Collette
OFFER ID 1694231
From history-filled Dublin to the rolling green hills and dramatic coast, experience Ireland’s charms on a journey through the Emerald Isle. Kiss the Blarney Stone at historic Blarney Castle. See Killarney from an Irish jaunting car and pick from a selection of the best restaurants in town with our Diner’s Choice program. Experience the world-famous beauty of the Ring of Kerry. See border collies in action during a traditional sheepdog demonstration. Stand in awe at the top of the stunning 700-foot Cliffs of Moher. Feel like royalty during an overnight stay on the grounds of a castle. A vibrant blend of captivating culture and stunning scenery, these are the shades of Ireland you’ve always imagined.
8 nights from $4,199 per person
Day 1 Overnight Flight
Anticipation mounts as you make your way toward the Emerald Isle and its many wonders. Rich history, rolling hills, and warm smiles lie ahead in Dublin, Waterford, Killarney, and Limerick. With tomorrow comes quintessential Ireland.
Day 2 Dublin, Ireland
Get a taste of old Dublin. With no scheduled activities through the afternoon, take your time to wander the city streets and soak up that Irish charm. Tonight, you and your fellow travelers revel in a traditional Irish evening, including regional cuisine.(D)
Day 3 Dublin
Today, ride with a local guide to see St. Patrick’s Cathedral, O’Connell Street, and the historic Phoenix Park. What follows is an afternoon to discover Dublin’s charms on your own. Later, you may join an optional tour to the Guinness Storehouse, followed by dinner at a contemporary restaurant showcasing Irish cuisine.(B)
Day 4 Dublin - Kilkenny - Waterford
Step back in time and begin the day in the medieval splendor of 12th-century Kilkenny on the River Nore. Then, in Waterford, embark on a leisurely paced walking tour of Ireland’s oldest city. It’s your choice! Tour the Waterford Crystal factory and learn how exquisite crystal has been made for centuries -OR- visit the Medieval Museum for a guided tour and a glass of wine in the 15th-century Mayor’s Wine Vault.(B, D)
Day 5 Waterford - Blarney Stone - Killarney
The legend goes that those who kiss the Blarney Stone gain the gift of eloquence - give it a try if you wish at historic Blarney Castle, by navigating the 128 narrow steps to the top. Cross into County Kerry and continue on to charming Killarney. Tonight, it’s Diner’s Choice... choose your included dinner from a "menu" of Killarney’s great restaurants.(B, D)
Day 6 Killarney - Ring of Kerry - Killarney
Take in the rugged coastline as you loop your way around the picturesque Ring of Kerry, past pristine beaches, quaint villages, and majestic landscapes. At the Gap of Dunloe, shop for local artisan-made crafts. Meet the local McGill family at their roadside artisan brewery and enjoy a taste of their finest beers. Continue around the Ring of Kerry and top off the day back in Killarney with a ride in a traditional jaunting car.* The night is free for reminiscing about the day as you find your own authentic taste of Irish culture.(B)
Day 7 Killarney - Cliffs of Moher - Limerick
Today brings you to the dramatic, 700-foot-high Cliffs of Moher for cinematic views of the mighty Atlantic. Continue to Limerick, where a panoramic city tour showcases King John's Castle and the Treaty Stone. Delve into the fascinating history of the "city of the violated treaty." This evening, you may join an optional medieval banquet dinner, hosted in a castle.(B)
Day 8 Limerick - Galway - Limerick
Pass through the windswept, limestone landscape of the Burren, known for its stark beauty and Neolithic tombs. See border collies in action during a traditional sheepdog demonstration. Continue on to Galway for some free time to explore this pretty and vibrant city. Return to Limerick to relax over dinner.(B, D)
Day 9 Limerick - Kilbeggan - Killiney
You don’t have to be a connoisseur to appreciate the old-world heritage of Ireland’s whiskey territory. Your journey brings you to Kilbeggan in the heart of Ireland, where a superb distillery brings whiskey craftsmanship to life and gives you a taste of the final product. Top your day off with an overnight stay on the stately grounds of Fitzpatrick Castle, where you toast the end of a memorable trip during an elegant dinner.(B, D)
Day 10 Killiney - Tour Ends
Your journey ends in Killiney.(B)
Day 1 Overnight Flight
Anticipation mounts as you make your way toward the Emerald Isle and its many wonders. Rich history, rolling hills, and warm smiles lie ahead in Dublin, Waterford, Killarney, and Limerick. With tomorrow comes quintessential Ireland.
Day 2 Dublin, Ireland
Get a taste of old Dublin. With no scheduled activities through the afternoon, take your time to wander the city streets and soak up that Irish charm. Tonight, you and your fellow travelers revel in a traditional Irish evening, including regional cuisine.(D)
Day 3 Dublin
Today, ride with a local guide to see St. Patrick’s Cathedral, O’Connell Street, and the historic Phoenix Park. What follows is an afternoon to discover Dublin’s charms on your own. Later, you may join an optional tour to the Guinness Storehouse, followed by dinner at a contemporary restaurant showcasing Irish cuisine.(B)
Day 4 Dublin - Kilkenny - Waterford
Step back in time and begin the day in the medieval splendor of 12th-century Kilkenny on the River Nore. Then, in Waterford, embark on a leisurely paced walking tour of Ireland’s oldest city. It’s your choice! Tour the Waterford Crystal factory and learn how exquisite crystal has been made for centuries -OR- visit the Medieval Museum for a guided tour and a glass of wine in the 15th-century Mayor’s Wine Vault.(B, D)
Day 5 Waterford - Blarney Stone - Killarney
The legend goes that those who kiss the Blarney Stone gain the gift of eloquence - give it a try if you wish at historic Blarney Castle, by navigating the 128 narrow steps to the top. Cross into County Kerry and continue on to charming Killarney. Tonight, it’s Diner’s Choice... choose your included dinner from a "menu" of Killarney’s great restaurants.(B, D)
Day 6 Killarney - Ring of Kerry - Killarney
Take in the rugged coastline as you loop your way around the picturesque Ring of Kerry, past pristine beaches, quaint villages, and majestic landscapes. At the Gap of Dunloe, shop for local artisan-made crafts. Meet the local McGill family at their roadside artisan brewery and enjoy a taste of their finest beers. Continue around the Ring of Kerry and top off the day back in Killarney with a ride in a traditional jaunting car.* The night is free for reminiscing about the day as you find your own authentic taste of Irish culture.(B)
Day 7 Killarney - Cliffs of Moher - Limerick
Today brings you to the dramatic, 700-foot-high Cliffs of Moher for cinematic views of the mighty Atlantic. Continue to Limerick, where a panoramic city tour showcases King John's Castle and the Treaty Stone. Delve into the fascinating history of the "city of the violated treaty." This evening, you may join an optional medieval banquet dinner, hosted in a castle.(B)
Day 8 Limerick - Galway - Limerick
Pass through the windswept, limestone landscape of the Burren, known for its stark beauty and Neolithic tombs. See border collies in action during a traditional sheepdog demonstration. Continue on to Galway for some free time to explore this pretty and vibrant city. Return to Limerick to relax over dinner.(B, D)
Day 9 Limerick - Kilbeggan - Killiney
You don’t have to be a connoisseur to appreciate the old-world heritage of Ireland’s whiskey territory. Your journey brings you to Kilbeggan in the heart of Ireland, where a superb distillery brings whiskey craftsmanship to life and gives you a taste of the final product. Top your day off with an overnight stay on the stately grounds of Fitzpatrick Castle, where you toast the end of a memorable trip during an elegant dinner.(B, D)
Day 10 Killiney - Tour Ends
Your journey ends in Killiney.(B)
Waterford Shore Excursion- Waterford and Kilkenny Tour - Full Day Tour
Castle which stands majestically beside the River Nore on the south side of the city.Waterford’s Fine Houses – full day tour
Leaving Waterford this morning we travel through the rich pastures of County Waterford and head for Lismore to visit Lismore Castle Gardens. The castle, which was originally built in 1185 is now the Irish home of the Duke of Devonshire. While Lismore Castle itself is not open to the public, the beautiful and lovingly maintained public gardens are, as is the west wing of the Castle which houses a wonderful contemporary art gallery. The gardens are said to be the oldest continually cultivated gardens in Ireland and they offer spectacular views of both Lismore Castle and the surrounding countryside of the Blackwater valley.
Leaving Lismore we visit nearby Cappoquin House, which is an eighteenth century mansion built on the site of an old Fitzgerald Castle overlooking the River Blackwater. It was designed by the Cork architect, Abraham Hargreave. The Keane family have lived here for the last 300 years. It is little changed from the handsome building completed in 1779. In the house are many reminders of the Afghan war of 1839 in which General Sir John Keane later created Lord Keane of Ghuznee and Cappoquin played an important role. The garden is on a south facing slope crowned with two huge arboretum rhododendrons and planted with unusual trees and flowering shrubs.
Returning to Waterford, we visit Curraghmore House, which is owned by the Marquis of Waterford and has been home to his ancestors since 1170. Some 2,500 acres of formal gardens, woodland and grazing fields make this the largest private demesne in Ireland and one of the finest places to visit in Ireland. The interior has exceptionally fine plasterwork and a guided tour of the main reception rooms of Curraghmore House can be arranged by prior appointment. This tour takes in some of the finest neo-classical rooms in Ireland which feature the magnificent plaster work of James Wyatt and grisaille panels by Peter de Gree. The superbly landscaped gardens beside Curraghmore House, incorporate a shell house, the interior of which was designed by Catherine, Countess of Tyrone, in 1754. May and June are the best months to appreciate azaleas, rhododendrons, through exceptionally fine trees may be enjoyed at any time.
Your driver with then transfer you back to your ship.
Dublin: Highlights of Dublin City - 8 hours
Ireland, known affectionately as the “the Emerald Isle” is renowned for its excellent hospitality and you can be assured of a warm welcome by your guide and driver, who will meet you at the port. Discover the history, literary heritage and culture that lies behind Dublin’s elegant Georgian architecture and famous landmarks, during your full-day tour.
Founded in the 16th-century, Trinity College is Ireland's oldest university and holds the Book of Kells, a greatly treasured example of early Irish manuscript illumination. History lovers may opt to visit the nearby Treasury of the National Museum or EPIC - the interactive museum commemorating the emigration of 10 million Irish. For those interested in art, the National Gallery houses a superb collection.
Afterwards make a lunchtime pit stop at the Guinness Storehouse, where you learn how a pint of the world-famous Guinness is created. The heart of the building is modelled on a giant pint glass, which would hold approximately 14 million pints of Guinness beer if filled! Enjoy a complimentary pint of Guinness in the Gravity Bar, which boast 360-degree views of the capital.
Complete your touring this afternoon, with a visit to St. Patrick's Cathedral, the largest church in Ireland and final resting place of Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver's Travels. Here, take a guided tour of the impressive staterooms which are a longtime symbol of British rule in Ireland, before being transferred back to your ship.
Highlights:
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
Dublin - Dublin City & Powerscourt - Full Day Tour
Upon arrival in Dublin Port, you will meet with your private driver/guide and transfer directly to Powerscourt House & Gardens in Co. Wicklow
This stunning 18th Century Stately home comprises 
extensive gardens, which are open to the public; as is the Main House. There is a lovely restaurant in the house, overlooking the gardens and Wicklow Mountains, which offers the finest in Irish artisan, home cooked cuisine. The 34,000 acres of this estate extend along both shores of the River Dargle . Powerscourt is one of the finest properties in Europe, designed and laid out by Daniel Robertson between 1745 and 1767. This property is filled with splendid Greek and Italian-inspired statuary, decorative ironwork, a petrified-moss grotto, lovely herbaceous borders, a Japanese garden, a circular pond and fountain with statues of winged horses, and an occasional herd of deer. Opportunity for shopping at Avoca Handweavers now located in Powerscourt House. Enjoy lunch here at Powerscourt or at a traditional Irish pub in the city centre.
Upon your return from Powerscourt Estate, your private driver guide will take you on your tour of Dublin City.
Whilst Dublin is a vibrant and bustling city, by European standards it is a small city with a population of just over 1 million people. Much of Dublin’s streetscapes are adorned with beautiful 18th century townhouses and a
number of city parks, such as St. Stephen’s Green and indeed Merrion Square. The highlights of any tour in Dublin may include a visit to Trinity College, the Guinness Storehouse… and –if time permits –St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Following the city tour, your driver will return you to your ship.
Inclusions
Dublin: An Introduction to Dublin - 4 hours
Disembark for a city adventure this morning accompanied by your expert guide and driver. Your tour of Dublin begins with the impressive Trinity College; Ireland's oldest university. Explore the Old Library, which houses 200,000 antiquarian texts and the oldest surviving harp in Ireland. Here you will see the world-famous Book of Kells; a fabulous example of early Irish manuscript illumination. Hand-crafted by monks, it contains the four gospels and has been resident at Trinity College since the 17th century. Continue to St. Patrick's Cathedral, the largest church in Ireland, where you have the opportunity to see a memorial to Jonathan Swift, the author of 'Gulliver's Travels', who became Dean of St. Patrick's in 1713. Afterwards you are transferred back to port.
Highlights:
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
