Shades of Ireland

What's Included

• Accommodation

  Experience the charm of Ireland with stays at the Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham in Dublin, Granville Hotel, Killarney Avenue Hotel, Castletroy Park Hotel, and the historic Cabra Castle, offering a blend of modern comfort and traditional elegance.

• Transportation

  Transportation includes a mix of guided tours and optional excursions, with opportunities to explore Dublin by bus or on foot, and enjoy a traditional jaunting car ride in Killarney National Park.

• Meals

  Enjoy a hearty dinner and night of traditional Irish entertainment, and settle in for an elegant dinner at a castle.

• Cultural Experiences

  See Irish sheepdogs in action during a traditional demonstration and taste the 'water of life' during an Irish whiskey tasting.

• Sightseeing

  Stand in awe of the stunning 700-foot-high Cliffs of Moher and explore the medieval splendor of Kilkenny and Ireland's oldest city, Waterford.

What's Not Included

• Optional Tours

  Optional tours such as the Guinness Storehouse visit and medieval banquet dinner are not included and require additional payment.
  
  

• Personal Expenses

  Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included in the tour package.
  
  

• Travel Insurance

  Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
  
  

Experiences

Overnight on the grounds of a stately castle.Experience the Ring of Kerry, one of the world's great coastal roads.See Irish sheepdogs in action during a traditional demonstration.

Options

Dublin: Guinness Storehouse & Dinner This culinary and cultural adventure begins at the Guinness Storehouse, Ireland's top international visitor attraction. This self-guided tour allows you time to wander over 7 floors with your audio guide, learning about how Guinness is brewed, it's various advertising campaigns over the years, and of course you get to taste the iconic drink at its spectacular Gravity Bar. Enjoy a sweeping 360º view of Dublin as you savor a complimentary pint. Then, indulge in a quintessential Irish dinner at a contemporary restaurant that explores “New Irish Cuisine,” serving up cutting-edge dishes using the freshest, local ingredients. Duration approximately 5 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 15 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.

This option must be booked at least 7 days prior to departure, and will not be offered during Dublin's St. Patrick’s Day Festival (March 14-18). Children under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by an adult and may not participate in the tasting.
Can be pre-sold up to 7 days before departure.

Limerick: Medieval Banquet In a beautiful land of rolling green fields, ancient battlefields and medieval fortresses once inhabited by generations of clansmen, you can conjure up a world filled with lords and ladies, knights and damsels as you experience a true medieval banquet hosted in a real castle! The 15th century magically comes to life the moment you enter the castle. Sip honey-rich mead and admire the ornate tapestries and royal furnishings before sitting down for a sumptuous four-course meal and some fine wine suitable for toasting the royal court. Spirits run high with delightful song and dance performances reminiscent of this unique period. Duration approximately 4 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 15 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.


Time depends on the confirmed seating time and will vary by departure.

Culinaries

Enjoy a hearty dinner and night of traditional Irish entertainment.Taste the "water of life" during an Irish whiskey tasting.Settle in for an elegant dinner at a castle.

Must See

Jump into Ireland's vibrant capital city — Dublin.Stand in awe of the stunning 700-foot-high Cliffs of Moher.Kiss the famed Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle.

Choice Highlights

Dublin Dublin is the capital and the largest city in Ireland. Dublin is located on Ireland’s east coast, and sits at the mouth of the River Liffey. Dublin was founded in 841 by the Vikings. Today, Dublin is the economic center of Ireland and the historical and contemporary center for industry, education and the arts.

Irish Evening Raise a pint and dine on classic Irish fair as you and your fellow travelers are treated to a night of traditional Irish entertainment.

Choice on Tour: Dublin City Bus or Walking Tour Today in Dublin, you have the choice between two activities. First, you may choose to join a local expert and familiarize yourself with the “Fair City” of Dublin during a tour highlighting the top sights! Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, O’Connell Street, Grafton Street and Phoenix Park, and see the city's trademark – magnificent rows of stately Georgian town homes. Your other option is to join a local guide on an intimate walking tour of Dublin’s historic center. Explore O’Connell Street and the Grand Central Post Office, site of the 1916 Uprising. Walk along the River Liffey and learn about the important role this river played in Dublin’s history. Explore Grafton Street before discovering the rich history of St. Stephen’s Green.



Dublin City Bus Tour - NEO Day 2

Activity Level: 2

This tour is roughly 3 hours in length and requires minimal walking. There will be several opportunities to get on/off the coach for photos if passengers choose.



Dublin City Walking Tour - NEO Day 2

Activity Level: 3

Must be able to walk for 3 hours. Leisurely paced and flat surfaces. Must have comfortable walking shoes and rain gear is recommended.

Kilkenny Kilkenny is a city located in the southeast part of Ireland in the county town of County Kilkenny. It is built on the banks of the River Nore. Killkenny is rich in history as it was the seat for political power in the Middle Ages. Much of the city's architecture dates back to the 17th century.

Waterford Waterford is Ireland's oldest city with a history that dates back to Viking times. This busy port city on a tidal reach of the River Suir is known as the home of the famous Waterford crystal.

Choice on Tour: Waterford Crystal Factory or Waterford Museum and Wine Vault Today in Waterford, you have the choice between two activities. First, you may choose a behind-the-scenes tour revealing the century’s old tradition of Waterford Crystal making. Your guide will detail the step-by-step phases of creating this beautiful product, including sculpting, engraving and design inspiration. Meet high-end crystal makers. Visit the Waterford retail store, home to the largest collection of Waterford Crystal found anywhere in the world. Your other option is to enjoy a privately guided tour of Waterford’s Medieval Museum, the only museum of its kind in Ireland. Discover the story of Ireland’s oldest city through the Middle Ages. Your tour will take you down into centuries old vaults, through the 13th century Choristers Hall, past the magnificent Cloth of Gold and High Mass Vestments, and culminate in the 15th century Mayor’s Wine Vault. Here, enjoy a glass of wine.



House of Waterford Crystal Factory Tour - NEO Day 3

Activity Level: 1

Guided tour of crystal factory. Leisurely and slow paced. Minimal physical activity, approximately 45 minutes in duration and guests will have time to enjoy the café and gift shop.



Waterford Medieval Museum and Wine Vault - NEO Day 3

Activity Level: 2

Leisurely paced. Approximately one hour in duration.

Blarney Castle Blarney Castle is a medieval castle in Blarney near County Cork, Ireland. The castle was built nearly 600 years ago by Cormac MacCarthy. The castle is very popular with tourists because of the Stone of Eloquence, more commonly referred to as the Blarney Stone. Millions of tourists have flocked to the castle in kiss the Blarney Stone, located at the top of the castle.

Killarney Killarney is a town in County Kerry in southwestern Ireland. The town is on the shores of Lough Leane which is a part of Killarney National Park. Killarney has been welcoming tourists and visitors for over 250 years.

Jaunting Car Ride A Jaunting Car Ride refers to a two wheeled carriage pulled by a single horse, with seating for 2 or 4 people placed back to back. This was the main mode of transport for people in Dublin throughout the 19th century and around other parts of Ireland at that time. Jaunting cars are primarily used in Ireland today for tourists.

Ring of Kerry The Ring of Kerry is a 111-mile-long circular tourist route in County Kerry in southwestern Ireland. It is Ireland’s longest and one of its most diverse big circle driving routes. The route features beautiful beaches, lakes, medieval ruins, mountains and lakes. Driving The Ring is a very popular daytrip for tourists visiting the area, especially in the summer months.

Limerick Limerick is a city located in the mid-west region of Ireland. The city lies on the River Shannon and is the 3rd largest city in Ireland after Dublin and Cork. Limerick has a rich medieval past, and was conquered by the Vikings in the 9th century. Limerick was named the National City of Culture for 2014.

Cliffs of Moher The Cliffs of Moher are a series of cliffs located on the Atlantic coast of County Clare in the west of Ireland. They are 5 miles/8 kms long and 702 feet/213 meters tall at their highest point. On a clear day one can see the Aran Islands and Galway Bay. These cliffs are Ireland’s most visited natural attraction with up to 1 million visitors every year.

Sheepdog Demonstration

Galway Galway is a city in western Ireland in the province of Connacht. Galway lies on the River Corrib and is surrounded by County Galway. Galway is known as Ireland’s cultural heart and for its numerous festivals, events and celebrations. The area of Galway is famous for its association with the Claddagh ring, a traditional Irish ring featuring two hands, a heart and a crown which represent friendship, loyalty and love.

Castle Stay Ireland features many historic castles throughout the different regions of the country. Enjoy a stay on the grounds of the castle.

Mode of Transport

Transportation includes a mix of guided tours and optional excursions, with opportunities to explore Dublin by bus or on foot, and enjoy a traditional jaunting car ride in Killarney National Park.