Charms of Emerald Isle

Set your feet upon the green paths of Ireland. Let its foggy sun rays embrace you as you encounter ageless enchantments and a wealth of history. 

What’s Included

  • Breakfast Daily and Select Dinners
  • Overseas Transfers & Private Transportation
  • Entrance and Program Fees
  • First Class Hotels
  • Guided Tours
  • Tips for Hotel Staff & Hotel Porters
  • Live Audio Headsets (Groups of 8 or more)
 

The Itinerary

Day 1 – Depart The USA

Depart the USA on your international flight. (Note: Those making their own arrangements will start with EOX on Day 2.)

Day 2 – Galway

Transfer from the airport*  to begin your travel in Ireland. This afternoon, you will visit Clonmacnoise, an important monastic site and the burial place of kings. Among these fascinating ruins is the famous thousand-year-old cross of the cathedral ruins and parts of eight churches. There are two round towers to capture your imagination. Continue to Galway for a walking tour of the city center before checking into your hotel.

*(Transfer included if air purchased through EOX or if you provide EOX with your flight information at least one month prior to your departure. Those not providing their air information must arrive at the airport to join the tour by 10 AM or make their own way to Galway on their own.)

Day 3 – Galway

This morning, you will visit the Connemara Region, famous for its rugged scenery. The National Park consists of 5,000 acres where ponies and Irish red deer roam freely. The scenic mountains, bogs and grasslands are a feast for the eyes. The region is world-famous for its green and white marble. You will stop at beautiful Kylemore Abbey, run by the Benedictine Nuns. This granite and limestone structure is one of the most photographed buildings in the country. See the town where The Quiet Man, starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara, was filmed. Then return to Galway. (B)

Day 4 – Killarney

Travel through the Burren Region of eroded limestone rock. Spot defiant flowers popping up through crevices. Continue to the Cliffs of Moher, which drop 600 feet to the water below. These cliffs are one of the most impressive stretches of shoreline on the west coast of Ireland. Drive through the green, patchwork countryside to Bunratty Castle, near the town of Limerick. Bunratty is Ireland’s most complete, authentic, and elaborately furnished medieval castle. This afternoon, you will drive through Killarney National Park, home to mountains, lakes, and woods. Opt for a buggy ride back into the park if you like. (Purchase on-site for an additional charge.) (B)

Day 5 – Kinsale

Delight in some of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery as you travel around the Ring of Kerry, where the sea crashes into the soaring coastline. Weather permitting, enjoy a sheepdog demonstration. Around lunchtime, stop in Waterville for several tempting lunch choices. Charlie Chaplin brought his family here in the summers. Finish your day in the port city of Kinsale and take a trip to the famed Charles Fort, an exceptional 17th-century star fort. (B)

Day 6 – Kinsale

This morning, enjoy a walking tour of Kinsale. Visit St. Multrose Church, which was built in 1190 and remains in use to this day. Kinsale’s courthouse held the inquiry when the Lusitania sank just off the coast in 1915. Continue to Cobh and visit the Heritage Center. Between the years 1845 and 1860, about 2.5 million people left their home country and sailed to America. If you have an ancestor who came from Ireland to America, chances are they departed from this very place. Can you find your family name in the archived passenger lists? (B)

Day 7 – Kinsale

Today is yours to explore! Shop, eat, and make your own adventure in Kinsale – home to some great restaurants and amazing views of the sea. Tee off at a nearby golf course or travel up to Blarney Castle to kiss the Blarney Stone!*  (B)

*(EOX can assist with golf plans or visiting Blarney Castle if requested. Requests must be submitted 3 months prior to travel or earlier.)

Day 8 – Return home

Return home with life-changing memories.*

*(Transfer to airport included if air purchased through EOX or if you provide EOX with your flight information at least one month prior to your departure. Those not providing this information may have to make their own transfer arrangements to return to the airport.)

B=Breakfast Included
D=Dinner Included