWAY

Journey to the Visitor Centre at the 700-foot Cliffs of Moher for breathtaking views of the Clare Coast. Enjoy a delightful drive through the strange, rocky landscape of the Burren to Galway Bay. On arrival,see the Lynch Memorial and Church of St. Nicholas, where Christopher Columbus reputedly prayed before his voyages to America. See the Spanish Arch and Eyre Square, dedicated to the late US President, John F. Kennedy.

Day 9

Galway

RELAXED START - FREE DAY GALWAY OR ARAN ISLANDS EXPERIENCE

Spend a day at leisure to relax and enjoy Galway. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to the Aran Islands - a genuine highlight of the Wild Atlantic Way. With their cliffs and spectacular coastal views, the islands are a true Irish experience.

Day 10

Galway - Drumcliffe - Londonderry

LONDONDERRY

Continue on to County Sligo and stop at a peaceful churchyard in Drumcliffe to visit the final resting place of Ireland’s famous poet, William Butler Yeats. Admire the Blue Stack Mountains of Donegal as you cross into Northern Ireland bound for the ancient walled city of 'Derry.' What better way to experience sightseeing than with one of Northern Ireland's best storytellers, Ronan, as he takes you on a tour inside the city walls, still topped with cannons. Walk down steep Shipquay Street, with its elegant Georgian houses, to the Gothic Guildhall.

Day 11

Londonderry - Giant's Causeway - Ballygally

RELAXED START - WALK IN THE GIANT'S STEPS ON THE WAY TO BALLYGALLY

Journey to the legendary Giant's Causeway, a geological masterpiece created by the cooling of lava which burst through the earth's crust millions of years ago. Next, prepare yourself for miles of breathtaking beauty as you travel along the road clinging to the Antrim Coast. Continue onto your hotel, overlooking Ballygally Bay. For those who are brave enough, perhaps check out The Ghost Room, in one of the castle's turrets? In the evening, please join us for a finale Celebration Dinner, where old-fashioned hospitality is blended with good food and wine for an experience that delights the senses.

Day 12

Ballygally - Belfast

RELAXED START - THE ANTRIM COAST TO BELFAST

Continue around the Antrim Coast, past the huge Norman castle at Carrickfergus, to arrive in the Northern Ireland capital of Belfast. Meet Hilda, your Local Expert, for a passionate city tour including views of the City Hall, Queen's University, the Parliament Building at Stormont and murals in different locations indicating political sentiments of local residents.

Day 13

Belfast - Return to Canada

Departure transfers arrive at Dublin Airport at 8:00 a.m.