Phone 800-975-7775         

Exciting tour of true Ireland,

      viewing majestic sights & visiting amazing places!

Hosted by Oxford Native, Lindsey Prumers

DAY 1 / SHANNON

Arrive Shannon.  Welcome by Lindsey Prumers-your tour guide and representative and transfer by luxury touring coach through Co. Clare, “land of the castles”.  Visit 15^th century Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.

Explore the beautifully restored castle rooms and the folk park and visit the traditional thatched cottages in the Folk Park – with its traditional Irish thatched cottages and reconstruction of a typical turn of the century village, complete with schoolhouse, hotel and pub, potters, millers, weavers, print shop, post office, portrait studio, doctors house, and confectioners.  You may want to adjourn to Mac Namara's Pub in the heart of the folk park.  Mac's is a recreation of an authentic turn of the century Irish Inn.  Unfortunately, we regret that prices have not remained at turn of the century levels, but normal pub prices apply!  ***Pub opening times are 10.30hrs*** 

Later, enjoy an introduction to the breathtaking Irish scenery, with a stop at the majestic Cliffs of Moher, rising over 700 ft above the Atlantic waves. 

Once we have visited the legendary Cliffs of Moher, we will be en route to Ennistymon, a pretty town straddling a river which has lovely gushing waterfalls.  This affinity with the waters is reflected gleefully in the number of pubs in the town.  Every second shop seems to be a quaint looking hostelry, some of which open only  when the owners feel like it!  A complimentary Irish Coffee will be offered to all group participants. 

Check-in to Old Ground Hotel upon arrival - standard check-in time in Irish hotels is 14:00hrs.  Time to recover from the flight and relax for the remainder of the afternoon. 

We enjoy dinner at our hotel this evening.  Following dinner, guests may opt to sample some more traditional Irish music in the hotel bar. 

Overnight at the Old Ground Hotel in Ennis. 

DAY 2 / SHANNON - KILLARNEY

Depart Bunratty travelling through Limerick, to the picturesque village of Adare, with its pretty coloured thatched cottages and medieval abbey.   Stopping in Adare is a must whether for photos or an exploration of its pretty craft shops, antique shops and boutiques.  Tucked away discretely at the end of the town are some very nice bars.... or dip into the Dunraven Arms hotel, where the village hunt meets regularly ....  or into neo-gothic Adare Manor, now a deluxe hotel with a very peaceful cocktail bar.

From Adare, depart for Killarney.   Killarney is a lively, bustling town, set against a dramatic mountain backdrop and famous for its three lakes, fishing, championship golf course and as a base for touring the Ring of Kerry.  Oh, and lots of pubs, of course!!!

Some time to explore Killarney this afternoon.

Tonight enjoy dinner & entertainment in the Danny Mann Inn in Killarney.

Overnight at the Arbutus Hotel in Killarney.  

DAY 3 / RING OF KERRY

This morning we tour one of Ireland’s loveliest districts.  Poets, painters, writers and musicians have all tried to convey the beauty of this area.  Mountains, valleys and lakes blend into a palette of scenic splendour.  A delightful day includes a drive along the broad, dramatic coastline of the Iveragh Peninsula and through the charming villages and towns of Killorglin, Cahirciveen, Waterville and Irish-speaking Sneem.  We stop at Glenbeigh, just outside Killorgan, where we visit the Kerry Bog Village Museum.  Here you will enjoy a step back in time to the early 18^th century to recapture the way of life as it would have been at  that time; peat, or turf as it is usually called in Ireland, is harvested from bogs and is still used a domestic fuel.  We also enjoy an Irish Coffee in ath the Bog Village.  Partake of refreshments at either Mick O'Dwyers Pub, Waterville, or Freddies at nearby Caherdaniel.  Perhaps, visit one of Ireland's only Beach Bars - particularly appealing to lovers of kitsch as it overlooks a wonderful sandy strand, blighted slightly by holiday caravans! 

We complete our tour with a visit to Muckross House, a magnificent Victorian mansion and one of Ireland’s leading stately homes. The elegantly furnished rooms portray the lifestyle of the landed gentry, while downstairs in the basement one can experience the working conditions of the servants employed in the house. The gardens at Muckross House are renowned world-wide for their beauty; in particular they are noted for their fine collections of azaleas and rhododendrons.  Leaving Muckross House, we travel back to our Killarney hotel by coach. 

Overnight at the Arbutus Hotel in Killarney.  (dinner at own expense)

DAY 4 / KERRY - CORK

Morning departure from Killarney, travelling directly to Cork via Macroom.  Passing through Cork, continue to the pretty village of Blarney.  Visit to Blarney Castle, with a chance to kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence”.  Also a chance to purchase handknits and handloomed tweeds at Blarney Woollen Mills.

Continue through Cork city southwards to Kinsale.   This is a very pretty fishing village with a sophisticated air and a yachting marina on the coast just south of Cork City.  Known as the “Gourmet Capital of Ireland”, it boasts a number of excellent restaurants and a wealth of lively pubs, combined with a history greatly influenced by the many Spanish sailors who settled here in the 1700's.   Visit The Greyhound Bar with it's uneven floors, cosy snug, welcoming log fire, old fashioned but with a trendy crowd.  Across the harbour, only a few minutes walk away, is wonderful Scilly with the dark and welcoming Spaniard Bar, the wooded Spinnaker or the Harbour Bar where menus from all the town's restaurants can be perused before going out to dinner.  Closer to the historic culture of the town is The Bulman in pretty Summercove, about 2 miles from Scilly.  The Bulman is the nearest pub to the imposing Charlesfort and looks across to the town of Kinsale.

Following our stop off in Kinsale, we proceed to our hotel in the centre of the town. 

Overnight at Actons Hotel in Kinsale.  (dinner at own expense) 

DAY 5 / CORK - DUBLIN

Morning departure from Kinsale.  En route visit the Jameson Heritage Centre - A to ur of this is a journey through the story of Irish Whiskey by means of an audio-visual presentation.  Follow the Old Distillery Trail through mills, maltings and kilns.  View the largest pot still in the world and sample the internationally renowned Jameson Whiskey in the bar. 

Continue on to Waterford, where you will receive a warm welcome  to Waterford Crystal, home of the world famous crystal; this will be an experience you’ll never forget. The Waterford experience is unique in that you are visiting a real working, living, breathing factory.  A thin yellow line is all that separates you from the craftsmen, during the tour you will get a chance to see the glass being blown and cut, also take in the factory’s magical audio visual presentation. The gallery features the finest of Waterford pieces guaranteed to quicken the pulse of even the most seasoned collector.

Leaving Waterford, we travel northwards through the rich farmland of the “sunny south east” before arriving in Dublin later this afternoon.  The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure for independent activities. 

Overnight at the McEniff Grand Canal Hotel in Dublin.  (dinner at own expense) 

DAY 6 / DUBLIN

This morning, we commence a tour of Dublin City, which includes statute-lined O’Connell Street and the General Post Office, scene of the 1916 Easter uprising. We also drive around some of Dublin’s elegant Georgian squares and visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, associated with Dean Jonathan Swift, author of “Gulliver’s Travels”. We complete our morning’s programme with a visit to the 16th Century Trinity College founded by Elizabeth 1, now home to the famous illuminated manuscript, the Book of Kells – see the current exhibition ‘Turning Darkness into Light’ which features large-scale details from the famous manuscripts.

 Finish your morning with a visit to the Guinness Storehouse where a tour of the Storehouse will be followed by an opportunity to taste the world famous stout. In the Guinness Storehouse, visitors will discover what goes into making a pint of the “blackstuff” – the ingredients, the processes, the effort. They’ll “meet” Arthur Guinness and find out how the drink that carries his name has travelled around the world. Visitors will also have the opportunity to spend some time in the Advertising Gallery in the Storehouse, where you  will find a display of all Guinness advertising material past and present and shop in the Guinness Store where you will find the world’s greatest selection of Guinness fashions and memorabilia. The tour ends on the roof high above Dublin, in a bar, with a pint of Guinness and the best view in the city.

Remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to shop, visit museums and art galleries, explore the street markets, cafés and, something else - oh, yes, the city pubs....   Dublin’s pubs are so varied and each is popular with a particular crowd. 

Later this evening, we are in for a treat as we are transferred to Temple Bar where we will embark on the Traditional Irish Musical Pub Crawl.   The Traditional Irish Musical Pub Crawl is led by two professional musicians who perform tunes and songs while telling the story of Irish Music and it’s influences on contemporary world music.  You will visit famous pubs and bars in the Temple Bar area.  All pubs are privately booked, with private bar and in close proximity to each other.  The tour typically lasts 2 and a half hours.

Overnight at the McEniff Grand Canal Hotel in Dublin.  (dinner at own expense) 

DAY 7 DUBLIN / WICKLOW

 This morning depart for Co Wicklow, garden county of Ireland.  Visit Glendalough, “Valley of the Two Lakes”, a 6^th century monastic settlement and well known beauty spot.  Stop at Avoca Handweavers for a demonstration of handweaving of fine quality tweeds.  Enjoy a quick drink at either the Roundwood Inn or Lynahms of Laragh, both popular mountain village pubs. 

Return to Dublin via Glencullen, to ensure that the highest pub in Ireland is visited and enjoyed.  Johnny Fox's Pub in the Dublin Mountains approx. 30 minutes drive south of the city is a wonderful place, filled with curios and antiques and with a warm and welcoming open fire.  Enjoy a superb seafood platter & pint of Guinness in Fox's Seafood Kitchen.  Dubliners come from all over the city to enjoy Fox's speciality.  This is available daily except Sunday, when the kitchen opens at 4pm.

This evening, we are transferred to the south of the city to enjoy a fantastic farewell dinner & show to remember.  Taylor’s Three Rock Irish Night captures the authentic singing tradition of Ireland as a living art form and having joined forces with the Merry Ploughboys creates an evening that is dynamic and exhilarating.  The key message is “sing it like you mean it”.  The evening begins with a four-course dinner.  Sit back to be entertained by the very best of Irish ballad bands - The Merry Ploughboys.  The Irish ballad session is interrupted midway by a spectacular dance routine incorporating the best of contemporary and traditional Irish dancing.  After the dancing the band returns to the stage to really let loose.  A night of authentically Irish entertainment is guaranteed!  A strong heart is required however, as both musicians and dancers involve the entire audience in this electric performance.

Note: Seating for dinner takes place between 07:30pm and 08:00pm, Entertainment commences between 09:00 and 09:15pm and finishes at approximately 11:00pm on Sunday to Thursday nights and 11:30 pm on Friday and Saturday nights.

Overnight at the McEniff Grand Canal Hotel in Dublin. 

DAY 8 / DEPARTURE

Morning transfer to Dublin Airport for departure.  You’ll be very pleasantly surprised by the Airport bar beside the award-winning duty free shop!  The bar offers the visitor a last taste of the Irish pub with succulent oysters, smoked salmon and seafood on offer in season.

Flight departs Dublin for the U.S.

Click here to read more about what's included in this once-in-a-lifetime tour!

For more information about joining us for this
trip of a life time, please call us at (800) 975-7775 or e-mail us at info@tmitours.com