Conquest of the West

Conquest of the West

9 days – 8 nights

Dublin, Cork, Garisnish Island, Kenmare, The Kerry Ring, Dingle, Galway, Inishmore Is., Burren, Poulnabrone, Moher Cliffs, Limerick, Cashel Rock, Kilkenny

Nature, Discovery, Culture, History

This program may be operated for individual or for groups

This is a suggested itinerary – Please call us to customize

Day 1: Dublin, Cork [135 miles]

Upon arrival in Dublin you’ll be met and transferred to Cork to check-in at your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to rest and relax. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. [D]

Day 2: Cork, Garisnish Island, Kenmare [125 miles]

Departure for a boat trip to Garinish Island (37 acres], located on Bantry Bay, with Italian gardens and classical pavilions. Many varieties of plant species flourish throughout the year, favored by the passage of the Gulf Stream. Splendid view of Bantry Bay. Lunch. Pursuit to Kenmare which means in Gaelic "little nest". The small town is indeed located between the mountains and the sea. Free time to stroll the streets to discover the shops of craftsmen, artists' galleries or discover the "circle of Druids", a cromlech with about fifteen stones dating from the Bronze Age. Continue to Kenmare for dinner and overnight. [B/LO/D]

Day 3: Kenmare (The Kerry Ring] [145 miles]

Discovery of the Kerry Ring with famous landscapes. A panoramic loop alternating ancient heritage, mountainous scenery, numerous views of the jagged coast and typical villages. Not far from Portmagee, perhaps you'll have the chance to see Skellig Michael in the distance, a small island that was used as the location of the last Star Wars. Panorama on Ladies View, then Molls Gap. Lunch. Visit Muckross Gardens, world famous for azaleas and rhododendrons lining the limestone rock places. Return to the hotel. Optional Irish folk evening at the Siamsa Tire National FolkTheater. [B/L/D]

Day 4: Kenmare, Dingle Peninsula [160 miles]

Departure to discover some of the most impressive landscapes in Ireland. Red fuchsias and green ferns succeed each other along the way, with a jagged coastline and a relief offering you magnificent views. Lunch on the way. Then, visit the center of the Blasket Islands which tells the story of the islanders until their final evacuation in 1953. Check-in at the hotel for dinner and overnight. [B/L/D]

Day 5: Dingle Peninsula, Galway [200 miles]

Day in the mythical Connemara, a magical place and one of the wildest regions of Ireland where Gaelic traditions and culture are best preserved. Discovery of wild landscapes, sparkling lakes, moors, peat bogs, small stone walls. Lunch on the way. Visit of the Benedictine abbey of Kylemore north of Clifden. Set amidst a large park and on the shores of Pollacapall Lake, there is a Victorian garden with trees and a small chapel at the end of the lakeside promenade. Drive to Galway, a city dating back to 1124, when the King of Connacht (Tularch O'Connor) built a real fort on the edge of the Corrib River, on an ancient village known as Claddagh. Continue to Galway for check-in at your hotel. Then get ready for dinner at Galway Bay Brewery, a small local brewery, which brews and distributes its beers in 8 Dublin and Galway pubs. Very much used in the production of its beers, it proposes small quantities, and thus intends to favor the quality of its production. Far from the other giants of Irish brewing, the Galway Bay Brewery wants to make a reputation by brewing exceptional beers! After dinner return to the hotel for overnight. [B/L/D]

Day 6: Galway (Inishmore Island) [100 miles]

A day that will immerse you in old Ireland. Ireland's low stone walls, sleigh rides! Ireland just 25 years ago ... In Galway Bay and after 45 minutes boat crossing, land on Inishmore Island, the largest island of the archipelago. Ascent and visit Dun Aengus Fort (about 50 minutes). It is one of the best-preserved prehistoric forts in Europe. View from a cliff about 260 feet high. Lunch on the island, then free time to allow you to explore the island at your own pace. The typical souvenir is the Irish sweater, made on the spot, 100% authentic! Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight. [B/L/D]

Day 7: Galway, Poulnabrone, Moher Cliffs, Limerick [100 miles]

Crossing the county of Clare for the Burren region observe the limestone landscape, as arid as the lunar landscapes, and where the most surprising flora and fauna coexist. In this unusual setting, stop to visit the Poulnabrone dolmen dating from 3,000 AE. Continue to Doolin to board a small ship and glide along the cliffs of Moher. Contemplating the cliffs that rise 655 feet above the Atlantic Ocean is unique and different experience. After lunch a short drive to Limerick for dinner and overnight. [B/L/D]

Day 8: Limerick, Cashel Rock, Kilkenny [75 miles]

After breakfast start you tour of Limerick visiting St. Mary's Cathedral its main religious building. Built in 1168 in honor of the Virgin Mary, by wish of King Donal Mor O'Brien, the last King of Munster. It is currently considered the oldest building in the entire city, and hosts hundreds of worshipers every week to celebrate religious events. Then, visit the castle of Donegal, built in the 15th century by one of the largest Irish family: the O'Donnell. in the medieval city center of Donegal. Exceptionally well preserved, it is still open to visitors, to the delight of lovers of medieval history, stories between clan leaders, and battles. Continue to Rock of Cashel with a stop for lunch. Rock of Cashel religious buildings overlook the plain of the Suir River, in the heart of the province of Munster. Visit the site linked to St. Patrick and the Kings of Munster. Then, continue to Kilkenny to visit the Black Abbey named after the Dominicans who were once nicknamed "the black brothers", because of the black coat they wore at the time. Built in 1225, the abbey has moved little architecturally speaking. It was not until the 15th century that Elizabeth I, a deeply Protestant queen, confiscated the abbey. At the death of the sovereign, the new king James I decided to make it a courthouse, chasing the Dominicans from their homes. A short drive to the Butler House was built for Lady Eleanor Butler in the 18th century, a descendant of the famous family of counts and dukes Butler of Ormonde. After being handed down from generation to generation, the mansion is then ceded to the Irish state, which decides to restore it. Since then, the mansion has been converted into guest rooms, where you’ll be spending the night. Being a guest you’ll be able to admire the Georgian architecture of the manor, as well as its external gardens, just re-landscaped. The walks are pleasant, and you can enjoy a small trail to mark to discover all the secrets of the manor. Dinner and overnight at the Manor. [B/L/D]

Day 9: Kilkenny, Dublin, USA [80 miles]

After breakfast at your hotel be ready for a drive to Dublin’s airport to board your flight back to the USA. [B]

[B] = Breakfast | [D] = Dinner | [B/LD] = Break, Lunch and Dinner | [B/L/T/D] = Breakfast, Lunch, Tasting and Dinner

Tour includes

Arrival and departure airport transfers
8 nights’ accommodation:
- Cork – 1 night
- Kenmare – 2 nights
- Dingle – 1 night
- Galway – 2 nights
- Limerick – 1 night
- Kilkenny – 1 night
Meals:
- Breakfast daily
- Daily lunches
- Daily Dinners
Visits of:
- Muckross Gardens
- Blasket Islands
- Benedictine abbey of Kylemore
- Galway Bay Brewery
- Dun Aengus Fort
- Poulnabrone dolmen
- Medieval city center of Donegal
- Rock of Cashel
- Kilkenny’s Black Abbey
- Butler House
Panoramic tours of:
- Garinish Island
- "Circle of Druids" cromlech
- Ring of Kerry
- Ladies View and Molls Gap
- Dingle Peninsula
- Connemara
- Inishmore Island
- Cliffs of Moher
- Limerick’s St. Mary's Cathedral
Evening at the Siamsa Tire National FolkTheater

English-speaking driver-guide
English speaking local guides
Transportation in A/C vehicle
Entrance fees for sites visited
Local taxes

Not included in tour

International airline tickets
Taxes or surcharges related to airline tickets
Travel insurance
All alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
Other meals not mentioned in itinerary
Extras and gratuities
Early check-in, late check-out
Porterage at the hotels (1 bag per person)
Expenses of personal nature
Tips to driver and guide
Anything not mentioned in the itinerary

Hotels

Category	Hotel Name	Tripadvisor
Superior Tourist Class
Cork	Garnish House	4.5
Kenmare	Donnabhain's Guesthouse	4.5
Dingle	Dingle Bay	4.5
Galway	Foster Court	4.5
Limerick	The George	4
Kilkenny	Butler House	4.5
First Class
Cork	Cork International	4.5
Kenmare	Rockcrest House	5
Dingle	Manor West Hotel	4.5
Galway	Oranhill Lodge	5
Limerick	Strand	4.5
Kilkenny	Butler House	4.5
Deluxe
Cork	Hayfield Manor	5
Kenmare	Sheen Falls Lodge	4.5
Dingle	Ballyseede Castle	4.5
Galway	G Hotel & Spa	4.5
Limerick	The Savoy	4.5
Kilkenny	Butler House	4.5

Hotels will be confirmed at time of booking

Prices

These programs can be customized for individuals and groups.

Changes to this program may be requested by phone (1855-55-TOURS) or using the web FIT Quote Request

Airfare

We also be glad to add the necessary airfare from your gateway so you take advantage of our special discounted leisure fares

Program

You may add or remove;

- Trip days
- Cities and sites
- Meals
Other options
- The program was designed with private services, however, we may substitute shared sightseeing where available
- If you prefer deluxe services we may operate this program including private driver, private guide and concierge service.

Quotation

Once we have designed the program the way you want we'll give you a quote within 2 business days.

Tour Code: IR02DUB20XX

Options

Lunches and dinners can be arranged for individuals, families and groups at top restaurants or any restaurant requested by you.
We can revise the itinerary to spend more time and provide more depth in those areas that you are interested on.
Any other changes to the itinerary will be accommodated depending on the facilities available in the area.

Group Quotations

If you wish to use these programs for your group or as the basis for a customized journey please either call us (1-855-55-TOURS or use the web Group Quote Request.
In either case our specialists will work with to refine all the details and they will get you a quote with 2 business days. Quotes may be obtained for the air and land portions of just for the lad journey.
Booking both air an land with us will represent savings for you because of our buying power and longtime relationship with the airlines.
We will also may have the choice between regular fares and special leisure fares not available to the public.

Conquest of the West

Conquest of the West

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