Treasures of Ireland

Day 1: Welcome to Ireland

Put a little Irish spring in your step and stroll through the lyrical capital of Dublin – your springboard to an unforgettable jaunt through the treasures of Ireland. Join a Local Specialist this afternoon to explore the city and learn about the bountiful nicknames bestowed upon its iconic sights. Hear about history and life on the Liffey as you walk the cobbled courtyard of Trinity College. See the Book of Kells before enjoying a Welcome Dinner to get to know your fellow travellers and Travel Director.

Day 2: Journey to Waterford and Cork Dive Into Culture Make Travel Matter Stays With Stories

Departing Dublin this morning, we journey to the peaceful monastic ruins at Glendalough which survived repeated Viking attacks over the centuries. We'll Dive Into Culture, watching the master craftsmen of the House of Waterford Crystal as they create delicate works of art. Our final stop today is the 'rebel' city of Cork, where we'll have a free evening to enjoy a little Irish craic and soak up the lively atmosphere of this university city. Our Stays With Stories hotel is the historic Maldron Shandon. Originally Cork’s first general hospital opened in 1720, the building has a colourful history that has seen it survive wars, political upheaval, fire and demolition threats before it opened its doors as a grand hotel.

Day 3: See the Sights of Blarney and Killarney

Join your Local Specialist for a walking tour in Cobh to re-visit the timeline of the Titanic. Embark on a scenic drive to Blarney Castle, where you have the opportunity to kiss its famous stone to acquire the 'gift of the gab'. Enjoy a traditional pony and trap ride on an Optional Experience through the beautiful Bourn-Vincent National Park. During this optional journey, your Local Specialist will share fascinating anecdotes about the area and Ireland. Continue to Killarney, where you’ll spend the next two nights. Stop at the beautiful café in the gate lodge of Killarney National Park for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Tonight join a Gaelic Roots show. A tour de force of traditional Irish song, music and dance, Gaelic Roots showcases Ireland at its best. Using traditional instruments, Irish dance and time-honoured folk songs, this energetic show will have you tapping your feet and singing along in no time.

Day 4: A Day on the Ring of Kerry Connect with Locals

Admire the enduring beauty along Ireland's most scenic coastal drive around the Ring of Kerry. Later, join your companions at Muckross Traditional Farms for a Be My Guest encounter with an Irish rural community from the 1930s and Connect With Locals, stepping back in time to learn about traditional Irish farm life against the scenic backdrop of the lakes of Killarney. You’ll emerge from the experience with an overwhelming feeling of nostalgia for simpler times and the knowledge that through your visit you are helping to preserve the heritage of rural Ireland for generations to come.

Day 5: Admire the Cliffs of Moher and on to Limerick Dive Into Culture

Delve into the era of the first transatlantic flights during a visit to the Flying Boat Museum in Foynes. At one time, it was the refuelling point for Pan Am's Flying Boat, the Yankee Clipper. Picture life as a passenger onboard a replica Boeing 314 as we Dive Into Culture and experience the aircraft first hand. You will walk away knowing how Irish Coffee was invented. Here you can imagine yourself a weary passenger, delayed due to bad weather while you sip your own cup of 'Foynes Original,' used to treat nervous passengers years ago. This afternoon, travel to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre. This wonderfully engaging experience brings one of Ireland’s most treasured natural phenomena to life in an interactive way that will leave you with stories to tell for years to come. Enjoy the IMAX-type multimedia which gives visitors a bird’s eye view of the cliffs or dive virtually beneath the surface of the Atlantic and into the underwater caves at the foot of the cliffs that would have otherwise gone unseen. Continue to your hotel in Limerick where we spend the night.

Day 6: Onwards to Shannon

Our epic journey through the treasures of Ireland has come to an end. For now, it’s time to wish your fellow travellers slán abhaile as our memorable holiday comes to an end. Find out more about your free airport transfer at http://www.brendanvacations.com//freetransfers.