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Celtic Treasures

An opportunity to tour Ireland in luxury; staying in some of Europe's finest hotels, ranging from a stylish city centre 5 star hotel to Ireland's oldest inhabited Castle. Enjoy the luxuries of country mansions, historic castles, superb restaurants and impeccable service. Experience the pleasures
of country pursuits on the extensive estates, which surround many of the hotels.

DAY 1: Dublin City (12km)
Welcome to Dublin Airport, where after picking up your car your will travel into the city centre and check into your hotel.
The remainder of the day can be spent exploring Dublin – trace its history from early Viking origins, through the mediaeval magnificence of St. Patrick’s Cathedral – visits to Dublinia, Guinness Storehouse, Jameson Irish Whiskey Distillery, Trinity College, and much much
more.
Suggested Hotel: Merrion Hotel or similar 5 star hotel.

Day 2: Galway City & Cong, Co. Mayo (265km)
Leave Dublin this morning and travel across the rich midland pastures. Why not visit Belvedere House, Gardens and Park? The
magnificent early 18th century stately home of Robert Rochfort, Earl of Belvedere, stands in 160 acres of parkland on the shores of
Lough Ennell. Belvedere is one of the finest of Ireland's historic houses, and together with gardens and park has been exquisitely
restored. Before you cross the River Shannon, Ireland’s longest river you can visit Clonmacnoise a 6th century Christian site. Arrive
into Galway, which has long traded with Spain and the Spanish influences are many in the city. Of note is Spanish Arch, a gate
way in the old city walls and the Spanish Parade, where wealthy merchants and their families enjoyed a stroll along the promenade.
Continue on from Galway to nearby Cong and Ashford Castle your overnight hotel.
Suggested Hotel: Ashford Castle, Cong, Co. Mayo

Day 3: Connemara Tour (200km)
Today embark on a tour of the wild and rugged Connemara region, famous for the savage beauty of its lake and mountain scenery.
Irish is still widely spoken here. Why not visit the magnificent Kylemore Abbey - a beautiful mansion in a lakeside setting against
a mountainous backdrop? Irish Benedictine nuns, with a tradition of over 300 years run this unique Abbey set in the heart of
Connemara, overlooking Pollacapul Lake. A haven of peace! Visit the magnificent Gothic Church. You can also visit Connemara
National Park at Letterfrack, where the indigenous wild Connemara ponies roam freely through the rugged landscape.
Suggested Hotel: Ashford Castle, Cong, Co. Mayo

Day 4: County Clare (170km)
Today you leave Ashford Castle and travel through Galway City and into County Clare. Why not visit Rathbaun Farm and see the
animals being tended, or enjoy a traditional tea and scones break? Travel through the strange lunar landscape of the Burren region or
visit the Cliffs of Moher a spectacular 5-mile long cliff, which rises almost 700 feet above sea level. You can also visit the 15th century
Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, where replicas of traditional thatched cottages are arranged in a village setting, complete with village
shops including the printers, the confectioners, the post office, the pub and hotel, the doctor's house and the bakers. Stop at some of
the many small towns and villages that Ireland is famous for.
Suggested Hotel: Dromoland Castle, Co. Clare

Day 5: Kerry (170km)
Today travel south, through the rich midland pastures and pass through the medieval city of Limerick. Stop in the pretty village of Adare , whose
Heritage Centre allows you to experience the area’s unique history, spanning from 1233.  Continue on to Kenmare, recently voted Ireland’s tidiest town.
Suggested Hotel: Park Hotel, Kenmare, Co. Kerry or similar

Day 6: Kenmare or West Cork (90km)
Today, why not relax and enjoy the hotel’s facilities or visit Kenmare with its many craft and antique shops. Alternatively tour the West Cork region travelling over the spectacular Healy Pass before arriving in Glengariff where you can take a short boat trip to Garnish Island to see the “sub-tropical” gardens. Because of a unique Gulf Stream influence, you can see many plants you would normally expect to see in much warmer
climates.
Suggested Hotel: Park Hotel, Kenmare, Co. Kerry or similar

Day 7: The Midlands (265km)
Leave Kenmare and travel through the rich rolling pastures of Ireland’s Golden Vale region. Why not stop in Cork, Ireland’s second largest city or perhaps visit the world famous Blarney Castle and nearby Blarney Woollen Mills? Continue on to the medieval city of Kilkenny where you can stroll through the narrow streets and alleyways or visit Kilkenny Castle or some of the other heritage sites.
Suggested Hotel: Mount Juliet Estate, Kilkenny

Day 8: Departure from Dublin Airport (180km)
Today travel to Dublin Airport for your return flight home.

• Bed & breakfast accommodation in deluxe hotels described above and based on per person sharing in deluxe/superior twin/double rooms with bath/shower inclusive of service charges.
• Heritage Island Touring Guide and discount card

• Bed & breakfast accommodation in standard rooms in Merrion Hotel, Dublin. One person price includes the single supplement