Ireland - a Craic of a Tour

Day 1 - Tuesday 7 May 2019

Melbourne - Dublin

Welcome to Sisterhood Womens Travel!  Your hostess Denise Moore will meet you at the Melbourne Airport for your flight to Dublin.  Sit back, relax and enjoy the inflight hospitality of your airlines as you head towards Dublin, Ireland.

Day 2 - Wednesday 8 May 2019

Dublin (D)

Welcome to Ireland!  Upon arrival at Dublin Airport you'll be met and head to the city to enjoy a Panoramic City Tour of Dublin.  This tour will introduce you to all the main sights, which you may then revisit at your leisure. You will visit the elegant Georgian squares, famous for its architecture and of course its famous doors. Highlights of the tour will be a visit to Trinity College and a stop at St Patrick’s Cathedral. Built in 1192, it is one of Ireland’s largest cathedrals made famous by its former dean Jonathan Swift, author of “Gulliver’s Travels.” Pass by Christchurch, built by the Anglo-Norman’s in 1172 to replace an earlier church built by the Vikings in 1038, on your way to the Phoenix Park with its many monuments including the Papal cross. Return to the city centre via the Quays, passing by the Guinness Brewery, and Collins Barrack, now part of the national museum, before arriving back into O’Connell Street and the city centre.

After your city tour you'll check into your hotel with dinner later that evening.

Overnight - Ashling Hotel or similar

Day 3 - Thursday 9 May 2019

Dublin Sightseeing (B)

This morning after breakfast you'll visit the world's first cemetery museum - at Glasnevin Cemetery where there are more than 1 million people buried!  You'll then enjoy a visit and tour of the Guinness Storehouse.  The Guinness Brewery in Dublin is Europe's largest stout producing brewery and home to the Guinness Storehouse. Opened in 1904, the Storehouse was an operational plant for fermenting and storing Guinness. Today it houses a very fine exhibition dedicated to the Guinness story. Once the tour has finished, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a pint of Guiness in Gravity Bar.

The rest of your day and dinner tonight is at leisure!.

Overnight - Ashling Hotel or similar

Day 4 - Friday 10 May 2019

Dublin - Belfast (B)

This morning after breakfast you'll depart Dublin for Belfast where you'll visit Down Cathedral enroute. Down Cathedral overlooking Downpatrick, stands close to what is believed to be the mortal remains of Patrick, the Patron saint of Ireland.  The Cathedral is impressive inside and has a wonderful organ and a very interesting seating arrangement. It is generally accepted that the main walls of the Cathedral date from the years after 1220.

Afterwards you'll visit the St. Patrick’s Centre. St Patrick is known worldwide as the patron saint of Ireland and that he is celebrated on the 17th March every year. Now discover the story of St Patrick and his place in Ireland’s history at the St Patrick Centre, located beside Down Cathedral and St Patricks Grave in the Medieval heart of Downpatrick. 

You'll then continue onto Belfast to check in and enjoy dinner at leisure.

Overnight - The Europa Hotel or similar

Day 5 - Saturday 11 May 2019

Belfast Sightseeing (B,D)

Today you'll enjoy a panoramic city tour of Belfast with a step on guide.  This is an excellent way to discover Belfast City.  The tour will take in the leaning Albert Memorial Clock tower (Ireland's answer to the Tower of Pisa) and the Opera House, which is one of Belfast’s great landmarks. Your tour will pass by the City Hall, the Opera house, The Crown Bar (dates from 1885), Queens University and the Botanic Gardens. 

Next you'll visit Titanic Belfast. Located in the heart of Belfast, the Titanic Belfast recreates the story of the world’s most famous ship in an iconic, six floor building right beside the historic site of the original ship’s construction. Opened in April 2012 to coincide with the centenary of its launch, the self-guided journey begins on entering the building's giant atrium, where the visitor is surrounded by the four ‘ship’s hull’ shaped wings which house the Titanic Experience. As you journey through the nine large galleries of the interactive exhibition, you will uncover the true story of the Titanic, from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900's, through her construction and launch, to her famous maiden voyage and subsequent place in history.

The remainder of your afternoon is at leisure with dinner tonight at the hotel.

Overnight - The Europa Hotel (or similar)

Day 6 - Sunday 12 May 2019

Belfast - Derry (B)

Today you'll say goodbye to Belfast and travel to the North Antrim coast and visit the Giant’s Causeway.

Encounter Northern Ireland’s favourite giant Finn McCool at the new Giants Causeway Visitor centre which opened in the summer of 2012. According to legend Finn McCool created the Giants Causeway by building stepping stones to Scotland to challenge the Scottish giant Benandonner! In 2015, Conde Nast Traveler magazine included hopping the stones of the Giant's Causeway as one of the '50 things to do in Europe before you die'.

You'll continue to Derry and on arrival enjoy a city walls walking tour with a local guide to discover the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland. These famous walls which date back to the early part of the seventeenth century have been a place of several sieges. There are fine views from the top of the walls, which encircle the old city, a circuit of one mile. By walking on Derry’s Walls, you have splendid views of cathedrals and churches, you will learn about the historical events that shaped the city and explore attractions such as The Bogside, The People’s Gallery: The Murals, The Diamond, the Tower Museum and the Guildhall.

Hotel Check in with dinner at leisure tonight.

Overnight - City Hotel Derry (or similar)

Day 7 - Monday 13 May 2019

Derry - Westport (B)

This morning you'll depart Derry for Westport with a visit to Donegal Castle enroute.  Built by the O'Donnell chieftain in the 15th century, beside the River Eske, Donegal Castle has extensive 17th century additions by Sir Basil Brooke. The castle is furnished throughout and includes Persian rugs and French tapestries. Information panels chronicle the history of the Castle owners from the O'Donnell chieftains to the Brooke family.

You'll then visit Drumcliffe Cemetery.  Drumcliffe was an early Christian site in at the foot of impressive Benbulben – the table top mountain. Today the principal visible remains of the monastic site are the High Cross, another plain cross, the stump of a round tower, the Church of Ireland and a graveyard. Drumcliffe is best known worldwide as the final resting place of W. B Yeats, whose grandfather was Rector here. You can see an ordinary grave for this great Nobel Prize winning author, poet and dramatist. There is a small Church Of Ireland that is also worth visiting. 

Continue to Westport and on arrival check into your hotel with dinner tonight at leisure.

Ovenight - The Castlecourt Hotel (or similar)

Day 8 - Tuesday 14 May 2019

Westport (B,D)

This morning you'll enjoy a walking tour of Westport with a local guide before visiting Westport House.  Westport House is located in a magnificent setting on the shores of Clew Bay between Westport town, Westport Quay and Westport golf course. During the 16th century Grace O’Malley, the famous Pirate and “Queen of Connaught”, was chief of the O’Malley Clan and ruled the seas around Mayo. Grace O’Malley had several castles in the west of Ireland and it was on the foundations of one of these that Westport House was built. Westport House and Gardens features rooms with original architecture, artwork and antiques.

Enjoy an afternoon at leisure before dinner at your hotel tonight.

Overnight - The Castlecourt Hotel

Day 9 - Wednesday 15 May 2019

Westport - Galway (B)

This morning you'll depart Westport and journey through the Connemara Region to Galway. Connemara is a land of lakes and rivers, bogs and mountains. A land of small villages where Gaelic is still the spoken language and where little has changed since the beginning of time. It is without a doubt the wildest and the most romantic part of Ireland. 

You'll then visit Kylemore Abbey stunningly located in the Kylemore Pass in Connemara. Mitchell Henry built the House in 1868, after having spent his honeymoon in the area.  The architecture is best described as neo-gothic and the house still displays all the characteristics of that period. One of Kylemore Abbey's most famous features is its miniature cathedral, built in 1870 and known locally as the Gothic church. Today, the abbey is home to the Irish order of Benedictine nuns.  If time allows you can also visit the Kylemore Abbey Victorian Walled Garden which was laid out in 1867 and took three years to complete.

Continue to Galway and upon arrival check into your hotel with dinner at leisure tonight.

Overnight - The Clayton Hotel (or similar)

Day 10 - Thursday 16 May 2019

Galway Sightseeing (B, AT)

Today enjoy a walking tour of the city with a local guide. The city centre of Galway is mainly pedestrian, so a walking tour is the best way to enjoy its atmosphere and discover some of its most important monuments. The tour starts on Eyre Square and finishes at the Claddagh. During the tour you will see Lynch Castle, home to the mayors of Galway, Saint Nicholas Church founded in the 13th century, and the famous Spanish Arch. You can walk along the Corrib River to the Claddagh village or to the majestic Cathedral. 

In the afternoon enjoy a cruise on Lough Corrib. The Corrib Princess sails from Woodquay in the heart of Galway city, along the famous Steamers Line, which is the lakes traditional trade route. The journey takes passengers along the majestic River Corrib and onto the lake providing visitors with a guided commentary on the historic monuments and natural amenities on this waterway that leads to the largest lake in the Republic of Ireland. There is an abundance of wild life and the Corrib has a peace and tranquillity all of its own. Tea and coffee with scones and jam are included on the cruise.

Enjoy dinner at leisure tonight.

Overnight - The Clayton Hotel (or similar)

Day 11 - Friday 17 May 2019

Galway - Ballyvaughn (B)

This morning you'll depart Galway and head for Ballyvaughan enjoying a drive through the Burren Region enroute. The Burren, part of which forms the 100 square km Burren National Park, is a unique place. It is a Karst limestone region of approximately 300 sq. km, which lies in the North West corner of Co Clare. It is composed of limestone pavements, which have been eroded to a distinctive pattern. The Burren contains dozens of megalithic tombs and Celtic crosses as well as a ruined Cistercian Abbey dating back to the 12th century. You will discover small villages abandoned during the famine period and green roads on which you can walk for miles without ever seeing a car. The flora on the Burren is a mixture Arctic and Mediterranean and rare flowers such as gentian, orchids and bloody cranesbill are the rule rather than the exception. The Burren is truly an exceptional part of Ireland.

You'll continue with a visit to the Burren Smokehouse where you can get a tasting of Burren smoked salmon. You can discover mosaics inside and outside the shop, and look at the first kiln used when the Burren Smokehouse was first set up. 

Upon arrival into Ballyvaughn, check in with dinner at leisure tonight.

Overnight - Hylands Burren Hotel (or similar)

Day 12 - Saturday 18 May 2019

Ballyvaughn - Limerick (B,D)

After breakfast depart Ballyvaughan and depart for Limerick with a visit to the famous Cliffs of Moher enroute.  Situated on the Atlantic Ocean and bordering the Burren Area, the Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland's most spectacular sights. Standing 230 metres above the ground at their highest point and 8km long, the Cliffs boast one of the most amazing views in Ireland. On a clear day, the Aran Islands are visible in Galway Bay as well as the valleys and hills of Connemara. To the south of the cliffs is Hag's Head and was once the site of a castle. 

Continue your drive and visit Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.  Bunratty Castle is one of the most complete and authentic medieval castles in Ireland. Built in 1425 and plundered on many occasions, it was authentically restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendour and now contains mainly 15th and 16th century furnishings and tapestries capturing the mood and the style of the times. Within the grounds of Bunratty Castle is Bunratty Folk Park where 19th century life is vividly recreated. Set on 26 acres, the impressive park features over 30 buildings in a ‘living’ village and rural setting.  Meet and chat with the Bean an Ti (Woman of the House) and various street characters including the Policeman and Schoolteacher. Enjoy the tastes, scents, sights and sounds of this enchanting place as you stroll from house to house or around the charming village complete with school, post office, doctors house, hardware shop, printers and of course the pub!

Continuing onto Limerick with check in at your hotel.  

This evening promises to be a absolute highlight; a medieval banquet at Bunratty Castle.  Bunratty Castle, was built in the 15th century by the Earl of Thomond and stands on the banks of the Rathy River. For over 40 years the ladies of the Castle, aided and abetted by the Earl's Butler, have welcomed guests from all over the world to join them at The Earl's Banquet. The evening begins with a mead reception in the Great Hall of the castle, then downstairs to enjoy a four course meal with red & white wine. This is followed by entertainment by the world renowned Bunratty Castle Entertainers accompanied by harp and violin. 

Overnight - The George Hotel (or similar)

Day 13 - Sunday 19 May 2019

Limerick - Dingle (B)

After a full Irish breakfast you will depart to West Kerry for a full day touring the Dingle Peninsula.  Today it's all about the scenery!  This peninsula is famous for its Celtic, pre-Christian monuments and Christian churches. It is also a ‘Gaeltacht' (Irish speaking) area, where the Irish language and traditional ways of life are preserved. The road around the Peninsula is truly spectacular. It passes through a chain of Mountains, called Slieve Mish. From Inch, a long beach bordered by dunes and made famous by David Lean’s movie “Ryan’s daughter,” admire the Iveragh Peninsula and Rossbeigh Beach. From Dingle, drive around the coast to Slea Head. Here the blue of the marine landscape surrounds the Blaskets Islands, deserted since 1953. In the distance are the two rocky Skellig islands, where the ruins of an early Christian Monastery can be found. The Dingle Peninsula will charm you with its villages painted in bright colours and will bewitch you with the dramatic beauty of its landscapes.

Later today check into your hotel with dinner at leisure.

Overnight - Dingle Benners Hotel (or similar)

Day 14 - Monday 20 May 2019

Dingle - Kerry (B,D)

Today after breakfast enjoy a scenic drive of the Ring of Kerry.  The Ring of Kerry (166km) is the most famous and panoramic route in Ireland.  The astonishing beauty of this large peninsula, Iveragh, comes from the great diversity of its scenery, which offers incessant contrasts. En route around the Ring, take in spectacular scenery - mountains, peat bogs, lakes and magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean as one travels along the coast road. Leaving Killarney pass through Killorglin, famous for its Puck Fair, then to Glenbeigh where the cliff road affords panoramic views of the Dingle Peninsula and Dingle Bay. Continuing to Cahirciveen, you’ll pass the birthplace of our National hero, Daniel O’Connell. Next, continue on through peat bogs to the town of Waterville. Continue to Sneem Village, famous for its brightly coloured houses. The road then continues through the mountains to Molls Gap and Ladies View with superb views of the famous Lakes of Killarney. Molls’ Gap is a spectacular photographic viewing point on the famous Ring of Kerry Tour.  You'll enjoy the magnificent view of Black Valley. Close by is the famous Ladies View viewing point with gives a different perspective of this magnificent countryside, with the 3 Lakes of Killarney all surrounded by the Kerry Mountains. Ladies View received its name from Queen Victoria, who was so impressed with the view that she insisted that her ladies-in-waiting should also visit here.

Continue to Kenmare with some time at leisure before arriving into Killarney for check in and dinner at your hotel.

Overnight - Randles Court Hotel (or similar)

Day 15 - Tuesday 21 May 2019

Killarney Sightseeing (B)

This morning you'll visit Muckross House and Gardens. This nineteenth century Victorian mansion is set against the stunning beauty of Killarney National Park. The house stands close to the shores of Muckross Lake, one of Killarney's three lakes, famed worldwide for their splendour and beauty. As a focal point within Killarney National Park, Muckross House is the ideal base from which to explore this landscape. Muckross House was built for Henry Arthur Herbert and his wife, the water-colourist Mary Balfour Herbert. This was actually the fourth house that successive generations of the Herbert family had occupied at Muckross over a period of almost two hundred years. William Burn, the well-known Scottish architect, was responsible for its design. Building commenced in 1839 and was completed in 1843.

You'll then enjoy a jaunting car ride in Killarney National Park.  Killarney Jaunting Cars is a family-run business and has been operated and managed for over 220 years. 

Return to Killarney later this afternoon with dinner at leisure.

Overnight - Randles Court Hotel (or similar)

Day 16 - Wednesday 22 May 2019

Killarney - Cork (B)

Today after breakfast you'll head towards Cork via Blarney Castle. Attracting visitors from all over the world, Blarney Castle is situated in Blarney village, 8 km from Cork city. It is one of Ireland's oldest and most historic castles, and one of the strongest fortresses in Munster.  Built in 1446, Blarney Castle is famous for its Blarney stone, the Stone of Eloquence, which is traditionally believed to have the power to bestow the gift of eloquence on all those who kiss it. Many legends tell the story of the Stone, but why not kiss it and find out the truth behind the legend. The Castle gardens covering 60 acres of land are under constant change and over the past few years, a water garden, fern garden and poison garden have been developed and available to explore.

Continue to Cork with check in and dinner at leisure.

Overnight - The Ambassador Hotel (or similar)

Day 17 - Thursday 23 May 2019

Kinsale (B)

Today a fabulous treat - a food tour in the colourful town Kinsale!  This tour brings you on a gentle stroll which winds its way through this vibrant town. You'll stop at various eateries in Kinsale and meet some of the local characters and producers. These people are passionate about their culinary creations and you will learn their stories and more of the history of this unique part of Ireland.  Later you'll enjoy a drive along the beautiful coastline returning back to Cork for dinner at leisure.

Overnight - The Ambassador Hotel (or similar)

Day 18 - Friday 24 May 2019

Cork - Waterford (B)

Today you'll depart Cork for Waterford stopping enroute at Dugarvan.  You'll then continue to Waterford and on arrival visit Waterford Crystal.  A unique highlight of a visit is the factory tour which gives an up close insight into the centuries-old tradition of Waterford Crystal making. Feel the heat of the furnace and marvel at the skills of the craftsmen. The factory tour includes the following traditional production areas; wooden mould making, crystal blowing and furnace, crystal cutting and quality inspection and finishing. After the tour visitors can browse the world’s most famous crystal in a lavish retail store, which houses the largest collection of Waterford Crystal found anywhere in the world. The centre includes the retail store, exhibition and crystal installation areas, coffee shop and worldwide shipping facility.  

Also enjoy a walking tour of Waterford, the oldest city in Ireland; a walled city with Viking remains. It retains much of its medieval character together with the graceful buildings from its 18th century expansion. Like Kilkenny, Waterford feels medieval, with narrow alleyways leading off many of the larger streets. Reginald’s Tower marks the city’s Viking heart and the surrounding area is particularly attractive. Georgian times left a legacy of fine houses and commercial buildings particularly around The Mall, George’s street and O’Connell Street. Highlights include the French church and Christchurch Cathedral on the tour. Today Waterford is best known as a port and commercial city.

Later, hotel check in with dinner at leisure.

Overnight - The Fitzwilton Hotel (or similar)

Day 19 - Saturday 25 May 2019

Waterford - Kilkenny (B)

This morning you'll depart Waterford and head towards Kilkenny stopping along the way to the SS Dunbrody Famine Ship.  The Dunbrody Famine ship is a reconstruction of the original Dunbrody, built in Quebec in 1845 by Thomas Hamilton Oliver, an Irish emigrant from Co. Derry.  You'll enjoy hearing the historical background to the Great Famine, and the reason why so many people were forced to emigrate on sailing ships like Dunbrody to America in the mid-19th century. You will then follow in the footsteps of a group of Famine emigrants as you board the Dunbrody with your own personal ticket and explore the ship, fitted out exactly as it would be for a voyage. You will encounter actors, playing the role of emigrants, in their cramped quarters. This authentic recreation with its actors, sound effects and smells, will transport you back in time leaving a lasting impression.

We'll continue to Kilkenny and upon arrival visit Kilkenny Castle one of the most instantly recognised buildings in Ireland.  Kilkenny Castle has been an important site since it was built by the Anglo-Normans in the 12th century. The castle has been remodelled in Victorian times and set in extensive parklands which was the principal seat of the Butler family, Marquesses and Dukes of Ormonde.  

Check into your hotel with dinner at leisure tonight.

Overnight - The Pembroke Hotel (or similar)

Day 20 - Sunday 26 May 2019

Kilkenny - Dublin (B,D)

This morning after breakfast depart Kilkenny and travel to Dublin, stopping for a visit to Powerscourt House and Gardens.  Situated at the foot of the Wicklow Mountains, Powerscourt is one of the most beautiful estates in Ireland. Powerscourt Gardens are a magnificent example of aristocratic gardens from the 19th century. The gardens were initiated around 1745 and restyled in the 19th century.  Originally built as a castle in 1300 and home to the Wingfield family from 1603 for 350 years. The house is now home to the best of Irish design in gifts, clothes, and furniture in the Avoca Stores and the Interiors Gallery. You can also treat yourself to a dish from the Avoca Cookbook in the Terrace Cafe.

You'll then visit Glendalough an early Christian monastic site founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. Set in a glaciated valley with two lakes, the monastic remains include a superb round tower, stone churches and decorated crosses.

Continue to Dublin with hotel check in and a farewell dinner at Merry Ploughboys Pub. The Merry Ploughboys live in concert is widely regarded as the best traditional music show in Dublin and also as a must see for any visitors to Dublin city. The show is a highly entertaining performance of live traditional Irish music, song and Irish dancing. From start to finish, this is a show based on fantastic interaction between the performers and the audience.  It will be a fantastic way to end an amazing adventure of spectacular sightseeing, fun, laughter and new friends made!

Overnight, bed and breakfast at your hotel in Dublin or area.

Overnight - Ashling Hotel (or similar)

Day 21 - Monday 27 May 2019

Free Day in Dublin (B)

Today a free day in Dublin for last minute sightseeing and shopping.  An early evening transfer to the airport to begin your flight home to Australia.

Day 22 - Tuesday 28 May 2019

In Flight (Meals onboard)

Sit back, relax and enjoy the infight entertainment of your airline as you head home with great memories.

Day 23 - Wednesday 29 May 2019

Welcome Home!

Welcome Home!  Thank you for joining Denise and Sisterhood Womens Travel for your latest adventure and we look forward to welcoming you back!