Highlights of Ireland Singles Tour

August 5 - 13, 2011
 
$1990*

The Highlights of Ireland Tour is a hosted vacation that takes you to some of the greatest sights Ireland has to offer! Hop on Hop off in Dublin, Kiss the Blarney Stone in Cork, Explore the streets of Killarney, and Drive the Ring of Kerry, all while meeting and traveling with singles, solo travelers and friends from around the country.

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Ireland Highlights Itinerary

Day 1 - Depart Home

Your vacation begins when you board your overnight flight to Dublin. Plan your flight to arrive in the morning so you will have free time to relax or explore Dublin.

Day 2 - Arrive Dublin, Ireland

Today arrive at the Dublin aiport and take the shuttle to our hotel. Your singles hostess will meet you in the hotel lobby at 7:00 pm for optional dinner. Overnight in Hotel in Dublin.

Day 3 - Dublin

After a full Irish Breakfast at the hotel, receive your Dublin Pass and Hop-on Hop off tour bus tickets. With over 30 attractions included free with our Pass there is no need to carry cash or rummage for money - so keep your wallet in your pocket, save money and discover Dublin!

Not only does the Dublin Pass entitle the group to free admission, we also benefit from Fast-Track entry, allowing us to skip the long lines at some of the busiest tourist attractions! So visit Trinity College and the Old Library to view the illuminated manuscript of the Book of Kells., the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin Castle, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Kilmainham Gaol and the Old Jameson Distillery or one of the many other stops along the route. Tonight enjoy a welcome dinner in Ireland’s oldest pub: The Brazen Head.  Overnight in Hotel in Dublin

Day 4 - Dublin - Cork - Killarney

What would a trip to Ireland be without kissing the Blarney Stone. Say goodbye to Dublin as we are chauffeured by our driver/guide to County Cork, the home of Blarnery Castle.

Blarney Castle was built nearly six hundred years ago by one of Ireland’s greatest chieftains, Cormac MacCarthy. It's fame might have something to do with the Blarney Stone, the legendary Stone of Eloquence, found at the top of our Tower. Once upon a time, visitors had to be held by the ankles and lowered head first over the battlements, today the Stone itself is still set in the wall below the battlements. To kiss it, one has to lean backwards (holding on to an iron railing) from the parapet walk. The prize is a real one as once kissed the stone bestows the gift of eloquence.

In the late afternoon arrive in Killarney, Ireland's most historic and compact medieval city with picturesque alleyways and array of historical buildings. Take a walk around the picturesque alleys or visit the workshops of local arts and craftsmen or enjoy the bustle in the town centre. Overnight in Killarney.

Day 5 - Killarney

Today explore the ‘RING OF KERRY’, 105 miles of some of Ireland's most spectacular scenery. The Ring of Kerry offers magnificent panoramas of the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged coastline of southwest Ireland contrasting with the rich and varied vegetation nurtured by the Gulf Stream The route takes you through many small villages such as Sneem, famous for its multicoloured houses, and through the mountains to Molls Gap and Ladies View, which offer superb views of the famous lakes of Killarney.

On our return to Killarney your afternoon is free so why not take a Jaunting Cart ride to Killarney National Park. Walk through the Park which covers an area of 10,000 hectares, visit Muckross House and Gardens, a truly impressive 19th century manor with a Portland stone exterior, or take a boat ride on the world famous Killarney Lakes.  Second overnight in Killarney.

Day 6 - Killarney - Adare - Limrick

Snuggled in a wooden and lush countryside setting, Adare is widely regarded as being Ireland’s prettiest and most picturesque village. Step back in time and experience the architectural wealth and scenic beauty of Adare village. The mix of centuries is blended into everyday life as some of the thatched cottages are home to arts and crafts shops. 

Then travel to Limerick and discover the history of Ireland’s third largest city on our walking tour. Stroll by buildings ancient and historical, middle-aged and stately, modern and exciting on both sides of the River Shannon. See the famous King John's Castle, King's Island, Irish Town, Georgian Limerick and Newtown Perry.

Tonight enjoy an optional Banquet at Bunratty Castle. Be entertained by medieval singers and have a sumptuous 4 course dinner, eaten in the style of the Medieval Ages.  Overnight in Limerick.

Day 7 - Limerick - Aran Islands 

Let's have an adventure today and travel to the small fishing village of Doolin and board a ferry to the mysterious Aran Islands. Remnants of stone age living are preserved on the three islands located at the mouth of Galway Bay. You are free to explore the Islands, take a bike ride, jaunting cart or minibus tour of the islands.

Throughout the islands, you will find the ruins of early Christian monasteries and fortifications, the best known being Dun Aengus which dates back over 2000 years, and many churches. The ruins of the House of Saint Edna, the most important Medieval religious settlement on Inishmore, can still be seen. Our driver will be waiting for us on the mainland. Overnight in Limerick.

Day 8 - Limerick - Dublin

Travel the Irish countryside to the world-renowned Irish National Stud Farm, home to some of Ireland's finest thoroughbreds. This 1,000-acre Farm has been in use as a Stud Farm since 1900 and boasts a fascinating state-of-the-art Horse Museum. Why not take a stroll around the beautiful Japanese Gardens situated in the grounds of the Stud Farm. Planned to symbolize the 'Life of Man' from the cradle to the grave the gardens are considered the finest in Europe.

Or travel through an underground stone passage to experience the raw beauty of St. Fiachra's Garden. Designed as a Millennium project, it has four acres of woodland and lakeside walks and invokes the spirituality of the monastic movement in Ireland during the 6th and 7th centuries

Time to relax at our Dublin Airport hotel before our farewell dinner and show.  Enjoy The Merry Ploughboys Live in Concert, regarded as the best traditional music show in Dublin. The show itself is a highly entertaining performance of live traditional Irish Music, Song and Irish Dancing. The very best of fresh Irish food is served from our restaurant which offers a choice menu.

Day 9 - Depart Ireland

After the groups final breakfast at our hotel take the shuttle bus to Dublin Airport and bid farewell to the Emerald Isle.