DAILY ITINERARY MERRY IRELAND 2007 FRIDAY - DEPART U.S. Tonight we begin our Irish journey as we board our transatlantic flight bound for the Emerald Isle. Enjoy dinner and a movie on board. You will awaken to a light breakfast and your first glimpse of Ireland’s 40 shades of green!! SATURDAY - ARRIVE SHANNONSIDE Cead Mile Failte! One Hundred Thousand Welcomes! Upon clearing customs, you will be met by your friendly Irish tour director and escorted to your deluxe motorcoach. Enjoy a short tour of Limerick City, setting of the famous novel Angela’s Ashes before we check into our hotel. This afternoon, we visit the Bunratty Folk Park which illustrates country life in Ireland at the turn of the century. Don’t forget to stop in for a pint at Durty Nelly’s or shop at the Bunratty Mills. Get to know your fellow travelers tonight during our welcome reception. (Breakfast, Dinner) SUNDAY - SHANNON – GALWAY VIA THE CLIFFS OF MOHER This morning, after your hearty full Irish breakfast, we depart for a days touring of the Cliffs of Moher and Galway City. A spectacular sight, the Cliffs of Moher rise more than 700 feet from the Atlantic and span nearly 5 miles along the coastline. You will have ample time to ramble up to O’Brien’s tower where it is said that on a clear day you can see forever. We continue on to Galway, known as the City of the Tribes, and the rugged terrain of Connemara stopping at the lovely shop, Standun’s, where the Irish language is still spoken. We return to our hotel for dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner) MONDAY - SHANNON – DUBLIN via WATERFORD After breakfast this morning, we depart Shannon and head for Waterford. We travel southeast through Limerick City and on through the golden vale of Ireland. Our route will take us through the bustling towns of Cahir, Clonmel and Carrick on Suir. We continue on Waterford where we will stop to visit the Waterford Crystal Factory and Showrooms. Here you will see the master craftsmen creating this exquisite crystal. Our drive continues through County Wicklow, known as the garden of Ireland and into Dublin our home away from home for the next two nights. This evening is yours to discover Dublin on your own. Your tour director will arrange an optional dinner and cabaret show if you desire. (Breakfast) TUESDAY - DUBLIN CITY After breakfast this morning, we depart on a tour of our vibrant capital city of Dublin known for its neo-classical buildings and elegant Georgian terraces. Our first visit will be St. Patrick’s Cathedral where according to history religious converts were baptized by St. Patrick in the 5th century. We continue on to Trinity College and the Book of Kells, where you can view the ancient vellum manuscript of the four gospels in Latin which were produced circa 800. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy the ambiance of downtown and perhaps meet some native Dubliners known for their friendliness, wit and charm. This evening join the Dublin balladeers - the Merry Ploughboys for an evening of traditional sing and dance. Dinner and entertainment is served up as you experience the Irish "craic" firsthand!(Breakfast, Dinner) WEDNESDAY - DUBLIN – KILLARNEY via BLARNEY After breakfast this morning, we depart for Killarney and the Kingdom of Kerry. We travel through Kildare, Laois and Mitchelstown stopping along the way to view the mighty Rock of Cashel. We continue on to Cork and Blarney where you will have a chance to kiss the famous stone and shop at the Blarney Woolen Mills. The gift of eloquence is said to be bestowed on all those who kiss the Blarney Stone. We continue on to Killarney, our home away from home for the next two nights. Enjoy dinner at the hotel this evening. (Breakfast, Dinner) THURSDAY - THE RING OF KERRY After a leisurely breakfast, we depart on the breathtaking Ring of Kerry tour. Our first stop will be for an Irish coffee at Mackens of Ireland where you will have a chance to shop for some of the finest hand knits in Ireland . We continue our drive along The Ring of Kerry which is part of the mystical & unspoilt Ireland that has attracted visitors for hundreds of years. It's spectacular beauty is beyond question. Above all the Ring of Kerry provides an amazing insight into the ancient heritage of Ireland - see the Iron Age Forts & Ogham Stones, Old Monasteries and a landscape carved out of rock by the last Ice Age 10,000 years ago. We return to Killarney in the afternoon leaving you time on your own before dinner at your hotel this evening. As always, your Tour Director will have researched the current scene for an traditional Irish music and dance. (Breakfast, Dinner) FRIDAY - KILLARNEY – USA We bid farewell to Killarney this morning as we begin our journey home. There will be ample time for shopping at the Duty Free Store before boarding your flights taking with you fond memories of you Merry trip to the Emerald Isle. (Breakfast)