7 DAY TREASURE IRELAND TOUR SAMPLE ITINERARY ANTI-CLOCKWISE

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1 7 DAY TREASURE IRELAND TOUR SAMPLE ITINERARY ANTI-CLOCKWISE IMPORTANT: Please note that this itinerary is a framework for the tour. This means that: 1. The overnights are pretty much set in stone and then we base each tour on the items in the list below. 2. Your guide will discuss the options with you throughout the tour and plan from there. This gives us flexibility to adapt each tour to suit you and fit in with the weather conditions. 3. This of course means that some things may not be included in your tour, but if there is something that you particularly want to do or see on your tour, mention it to your guide and he or she will see if it can be included. Please also note that this tour runs in both direction s. Both are the same but if you have other travel plans or you plan to meet up with anyone along the way, please do check with Vagabond at the time of booking. HIGHLIGHTS: REVEL AT SOME OF EUROPE S VERY BEST SCENERY : Ireland s highest mountain range "The Macgillycuddy Reeks" The green fields and stone walls of Dingle Connemara s mountains, lakes, beaches and rivers Ireland s wild and rugged Atlantic coastline The River Shannon The Burren Limestone Plateau The Caha Mountains of the Beara Peninsula The green inland scenery of areas such as the Golden Vale in Tipperary ENJOY SOME OF IRELAND S MOST POPULAR AND WORTHWHILE TOURIST DESTINATIONS : Blarney Castle and gardens Killarney National Park The Cliffs of Moher VISIT SOME OF IRELAND S GREAT HOUSES AND GARDENS : Muckross Gardens Bantry House and Gardens Garnish Island Gardens Kylemore Abbey and Grounds WONDER AT SOME OF IRELAND S HISTORICAL TREASURES: Visit The Rock of Cashel Ancient Neolithic Stone circles, Celtic ring forts, Castles, Monastic sites and burial tombs

2 SOME FUN LITTLE SIDE TRIPS: Visit a working sheep farm for a sheep herding and shearing demonstration Take a boat trip to see Dingle s most friendly resident - Fungie the Dolphin EXPLORE THREE OF IRELAND S MOST DIVERSE SOUTH WESTERN PENINSULAS : The majestic Iveragh peninsula (better known as the Ring of Kerry) The rugged Beara Peninsula (also known as the undiscovered peninsula ) The rolling hills of the Dingle Peninsula TAKE SOME FREE TIME TO EXPLORE LOCAL COMMUNITIES AND MEET THE IRISH PEOPLE: The vibrant and buzzing Galway city The galleries and pubs (about 54 in total!) in Dingle town (pop. about 2500) The shops and boutiques of picturesque Kenmare AND AT NIGHT: Live music and excellent food in some of Ireland s best pubs and restaurants. Overnight in quality, locally owned guesthouses and small hotel accommodation in friendly local communities Live like a Lord and Lady and spend a night in a castle hotel

3 DAY 1 Dublin to Connemara We re off! And we are heading over to the Wild West of Ireland, Galway and Connemara. Firstly, though we travel the 200kms across to the West Coast. Depending on the plan for day two, we sometimes detour into Galway city for lunch. 1. Meet at Grand Canal Hotel 08.10am 2. Head for the west of Ireland through counties Meath, Westmeath, Longford, Roscommon, Longford and Mayo 3. Quick stop for a coffee and stretch the legs in Athlone 4. Cross the mighty River Shannon into the west of Ireland 5. Explore the beautiful ruins and grounds of the 12th Century Augustinian Cong Abbey or Ross Errilly Friary 6. Picnic by the shore of the River Corrib or pub lunch in the village of Cong, film set of the John Wayne Classic movie The Quiet Man 7. Enter the savagely beautiful Connemara region of Galway. An area famous for its mountains, wild moorlands and dark lakes 8. Take in views of Ireland s only fjord at Killary Harbour 9. Visit a working sheep farm to see a masterclass of sheep dog handling and some fascinating insights into the workings of an irish hill farm 10. Kylemore Abbey - One of Ireland s most beautiful buildings. We normally just stop from a photo outside, feedback has been that it s more impressive from the outside! (Average drive time: 4 hours 30 minutes) ACCOMMODATION: Overnight in Abbeyglen Castle Hotel, Connemara

4 DAY 2 Connemara to Clare A very flexible day on tour started with a drive around Galway Bay. Later we venture into Galway City and south through County Clare. 1. Visit the restored Aughnanure Castle, ancestral home of the Ferocious O Flaherty clan for the excellent guided tour (included in tour price) 2. The vibrant Galway city for lunch and soaking up the atmosphere 3. Quick stop at Kinvara village with: Dunguaire Castle ancient seat of the High Kings of Munster, and Hookers A local boat of this area 4. Visit Poulnabrone Dolmen, an ancient Megalithic tomb and one of Ireland s greatest treasures 5. Drive down and through the Burren Region, and its Limestone Lunar landscape 6. After dinner watch the sun go down on Galway Bay before strolling back to the hotel (Average drive time: 3 hours 15 minutes) ACCOMMODATION: The Wild Atlantic Lodge, Ballyvaughan, County Clare

5 DAY 3 Clare to Dingle You are now in the ancient province of Munster and the unique Karst Glacial lunar landscape of the Burren, rich in archaeology and edged with one of Ireland s most famous natural wonders - the Cliffs of Moher. Then it's south across the mighty River Shannon in County Kerry towards the Dingle Peninsula. There is a bit more driving today, but still loads to see and do. 1. A tour highlight, it s off to the Cliffs of Moher 700 ft sea cliffs (entrance fee included in tour price) 2. Take the ferry across the River Shannon into County Kerry (ferry ticket included) 3. Detour to Carrigafoyle Castle at its vantage point overlooking the Shannon 4. Possible lunch stop in Tralee, home of the Rose of Tralee beauty pageant or in the pleasant market town of Listowel 5. Have a pint in the South Pole Inn, established by intrepid three-time Antarctic explorer, and Annascaul s most famous son, Tom Crean (Average drive time: 3 hours 30 minutes) ACCOMMODATION: Overnight in Emlagh House in Dingle Town a town of 2500 people and 54 pubs,

6 DAY 4 Dingle Day A great day spent enjoying Dingle town and the Peninsula. We can do as much or little as you like on day eight as we spend two nights here in the town. At some stage while we are in Dingle we normally take the group out on a tour of the Peninsula to the most westerly point in Ireland that you can drive to and a selection of the stops we see along the way are below. Plus, we can also organise other options for you if you would like something more active, or relaxing. The Dingle Peninsula Tour out to Slea Head: Head out along the Slea Head Drive past Ventry beach. Stop at ancient Beehive Huts once the dwellings of 5th Century Monks. Scenic stop at Europe's most westerly point with views over the Blasket Islands. Walk down to Coumeenoole Beach (Film set of Ryan s Daughter). Photo stop at Smerwick Head with views back up the Dingle Peninsula and of Mount Brandon. Visit Louis Mulcahy Pottery or a local crystal cutter and see some of Ireland s most skilled craftsmen at work. Dingle Options (All are only a short walk from your hotel): 1. Chill out in Dingle Town 2. Explore the picturesque town of Dingle, with its brightly coloured streets, numerous shops, excellent galleries, numerous local craftspeople, restaurants and of course pubs. 3. Dingle Brewing Company - visit one of Ireland s leading craft breweries (Price: 7 including a pint of beer), or, Dingle Distillery ( 15pp). Both options do, of course, include mandatory tasting! (15/20 minute walk) 4. Boat trip to see Fungi the Dolphin (Price: 16 per person) 5. Golf Play a round on The Dingle Golf Links (fees would apply and there may be a transfer fee one way by taxi if the guide and vehicle are busy with other group members) 6. Galleries and shops there are several excellent galleries and numerous local artisan crafts 7. Walks from town - Go for a self-guided walk along the Dingle Way from the centre of town up into the hills or along the coast (Average drive time: 1 hours 30 minutes) ACCOMMODATION: Overnight in Emlagh House in Dingle Town a town of 2500 people and 54 pubs,

7 DAY 5 Dingle to Glengarriff We leave Dingle behind and head for Killarney, the National Park, the Ring of Kerry and the highest mountains in Ireland. There is some of Ireland s most majestic scenery, greatest stately home and some truly local experiences. Before leaving Dingle, you can stand atop Ireland s highest road, at the Conor Pass. 1. Enjoy a scenic drive along the southern coast of the Dingle Peninsula, with a photo stop and perhaps a stroll along the beach at Inch Strand 2. Visit the Killarney National Park and Muckross House & Gardens Jaunting Car (traditional Irish horse and carriage) ride through the National Park to Muckross House (Optional extra: 15) Option for a traditional Irish pub lunch in the National Park Explore the restored ruins of Muckross Abbey in the grounds of the National Park 3. Leaving Killarney behind and heading into the hills we have a photo stop and stroll to Torc Waterfall 4. If you haven't already visited a working sheep farm, there is another option to do so today 5. Indulge in a coffee and purchase some Irish craft at Avoca Handweavers 6. Various photo stop opportunities (normally weather dependent) at Ladies view and Molls Gap (Average drive time: 3 hours) ACCOMMODATION: Glengarriff Park Hotel, Glengarriff, Co. Cork

8 DAY 6 Glengarriff to Gougane Barra Leaving Glengarriff, we continue south out on the undiscovered Beara Peninsula, one of Ireland s least visited but most beautiful areas. It's rugged and wild and totally off the beaten track. 1. Go back to the Bronze Age at the Uragh Stone circle 2. Drive up and over the Healy Pass, one of the most scenic drives in Ireland 3. Lunch at MacCarthy's Bar in Castletownbere 4. Boat trip to Garnish Island and its Italian formal gardens (Optional extra: 16) 5. Take a short walk to do some Seal Spotting in Glengarriff and see Maureen O Hara s house in the distance 6. Visit the stately Bantry House, one of the few grand homes still in private hands, owned by the Shellswell-White family since the 18th century (included in tour price) 7. Leave the Atlantic Coastline at Bantry Bay and head inland to the tranquil location of Gougane Barra (Average drive time: 3 hours) ACCOMMODATION: Gougane Barra Hotel or the Castle Hotel, Macroom

9 DAY 7 Gougane Barra to Dublin Sadly, it s the last day of the journey and time to head home to Dublin, but first we have some major attractions to see! You can kiss the world-famous Blarney stone and visit the iconic Rock of Cashel. 1. Depart hotel after breakfast before heading northeast through counties Cork, Limerick, Tipperary, Kildare and Dublin 2. Follow the River Lee down towards Cork 3. Kiss the world-famous Blarney Stone or get away from the crowds and explore the extensive grounds and gardens. (Included in tour price) 4. Pass through Cork, Ireland's second city 5. The Magnificent Rock of Cashel one of Ireland s greatest historical sites (included in tour price) 6. Drive through the Curragh Racecourse once used as the Braveheart film set (Average drive time: 4 hours 30 minutes) Arrive back in Dublin between 5 and 6pm. Drop off at the Grand Canal Hotel, Dublin 4

10 Tour Price: 1,699 Single Supplement: 300 What's included: Journey of discovery in a Driftwood mini coach tour vehicle. Services of highly trained professional Driftwood tour guide 7 full days on tour 6 nights accommodation 6 Full Irish breakfasts Most daily activities and visits Entrance fees to Blarney Castle, The Rock of Cashel, Bantry House, Aughnanure and a Working Sheep Farm Shannon ferry tickets All relevant taxes Guaranteed departure and tour price from the moment you make your deposit Loads of laughs Optional Extras: Prices are correct at time of publication of Itinerary Dingle Whiskey Experience 15pp or 13 group rate Boat trip to see Fungi the Dolphin Adult 16 Child (under 12) 8 Jaunting Car ride through the National Park 15 Boat trip to Garnish Island 16 Dingle Brewing Company 7

11 Booking Information: OVER THE PHONE: From Ireland From the USA (Toll Free) From Canada (Toll Free) From Australia (Toll Free) BY Contact Megan ONLINE: By visiting our website

12 IMPORTANT: Please note that this itinerary is a framework for the tour. This means that: 7 DAY TREASURE IRELAND TOUR SAMPLE ITINERARY CLOCKWISE 4. The overnights are pretty much set in stone and then we base each tour on the items in the list below. 5. Your guide will discuss the options with you throughout the tour and plan from there. This gives us flexibility to adapt each tour to suit you and fit in with the weather conditions. 6. This of course means that some things may not be included in your tour, but if there is something that you particularly want to do or see on your tour, mention it to your guide and he or she will see if it can be included. Please also note that this tour runs in both direction s. Both are the same but if you have other travel plans or you plan to meet up with anyone along the way, please do check with Vagabond at the time of booking. HIGHLIGHTS: REVEL AT SOME OF EUROPE S VERY BEST SCENERY : Ireland s highest mountain range "The Macgillycuddy Reeks" The Green fields and stone walls of Dingle Connemara s mountains, lakes, beaches and rivers Ireland s wild and rugged Atlantic coastline The River Shannon The Burren Limestone Plateau The Caha Mountains of the Beara Peninsula The green inland scenery of areas such as the Golden Vale in Tipperary ENJOY SOME OF IRELAND S MOST POPULAR AND WORTHWHILE TOURIST DESTINATIONS : Blarney Castle and gardens Killarney National Park The Cliffs of Moher VISIT SOME OF IRELAND S GREAT HOUSES AND GARDENS : Muckross Gardens Bantry House and Gardens Garnish Island Gardens

13 Kylemore Abbey and Grounds WONDER AT SOME OF IRELAND S HISTORICAL TREASURES: Visit The Rock of Cashel Ancient Neolithic Stone circles, Celtic ring forts, Castles, Monastic sites and burial tombs SOME FUN LITTLE SIDE TRIPS: Visit a working sheep farm for a sheep herding and shearing demonstration Take a boat trip to see Dingle s most friendly resident - Fungie the Dolphin EXPLORE THREE OF IRELAND S MOST DIVERSE SOUTH WESTERN PENINSULAS : The majestic Iveragh peninsula (better known as the Ring of Kerry) The rugged Beara Peninsula (also known as the undiscovered peninsula ) The rolling hills of the Dingle Peninsula TAKE SOME FREE TIME TO EXPLORE LOCAL COMMUNITIES AND MEET THE IRISH PEOPLE: The vibrant and buzzing Galway city The galleries and pubs (about 54 in total!) in Dingle town (pop. about 2500) The shops and boutiques of picturesque Kenmare AND AT NIGHT: Live music and excellent food in some of Ireland s best pubs and restaurants. Overnight in quality, locally owned guesthouse and small hotel accommodation in small, friendly local communities. Live like a Lord or Lady and spend a night in a castle hotel

14 DAY 1 Dublin to Gougane Barra We re off! Today we are heading southwest through some of Ireland s best inland scenery to the remoteness of West Cork. Along the way, we have some major stops such as the Rock of Cashel and the Blarney Stone. Meet in reception at the Grand Canal Hotel, Dublin 4 for an 8.10am departure and leave Dublin behind. 1. Drive through the Curragh Racecourse once used as the Braveheart film set 2. The Magnificent Rock of Cashel one of Ireland s greatest historical sites. (entrance fee included in tour price) 3. Pass through Cork, Ireland's second city 4. Kiss the world famous Blarney Stone or get away from the crowds and explore the extensive grounds and gardens. (Included in tour price) 5. Follow Lee Valley to the source of River Lee, Gougane Barra (Average drive time: 4 hours 30 minutes) ACCOMMODATION: Overnight in Gougane Barra Hotel or the Castle Hotel, Macroom

15 DAY 2 Gougane Barra to Kenmare Today we arrive at Ireland s Wild Atlantic Way and start our journey north along the world s longest continually defined coastal touring route. We spend the day far from the tourist trail, enjoying some truly local experiences. 1. First a stroll in the Gougane Barra Forest Park 2. Drive down to meet the Atlantic Coastline at Bantry Bay 3. Detour south to visit the magnificent Bantry House and Gardens, one of the few grand homes still in private hands, owned by the Shellswell-White family since the 18th century (included in tour price) 4. Option to enjoy a boat trip to Garinish Island and its Italian formal gardens ( 16 per person) or short walk to see Maureen O'Hara s house in the distance or free time in Glengarriff 5. Head out onto the wild and rugged Beara Peninsula, the undiscovered Peninsula 6. Lunch at MacCarthy's Bar in Castletownbere 7. Drive up and over the Healy Pass, one of the most scenic drives in Ireland 8. Go back to the Bronze Age at the remote Uragh megalithic stone circle (Average drive time: 3 hours) ACCOMMODATION: Overnight in Lansdowne Arms Hotel, in the colourful small town of Kenmare.

16 DAY 3 Kenmare to Dingle After some free time exploring the shops (Kenmare was famous for lacework products) and galleries of Kenmare we depart for Dingle, via the Ring of Kerry and Killarney. There is some of Ireland s most majestic scenery and colourful local towns. 1. Join the Ring of Kerry scenic route on the Iveragh Peninsula at Moll s Gap (possible shop stop at the Avoca Handweavers shop) 2. Photo stop and stroll to Torc Waterfall 3. We then arrive in Killarney National Park, where there is loads to do and see: Optional Jaunting Car (traditional Irish horse and carriage) ride through the National Park to Muckross House - 15 per person Muckross Gardens Explore the restored ruins of Muckross Abbey in the grounds of the National Park Option for a traditional Irish pub lunch in the Killarney National Park 4. After leaving Killarney we follow part of the Ring of Kerry before joining the Dingle Peninsula 5. Scenic drive along the southern coast of the Dingle Peninsula, with a photo stop and perhaps a stroll at Inch Strand, one of Ireland s best known beaches 6. On arrival in Dingle you can stand atop Ireland s highest road, the Conor Pass (Average drive time: 2 hours 30 minutes) ACCOMMODATION: Overnight in Dingle Benners Hotel both in Dingle Town a town of 2500 people and 54 pubs,

17 DAY 4 Dingle Day A great day spent enjoying Dingle town and the Peninsula. You can do as much or little as you like on day eight as we spend two nights here in the town. At some stage while we are in Dingle we normally take the group out on a tour of the Peninsula to the most westerly point in Ireland that you can drive to and a selection of the stops we see along the way are below. Plus, we can also organise other options for you if you would like something more active, or relaxing. The Dingle Peninsula Tour out to Slea Head: Head out along the Slea Head Drive past Ventry beach. Stop at ancient Beehive Huts once the dwellings of 5th Century Monks. Scenic stop at Europe's most westerly point with views over the Blasket Islands. Walk down to Coumeenoole Beach (Film set of Ryan s Daughter). Photo stop at Smerwick Head with views back up the Dingle Peninsula and of Mount Brandon. Visit Louis Mulcahy Pottery or a local crystal cutter and see some of Ireland s most skilled craftsmen at work. Dingle Options (All a short walk from your hotel): 1. Chill out in Dingle Town 2. Explore the picturesque town of Dingle, with its brightly coloured streets, numerous shops, excellent galleries, numerous local craftspeople, restaurants and of course pubs 3. Dingle Brewing Company - visit one of Ireland s leading craft breweries (Price: 7 including a pint of beer), or, Dingle Distillery ( 15pp). Both options do, of course, include mandatory tasting! (15/20 minute walk from hotel) 4. Boat trip to see Fungi the Dolphin (Price: 16 per person) 5. Golf Play a round on The Dingle Golf Links (fees would apply and there may be a transfer fee one way by taxi if the guide and vehicle are busy with other group members) 6. Galleries and shops there are several excellent galleries and numerous local artisan crafts 7. Walks from town - Go for a self-guided walk along the Dingle Way from the centre of town up into the hills or along the coast (Average drive time: 1 hours 30 minutes) ACCOMMODATION Overnight in Dingle Benners Hotel both in Dingle Town a town of 2500 people and 54 pubs,

18 DAY 5 Dingle to Clare It s always hard to leave Dingle, but it s time to venture north. There is a bit more driving today but there is still plenty to do and see as we travel through North Kerry and across the River Shannon into County Clare, including the breath-taking Cliffs of Moher 1. Some free time in morning in Dingle town depending on previous day s activities 2. Possible lunch stop in Tralee, home of the Rose of Tralee, a uniquely Irish beauty pageant, or in the pleasant market town of Listowel 3. Detour to Carrigafoyle Castle at its vantage point overlooking the Shannon 4. Take the ferry across the River Shannon into County Clare 5. A big highlight of the Cliffs of Moher 700 ft. sea cliffs (entrance fee included in the tour price) 6. And after dinner, watch the sun go down over Galway Bay (Average drive time: 3 hours 30 minutes) ACCOMMODATION: Overnight in The The Wild Atlantic Lodge, Ballyvaughan, County Clare

19 DAY 6 Clare to Connemara A very flexible day on tour started with a drive around Galway Bay. Later we venture into Galway City and south through County Clare. 1. Drive up and through the Burren Region, and its Limestone Lunar landscape which is rich in flora, archaeology and folklore 2. Visit Poulnabrone Dolmen, an ancient Megalithic tomb and one of Ireland s greatest treasures 3. Stop in Kinvara village for a coffee and photo of: Dunguaire Castle ancient seat of the High Kings of Munster Hookers Traditional sailing boats unique to the area 4. Spend time in Galway city where you can have a leisurely lunch and enjoy the energy of this vibrant city 5. Visit the restored Aughnanure Castle, ancestral home of the Ferocious O Flaherty clan for the excellent guided tour (included in tour price) 6. Head west and north into the savagely beautiful region of Connemara (Average drive time: 3 hours) ACCOMMODATION: Overnight in The Abbeyglen Castle Hotel, Connemara

20 DAY 7 Connemara to Dublin After a great six days exploring the south and west coast of Ireland, it s time to turn inland and head inland back across to Dublin. 1. Kylemore Abbey - One of Ireland s most beautiful and romantic buildings. We normally just stop from a photo outside, feedback has been that it s more impressive from the outside! 2. Visit a working sheep farm if you haven't already done so 3. Picnic by the shore of the River Corrib or pub lunch in the village of Cong, film set of the John Wayne Classic movie The Quiet Man 4. Explore the beautiful ruins and grounds of the 12th Century Augustinian Cong Abbey or Ross Errilly Friary 5. Head east through counties Mayo,Galway, Roscommon, Longford and Meath 6. Cross back over the River Shannon into Leinster, the east of Ireland (Average driving time: 4 hours 30 minutes) Arrive back in Dublin at between 5 and 6pm. Drop off at the Grand Canal Hotel, Dublin 4

21 Tour Price: 1,699pps for For 2019 prices, click here. Single Supplement: 300 What's included: Journey of discovery in a Driftwood mini coach tour vehicle. Services of highly trained professional Driftwood tour guide 7 full days on tour 6 nights accommodation 6 Full Irish breakfasts Most daily activities and visits Entrance fees to Blarney Castle, The Rock of Cashel, Bantry House, Aughnanure Castle and a working Sheep Farm Shannon Ferry Tickets All relevant taxes Guaranteed departure and tour price from the moment you make your deposit Loads of laughs Optional Extras: Prices are correct at time of publication of Itinerary Dingle Whiskey 15pp or 13 group rate Boat trip to see Fungi the Dolphin Adult 16 Child (under 12) 8 Jaunting Car ride through the National Park 15 Boat trip to Garnish Island 16 Dingle Brewing Company 7

22 Booking Information: OVER THE PHONE: From Ireland From the USA (Toll Free) From Canada (Toll Free) From Australia (Toll Free) BY Contact Megan ONLINE: By visiting our website