The Emerald Isle bids you a hundred thousand welcomes on this comprehensive tour including Northern Ireland travel. 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 farms, a historic whiskey distillery, a folk park and the fabled Giants Causeway. Experience the sophistication of Dublin and Belfast, and the peaceful ambience of small villages. Have a pint with friendly locals at a lively pub. All that is best about Ireland is yours to enjoy on this memorable journey.

2008 Itinerary

Day 1 – Welcome to Ireland
Tour departs: 9:30 am from Shannon Airport. As your Ireland tour featuring Northern Ireland travel begins, journey through 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 and Northern Ireland travel adventure, 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 – Ulster-American Folk Park and Derry
Your Northern Ireland travel begins today as you journey north from Ashford Castle into Ulster. Learn the story of the Irish immigration to America from Ulster during the 18th and 19th centuries at the Ulster-American Folk Park. Take a guided walk along the impressive 17th-century city walls of Derry.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: City Hotel, Londonderry, Northern Ireland

Day 4 – Irish Whiskey / Giants Causeway
A highlight of any Northern Ireland travel adventure is a private guided tour of the world-famous Old Bushmills Distillery, revealing how Irish Whiskey is produced; enjoy tasting the finished product. Irish legend has it that the giant Finn McCool single-handedly built the Giants Causeway to bring his equally giant ladylove across the sea to him; see this natural wonder as well as Dunluce Castle today as you drive to County Down.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Hastings Culloden Hotel, Holywood, Northern Ireland

Day 5 – From Belfast to Dublin
Before departing Northern Ireland travel to Belfast for a tour with a local guide, exploring the historic city's past and present; continue south to Dublin for a two-night stay in a historic hotel near Trinity College.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: The Westin Dublin, Ireland

Day 6 – Discover Dublin’s Fair City
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: The Westin Dublin, Ireland

Day 7- Through the Wicklow Mountains to Kilkenny
Today’s adventures are a highlight of any Ireland and Northern Ireland travel experience. 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. Your Ireland and Northern Ireland travel adventure continues in 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 and a visit to 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 with Northern Ireland travel.
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 and Northern Ireland travel adventure draws to a close.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Dromoland Castle, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Ireland

Day 12 – Journey Home
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 tour the Emerald Isle and experience Northern Ireland travel in 2008!

Departure Dates

Jun 6
Jul 4, 18
Aug 15, 29
Sep 12, 26

Prices

12 Days from $5,190 plus airfare

27 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.