IRISH EXPLORER

Dublin, Sligo, Ennis, Killarney, Tramore

ITINERARY:

1 DUBLIN, IRELAND.
Check into your hotel. At 3 p.m. meet your travelling companions for an afternoon orientation drive through statue-lined O'Connell Street and elegant Georgian squares to St. Patrick's Cathedral, and Trinity College. Your Tour Director will have some suggestions for dining tonight.

2 DUBLIN - BOYLE - SLIGO.
On your first day in the Irish countryside, discover why this is known as the "Emerald Isle." Motor north through history-steeped landscapes with Ireland's typical round towers and castle ruins, to the legendary Hill of Tara. See mighty Trim Castle, then across the River Boyne and via the agricultural and angling centre of Mullingar to Longford, the county capital. On the way to Sligo, take your pictures at scenic Carrick-on-Shannon and the Cistercian abbey ruins at Boyle. (B,D)

3 SLIGO. NORTHERN IRELAND EXCURSION.
At Drumcliff see the grave of the native son and poet W.B.Yeats. Then step across the border into Northern Ireland to visit the Belleek Pottery Factory, renowned for its exquisite cream-coloured Parian china. Cross Boa Island in Lough Erne on the way to the fascinating city of Derry, where a walking tour with a Local Guide takes in the old city walls. Time in Donegal before returning to Sligo. (B,D)

4 SLIGO - KNOCK - GALWAY - CLIFFS OF MOHER - ENNIS.
South to Knock, a village that attracts pilgrims from all over the world since the townsfolk saw apparitions. Then to Galway, a vibrant city with a great seafaring tradition, where you hear about the infamous Lynch Stone, commemorating the day Mayor James Lynch Fitzstephen hanged his son for murder. Cross the limestone plateau of The Burren to visit the spectacular 668-foot Cliffs of Moher. Tonight, a chance to attend an optional medieval castle banquet. (B)

5 ENNIS - ADARE - DINGLE PENINSULA - KILLARNEY.
Skirting the city of Limerick, head to Adare, a village known for its prize-winning thatched cottages. Breathtaking scenery this afternoon on the Dingle Peninsula, where the 32-mile Slea Head drive affords magnificent vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. See the Blasket Islands and hear about the way of life and unique literary achievements of its inhabitants, prior to their evacuation in 1953. The next two nights are spent in the popular resort of Killarney. (B,D)

6 KILLARNEY. RING OF KERRY EXCURSION.
At Killorglin join the road known as the "Ring of Kerry" for a 100-mile coastal panoramic drive: sparkling seascapes, mountains dotted with brightly coloured farmhouses, winding lanes bordered with subtropical vegetation and spectacular views of the Lakes of Killarney from Ladies View. Back in Killarney, a special optional adventure: take a horse-drawn jaunting car along the national park lakeshore for pictures of Ross Castle. Tonight enjoy the optional outing to Tralee for dinner, and a performance at Siamsa Tire, Ireland's National Folk Theatre. (B)

7 KILLARNEY - BLARNEY - CORK - WATERFORD - TRAMORE.
More scenic splendour as you head over the Kerry Mountains into County Cork. Stop in Blarney, famous for its Stone of Eloquence, with time at your leisure to see the castle and shop for Irish crafts and handmade crystal. After lunch, drive past Cork, the country's second-largest city. Youghal and Dungarvan are further milestones on your way to Waterford, where a visit to the world famous Waterford Crystal factory is included. Spend the night at the nearby seaside resort of Tramore. An optional pub tour might be fun this evening. (B,D)

8 TRAMORE - AVOCA - GLENDALOUGH - DUBLIN.
Highlights on your northbound journey: Enniscorthy, site of the final battle of the Great Rebellion of 1798; a visit to Ireland's oldest handweaving mill at Avoca; views of the Wicklow Mountains; and Glendalough with its ruins of a centre of Irish Christianity founded by St. Kevin. Back in Dublin tonight, celebrate the success of your tour with an optional dinner evening at the Guinness Storehouse. (B)

9 DUBLIN.
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)