The Emerald Isle bids you a hundred thousand welcomes on Tauck's comprehensive Ireland tour. Splendid scenery, fascinating history, a vibrant culture and warm, hospitable people all contribute to the great charm of Ireland. Enjoy stays in two castle hotels and visit with farmers. Experience the sophistication of Dublin and the peaceful ambiance of small villages. Have a pint with friendly locals at a lively pub. All that is best about this island nation is yours to enjoy during Tauck's ultimate Ireland tour.

2008 Itinerary

Select departures of The Best of Ireland tour feature three days in Northern Ireland (days 3, 4 & 5) instead of County Donegal;

Day 1 – Welcome to Ireland
Tauck's Best of Ireland tour departs: 9:30 AM from Shannon Airport. As your Ireland tour begins, journey through emerald countryside and along the coast to the Cliffs of Moher en route to legendary Ashford Castle. Meet your Tauck Director and your fellow travelers at our welcome dinner this evening.
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Lodging: Ashford Castle, Cong, Ireland

Day 2 – Discover Connemara
Connemara is one of the more scenically diverse regions seen on any Ireland tour, with glistening lakes, bogs, mountain vistas and the craggy Atlantic coastline. At Kylemore Lough, see Kylemore Abbey, a splendid Gothic-revival castle.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Ashford Castle, Cong, Ireland

Day 3 –Sligo to Donegal Bay
Noted poet, W. B. Yeats, described Sligo as the Land of Heart’s Desire. While in Sligo, visit Yeats’ resting place at Drumcliffe. Continue on to Donegal for a two-night stay at a lakeside hotel in the serene Irish countryside.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Harvey's Point Country Hotel, Donegal Town, Ireland

Day 4 – Explore County Donegal
Tauck's northwest Ireland tour enchants visitors with the beauty of its scenery and the warmth of its people. A lovely drive today encompasses both the coast of Ireland along Donegal Bay, and her lush farms and meadows.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Harvey's Point Country Hotel, Donegal Town, Ireland

Day 5 – Journey across Ireland
Your Ireland tour takes you through the picture-perfect scenery for which the Emerald Isle is known en route to Dublin today for a two-night stay at one of the city's finest hotels. View verdant green hills dotted with grazing sheep, ruined castles and abandoned abbeys along the way.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Four Seasons Dublin, Ireland

Day 6 – Dublin’s "Fair City," an Ireland tour highlight
Ireland’s capital and largest city, Dublin is known for its rich literary history, the intricate glass lace found on the doors of its Georgian townhouses, and its lively pubs proudly serving locally made Guinness Stout. Read a page from the Book of Kells at ancient Trinity College, and visit Dublin Castle before spending the rest of the day experiencing Dublin life as you please.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Four Seasons Dublin, Ireland

Day 7 – Through the Wicklow Mountains to Kilkenny
Today’s adventures are a highlight of any Ireland tour. The 19th-century Powerscourt Gardens, in the beautiful Wicklow Mountains, are a treat for the senses. The medieval town of Kilkenny is as well known for the quality and variety its crafts as for its rich history.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Mount Juliet Conrad, Thomastown, Ireland

Day 8 – Waterford Crystal and historic Cobh
Watch as gifted artisans create treasures in glass at the Waterford Crystal factory. The last port of call for the ill-fated Titanic, Cobh also saw the sailing of the first steamship to cross the Atlantic; discover the role that Cobh has played in maritime history at the Cobh Heritage Center. Continue on to Cork, where you'll spend the night in an elegant country manor house.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Hayfield Manor Hotel, Cork, Ireland

Day 9 – From Blarney to Killarney
Few visitors to 15th-century Blarney Castle can resist the opportunity to kiss the famous Blarney stone in the hope of being gifted with legendary Irish eloquence. Journey into County Kerry, stopping at the historic town of Kenmare en route to Killarney where you'll visit Muckross House. Tour this Elizabethan-style mansion, with time to enjoy its lovely gardens.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa, Killarney, Ireland

Day 10 – Explore the Ring of Kerry
One of the most famous drives in the world, the 100-mile route around the Ring of Kerry reveals some of Ireland’s most splendid scenery. Return to Killarney for time at leisure, adding more enjoyment of the countryside’s rich cultural heritage to this Ireland tour.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa, Killarney, Ireland

Day 11 – From a farm to a castle
Enjoy a visit and lunch with Irish farmers at their working dairy farm and discover the role of farming in the west of Ireland. Then, it’s off to Dromoland Castle to stay for the night. Prior to becoming a world-renowned hotel, this magnificent baronial manor was home to the O’Brian family for over 500 years. Join your new friends at a festive farewell reception and dinner tonight as your Ireland tour draws to a close.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Dromoland Castle, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Ireland

Day 12 – Tauck's Ireland tour ends – slaínte!
Tour ends: 7:00 am at Shannon Airport. Persons who are departing at other times should secure their own transportation to the airport.
Meals: Breakfast

Don’t miss the chance to be beguiled by
this memorable Ireland tour in 2008!

Departure Dates

May 5
Jun 2, 9, 11, 16, 23, 30
Jul 7， 14， 23， 28
Aug 4， 11， 20， 25
Sep 10, 15, 22, 29

Prices

12 Days from $4,990

Select dates offer Small Group Departures with no more than 26 Tauck guests, specially priced from $5590 per person double; inquire at time of booking.

26 meals included.

International Airfare is additional. Call Tauck for special rates on international air for travel originating in the U.S. (subject to availability).

Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before your tour begins and about our comprehensive Guest Protection Plan.

All prices are per person in U.S. dollars.