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2010 Celtic Royal RIT8F

Highlights:
Boyne Valley • Cooley Peninsula • Mountains of Mourne • Belfast City • Glens of Antrim • Giant’s Causeway  • Dunluce Castle  • Derry City • Donegal Town • Belleek Pottery • Drumcliffe • Sligo Town • Museum of Country Life • Westport • Croagh Patrick • Connemara National Park • Kylemore Abbey • Cong • Galway City • Burren of Clare • Cliffs of Moher • Bunratty

Itinerary:

Day 1 Arrive Dublin (Saturday)

Today is leisurely as we ensure all arrive safely and gather together in our hotel in north County Dublin. If you have purchased our Air & Land package you are transferred from the airport to the tour hotel. Enjoy a pre-dinner drink and an introduction to your travelling companions before an early dinner in your hotel. (D)

Day 2 Boyne Valley & Cooley Peninsula (Sunday)

Leaving Dublin, we head north thru’ the rich pasturelands of the Boyne valley and visit the site of the famous Battle of the Boyne near Drogheda where in 1690 King William defeated his fatherin- law King James. Both Kings commanded their armies in person with over 60,000 troops deployed - the largest number ever on an Irish battlefield. Afterwards we continue around the Cooley Peninsula, see ‘the Mountains sweep down to the sea’ and arrive in Belfast late afternoon. (B, D)

Day 3 Belfast Titanic Quarter (Monday)

A guided tour of Belfast City Hall, recently renovated, is first on the agenda this morning. Then a panoramic tour which will include the political wall murals located on the Protestant Shankill Road and the Catholic Falls Road - a unique cultural experience. See also the shipyard where the Titanic was built in 1909 and learn all about one of the most intriguing stories in history. The afternoon is free for shopping and browsing. (B, D)

Day 4 Giant's Causeway & Derry (Tuesday)

This morning we take the marine drive north past the ‘Green Glens of Antrim’ to Ballycastle on the North Antrim Coast and visit the Giant’s Causeway, one of Ireland’s most famous attractions. We then view the eerie ruins of Dunluce Castle enroute to Londonderry or Derry as most people call it. A local guide will tell the ‘Story of Derry’ on a walking tour of this historic walled city. (B, D)

Day 5 Ben Bulben & Clew Bay (Wednesday)

We travel south thru’ Donegal town and Belleek to visit the world famous porcelain factory. Enter the romantic domain of W.B. Yeats via Drumcliffe and other sites in Sligo associated with the life of the poet. Into county Mayo thru’ Swinford and Castlebar where we visit the National Museum of Country Life at Turlough Park before continuing to Westport on Clew Bay. (B, D)

Day 6 Connemara (Thursday)

Connemara remains the wildest and the most romantic place in Ireland. A drive around Murrisk Peninsula brings us to Killary Harbour Ireland’s only true fjord. Enjoy a photo stop at Kylemore Abbey on the shores of Kylemore Lough before circling Connemara and crossing Maam Valley where blackheaded sheep make up a large part of the population. Back in Westport you will have time to explore this town which was voted Ireland’s tidiest in 2008. (B, D)

Day 7 Galway City & Cliffs of Moher (Friday)

Enroute to Galway this morning we will pass thru’ the village of Cong location for the classic film ‘The Quiet Man’. Some time in Galway City before driving along the southern shores of Galway Bay, traversing the Burren region and viewing the mighty Cliffs of Moher. An optional Traditional Irish Night at the Corn Barn in Bunratty Folk Park is on offer tonight. (B)

Day 8 Tour Ends (Saturday)

Your tour ends this morning after a hearty breakfast in your hotel. A transfer to Dublin Airport is available at an additional cost. (B)

What’s Included:

• Admissions to: Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre, Belfast City Hall, Titanic’s Dock & Pump House, Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre, Belleek Pottery, National Museum of Country Life
• Transportation throughout by modern touring coach
• Services of an experienced driver/guide
• 7 nights accommodation in first class hotels
• All rooms ensuite
• 7 full Irish Breakfasts (B)
• 6 table d’hote evening meals in hotels (D)
• Welcome drink on arrival
• Bus transfers to/from Giant’s Causeway
• Tour of Derry City with local guide
• Baggage handling charges at all hotels
• Service charges & local taxes

Hotels:

• Grand Hotel, Malahide, Co. Dublin (1 Night)
• Malone Lodge Hotel, Belfast, Co. Antrim (2 Nights)
• Kee’s Hotel, Stranolar, Co. Donegal (1 Night)
• Atlantic Coast Hotel, Westport, Co. Mayo (2 Nights)
• Bunratty Castle Hotel, Bunratty, Co. Clare (1 Night)

Dates & rates:
May 1 – May8: $1349
May 15 – Jun 19: $1499
Jun 26 – Aug 7: $1399
Aug 14 – Sep 18: $1499
Sep 25 – Oct 9: $1349

Single Supplement: $350
Tour Leaves Dublin Saturdays and Returns to Bunratty Saturdays.