Saturday, March 8 Dallas Ft. Worth - Shannon
Meet your Delta Dawn Travels group at DFW and board your international flight to Shannon, Ireland. Meal services on board.
Sunday, March 9 Limerick
Arrive in Shannon, Ireland. Meet Brian, our guide, and travel by motor coach to view the dramatic Cliffs of Moher rising vertically from the Atlantic. See breathtaking views extending as far as the Aran Islands from O’ Brien’s Tower in clear weather. Visit and tour Bunratty Castle, the most complete and authentic medieval castle in Ireland. Then, continue on to Limerick for the remainder of the afternoon, your first hotel stay and a group dinner. B, D
Monday, March 10 Limerick - Killarney - Cork
Depart Limerick for County Cork by way of a short visit to Ireland’s prettiest village, Adare, with quaint thatched-roof houses. Continue on to Iveragh Peninsula for a drive on the Ring of Kerry with a stop at Killarney. Follow with a tour of Victorian Muckross House, surrounded by spacious gardens, vintage farmhouses and crafts of County Kerry in the heart of spectacular Killarney National Park. See idyllic Torc Waterfalls, where leprechauns and fairies gather! Finally stop at Ladies’ View, one of the most beautiful sights in Ireland. Drive on to Cork for a lovely group dinner this evening. B, D
Tuesday, March 11 Cork - Kinsale - Cork
Today’s excursion begins with a morning transfer to Kinsale for a guided walking tour. Originally a medieval fishing port, Kinsale is one of the most picturesque, popular and historic towns on the southwest coast of Ireland. After lunching on your own, drive to Blarney Castle, home of the famous Blarney Stone, which legend says will bring the gift of eloquence and grace to those who kiss it. Return to Cork for the remainder of the day free and dinner on your own in the gourmet capital of Ireland. B
Wednesday, March 12 Cork
Your day is free to stroll about the bustling streets, shops and pubs of Cork City. You may choose to visit the many sites this town has to offer, such as the Bantry House and Gardens, Arigideen Valley Heritage Park, or Cork City Goal. Another grand attraction of County Cork is Fota Island, home of Fota Wildlife Park (the only wildlife park in Ireland), and the Fota Golf Club, a European Tour standard golf course, which has hosted the Irish Open in recent times. You may wish to take an excursion to the Rock of Cashel, or a 12 mile train to Midleton to tour the Old Jameson Whiskey Distillery complete with tastings. Or take a twenty mile train to Cobh to see the Cobh Heritage Center where the genealogy center can search for your Irish roots, and see the Titanic’s museum and last port of anchorage before its ill-fated cruise. Dinner on your own. B
Thursday, March 13 Cork - Kilkenny - Dublin
Transfer to Dublin traveling through Waterford and visit the Waterford Crystal Visitor’s Center. Continue on through spectacular scenery to the medieval capital of Ireland, Kilkenny, with its narrow, winding streets and perfectly preserved old buildings. Kilkenny is a designated heritage town. Take a guided tour of the 13th century Kilkenny Castle, situated on the banks of the River Nore. Afterwards, travel to Glendalough, Ireland’s most impressive monastic settlement from the sixth century founded by Saint Kevin, from which Christianity spread over Europe. Amble through the ruins and the tower then take time for a cup of tea and a warm scone during this stop. End your day’s journey in Dublin for dinner and a relaxing evening or pub crawling on Grafton Street to see the Temple Bar! B, D
Friday, March 14 Dublin
This morning tour Dublin with a visit to Trinity College, the oldest university in Ireland and the Alma Mater of Samuel Becket, Jonathan Swift, and Oscar Wilde. See the famous Book of Kells and other illuminated manuscripts from the Middle Ages. Visit Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, the largest church in Ireland. Enjoy a tour and tasting at Guinness Stout Brewery, followed by an evening at Taylor’s Three Rock Pub with dinner and a show featuring lively music and Ireland’s traditional step-dancing! B, D
Saturday, March 15 Dublin
Enjoy your free day in Dublin during the 4 day extravaganza surrounding St. Patrick’s Day. Perhaps take a 30 minute excursion to Bru na Boinne, where the burial grounds are older than the Pyramids. You may prefer taking a tour of the Jameson Whiskey Distillery in Dublin or walking down O’Connell and Grafton streets for shopping, people watching and pubs. Or see Dublin Castle and the National Leprechaun Museum. The possibilities are endless! Dinner on your own. B
Sunday, March 16 Dublin - Dallas Ft. Worth
Transfer to Dublin airport for your morning flight to DFW with Delta Dawn and a new love for all things Irish! B
B = Breakfast provided
D = Dinner provided
