*Solo Series*
Shades of Ireland
Oct 31, 2023

The choice is yours in Dublin today. Choose to ride with a local guide to see St. Patrick’s Cathedral, O’Connell Street, the National Gallery, and the historic Phoenix Park -OR- choose a walking tour of the city’s historic center, exploring St. Stephen’s Green, Grafton Street, and the General Post Office. Either way, what follows is an afternoon to discover Dublin’s charms on your own.

Later, you may join an optional tour to the Guinness Storehouse, followed by dinner at a contemporary restaurant showcasing Irish cuisine. (B)

Step back in time and begin the day in the medieval splendor of 12th century Kilkenny on the River Nore.

Then, in Waterford, embark on a leisurely paced walking tour of Ireland’s oldest city. It’s your choice! Tour the Waterford Crystal factory and learn how exquisite crystal has been made for centuries -OR- visit the Medieval Museum for a guided tour and glass of wine in the 15th-century Mayor’s Wine Vault. (B, D)

Granville Hotel, Waterford – 1 night

Live the legend. The story goes that those who kiss the Blarney Stone gain the gift of eloquence. This morning, give it a shot at historic Blarney Castle.

Then we’ll cross into County Kerry and continue on to charming Killarney. Enjoy a traditional jaunting car ride* through Killarney National Park before boarding a boat and sailing through the breathtaking lakes in the company of an expert boatman.

Tonight, it’s Diner’s Choice… choose your included dinner from a “menu” of Killarney’s great restaurants. (B, D)

Great Southern Killarney, Killarney – 2 nights

Today brings you to the dramatic, 700-foot-high Cliffs of Moher for cinematic views of the mighty Atlantic.

Afterwards, we’ll continue to the riverside city of Limerick, where a panoramic city tour showcases King John’s Castle and the Treaty Stone. Delve into the fascinating history of the “city of the violated treaty.” The castle has been here for over 1,000 years and is thought to have been built on an earlier Viking site.

This evening you may join an optional tour to a Medieval Banquet dinner, which is hosted in a castle. (B)

The George Hotel Limerick, Limerick – 2 nights

Pass through the windswept, limestone landscape of the Burren, known for its stark beauty and Neolithic tombs. See border collies in action during a traditional sheepdog demonstration. Learn how these energetic and intelligent animals have been the right hand of the sheep farmer for centuries.

We’ll then continue on to Galway for a brief tour that showcases “The City of Tribes.” Learn how this nickname started with fourteen merchant families who led the city in its Hiberno-Norman period.

Later, return to Limerick to relax over dinner. (B, D)

Your adventure comes to a close in Kingscourt. We’ll transfer to Dublin airport this morning, for your onward journey. (B)