Day 1:      March 15, 2011                        Depart USA

Your trip begins with an overnight transatlantic flight to Dublin. Relax and enjoy the in-flight meal service and onboard entertainment.

Day 2:      March 16, 2011                        Dublin City & Guinness

Upon arrival at Dublin airport, collect your luggage and proceed to the arrivals hall. A representative will be there to meet you and direct you to your first hotel. In the afternoon, commencing at 2.30 pm, we shall enjoy a panoramic city tour of  Dublin.   We shall pass Trinity College, home to the Book of Kells and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, founded in 1190.  We see Christchurch Cathedral, O’Connell Street and the Bank of Ireland, formerly the Irish House of Parliament.  We then visit the Guinness Storehouse, the birthplace of this famous pint, in the heart of Dublin. Later, enjoy a welcome reception with your tour director and fellow passengers.

Day 3:      March 17, 2011                        St. Patrick’s Day

Today is St. Patrick’s Day – Ireland’s National Holiday!  Celebrations are taking place all over the country today, but nowhere with more grandeur than in Dublin. Millions worldwide tune in to watch Ireland’s most spectacular St Patrick’s Day Parade, and you will be there to savor it all with its fantastic array of colorful and creative pageants, marching bands, pomp ceremony and celebration.  Soon the Lord Mayor arrives at the Review Stand in his magnificent carriage, and the festivities begin.  The Dublin Parade is undoubtedly the highlight of a tour to Ireland during this time and the friendly shouts of “Cead Mile Failte” from the thousands of spectators lining the streets will cheer you on your way. This will be a fantastic day where you will just mix in with the Irish people and enjoy the celebrations. Tonight enjoy the city or opt for a memorable Irish Night offered by your Tour Director. (B)

Day 4:      March 18, 2011                        Dublin/Cashel/Killarney

This morning, we leave the city behind and travel through the gentle hills of Ireland.  We travel south through Kildare and Portlaoise to Cashel where we will stop to visit the Might Rock of Cashel.  Set on a rocky limestone outcropping, the Rock of Cahel was once seat of the High Kings of Munster and commands stunning views of the surrounding area.  Continue on through Cork and Macroom as we enjoy the lush green countryside and coastal views of Ireland. We arrive in Killarney in the late afternoon in time for dinner and overnight.  (B, D)

 Day 5:      March 19, 2011                        Killarney (Ring of Kerry excursion)

An exciting day of travel as we experience one of the most scenic drives in all of Europe around the famous “Ring of Kerry”. Head along the coastline of the Iveragh Peninsula through the towns of Glenbeigh, Cahirciveen, Waterville and Sneem. Complete the tour via the “Ladies View” back to Killarney. This is Ireland as you have always imagined it! Later, enjoy an optional Jaunting Cart Ride offered by your Tour Director. Dinner is at your hotel this evening. (B,D)

Day 6:      March 20, 2011                        Killarney/Bunratty/Limerick

We depart Killarney and our first destination is the village of Blarney where you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy shopping at the Blarney Woolen Mills for all your Irish treasures.  Perhaps you will visit Blarney Castle to kiss the Blarney Stone and get the gift of the gab!  In the afternoon, we visit the Bunratty Folk Park which depicts life in Ireland in time's past. We continue on to our hotel where you are free for the evening. (B)

 Day 7:      March 21, 2011                        Cliffs of Moher/Galway/Limerick

This morning we travel to the mighty Cliffs of Moher. Absolutely spectacular views of the Atlantic and Galway Bay await you! Rising 700 feet up from the Atlantic Ocean, the Cliffs stretch for 5 miles along the coastline.  We continue onto Galway, named “The City of Tribes” after the fourteen families who originally settled in the area. Enjoy a short tour of Connemara region, prior to visiting the Cathedral and Claddagh area. Tonight enjoy a farewell Medieval Banquet in the company of the Lords & Ladies of the castle. (B, D)

 Day 8:      March 22, 2011                        Shannon/USA

After breakfast, we depart for Shannon Airport where you will have time for Duty free shopping prior to boarding your plane. (B)