DAY 1, Saturday - Depart for Ireland
Depart on your flight to Dublin, Ireland

DAY 2, Sunday - Dublin
Welcome to the "Emerald Isle!" Arrive in Dublin, Ireland's vivacious capital and transfer to your hotel. Most flights arrive in the early morning and your room may not be ready for you. In this case, leave your luggage with the concierge and your Tour Manager will provide suggestions for you to begin to explore the city on your own. Tonight, join your Tour Manager and fellow travelers for an orientation meeting at approximately 6 PM on the beautiful journey in Ireland that lies ahead, followed by a Welcome Dinner
Overnight: Dublin
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Monday - Discover Dublin, Trinity College & Dublin Castle
Your discovery of storied Dublin begins at Phoenix Park, the largest enclosed public park in Europe, home of the President's official residence and the Dublin Zoo. Continue to view St. Patrick's Cathedral, the country's largest church, founded in 1191. Drive through the Georgian district of the city reflecting the prosperity of the 18th century "Age of Elegance," Grafton Street lined with elite shops and cafes, and the lush lawns of St. Stephen's Green Park. At O'Connell Street, the city's major thoroughfare, ponder at the site where the 1916 uprising led to Ireland's independence. Next, your tour at Trinity College showcases the renowned Book of Kells, a lavishly illustrated manuscript of the Gospels created in the year 800 by Celtic monks, now on display in the Old Library. In the afternoon, visit Dublin Castle in the heart of the historic city. Originally built in the 13th century on a site settled by the Vikings, the castle functioned as a military fortress, prison, treasury and the seat of English Administration in Ireland for 700 years. Tour the magnificent State Apartments, built as residential quarters of the Viceregal Court, St. Patrick's Hall where Irish presidents are inaugurated, and the Medieval Undercroft that shows remnants of the Viking foundations
Overnight: Dublin
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Tuesday - Powerscourt Estate, Cooking Class
Travel this morning to Powerscourt Estate, an elegant country mansion set in scenic County Wicklow, with the most attractive formal gardens in the country. As you stroll along the lanes, view the charming walled garden, striking terraces, fine statuary and ornamental trees linked by carefully designed walks set against a mountain backdrop. Afterwards, head to one of Ireland's award-winning cooking schools, run by a noted Irish chef, where you learn the secrets of creating traditional Irish soda bread and scones. The recipe, of course, is yours to take home! Return to Dublin for free time. Perhaps, visit the famed Guinness Storehouse for a sampling of the brew. Evening at leisure in Dublin with its fabulous restaurants, vibrant nightlife and friendly pubs
Overnight: Dublin
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5, Wednesday - Rock of Cashel, Killarney
Depart Dublin this morning and travel to Killarney. Along the way, visit the Rock of Cashel, one of Ireland's most spectacular archaeological sites. This collection of medieval church buildings and fortresses is set atop a limestone outcrop rising out of County Tipperary's Golden Vale. Many of the old church buildings still survive and a gentle trek to the top of the Rock offers panoramas as far as the eye can see. Afterward, on to a family dairy farm, for tea and scones. Your hosts have true Irish charm and wit -- you'll be cordially welcomed with lively conversation and hear more about life on an Irish homestead. Continue to quaint Killarney and check in to your hotel. Tonight, dinner is at the hotel's award-winning restaurant
Overnight: Killarney
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 6, Thursday - Muckross House, Ring of Kerry, Killarney National Park
Begin the day with a visit to the impressive Muckross House, a 19th century Elizabethan-style manor. Surrounded by colorful and fragrant gardens, the house is best known for its antique Killarney furniture. Portraits by John Singer Sargent, the leading portrait painter of his generation, adorn the walls. An unforgettable experience nears as you drive around the world-famous Ring of Kerry revealing ever-changing stunning vistas of mountains, cliffs, beaches and the Atlantic Ocean. Return to your hotel through verdant Killarney National Park, passing beautiful lakes and rugged mountains. This evening, try the optional Jaunting Car (pony & open carriage) excursion through the peaceful green countryside followed by dinner at a local restaurant
Optional: Jaunting Cars & Dinner (PM)
Overnight: Killarney
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7, Friday - Cliffs of Moher, Traditional Irish Music Experience, Galway
Traveling north along the coastline of County Clare, stand in awe at the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, rising vertically from the sea, stretching for over five miles. This rock wall, towering 700 feet over the crashing surf of the Atlantic is surely one of the most stunning meetings of land and water you're likely to ever see! After lunch on your own, pass the magnificent panorama of the Burren, a rocky landscape of craggy gray karst (limestone) formations on your way to spirited Galway nestled by the sea. En route to Galway, stop for a fun-filled exclusive experience of Irish music in an intimate country setting on the shores of Galway Bay as renowned musicians teach us about authentic Irish music. Take a walking tour through the city's medieval network of narrow streets, steeped in history, now jam-packed with brightly painted pubs, charming Bohemian galleries, and shops selling Irish handicrafts. Then unwind at the hotel, before dinner together
Overnight: Galway
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 8, Saturday - Connemara Heritage Center, Tour of Kylemore Abbey
Today's excursion transports you through the gorgeous Connemara countryside, a wonderland of raw landscapes and rugged coast that winds around small bays and coves of the Wild Atlantic Way. Hear the quiet and feel the calmness near the deserted beaches in an area termed a "savage beauty" by Oscar Wilde. At the Connemara Heritage and History Centre, connect with this ancient land on your visit to the bog and the farm. You'll get to ride the tractor-drawn carriage, watch a turf cutting demonstration and perhaps even try your hand at cutting a few sods! Sit by the fire in a rustic cottage and listen to the farmer's stories of the challenges of life in this desolate region, sheep farming and woollen industry. In the afternoon, tour the Neo-Gothic Kylemore Abbey, founded in 1920 on the grounds of Kylemore Castle. Walk through the gorgeous reception area and restored rooms before entering the idyllic six-acre Victorian walled garden, a highlight of the visit. Return to Galway for leisure time and Farewell Dinner together at the hotel
Overnight: Galway
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9, Sunday - Depart Ireland
Transfer to the airport in Shannon for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast