Day 5: Blarney Castle & Cobh Heritage Centre >Read about Co. Cork
Depart Killarney and drive through Macroom to Blarney. Walk through the grounds and climb the steps of Blarney Castle to kiss the fabled “Stone of Eloquence.” Also visit the Blarney Woollen Mills for quality Irish-made goods. Bypass Cork city as you drive to the port town of Cobh. Visit the Cobh Heritage Centre, which traces the history of emigration from Ireland to the United States. Learn about travel conditions for the many Irish emigrants on the early sailing ships and steam vessels. Follow the coastal route and stop near Youghal for tea and scones at a dairy farm before driving to Waterford for dinner and overnight stay. This evening a local historian will give you a talk on the history of Waterford. (B, D) )

Day 6: Waterford Crystal & Merry Ploughboy Pub >Read about Waterford
Visit the Waterford Crystal Factory to see the cutting and polishing of this fine product and also the excellent display of trophies and stemware in the showrooms. Head north to Kilkenny with its intriguing medieval streets and buildings and stop massive castle from its rose gardens. Drive to Dun Laoghaire, on the south side of Dublin, and check into your hotel. In the evening drive to the Merry Ploughboy Pub for a great dinner of Irish specialties, which is followed by a lively show of traditional Irish songs and intricate step-dancing. (B, D)

Day 7: Book of Kells & Jameson Whiskey >Read about Dublin
This morning tour Dublin city center to see the prominent public buildings, elegant Georgian townhouses and peaceful gardens. Note the contrasts between centuries-old historic places and modern streets, which pulse with activity. Visit Trinity College’s Old Library to view the early illuminated manuscript of the Book of Kells and learn about its creation. Then tour the Old Jameson Distillery, where you can see the many steps needed to create Irish whiskey and sample some. The afternoon and evening are free for you to browse, shop, sightsee and dine on your own. (B)

Day 8: Clonmacnoise & Galway Bay >Read about Galway
For those on our 8-day vacation, your tour endstoday with a group coach transfer to Dublin Airport. Lucky passengers on the 9-day programwill leave Dublin and journey to Kildare for aguided tour around the Irish National Stud &Japanese Gardens. Learn about Ireland’s love ofhorses and horse breeding techniques and seesome of the magnificent animals. Take a tour around the Japanese Gardens, considered to bethe finest such gardens in Europe. Continue toyour hotel in Bunratty where you will have leisuretime to shop or relax in Durty Nelly’s Pub. In theevening head to the Corn Barn in the Bunratty Folk Park for a cozy dinner with traditional Irishentertainment. You may choose to upgrade inorder to experience dinner and an overnight staying nearby Dromoland Castle. (B, D)

Day 9: Back to the USA
Complimentary group transfers are provided to Shannon Airport to arrive at 6:00 am, 9:00 am or 12:00 noon. After check-in, you’ll have time to shop at the duty-free stores before U.S. Immigration pre-clearance and boarding your flight for the journey home. (B)

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner