Ultimate Ireland Dates: September 26 October 9, 2018 Duration: 14 Days/ 13 Nights Start Dublin End Dublin

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1 Ultimate Ireland Dates: September 26 October 9, 2018 Duration: 14 Days/ 13 Nights Start Dublin End Dublin See all the highlights of Ireland - from North to South, East to West, ranging from the big cities of Dublin and Belfast to quaint coastal towns and stunning landscapes.not only will you be exposed to the fantastic history that Ireland has to offer, but you ll get up -close and personal with the people and culture of this wonderful land Day 1 Wednesday: Dublin Welcome to Ireland! On arrival you will be met and transferred to your city centre hotel. On this day you will explore Ireland s capital city, Dublin by a private transfer guided tour of the city. Originally founded by Vikings over 1,000 years ago, you will discover the city s charms, see the elegant Georgian townhouses with brightlypainted doors, the River Liffey, O Connell Street, St Patrick s Cathedral, the Guinness Storehouse and much more. Afterwards, visit the Book of Kells. The Book of Kells was written around the year 800 AD and is one of the most beautifully illuminated manuscripts in the world. The Book of Kells contains a richly decorated copy of the four gospels in a latin text. Enjoy a Welcome evening meal at your city center hotel. Day 2 Thursday: Dublin After a good nights rest continue touring the rest of Dublin City on board the Hop on Hop off Bus. The bus will be your mode of transport around the city and will transfer you between attractions. Dublin Castle, hristchurch Cathedral and St. Patrick s Cathedral are all within a short walking distance of each other. The Guinness Storehouse and Kilmainham Gaol are just on the fringe of Dublin City. Today you will visit the Guinness Storehouse as part of your tour and you will enjoy a complimentary pint of Guinness in the Gravity Bar which enjoys panoramic views of the City. At 6pm you will take the Irish Food Trail. You will hear some folklore stories, hear how Dublin has become the great City it is, and most importantly meet and dine with the local Irish people who are so proud of our heritage. The group will get to sample and share some hearty, typical Irish cuisine at each traditional Irish restaurant or pub that is visited along the trail. This will be influenced by the Tapas sharing nature. To top it off the tasty Tapas can be enjoyed with a glass of wine or beer in each establishment (in some venues the Irish Food Trail have arranged Irish Craft Beer tastings). Accommodation: 3* Central Hotel, Dublin or similar 2 nights

2 Day 3 Friday: Belfast Depart Dublin this morning and next it s on to Belfast City, which is the capital of Northern Ireland. This city has had a turbulent past, but today is a cosmopolitan city with a vast and varied history. Learn more about this as you take a guided tour around Belfast City. Next you will visit the must see Titanic Center. The newly built center is located on the slipways where RMS Titanic was built. Titanic Belfast is the world's largest Titanic visitor experience, exploring the Titanic story in a fresh and insightful way. It tells the stories of the ill-fated Titanic, which hit an iceberg and sank during her maiden voyage in 1912, and her sister ships RMS Olympic and HMHS Britannic. You will make your way through the 9 interactive galleries of the Titanic Experience and explore the symbolism of this iconic building with The Discovery Tour. Walk the decks of the last remaining White Star vessel - SS Nomadic or immerse yourself in the historic Slipways as you uncover the true legend of Titanic, in the city where it all began. Day 4 Saturday: Giants Causeway This morning we will departure to the Giant s Causeway. This impressive area of hexagonal columns was formed over 60 million years ago by cooling lava and has given rise to many legends as the basalt resembles giant steps. The legend has it that Finn McCool, the mythical giant, built this bridge to Scotland to reach his beloved. The hexagonal shaped stone pilings and pillar are a geological marvel. Perhaps try your hand at the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. This is optional. Visit Bushmills Distillery, the oldest working distillery in Ireland. It received its charter in 1608 and you will have the opportunity to see how the famous whiskey is made. Enroute back to Belfast, make sure to do a photo stop at Dunluce Castle. Accommodation: 3* Hotel, Belfast or similar 2 Night Day 5 Sunday: Derry This morning you will travel to Sheans Farm where you will spend the day. Discover the History and the People of the Causeway Coast with a unique experience which will bring alive and enhance your trip along the Causeway Coastal Route helping you to understand its history and the people, while discovering the locations of castles, glens and rugged coastline on this route. You will enjoy the History and Heritage visit and hear the McDonnell story while enjoying tea and scones! This experience will cover peat cutting out on the hillside which enjoys stunning views, you will meet some horses and sheep and have fun with Game of Thrones costumes for those of you who watch the series! Be one with the gorgeous nature surrounding you before returning to your accommodation for a home cooked meal. Accommodation: Derry Cottage or 4* Hotel, Derry or similar 1 Night

3 Day 6 Monday: Connemara Travel through the Connemara region which is known for its mountains, the Twelve Bens and the beauty of the landscape with its changing colours. You will see the Connemara Marble Factory just outside Moycullen and then The Quiet Man bridge outside Oughterard. Enjoy the breathtaking views as you travel through the Maam Valley in the shadow of the Maamturk Mountains. Continue to Clifden where you will explore the Sky Road Loop then tour through Letterfrack before arriving at the picturesque Kylemore Abbey. Kylemore Abbey was founded by the Benedictines and is now a private school for girls. Their Victorian Gardens are spectacular. Nearby is Connemara National Park which covers some 7000 acres of mountains, bogs, heaths and grasslands, with wildlife and scenic walking trails. Afterwards you will have the option to continue touring to the picturesque town on Leenane at the top of the Killary fjord where you will enjoy wonderful views of the beautiful landscape. Accommodation: 4* Abbeyglen Castle Hotel, Galway or similar 1 Night Day 7 Tuesday: Galway The most Irish of cities, Galway wraps its arms around you like a Claddagh friendship ring. Enjoy exploring the pedestrianized streets of this vibrant city and view Eyre Square, Spanish Arch, the Claddagh District and Galway Cathedral, built on an island in the River Corrib on the site of an old prison. Be sure to visit Eyre Square which is the beating heart of Galway City, an oasis of calm and a must visit. See the flags of the fourteen Tribes of Galway which fly overhead. The Brownes were one such merchant family where the original doorway of their early 17th-century mansion on the northern edge can still be seen today. The iconic Galway Hooker statue is situated here also, honouring the seafaring traditions of the city. Surrounded by pubs and cafés, the green s a classic meeting spot where you re sure to experience the true local atmosphere and culture of this much loved city. Day 8 Wednesday: Aran Islands This morning take a ferry to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands. Consider taking a tour of the island upon arrival. You ll have the opportunity to climb up to Dun Aengus, a 2000 year old stone fort on the cliff face overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. You ll have time to explore the village of Kilronan, have lunch or do some shopping for hand-knit Aran wool sweaters before returning back to the mainland. Return to Galway City where you can continue your exploration and enjoy the local atmosphere throughout the abundance of pubs and restaurants. Accommodation: 4* Hotel, Galway or similar 2 Nights

4 Day 9 Thursday: Cliffs of Moher Continue touring by heading along the west coast towards the Cliffs of Moher. The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland's top Visitor attractions and are a designated UNESCO Geo Park. The Cliffs are 695 ft high at the highest point and range for 5 miles over the Atlantic Ocean on the western seaboard of County Clare. Next visit Bunratty Folk Park, a living reconstruction of the homes and environment of Ireland of over a century ago. Roam through the park and see the rural farmhouses, village shops and streets which have been recreated and furnished to a time that once was. Visit Bunratty Woollen Shop for your last chance to pick up some gifts. Afterwards you might like to visit Durty Nelly s traditional Irish pub for refreshments. Accommodation: 3* Hotel, Clare or similar 1 Night Day 10 Friday: Dingle & Slea Head Today tour the spectacular Dingle Peninsula, one of Ireland s most picturesque spots. Visit the town of Dingle, then drive around Slea Head and admire its rugged beauty. Visit the Blasket Island Center. Stop and visit the Gallarus Oratory and other Early Christian sites. The Gallarus Oratory is a 7th century stone chapel used by pilgrims going to Mount Brandon. Dingle has more than 50 pubs. Foxy John s on Main St is one example and stocks hardware and outdoor clothing as well as beer and whiskey. Continue onto Killarney for your overnight stay. Perhaps you could visit The Danny Man, Killarney s famous singing pub and enjoy some traditional Irish music. Day 11 Saturday: Killarney Take this morning to explore Killarney yourself. Perhaps take a jaunting car ride and head to Killarney National Park and take in the stunning scenery of mountains, lakes and woodlands. You might like to visit to the historic Muckross House and Gardens. This 19th century mansion depicts what life was like in Ireland during this period. Alternatively enjoy a visit to the stunning Torc Waterfall which is well worth a look. If you enjoy walking, there are walking trails mapped out beside the Waterfall. Also you have options such as a lake cruise or visiting Ross Castle. This afternoon you will visit to the Donkey Sanctuary. It has taken in over 5,200 donkeys rescued from all parts of the country. You are very welcome to go and meet all the beautiful donkeys, foals and mules. Perhaps find a cosy traditional pub to enjoy a pint in along the way!

5 Day 12 Sunday: Ring of Kerry Today you will tour The Ring of Kerry. It is the most renowned Day Tour in Ireland. Throughout its 110 miles, you will travel around the MacGillicuddy Reeks and the Iveragh Peninsula, along the breathtaking Atlantic Coast, Dingle Bay and Kenmare Bay, returning to Killarney through the famed Molls Gap, Ladies View and Killarney National Park. En route are the lovely coastal villages of Glenbeigh, Waterville and Sneem and the thriving market towns of Killorglin and Caherciveen. The Ring embraces many points of historic and archaeological interest. As part of your trip, you will visit a sheep farm and see a demonstration of sheepdog s working. This evening you will enjoy Ireland's top traditional Irish Music, Song & Irish Dance Show which features seventeen World Irish Dancing Championship titles between the current cast of dancers and All- Ireland Champion singers and musicians. All of these performances are totally live on stage. Accommodation: Stunning 4* Lake Hotel, Killarney or similar 3 Nights Day 13 Monday: Blarney & Dublin Tour past Cork and visit to Blarney where Blarney Castle, a 15th century McCarthy Castle, is legend. You will enjoy a stroll through the estate to the castle and then climb to the top and kiss the Blarney Stone. It is said that you will obtain the gift of eloquent speech by kissing the stone. Continue traveling towards Dublin. This evening participate in Dublin s Traditional Musical Pub Crawl. The tour begins at 7.30pm and typically finishes between 9.30pm and 10.00pm. Experience the vibrancy of Dublin s traditional drink. Day 14 Tuesday: Departing home Today you will be transferred to the airport where will leave Ireland s beautiful scenery and quaint villages behind for the States. Accommodation: 4* Ashling Hotel, Dublin or similar 1 Night

6 TOUR DETAILS: OPTIONAL ADD-ONS: Extend your trip Upgrade your room / Get a single room MORE QUESTIONS If you have any question or requests regarding your trip big, small or downright quirky please call or e- mail us. We are happy to help! TOUR HOST Vincent Rees vincent@cobblestonefreeway.ca INCLUSIONS: Transport by Private Luxury Coach for 13 Days (8 hours per day) Services of Professional Driver Guide on those days Associated Expenses of Driver Guide & Vehicle 3* & 4* Elegant Hotel accommodation x 11 nights 4* Castle Hotel Stay x 1 night Arrival Airport Collection Departure Airport Transfer Meals & Shows o Full Breakfast Daily (Exception Day 1) o Welcome Dinner o Irish Food Trail, Dublin o Medieval Banquet at Bunratty Castle o Celtic Irish Night, Killarney o Traditional Irish Music Pub Crawl Ferry to Inis Mor Tour of the Aran Islands Guided city tour of: Dublin, Belfast, Galway Dublin Hop on Hop off Sightseeing Bus Tour Ticket VISITS & ADMISSION FEES TO: o Book of Kells o Guinness Storehouse o Titanic Centre o Bushmill s Distillery with Tour o Giants Causeway Visitor Center o Sheans Farm Activity Day o Kylemore Abbey o Cliffs of Moher o Bunratty Folk Park o Sheep Dog Trial o Gallarus oratory o Blasket Islands Centre o Blarney Castl All local taxes, hotel service charges Booking assistance NOT INCLUDED: Extra days before/after the tour Events and Services not included in the itinerary or marked Optional Some meals & Alcoholic beverages Airport transfers if you re NOT travelling with a group Travel Insurance Telephone services

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