Day 1

Day 1: Dublin to Cashel Your driver will greet you at Dublin airport to begin your wonderful tour of the Irish countryside. You will begin by taking in the Wicklow Mountains, known as the "Garden of Ireland", located near Dublin with the wonderful sights at Powerscourt Gardens and waterfall and the monastic ruins at Glendalough. Continue to Kilkenny where you can enjoy a visit to the medieval castle and browse the quaint shops of the city and in particular the Kilkenny design centre. Continue to Cashel, the ancient seat of the High Kings of Munster for overnight. Overnight: The 4* Cashel Palace Hotel beneath the famous Rock of Cashel. Dining: We recommend Chez Hans Restaurant a converted church below the castle. Pub: Mickey Ryan's Pub beside the Cashel Palace Hotel. Our local!!
Accommodation: Manor House

Day 2

Day 2: Hidden Tipperary and Waterford. Today you will be taken on a tour of the uniquely beautiful Tipperary and Waterford landscapes. The Rock of Cashel (pictured above), Cahir Castle& The Swiss Cottage as well as the foothills of the Galtee Mountains and the glorious Vee drive to Lismore a perched village with a magnificent castle of its own are among the highlights of this unexplored but fascinating part of Ireland. We will end the day along the coast of Waterford, known as the "Gold Coast" for the colour of its sandy beaches. You may wish to pay a visit to the world famous Waterford Crystal Factory in the town. Overnight: The 4* Waterford Castle Hotel on an island close to the famous Crystal Factory. Dining: We recommend the restaurant in Waterford Castle. Pub: A sing song in the bar at the Castle.
Accommodation: Castle

Day 3

Day 3: Waterford to Killarney In the morning start your journey west through the county of Cork. You may wish to visit the Middleton Distillery where the finest whiskey in Ireland is produced but you will certainly love Kinsale, a small fishing town which has gathered the reputation as being Irelands "Gourmet capital". Have lunch in Kinsale and visit the star shaped "Charles Fort" Travel across the beautiful rugged coastline of West Cork through Clonakilty, Skibbereen, Bantry and Glengarriff before taking the mountain pass that leads you to the Kingdom of Kerry. Stop in another renowned gourmet town, Kenmare, en route to Killarney. Overnight: The 4* Cahernane House Hotel on the banks of the Lakes of Killarney. Dining: We recommend Gaby's Seafood Restaurant in Killarney. Pub: Laurels Singling Pub or the Failte Inn.
Accommodation: Castle

Day 4

Day 4: Ring of Kerry and Dingle. The world famous circular route that takes in the glorious mountain, lake and coastal scenery which is celebrated throughout the World. Among the highlights are the Lakes of Killarney, Sneem, Kenmare, Skellig Islands and Carrig Lake. Continue onto Dingle, where the best pubs and craft shops in Ireland are located. This will be your base for the next two nights. Overnight: Dingle at the beautiful luxury Guesthouse Emagh House Dining: We recommend The Chart House Restaurant beside your luxury guesthouse. Pubs: Dick Macs Pub for chat, Flaherty's for live Music
Accommodation: B&B/Guest House

Day 5

Day 5: Dingle Peninsula Tour. Amongst the finest coastal scenery anywhere on earth with islands, beaches, ancient monuments and villages this is certainly one of the highlights of any visit to Ireland. Weather permitting this should be a highlight of your tour. Overnight: Dingle at the beautiful luxury Guesthouse Emagh House Dining: We recommend sampling some pub grub at Ashes Pub in the centre of town. Pubs: Do a tour of the pubs including Foxy Johns, Mc Cathy's and The Old Bridge
Accommodation: B&B/Guest House

Day 6

Day 6: Shannon Region and Dromoland. North of the Dingle peninsula is the beautiful Shannon region where the highlights include Adare, Bunratty, Limerick and the beautiful Castle hotel at Dromoland. This is an excellent place to stay and recoup after the previous excursions. Overnight: At Irelands premier Castle hotel the 5* Dromoland Castle. Dining: We recommend dining at the Earl of Thomond Restaurant in the Castle. Pubs: Durty Nellies pub in Bunratty.
Accommodation: Castle

Day 7

Day 7: Cliffs of Moher and Burren Region. Travel west to visit the beautiful Cliffs of Moher on the glorious West Clare coastline. This part of the country is known for its live music and "craic" in the local pubs. We will take in some more sightseeing before returning to a B&B in Doolin for a traditional session of the highest calibre. You may also want to visit the spectacular Aillwee Caves in Ballyvaughan. Overnight: The wonderfully intimate 4* Gregans Castle Hotel in the Burren. Dining: We highly recommend dining at the restaurant at Gregans Castle Hotel. Pub: Monks Pub in Ballyvaughan Village
Accommodation: Castle

Day 8

Day 8: Galway City and Environs. The finest city to visit in Ireland is Galway due the eclectic range of shops, pubs and restaurants and the bohemian atmosphere on the streets. I would recommend a nice city centre boutique property so you can savour the atmosphere of this unique city. West of Galway is the Connemara trail which offers great scenery, seafood and stout as well as the impromptu music session. Overnight The 4* Great Southern Hotel in Galway City. Dining: We recommend Kirwins on the Lane for contemporary Irish cuisine Pubs: To listen to the local dialect travel to Naughtons Pub on Quay Street
Accommodation: Manor House

Day 9

Day 9: Connemara We will then head to Galway and the beautiful Connemara landscape. Once we are west of Connemara the landscape begins to become more rugged and dramatic and sheep overtake cows as the main curious onlookers. We will travel through Roundstone, Cashel, and Clifden taking the Sky Road back to Clifden . Clifden is renowned for its great restaurants and pub life. Overnight: The Great Southern Hotel in Galway for a second night. Dining: Off the Square Restaurant for some great seafood. Pubs: Any of the local pubs playing traditional music.
Accommodation: Manor House

Day 10

Day 10: Connemara & Ashford Castle The following morning we can take a small hike in The Connemara National Park along the Killary Harbour, Irelands only Fjord where the mountains, sea and sky meet in a kaleidoscope of ever changing colors. After the hike we will continue through Leenane village where the movie "The Field" was filmed. About thirty minutes drive through dramatic landscape follows when the road twists and turns and eventually ends up in "Quiet Man" country and the glorious Ashford Castle. Overnight: The 5* Hotel at Ashford Castle. Dining: We recommend The Connaught Rooms at Ashford Castle. Pub: Do a tour of the local places in Cong and meet the extras from "The Quiet Man"
Accommodation: Castle

Day 11

Day 11: Ashford to Westport We will head northwest to Westport and Croagh Patrick, Ireland Holy Mountain, which, according to tradition, must be walked barefoot!! Lunch in the shadow of the mountain is a real treat as is the excellent shops and pubs of Westport. The town of Westport is also one of Ireland's prettiest towns and has been featured in many advertising campaigns especially by Guinness. Overnight: The 5* Hotel at Ashford Castle. Dining: We recommend The Connaught Rooms at Ashford Castle. Pub: Do a tour of the local places in Cong and meet the extras from "The Quiet Man"
Accommodation: Castle

Day 12

Day 12: Westport to Dublin via Sligo We will continue to Sligo to see the grave of Ireland's greatest poet WB Yeats under the watchful eye of Ben Bulben. One of the most interesting things to do in Sligo is to take a seaweed bath at Iniscrone. Alternatively you may wish to try some surfing on the beach at Easkey before continuing to Dublin for overnight. Overnight: 5* Merrion Hotel in Dublin City centre. Dining: Thornton's Restaurant on Stephen Green, the best in Ireland. Pubs: Sampling one of Dublin's oldest pubs like the Stags Head or Brazen Head.
Accommodation: Manor House

Day 13

Day 13: Return to Dublin for Last night. Today take in the highlights of one of Europe's most vibrant cities including Trinity College, The Guinness brewery, Grafton Street and the National Gallery and Museum where the finest artefacts and works of art can be found. In the evening you may enjoy a combination of fine dining and theatre as your last night in Ireland. Overnight: 5* Merrion Hotel in Dublin City centre. Dining: Patrick Guildbauds 3* Michelin Restaurant in the Merrion Hotel. Pubs: O Donahue's Pub located around the corner.
Accommodation: Manor House

Day 14

Day 14: Dublin and Depart. In the morning we will drop you to Dublin Airport for your return flight home. We wish you a safe and pleasant flight back to your homeland with many fine memories of Ireland to cherish. Slan Abhaile
Accommodation: Castle