Enchanted Ireland

Day 1 – Sunday October 6, 2024 – Home to Overnight flight to Ireland 

Fly to Calgary this afternoon for our connecting overnight flight to Dublin. 

Day 2- Monday October 7, 2024 – Dublin

Arrive in Dublin this morning where we will transfer to our city centre hotel. Take the rest of the afternoon to relax or begin exploring your surroundings at leisure. This evening join your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a welcome dinner and live entertainment. 

Today’s Dinner is included 

Day 3 – Tuesday October 8, 2024 – Dublin

This morning we embark on a locally guided tour of Ireland’s capital and largest city - Dublin. See Trinity College, Georgian Dublin, Dublin Castle, O’Connell St, Phoenix Park and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. This afternoon we visit the Guinness Storehouse to learn about all things Guinness. This evening is free to explore the lively city. 

Today’s breakfast is included 

Day 4 – Wednesday October 9, 2024 – Dublin to Waterford

Depart Dublin this morning and cross the Irish countryside. Our first stop of the day is the medieval city of Kilkenny. Take some time to explore the narrow streets and imposing castle. Next, we are off to Ireland's oldest city – Waterford. Learn about the city’s famed crystal during a visit to the House of Waterford Crystal, before embarking on an enlightening and entertaining walking tour of the Viking sector of Waterford. 

Today’s breakfast and dinner are included 

Day 5 – Thursday October 10, 2024 – Waterford to Killarney

From Waterford we travel west into County Cork. First, we stop at the Old Middleton Distillery for an intriguing look into whiskey production. Next, we visit the port town of Cobh and its fascinating heritage centre. Cobh was the major port of embarkation for millions of Irish immigrants forced to flee their homeland to escape famine and poverty throughout the 18 and early 1900s. This afternoon we drive across the city of Cork on route to Blarney Castle where you will have the opportunity to kiss the legendary Blarney Stone. Later this afternoon we arrive in the resort town of Killarney. Famed for its lakes, mountains and nightlife Killarney is a great place to experience live music in one of the many local pubs. 

Today’s breakfast and dinner are included 

Day 6 – Friday October 11, 2024 – Killarney - Ring of Kerry

Today we enjoy one of the most scenic drives in the country – The Ring of Kerry. This route brings us between mountains and coastline and through many colourful villages. Stop in the picturesque village of Sneem for lunch. This afternoon we visit Killarney National Park and experience gentry life in the 1800s during a visit to historic Muckross House. Return to Killarney for a free evening. 

Today’s breakfast is included 

Day 7 – Saturday October 12, 2024 – Killarney to Galway

Departing Killarney this morning we head north. We take a short ferry ride across the Shannon Estuary to find ourselves in County Claire. Crossing this wild, rocky, windswept landscape we make our way out to the coast and arrive at the impressive Cliffs of Moher. Take in the stunning views from a top the cliffs and visit the immersive interpretive centre. This afternoon we continue our travels across the Burren, a rocky barren landscape with scatterings of castle ruins. Soon we are riding along the shores of Galway Bay. Stop for a visit at a local farm to learn a little of modern and traditional life in rural Ireland. Finally, we arrive in Galway City our home for the next two nights. 

Today’s breakfast and dinner are included 

Day 8 - Sunday October 13, 2024 – Galway – Connemara Region 

Today we explore the fascinating and picturesque Connemara region while we travel across the stunning countryside to Kylemore Abbey. Visit the restored rooms of the Abbey and learn about its history of tragedy, romance, education, innovation and spirituality. Explore the 6-acre Victorian Walled Garden and discover woodland and lakeshore walks that will take you on a beautiful journey through the 1,000-acre estate. Later we drive along the Killary Harbour, Ireland's only fjord and surrounded by spectacular mountain peaks. We conclude the day with a short stop in the picturesque village of Cong. Famed for its thatched roof cottages and the setting of the classic 1950’s movie The Quiet Man. Return to Galway City for a free evening. 

Today’s breakfast is included 

Day 9 – Monday October 14, 2024 – Galway to Derry

This morning we continue our travels north entering County Sligo home to the legendary Irish poet W.B. Yeats. Pass by the poet's grave in the small churchyard at Drumcliff. Here you will also view the unique flat-topped Benbulbin Mountain. Further up the road a briefly stop is made at Creevykeel, an ancient full-court tomb dating back to 4000bc. Next, we stop in Donegal for lunch before crossing the border into Northern Ireland and arriving in the ancient walled city known as Derry to some, and Londonderry to others. 

Today’s breakfast and dinner are included 

Day 10 – Tuesday October 15, 2024 – Derry

This morning we are joined by a local guide for a fascinating tour of Derry City including the Guildhall – Derry’s City Hall, The Walls, St Columb’s Cathedral, the Peace Bridge and the Bogside Murals. Later we visit Malin Head, Irelands most northern point, and an area steeped in history and folklore. Take in the rugged coastal landscape and attractive beaches of this remote and scenic spot before returning to Derry where a free afternoon will allow for further exploration. 

Today’s breakfast is included 

Day 11 – Wednesday October 16, 2024 – Derry to Belfast

Leaving Derry behind we venture further into Northern Ireland and visit one of Ireland’s most famous attractions – The Giant’s Causeway. Legend says the unique rock formations are actually the ruins of a great causeway built by local giant Finn McCool so he could traverse the sea to Scotland. This afternoon our route leads south, crossing the breathtaking glens of Antrum before arriving in Belfast City. 

Today’s breakfast and dinner are included 

Day 12 - Thursday October 17, 2024 – Belfast to Cabra Castle

This morning we are accompanied by a local guide for a tour of Belfast City. Our guide will take us on a journey from the city’s turbulent past to modern development. Hear of the struggles of history as we explore different neighborhoods. Later we visit the Titanic Quarter. Learn about the great ship's construction while touring the “Titanic Experience.” This afternoon we leave Belfast and Northern Ireland behind as we cross the border back into the Republic and make our way to Cabra Castle where we will toast the completion of a wonderful journey in the Emerald Isle in style as we dine at a real Irish Castle. 

Today’s breakfast and dinner are included 

Day 13 – Friday October 18, 2024 – Cabra Castle – Dublin Airport – Home

Departing Cabra Castle this morning we travel to Dublin Airport for our return flight home via Calgary. Arrive home late this afternoon with new lifelong memories of the Emerald Isle. Upon arrival a transfer will be waiting to take you back home. 

Today’s breakfast and an in-flight meal are included