Day 1 Arrive Shannon Airport

Today you will arrive at Shannon Airport, collect your rental car and travel 20 minutes west to Eden Retreat, located just outside the bustling market town of Ennis, Co. Clare.

Day 1 - 4 Eden Cottage Retreat, County Clare

Travel west from Shannon to Eden Cottage Retreat (20 minutes)
 
Begin your adventure with four nights at the luxurious Eden Retreat.  This beautiful home is the ideal way to start your tour. The house itself is a joy to behold, and in an extremely peaceful and relaxing location. There are a great variety of locations to visit within easy daytrip distance from Eden Retreat.

We recommend visiting the following sights:

• The Cliffs of Moher
• County Clare's unique Burren Region
• Doolin Village and its world renowned traditional music pubs
• Vibrant Galway City
• Bunratty Mediaeval Village
• Adare Heritage Village
• The Aran Islands

(all sights are within an hour's drive)

About Ennis Town

Just a 5-minute drive from Eden Retreat is the bustling and colorful town of Ennis, the county center of Clare.  Ennis gets its name from the Irish word “inis” (island) because it is virtually surrounded by the River Fergus, a melodious  presence throughout.   The streets of Ennis are narrow and charming, and some do not allow cars.  There are plenty of locals here—Ennis is no tourist trap—and you’ll hear voices that are raised in laughter or storytelling in bakeries and bookstores alike. The Friary at the bottom of Abbey Street was founded by the O’Briens in the 13th century. Many of its original features survive.  It’s breath-taking and has a textured silence that speaks through the centuries.

But, the main attraction in Ennis is the locals’ love of traditional music. Every year on the month of May, Ennis hosts Fleadh Nua, an international celebration of Irish culture, and in November the Ennis Trad Festival is held. But traditional music of the highest quality is on display in the pubs of Ennis throughout the year. It often seems that those in town who can't sing or play an instrument are very much in the minority!  The person who recently labeled Ennis as the Nashville of traditional Irish music wasn't far wrong.  This area is the root, after all, of American traditional music.

Day 5 & 6 5-star 19th Century Manor House, Cork

Travel southeast from Dingle to Cork City (3 hours)
 
Next?  An exquisite 5-star 19th Century Manor House Hotel awaits you, just a short stroll from the heart of Cork City.  From the luxurious manor rooms & suites to the award winning restaurants, beautiful antique furnishings and exquisite fabrics; this hotel is a designed with your ever comfort in mind.  But here’s the truly astonishing feature:  As a guest you’re encouraged by the friendly staff to make yourself completely at home.  Go ahead...feel free to raid the refrigerator at night!
 

About Cork City:

In the bustling city of Cork, stroll the river walk at the University and pop into the Glucksman Gallery.  Relax in a café, and hit Shandon Street, just a short walk from the main shopping district.  Climb the 120 foot steeple, and ring the bells of Shandon.  Soak up the city views as they fade into the countryside. Award-winning restaurants line the streets, and nightlife choices include Irish Traditional, classy nightclubs, theater, opera, plays, and dance.  (Take the haunted night tour of the city jail—it’s a great way to start your evening with a bang.) Of course, there’s the Jameson Old Middleton Distillery in east Cork.  Learn how Irish whiskey is made, and finish with a tasting.  As for Ennis, her beautiful medieval streets, narrow and meandering past small colorful shops, are enchanting.

Day 7 Dromoland Castle

Travel north from Cork City back to Dromoland Castle  (2.5 hours)
 
And last, but not by any means least……your final taste of Ireland whisks you back in time again to another utterly luxurious 5-star property, Dromoland Castle.  This 1000 year old retreat, set on 1500 acres of grounds & woodlands is one of the most famous baronial castles in Irish history.  Being the ancestral home of the O’Briens - the Barons of Inchiquin, this estate descends directly from one of the few native families of royal blood in Ireland; the descendants of Brian Boroimhe (Boru) High King of Ireland in the eleventh century.  Today, Dromoland is an oasis of tranquility. The grandeur of the castle itself, its magnificent furnishings and the surrounding lakes and parkland offer guests an experience almost impossible to find at other luxury hotels.

Day 8 Day 8 Depart from Shannon Airport

Today you will leave Dromoland to depart from Shannon Airport.  The driving distance is only 15 minutes from Shannon Airport.