TREASURES OF IRELAND

July 9-18, 2024

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Blarney Castle

July 9-18, 2024

Tuesday  July 9  –   Day One – Depart from USA
Wednesday  July 10 – Day Two  – Arrive in Ireland – Dublin
(B- Breakfast,  L- Lunch,  D- Dinner)

Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Enjoy a pub lunch in downtown Dublin.  Travel to Phoenix Park.  Enjoy free time in Dublin. (B, L)

Thursday  July 11 – Day Three – Bru na Boinne, the Hill of Tara & Monasterboice
Head North and discover the rich history of Celtic life at the Bru na Boinne Prehistoric Monuments.  They are richly decorated with megalithic art.  The Hill of Tara was the island’s political and spiritual capital and was the seat of the High King of Ireland.  Walk the grounds of Monasterboice Monastery, where some of the finest 9th century High Crosses can be seen.  Finish the day in Armagh and check into your hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

Friday  July 12 – Day Four – Downpatrick & Armagh
Journey into the soul of Christian Ireland at Downpatrick.  See the church and grave of St. Patrick, as well as the visitor’s center.  Then return to Armagh and visit the Church of Ireland Cathedral to St. Patrick with foundations dating back to 445  AD.  Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

Saturday  July 13 –  Day Five – Clonmacnoise & Galway
Cross Ireland, stopping to visit Clonmacnoise, an important monastic site and the burial place of kings.  Among the ruins are the famous thousand-year-old cross.  Three high crosses, two hundred graves and the ruins of a 13th century ring fort also remain.  Finish the day in Galway, whose main thoroughfare is lined with buildings that date back to the 15th Century.  Christopher Columbus visited the city in search of support for his search for trade routes to India by crossing the Atlantic.  Check into your hotel in Galway for overnight. (B, D)

Sunday  July 14 –  Day Six – The Burren, the Cliffs of Moher & Bunratty Castle
As you travel through the Burren Region, arrive at the Cliffs of Moher. These sheer cliffs drop 600 feet to the water below. This is the most impressive stretch of shoreline on the west coast of Ireland. The eroded limestone rock through theBurrens has flowers popping up through the crevices.  Continue to Bunratty Castle, near the town of Limerick.  Bunratty is Ireland’s most complete, authentic, and elaborately furnished medieval castle.  Finish the day in Killarney and check into your hotel for dinner and overnight.  (B, D)

 Monday July 15 –  Day Seven –  Ring of Kerry, Waterville, & Muckross House
Delight in some of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery as you travel around the Ring of Kerry where the sea crashes into the soaring coastline. Weather permitting, take in a sheep dog demonstration.   After lunch, visit the 19th century Muckross House. Enjoy the magnificent Victorian mansion, considered one of Ireland’s leading stately homes. Finish the day in Kinsale and enjoy a walking tour. The courthouse in town was used for the inquiry over the sinking of the Lusitania in 1915.  Check into your Kinsale hotel for overnight. (B, D)

Tuesday July 16 –  Day Eight –  Blarney and Rock of Cashel
Travel to Cork to visit Blarney Castle and see the fabled Blarney Stone. Legend says that those who kiss the stone acquire the gift of eloquence. You will see the Rock of Cashel, the traditional seat of Irish kings. Here St. Patrick is thought to have converted the King of Munster.  Check into your Dublin hotel for overnight. (B, D)

Wednesday July 17 –  Day Nine –  Glendalough & Dublin
Then on to the bus for a ride through scenic Wicklow County to Glendalough, one of the most beautiful spots in all of Ireland.  See the Celtic High Crosses and a stone roofed church.  Finish the day with time on own this afternoon in Dublin. (B, D )

Thursday July 18  –  Day Ten –  Return to USA or Enjoy an Extended Stay
We will carry the people, beauty, and history of Ireland with us as we return home. (B)