CELTIC TREASURES

Day 1 – Dublin City
Welcome to Dublin Airport, where after picking up your car your will travel into the city centre and check into your hotel. The remainder of the day can be spent exploring Dublin – trace its history from early Viking origins, through the mediaeval magnificence of St. Patrick’s Cathedral – visits to Dublinia, Guinness Storehouse, Jameson Irish Whisky Distillery, Trinity College, and much more.  Overnight: Dublin area  

Day 2 – Galway City & Cong, Co. Mayo
Leave Dublin this morning and travel across the rich midland pastures. Why not visit Belvedere House, Gardens and Park? The magnificent early 18th century stately home of Robert Rochfort, Earl of Belvedere, stands in 160 acres of parkland on the shores of Lough Ennell. Belvedere is one of the finest of Ireland's historic houses, and together with gardens and park has been exquisitely restored. Before you cross the River Shannon, Ireland’s longest river you can visit Clonmacnoise a 6th century Christian site. Arrive into Galway, which has long traded with Spain and the Spanish influences are  many in   the   city. Of  note  is Spanish  Arch,  a gateway in the old  city  walls  and  the Spanish  Parade, where wealthy merchants  and  their families  en-joyed a stroll along the promenade. Continue on from Galway to nearby Cong and Ashford Castle   your overnight hotel. Overnight: Cong area  

 Day 3 – Connemara Tour
Today embark on a tour of the wild & rugged Connemara region, famous for the savage 
beauty of its lake and mountain scenery. Irish is still widely spoken here. Why not visit the magnificent Kylemore Abbey, a beautiful mansion in a lakeside setting against a mountainous backdrop Irish Benedictine nuns, with a tradition of over 300 years run this unique Abbey set in the heart of Connemara, overlooking Pollacapul Lake. A haven of peace! Visit the magnificent Gothic Church. You can also visit Connemara National Park at Letterfrack, where the indigenous wild Connemara ponies roam freely through the rugged landscape. Overnight: Cong area  

Day 4 – County Clare
Today you leave Ashford Castle & travel through Galway City and into County Clare. Why not visit Rathbaun Farm and see the animals being tended, or enjoy a traditional tea and scones break?  Travel through the strange lunar landscape of the Burren region or visit the Cliffs of Moher a spectacular 5-mile long cliff, which rises almost 700 feet above sea level. You can also visit the 15th century Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, where replicas of traditional thatched cottages are arranged in a village setting, complete with village shops including the printers, the confectioners, the post office, the pub and hotel, the doctor's house and the bakers. Stop at some of the many small towns and villages that Ireland is famous for. Overnight: Clare area  

Day 5 – Kerry
Today travel south through the rich midland pastures and pass through the medieval city of Limerick. Stop in the pretty village of Adare, whose Heritage Centre allows you to experience the area’s unique history, spanning from 1233. Continue on to Kenmare, voted Ireland’s tidiest town. Overnight: Kenmare area  

Day 6 – Kenmare or West Cork
Today, why not relax and enjoy the hotel’s facilities or visit Kenmare with its many craft and antique shops. Alternatively tour the West Cork region travelling over the spectacular Healy Pass before arriving in Glengariff where you can take a short boat trip to Garnish Island to see the “subtropical” gardens. Because of a unique Gulf Stream influence, you can see many plants you would normally expect to see in much warmer climates. Overnight: Kenmare area  

Day 7 – The Midlands
Leave Kenmare and travel through the rich rolling pastures of Ireland’s Golden Vale region. Why not stop in Cork, Ireland’s second largest city or perhaps visit the world famous Blarney Castle and nearby Blarney Woollen Mills? Continue on to the medieval city of Kilkenny where you can stroll through the narrow streets and alleyways or visit Kilkenny Castle or some of the other heritage sites. Overnight: Kilkenny area  

Day 8 – Dublin
Departure Travel to Dublin Airport for return flight home.