| Scottish Dream Tours Presents St. Patrick's Castles, Tearooms, and Pubs Discovery Tour of Ireland March 15th - 28th, 2010 14 days in Ireland featuring Bunratty Castle and Medieval Dinner, Dingle Peninsula, St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festivities in Killarney, Muchross House, Ross Castle, Danny Mann's Pub, Drombeg Stone Circle, Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone, Kilkenny Castle and Kilkenny with over 80 official pubs, Afternoon Tea at the Kilkenny Ormonde, Jerpoint Abbey, Waterford Crystal Factory, Browne's Hill Dolman, Dublin City Tour, , Kells Cathedral, Clonmacnoise Monastic Settlement, Galway, Connemara and Kylemore Abbey, Afternoon Tea at Dromoland Castle, The Burren, Cliffs of Moher and much more! A small intimate tour of Ireland limited to 8 - 10 people in order to provide a more personal experience. In keeping the tour size small we are able to take advantage of accommodation, restaurant and sightseeing options that would not be available to a larger group. With a small tour size we can veer off the main tourist areas and get a real feel for these warm wonderful countries. We will not rush you from venue to venue and each tour is designed to spend as little time on the minibus as possible. You may find yourself experiencing a delightful city guest house, a warm country house hotel, a fine country farmhouse and a 200 year old coaching Inn all in the same visit. Full Irish breakfast each morning and all meals as indicated in itinerary. All accommodations. Guided minibus tour with luggage handling. All sightseeing including any entrance fees. All taxes and service charges. $3895US per person double occupancy. $795US single occupancy supplement. $500 per person deposit to reserve your spot. Make your deposit |
Day 1 - March 15th, 2010- Arrive in Shannon, Ireland but our first stop of the tour will be Bunratty Castle and
Folk Park. The Folk Park is a meticulous recreation of rural life at the end of the 19th century. After exploring the park and
this 15th century formidable castle the highlight of the day will be a Medieval Banquet for which the castle is famous!
Banquet Dinner and Overnight Bunratty. (D)
Day 2 - This morning we take a lovely coastal drive before taking in the wilds of the Dingle Peninsula. On the way we will
stop at Ardfert Cathedral. Ardfert, a complex of churches is linked to Brendan the Navigator who was born nearby in
484AD and founded a monastery here. The ruined cathedral dates back to the 12th century. A drive around the area reveals
fascinating antiquities ranging from Iron Age Stone Forts to Inscribed Stones, early Christian Oratories and
Beehive Huts. Stops include Dunbeg Fort, Slea Head, Ballyferriter, Kilmalkedar and Gallarus Oratory
Drystone Church. Fish and Chips Lunch before we take in the fishing port village of Dingle. Dinner tonight at
Molly Darcys Pub. Overnight Killarney. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - Happy Paddy's Day! Killarney is a wonderful location to take in the festivities of St. Patrick's Day. Following
breakfast we visit Ross Castle before starting the festivities with the annual Parade on High Street. After the parade we
will find a pub to settle into for an Afternoon Session of Traditional Music. We'll then journey to Danny Mann's
Pub, a well known music pub in Killarney for a Paddy's Day Pub Dinner. We'll take in a bit of live music at Danny Mann's
and the many pubs offering Traditional Music Sessions. Overnight Killarney. (B,D)
Day 4 - We will get a later start this morning before we visit Muchross House, an imposing Victorian Mansion that was
built in 1843 and overlooks the spectacular Lakes of Killarney. William Burn, the well-known Scottish architect, was the
designer and building commenced in 1839 and was completed in 1843. From here we take a Jaunting Car Ride back to
Killarney where following lunch you will have the rest of the day to enjoy this lovely little town . Dinner on your own
tonight in Killarney. Overnight Killarney. (B,L)
Day 5 - As we leave Killarney behind we drive through the spectacular Killarney National Park with a first stop at The
Ladies View made famous by Queen Victoria's ladies in waiting upon there visit here. Our drive will eventually take us to
Kenmare which is the Gourmet and Lace capitol of Ireland. Following some good shopping time we meet for
Afternoon Tea at Cupan Tae, a traditional Irish tearoom in Kenmare. This afternoon finds us in Bantry to visit
Bantry House. Bantry House is not only one of the finest historic houses in Ireland, but it also commands one of the best
views overlooking Bantry Bay in west Cork. This evening we are in the lovely seaside village of Kinsale for Dinner
and Overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Our first stop today is Blarney Castle in County Cork. If the gift of gab has not been bestowed on you, you may
want to kiss the Blarney Stone. The castle itself sits in spectacular grounds and is well worth a visit along with the Blarney
Woollen Mills Outlet with 3 floors of wonderful shopping. We then take in a lovely coastal drive from Cork through
Youghal and to Tramore for Lunch. Then on to Waterford and the Waterford Crystal Factory. The original
glass factory was founded in 1783 and visitors can follow all stages of production. Dinner on your own tonight in the
many eateries to be found in Kilkenny. Overnight Kilkenny. (B,L)
Day 7 - This morning we take some time to investigate Ireland's loveliest inland village of Kilkenny before we visit
Kilkenny Castle. Built in the 1190's, Kilkenny Castle was occupied right up to 1935. High spots of the tour include the
library, the wood-paneled dining room and the Chinese bedroom. Sumptuous Afternoon Tea at the Kilkenny
Ormonde before a visit this afternoon to Jerpoint Abbey, one of the finest Cistercian ruins in Ireland. Built in 1160, the
fortified medieval complex flourished until the dissolution of the Monasteries. Dinner tonight at Kyteler's Inn, a 14th
century Coaching Inn haunted by Dame Alice Kyteler. Overnight Kilkenny. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - On our way to Dublin today we will stop at Browne's Hill Dolmen which has the biggest capstone in Europe,
weighing 100 tons. The stone dates back to 2000 BC. Our next stop is Kildare for Afternoon Tea at the Kildare
Courtyard Hotel before continuing on to Dublin. Once in Dublin we will take the rest of the afternoon for sightseeing,
shopping and exploring the many restaurants to be found in Dublin. Dinner on your own tonight in Dublin.
Overnight Dublin. (B,L)
Day 9 - Following breakfast you will tour the city aboard an Open Top Tour Bus. After the tour you may want to spend
time possibly taking in Trinity College and the Book of Kells and also visit St. Patrick's Cathedral or Christ
Church Cathedral. This afternoon you might want to spend Shopping on Grafton Street or Henry Street. We'll
meet this evening for Dinner and Traditional Music Night. Overnight Dublin. (B,D)
Day 10 - This morning's adventure begins in the East of Ireland. Our first stop on the way will be The Hill of Tara. Tara
was the political and spiritual center of Celtic Ireland and the seat of High Kings until the 11th century. This afternoon we
visit Kells Monastery set up by St. Columba in the 6th century. Monks fled here from Iona in the year 806 and are
believed to be the ones who scribed the Book of Kells. Our next stop of the day is at Newgrange Megalithic Passage
Tomb. Newgrange was built about 3200 BC. The kidney shaped mound covers an area of over one acre and is
surrounded by 97 kerbstones, some of which are richly decorated. Dinner and Overnight Mullingar. (B,D)
Day 11 - This morning we are off to Clonmancnoise Monastic Settlement. The site includes the ruins of a cathedral,
eight churches (10th -13th century), two round towers, three high crosses and a large collection of early Christian grave
slabs. Lunch stop in the delightful village of Ballinasloe before we are then on our way to Galway, the center for
the Irish-speaking regions in the West and a lively university city. The center of the city lies on the banks of the River
Corrib which flows down from Lough Corrib. You will have some time to investigate the city before a Seafood Dinner
at McSwiggan's and Overnight Galway. (B,L,D)
Day 12 - This morning we travel through the beautiful Connemara National Park in the heart of Connemara, a
combination of bogland, lakes and mountains. Along the way we visit Kylemore Abbey sheltered by the slopes of the
Twelve Bens, this lakeside castle is a romantic, battlemented Gothic Revival fantasy. This afternoon we visit the lovely
village of Clifden framed by the grandeur of the Twelve Bens mountain range. Lunch in Clifden before we begin our
return route to Galway through the Bearna and Salthill regions. Dinner on your own tonight in Galway.
Overnight Galway. (B,L)
Day 13 - This morning on our way south we visit The Burren, a unique botanical environment in which Mediterranean and
Alpine plants rare to Ireland grow side by side. In the southern part of the Burren, limestone gives away to black shale and
sandstone to form the dramatic Cliffs of Moher. Even when shrouded in mist, the Cliffs of Moher are breathtaking, rising
to a height of 650 feet out of the sea and extending for 5 miles. Mrs. White's Afternoon Tea at Dromoland Castle
before we then travel to Ennis with narrow streets and quaint shops in every nook and perhaps, the most endearing town in
Ireland. Tonight we are out to Farewell Dinner and Traditional Music Night in Ennis. Overnight Ennis. (B,L,D)
Day 14 - Following breakfast we are off to the Shannon International Airport for the return home.
Folk Park. The Folk Park is a meticulous recreation of rural life at the end of the 19th century. After exploring the park and
this 15th century formidable castle the highlight of the day will be a Medieval Banquet for which the castle is famous!
Banquet Dinner and Overnight Bunratty. (D)
Day 2 - This morning we take a lovely coastal drive before taking in the wilds of the Dingle Peninsula. On the way we will
stop at Ardfert Cathedral. Ardfert, a complex of churches is linked to Brendan the Navigator who was born nearby in
484AD and founded a monastery here. The ruined cathedral dates back to the 12th century. A drive around the area reveals
fascinating antiquities ranging from Iron Age Stone Forts to Inscribed Stones, early Christian Oratories and
Beehive Huts. Stops include Dunbeg Fort, Slea Head, Ballyferriter, Kilmalkedar and Gallarus Oratory
Drystone Church. Fish and Chips Lunch before we take in the fishing port village of Dingle. Dinner tonight at
Molly Darcys Pub. Overnight Killarney. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - Happy Paddy's Day! Killarney is a wonderful location to take in the festivities of St. Patrick's Day. Following
breakfast we visit Ross Castle before starting the festivities with the annual Parade on High Street. After the parade we
will find a pub to settle into for an Afternoon Session of Traditional Music. We'll then journey to Danny Mann's
Pub, a well known music pub in Killarney for a Paddy's Day Pub Dinner. We'll take in a bit of live music at Danny Mann's
and the many pubs offering Traditional Music Sessions. Overnight Killarney. (B,D)
Day 4 - We will get a later start this morning before we visit Muchross House, an imposing Victorian Mansion that was
built in 1843 and overlooks the spectacular Lakes of Killarney. William Burn, the well-known Scottish architect, was the
designer and building commenced in 1839 and was completed in 1843. From here we take a Jaunting Car Ride back to
Killarney where following lunch you will have the rest of the day to enjoy this lovely little town . Dinner on your own
tonight in Killarney. Overnight Killarney. (B,L)
Day 5 - As we leave Killarney behind we drive through the spectacular Killarney National Park with a first stop at The
Ladies View made famous by Queen Victoria's ladies in waiting upon there visit here. Our drive will eventually take us to
Kenmare which is the Gourmet and Lace capitol of Ireland. Following some good shopping time we meet for
Afternoon Tea at Cupan Tae, a traditional Irish tearoom in Kenmare. This afternoon finds us in Bantry to visit
Bantry House. Bantry House is not only one of the finest historic houses in Ireland, but it also commands one of the best
views overlooking Bantry Bay in west Cork. This evening we are in the lovely seaside village of Kinsale for Dinner
and Overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Our first stop today is Blarney Castle in County Cork. If the gift of gab has not been bestowed on you, you may
want to kiss the Blarney Stone. The castle itself sits in spectacular grounds and is well worth a visit along with the Blarney
Woollen Mills Outlet with 3 floors of wonderful shopping. We then take in a lovely coastal drive from Cork through
Youghal and to Tramore for Lunch. Then on to Waterford and the Waterford Crystal Factory. The original
glass factory was founded in 1783 and visitors can follow all stages of production. Dinner on your own tonight in the
many eateries to be found in Kilkenny. Overnight Kilkenny. (B,L)
Day 7 - This morning we take some time to investigate Ireland's loveliest inland village of Kilkenny before we visit
Kilkenny Castle. Built in the 1190's, Kilkenny Castle was occupied right up to 1935. High spots of the tour include the
library, the wood-paneled dining room and the Chinese bedroom. Sumptuous Afternoon Tea at the Kilkenny
Ormonde before a visit this afternoon to Jerpoint Abbey, one of the finest Cistercian ruins in Ireland. Built in 1160, the
fortified medieval complex flourished until the dissolution of the Monasteries. Dinner tonight at Kyteler's Inn, a 14th
century Coaching Inn haunted by Dame Alice Kyteler. Overnight Kilkenny. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - On our way to Dublin today we will stop at Browne's Hill Dolmen which has the biggest capstone in Europe,
weighing 100 tons. The stone dates back to 2000 BC. Our next stop is Kildare for Afternoon Tea at the Kildare
Courtyard Hotel before continuing on to Dublin. Once in Dublin we will take the rest of the afternoon for sightseeing,
shopping and exploring the many restaurants to be found in Dublin. Dinner on your own tonight in Dublin.
Overnight Dublin. (B,L)
Day 9 - Following breakfast you will tour the city aboard an Open Top Tour Bus. After the tour you may want to spend
time possibly taking in Trinity College and the Book of Kells and also visit St. Patrick's Cathedral or Christ
Church Cathedral. This afternoon you might want to spend Shopping on Grafton Street or Henry Street. We'll
meet this evening for Dinner and Traditional Music Night. Overnight Dublin. (B,D)
Day 10 - This morning's adventure begins in the East of Ireland. Our first stop on the way will be The Hill of Tara. Tara
was the political and spiritual center of Celtic Ireland and the seat of High Kings until the 11th century. This afternoon we
visit Kells Monastery set up by St. Columba in the 6th century. Monks fled here from Iona in the year 806 and are
believed to be the ones who scribed the Book of Kells. Our next stop of the day is at Newgrange Megalithic Passage
Tomb. Newgrange was built about 3200 BC. The kidney shaped mound covers an area of over one acre and is
surrounded by 97 kerbstones, some of which are richly decorated. Dinner and Overnight Mullingar. (B,D)
Day 11 - This morning we are off to Clonmancnoise Monastic Settlement. The site includes the ruins of a cathedral,
eight churches (10th -13th century), two round towers, three high crosses and a large collection of early Christian grave
slabs. Lunch stop in the delightful village of Ballinasloe before we are then on our way to Galway, the center for
the Irish-speaking regions in the West and a lively university city. The center of the city lies on the banks of the River
Corrib which flows down from Lough Corrib. You will have some time to investigate the city before a Seafood Dinner
at McSwiggan's and Overnight Galway. (B,L,D)
Day 12 - This morning we travel through the beautiful Connemara National Park in the heart of Connemara, a
combination of bogland, lakes and mountains. Along the way we visit Kylemore Abbey sheltered by the slopes of the
Twelve Bens, this lakeside castle is a romantic, battlemented Gothic Revival fantasy. This afternoon we visit the lovely
village of Clifden framed by the grandeur of the Twelve Bens mountain range. Lunch in Clifden before we begin our
return route to Galway through the Bearna and Salthill regions. Dinner on your own tonight in Galway.
Overnight Galway. (B,L)
Day 13 - This morning on our way south we visit The Burren, a unique botanical environment in which Mediterranean and
Alpine plants rare to Ireland grow side by side. In the southern part of the Burren, limestone gives away to black shale and
sandstone to form the dramatic Cliffs of Moher. Even when shrouded in mist, the Cliffs of Moher are breathtaking, rising
to a height of 650 feet out of the sea and extending for 5 miles. Mrs. White's Afternoon Tea at Dromoland Castle
before we then travel to Ennis with narrow streets and quaint shops in every nook and perhaps, the most endearing town in
Ireland. Tonight we are out to Farewell Dinner and Traditional Music Night in Ennis. Overnight Ennis. (B,L,D)
Day 14 - Following breakfast we are off to the Shannon International Airport for the return home.
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