Day 1 – Sunday, August 9 – Dublin – Tour Begins
Arrive in Dublin this morning and transfer with the group to our hotel for the start of your Amazing Journey through the Emerald Isle. Dublin is the capital of the Republic of Ireland and Ireland’s largest city. The city is steeped in a rich history and the evidence is all around with its medieval castle and cathedrals to the splendor of the 18th century, when Dublin was the most handsome Georgian city in the Empire. Enjoy some free time this afternoon. Later, meet your fellow travelers for our official Welcome and Orientation. After, we’ll meet our driver-guide to enjoy a self-guided tour at the Guinness Storehouse, one of Ireland’s top attractions. Learn about the brewing process and the different variations of Guinness while having a few samples. This seven- story museum is full of interactive exhibits demonstrating the brewing process as well as the history behind this legendary stout. Learn about the beginnings of the Guinness Book of World Records. We’ll join together on the top floor at the Gravity Bar, where we can relax and enjoy a drink. The view is amazing in this completely glass-enclosed bar that provides 360 degree views over the city of Dublin. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a group dinner at our hotel. (D)
Day 2 – Monday, August 10 – Dublin – Killarney
This morning, we’ll visit the Jewish Museum where we’ll discover the history of Jews of Ireland. We’ll learn about when the first five Jews arrived in 1079, and then sent back to their homeland right afterwards, to the stories of Leopold Bloom of Ulysses. The upstairs has the original synagogue of Ireland in addition to the Harold Smerling Gallery. After, we leave Dublin and head towards Killarney. We’ll visit one of Ireland’s most spectacular archaeological sites, the Rock of Cashel. The limestone mound that towers over the city has a spectacular group of medieval buildings including the 12th century round tower, High Cross and Romanesque Chapel, 13th century Gothic cathedral, 15th century Castle and the restored Hall of the Vicars Choral. This evening, relax with your new friends at a group dinner. (B, D)
Day 3 – Tuesday, August 11 – Killarney
Leaving Killarney Town with our driver-guide, we start our adventure through the Killarney National Park with a boat ride from Ross Castle through Killarney National Lakes. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the majestic oak woods of Derrycunnihy and Tomies Mountains, the Meeting of the Waters where the three lakes meet, and the “shooting of the rapids” under the Old Weir Bridge. During the boat trip, we’ll be told the history and legends of the area by the local boatmen. We arrive at Lord Brandon’s Cottage on the Gearhameen River where we begin a hike through The Gap of Dunloe, a narrow mountain pass formed by glacial ice a couple of million of years ago and one of the most stunningly beautiful parts of County Kerry and Ireland. Along the way, we’ll pass five lakes, or loughs, Coosaun Lough, Black Lake, Cushnavally Lake, Auger Lake, and Black Lough. The River Loe connects the lakes. Over the river is the Wishing Bridge where it’s promised that wishes made while crossing the bridge will come true. Our hike will end at Kate Kearney’s Cottage for a pint! Enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening to explore Killarney and sample some Irish food of your choosing. Later, we’ll visit a few of Killarney’s favorite pubs while taking in the fantastic Irish music on our Amazing Journeys Pub Crawl. (B)
Day 4 – Wednesday, August 12 – Killarney – Galway
After breakfast, depart Killarney through the picturesque village of Adare before stopping at the incredible Cliffs of Moher that sit on Europe’s most westerly tip. Spend some time hiking along the craggy edge of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed cliffs, enjoying unforgettable views over the Atlantic Ocean and the Aran Islands. The North platform is located at the highest point of the Cliffs, Knockardakin at 214m or 700 feet above sea level. It is also the location of the Tower viewpoint, O’Brien’s Tower, built by Cornelius O’Brien. The South Platform is a perfect viewpoint of the Puffin colony on Goat Island. This unforgettable scenery has been in films such as The Princess Bride and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. After a few hours to explore the Cliffs and the interpretive center, we’ll drive through the town of Lisdoonvarna where they have a yearly Matchmaking Festival. Soon, we’ll be driving through The Burren National Park, a bleak, scarred limestone plateau that is often compared to the moon’s surface, with few plants growing and only the occasional sheep navigating the crevices. We arrive in Galway which has a bohemian flavor that is typical of the west of Ireland psyche: laid back, relaxed and always ready for a party. Here, among the brightly colored buildings, you will find an array of pubs and local restaurants, and some of the best Irish music in the world! (B, D)
Day 5 – Thursday, August 13 – Galway
Today we visit Connemara, traveling around Loch Na Fooey – an unspoiled glacier lake – and soak up sights of the region’s incredibly scenic countryside. Connemara has long been regarded as the real emerald of Ireland. Next, we’ll visit the majestic Kylemore Abbey, originally built as a castle in 1867; it is steeped in history and tales of tragedy and romance, engineering initiatives, model farms, royal visits, spirituality and education. With its idyllic surroundings encircled by woodlands and postcard-worthy façade fronted by a glistening lake that perfectly reflects the grand building, Kylemore Abbey has fast become one of County Galway’s iconic sights. Tonight, we’ll join together for a group dinner. (B, D)
Day 6 – Friday, August 14 – Galway – Dublin
After breakfast we’ll begin our drive back to Dublin. En route, we’ll stop in Tullamore for a tour & tasting of the Tullamore D.E.W. Whisky Distillery. We arrive at Causey Farm where we’ll be “Irish for a Day” and have a hands-on experience in Irish culture and farm activities including sheepdog herding, milking a cow, making Irish Soda Bread and learning how to play the bodhran, a traditional Irish drum. We arrive back in Dublin where we’ll have the rest of the evening free to explore the city’s pedestrian shopping streets, restaurants and pubs. (B)
Day 7 – Saturday, August 15 – Dublin
Today is yours to explore the city of Dublin any way you choose. Please note – today’s tours are all optional and at an additional expense. Walk around the beautiful city streets and shop; visit The National Gallery which includes fine arts, archeology and history; go to Belfast in Northern Ireland on a Political Tour to learn about the “troubles” between the Protestants and the Catholics; join the Game of Thrones Tour and visit Northern Ireland; see Trinity College and The Book of Kells; explore Dublin Castle; see the Kilmainham Gaol, a former prison; take a Viking Duck Tour of the city and more. The day is yours to explore Dublin and beyond! This evening, it’s time for our Amazing Journeys Farewell Event and dinner. We’ll take you to Dublin’s famous Temple Bar area where we’ll gather together and enjoy dinner and music, as we recount our many fun and amazing experiences in Ireland. (B, D)
Day 8 – Sunday, August 16 – Dublin – Tour Ends
Our tour comes to a close in Dublin. After breakfast, we will transfer you to the airport for your flight home and happy memories of your Amazing Journey to Ireland. (B)
Our Hotels:
Day 1 Jurys Inn Christchurch, Dublin
Day 2-3 Brooks Lodge or Randles Court, Killarney
Day 4-5 Imperial Hotel, Galway
Day 6-7 Jurys Inn Christchurch, Dublin
Please Note:
1) This tour includes moderate physical activity
2) Alternate hotels may be used.
3) The order of this tour may change.
All rooms are non-smoking where we match roommates. Items listed on this website are subject to change at any time. By providing payment you agree to the terms and conditions as outlined on this website.
Cancellation Policy: From the time of deposit until May 1, 2015, there is a $75.00 penalty for cancellation. From May 2 – June 3, 2015, the cancellation penalty is $350.00. From June 4 – July 7, 2015, the cancellation penalty is 50% of the total package price. From July 8, 2015 until the day of travel, the cancellation penalty is 100% of the total package price. Cancellations made on the day of departure and “no-shows” will receive no refund. There is no refund in the event of interruption or cancellation by the passenger after the start of the journey.
Cancellation insurance: Cancellation insurance is recommended. Information will be sent with your tour confirmation.
Taxes and Gratuities: Taxes, surcharges, visa fees and government fees are based on November 2014 rates and are subject to change. Gratuities have been included on this tour. Tips for the local driver/guide, specialty guides, and luggage porters are included in the cost of the tour.
Exchange Rate: If the rate of exchange between the US Dollar and the Euro changes more than 3% from when this tour was initially priced, we reserve the right to change the price of the tour. Once final payment is made, the price will not change.
Flights and Transfers: Airfare is not included with the tour cost. Transfers from and to the Dublin Airport on August 9 and August 16 are included providing the participant arrives and departs on the day and time recommended by Amazing Journeys.
Passport and Visa Requirements: A Passport is necessary to travel on this itinerary. It must be valid for six months beyond the last day of the trip. At this time, no visas are necessary to enter Ireland for those from the US, Canada or EU countries. If you are traveling to Ireland and are a citizen of another country, please check the website for the Embassy of the Republic of Ireland to see if a visa is necessary.
This tour is operated by Tumlare
