Ireland Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Dublin
Upon arrival in Dublin, take a taxi to your hotel. This afternoon meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel and go for a walking tour of the top sites of the city. Dublin has been called "Europe's most intimate capital." Step into a local pub and you'll understand that quote immediately. Or, ask a stranger for directions and by the time you've learned about the three must-see sights on the way you'll have made a new friend.
Dublin City has a 2,000 year old history. From medieval cathedrals and ancient city walls to Georgian squares and Victorian grandeur, the streets are alive with history, heritage and tales of bygone years. You will see it all on your tour of the city.
Day 2: Dublin
Today, you can tour Dublin in style in a handsomely outfitted horse-drawn carriage with a driver who will comment on the sights as you travel the city's streets and squares. To arrange a ride, consult one of the drivers stationed with carriages at the Grafton Street side of St. Stephen's Green. Rides range from a short swing around the green to an extensive half-hour Georgian tour or an hour-long Old City tour. It's slightly touristy, but kids (and romantics) love it. Tonight go to a pub and listen to some music.
Day 3: Dublin
Today we receommend a historical walking tour of Dublin. In just 2
hours, this award-winning and entertaining 'seminar on the street'
conducted
by
history graduates
of Trinity College,
explores
the main features of Irish history - Dublin's development, the influence
of the American and French Revolutions, the Potato Famine 1845-49,
the 1916 Rising, the War of independence, partition - and concludes
with the current peace process.
You will visit: Trinity College, Old Parliament House, Temple Bar,
City Hall, Dublin Castle, Wood Quay, Christ Church Cathedral, Four
Courts.
Day 4: Limerick
This morning take the train from Dublin to Limerick. Pick up your rental car and drive to Adare Manor. Explore along the way and have lunch. 8 p.m. Dinner reservations at the Manor.
Day 5: Limerick
It's Tee Time today! Golf and perhaps spa in the afternoon. We will arrange your reservations for both activities.
Day 6: Killarney
Drive to Killarney, the start of your Ring of Kerry Tour. Afternoon Tee Time. Dinner reservations tonight at the Killen House
Day 7: Killarney
This morning meet your guide for a tour of the Gap of Dunloe. The tour begins with a coach journey to Kate Kearney's Cottage where you can take a jaunting car through the six mile pass. Once through the gap, boats are waiting on the Gearhameen River for the homeward journey via the enchanting Upper, Middle & Lower Lakes to historic Ross Castle where coaches await for the journey back to Killarney, returning at 4 p.m. Dinner tonight at Killen House.
Day 8: Caherdaniel
This morning continue your drive around the Ring of Kerry stopping in Rossbeigh. Rossbeigh the scenic beach in Glenbeigh, with 8km of golden sand and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains is Kerry's most popular. The west side of Rossbeigh facing the Atlantic ocean is perfect for surfing or windsurfing. Continue driving, exploring along the way. Check into Geraldine and David Hare's wonderful B&B in Caherdaniel.
Day 9: Caherdaniel
This morning take a 5 minute walk to the Bunavalla Pier and take a boat trip to the Skelligs. This is a fabulous way to spend the day.
Day 10: Kinsale
Drive to Kinsale and check into hotel. Walk into town (10 minutes) and visit Desmond Castle, Built around 1500 as a customhouse by the earl of Desmond, this tower house has a dark history: Spanish troops occupied it during the battle of 1601, and the British later used it as a prison for captured American sailors during the War of Independence. Locally, it's known as "French Prison" because French prisoners were kept here during the mid-18th century. In a horrible accident, 54 French prisoners died here in a fire in 1747. During the Great Famine the building was used as a workhouse for the starving populace. Now, in more peaceful times, the castle is at last benign. Today it is the home of the International Museum of Wine, celebrating the Irish emigrants who colonized the wine trade throughout the world after being forced to leave their own shores.
Day 11: Kinsale
Enjoy a day on the harbor.
Day 12: Edinburgh
Drive to Cork airport and turn in your rental car and fly to Edinburgh.
Upon arrival take a taxi to your hotel. This afternoon, perhaps go
to the National Museum and have dinner at the top of the National Museum
at the Tower 
Restaurant
with its splendid views that overlook the castle.
Day 13: Edinburgh
Today take a walking tour of Edinburgh. Edinburgh’s Royal Mile
is a treasure-chest of historic gems just waiting to be opened. Let
your
expert guide unfold
the history
of this
fascinating street and reveal its unique place in the development of
the Scottish nation.
Discover how the Royal Mile received its name. Marvel at the splendour
of Scotland’s original Parliament Hall. Find out how Britain’s
oldest equestrian statue shocked the ladies! Learn why, to this day,
Scots spit on a stoney heart. Explore closes and courtyards. Stand
where the great and the good once lived and worked. .
Day 14: Edinburgh
Today enjoy a literary tour of Edinburgh.
* Walk the Mile with
Scott, Burns & Stevenson
* Find out which celebrated Scottish play was 400 years between performances!
* Discover who was the original Sherlock Holmes
* Learn how the city has inspired Rankin & Rowling
In 2005 Edinburgh was the first world city to be
awarded the title UNESCO City of Literature. Your engaging tour of
the Old Town evokes
the sites and sounds described by some of the world’s most famous and respected
writers – Sir Walter Scott, RL Stevenson, JK Rowling, Ian Rankin.
From plays to poetry, historical novels to thrillers, personal diaries to diatribes:
your tour provides you with the historical background, strange tales and quirky
quips that lie behind famous works of literature. Visit the landmarks and learn
of the tales that inspired.
Day 15:Departure
Today start your journey home or on to your next destination.