Dublin | Belfast | Coleraine | Athlone | Bunratty | Limerick | Killarney

Ultimate Ireland
Style: Signature |Dates: August 7–19, 2016 | Duration: 13 Days/ 12 Nights
Visit the jewels of the Irish countryside with castles, landmarks and traditional pubs!
See all the highlights of Ireland – from North to south, East to West, ranging from the big cities of Dublin and
Belfast to quaint coastal towns and stunning landscapes.
Dublin | Belfast | Coleraine | Athlone | Bunratty | Limerick | Killarney | Kilkenny
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
• Enjoy a whirlwind of sightseeing and cultural experiences; • Feel the medieval influences through the beautiful architecture;
• Partake in a special banquet-style dinner in a castle;
• Experience rural life as you drive through the country side;
• Listen to the tales of an Irish storyteller;
• Dance along in your seat as you watch traditional folk dance;
The rich Irish culture will be at your fingertips throughout the tour! So buckle up!
Day 1
Day 1 | Sunday, August 7: Arrive Dublin – Belfast
After landing at Dublin Airport, your local driver/guide will welcome you to Ireland and escort you and your luggage to
the coach. Leaving Dublin, travel north along the coast to Drogheda.
Drive into Belfast, which is situated on the deep inlet of Belfast Lough. Embark on a sightseeing tour around the city,
including the University area. In the city center see the Albert Memorial and the ornate Victorian buildings of the Opera
House and the Crown Liquor Saloon.
In Donegall Square view the imposing City Hall, completed in 1906. The richly decorated interior contains stained
glass portraying Belfast's principal industries. In the Titanic Quarter, visit Titanic Belfast. Embark on a journey through
the life of the Titanic, from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through her construction and launch, to her
famous maiden voyage and tragic end.
Through state of the art technology, the exhibitions nine interactive
galleries take you back to the sights, sounds and stories of Titanic as well
as the City and people which made her.
The exhibition also explores the discovery of the wreck and has live links
to current marine expeditions.
Then drive to your hotel and check in. Once you settle into your room,
you are free to independently visit Kelly’s Cellar and along with dine on
your own.
OVERNIGHT:
Europa Hotel, Belfast
1 night
www.hastingshotels.com/europa-belfast
Day 2-3
Day 2 | Monday, August 8: Giant’s Causeway
Depart Belfast and drive north to experience one of Ireland's popular scenic routes along the coast road. Here you'll see
the "Nine Glens of Antrim," which offer wonderful views of mountains, valleys and coastline.
Stop to view the Giant's Causeway, an impressive area of hexagonal columns formed over 60 million years ago by
cooling lava and has given rise to many legends. Next drive a short distance to just outside of Portrush so you may take
photos of Dunluce Castle. This splendid structure sits on basalt rock jutting out over the sea, reached by a wooden
walkway.
After your visit, continue to your hotel in Coleraine and check in. You may wish to relax or freshen up before dinner
with your fellow travelers at the hotel restaurant.
Day 3 | Tuesday, August 9: Mountsandel Fort & Gracehill House
Today, drive south of Coleraine to visit Mountsandel Fort, which at one time may have been a stronghold for early
Christians or may have been a fortification that belonged to Anglo-Normans. Continue on to see the
beautiful Dark Hedges, a breathtaking line of beech trees planted
in the 18th century.
This location was also featured on the television show, Game of
Thrones. Next drive a short distance to visit the Gracehill House,
which began construction around 1775 by Stewart Family, whom
also use to own the famous Dark Hedges.
Return to Coleraine for a free evening.
OVERNIGHT:
Lodge Hotel, Coleraine
2 nights
www.thelodgehotel.com
Day 4-5
Day 4 | Wednesday, August 10: Viking Boat Tour & Athlone Castle
Leaving Coleraine, journey southwest through the heart of Ireland to Athlone. Upon arrival board a replicated Viking
ship. See the great views from the River Shannon, of hills and countryside rich with flora and fauna. Also learn about
Ireland’s Viking history through onboard commentary.
Next visit Athlone Castle, which current structure dates back to the thirteenth century.
Then check into your hotel for dinner and your overnight stay. After dinner, you are free to have an independent drink
at Sean’s Bar.
OVERNIGHT:
Sheraton Hotel, Athlone
1 Night
www.sheratonathlonehotel.com
Day 5 | Thursday, August 11: Bunratty Folk Park
Travelling to Bunratty, we’ll stop to visit the Bunratty Folk Park,
which comprises a collection of farmhouses
from different regions of Ireland.
Also see a 19th century village street with a pub, school,
general store andm any other buildings where traditional
lifestyles and crafts are demonstrated.
Then check into your hotel where you will have some free
time in the afternoon. You may choose to relax or explore
some of the other attractions near your hotel-choose from
Bunratty Village Mills and Durty Nelly’s Pub.
In the evening, join your group for dinner at the hotel.
Day 6-7
Day 6 | Friday, August 12: Cliffs of Moher
After breakfast drive along the coastline of County Clare to view the Cliffs of Moher, one of the country’s most
magnificent rock formations that rise to heights of almost 700 feet above the churning Atlantic swells. Head back to
Bunratty, where the rest of the day is free for individual pursuits and dining.
Day 7 | Saturday, August 13: Limerick Tour
Depart Bunratty and drive east into Limerick for a panoramic tour of the city, which features the sights made famous in
Frank McCourt’s biography, “Angela’s Ashes.”
Pass the 13th century King John's Castle in the center of the town. This imposing fortress with its massive walls and
towers has guarded the River Shannon crossing for the past 700 years. Next enjoy some free time to visit Nancy Blakes
Bar or sightsee on your own.
Then head back to Bunratty and enjoy some time to freshen up
before tonight’s festivities.
This evening join in the fun and feasting at Bunratty or
Knappogue Castle. Your medieval-style banquet is served in the
Great Hall of the 15th century castle during which the lords and
ladies of the castle transport you in spirit to the Middle Ages with
their songs and stories.
OVERNIGHT:
Bunratty Castle Hotel
3 Nights
www.bunrattycastlehotel.com
Day 8-9
Day 8 | Sunday, August 14: Liscarroll Castle & Donkey Sanctuary
Drive south of Bunratty to Liscarroll and visit Liscarroll Castle. The castle was built on the foundation of an earlier
Anglo-Norman Fortress sometime around the 13th century. Then in the 17th century the castle was able to withstand a
13-day siege in 1642. However, an attack in 1650 destroyed a section of the curtain walls and almost completely
decimated a tower on the southwest side.
Next travel to just outside of Liscarroll, where you will stop to visit a donkey sanctuary, which is home to roughly 2,500
rescued donkeys. After your visit, drive west through the rugged countryside to Killarney, where you will have some
free time.
From Killarney, travel north through Farranfore to Tralee and check into your hotel. You may wish to freshen up before
dinner with your group.
Day 9 | Monday, August 15: Ross Castle & Ring of Kerry Tour
Today you visit Ross Castle, a 15th century towerhouse and a typical example of the stronghold of a Middle Ages Irish
chieftain. The castle is fully restored and furnished with period oak furniture.
Then set off to explore the Ring of Kerry- 100 miles of marvelous scenery
consisting of the highest peaks in Ireland on one side and a coastline
scattered with golden beaches and rocky headlands on the other. Stop
en route to meet a local farmer who will introduce you to a flock of his
sheep and provide a sheepdog demonstration.
Then travel through Glenbeigh, Cahirciveen and on to Waterville and
the colorful village of Sneem. Stop at Lady’s View for a view of the three
lakes of Killarney with the mountains and the town in the background.
OVERNIGHT:
Fels Point Hotel, Tralee
2 Nights
www.felspointhotel.com
Day 10-11
Day 10 | Tuesday, August 16: Kilkenny Walk & Black Abbey
Depart Tralee, journey northwest through Mitchelstown to Kilkenny. Upon arrival embark on a guided walking tour
through this medieval city. The humorous and informative guide will show you many of Kilkenny’s historical sites,
which help make stories about the past come to life.
Next, visit the Black Abbey, which was established in 1225 as one of the first houses of the Dominican Order in Ireland.
Over the years, the abbey had fallen into disrepair and had been reconstructed as well. One of the final reconstructions
occurred in 1864; it was then that the doors were opened once more for the abbey to become a House of Prayer. Then
check into your hotel and enjoy some time to settle in.
This evening, enjoy dinner at Kyteler’s Inn, a medieval tavern dating back to 1324, where cut stone, wooden beams and
floors and vintage memorabilia create a fashionable and intimate ambience.
Day 11 | Wednesday, August 17: Castlecomer Discovery Park
Travel to the town of Castlecomer and visit Castlecomer Discovery
Park. The park is set on approximately 80 acres and an exciting
range of recreation activities and even some that are educational.
After your fun filled day, return to Kilkenny and dine on your own.
OVERNIGHT:
River Court Hotel, Kilkenny
2 Nights
www.rivercourthotel.com
Day 12-13
Day 12 | Thursday, August 18: Dublin Highlights
Departing Kilkenny, drive northeast through Athy and Kildare to Dublin. Upon arrival set off with a local guide who will
show you around the prominent historic buildings and monuments of Dublin. Dublin is an ancient settlement, founded
by the Vikings in the 9th century. The city has been molded through the centuries with many architectural styles,
reflecting the economic, political and artistic influences.
Stop visit the Guinness Storehouse to see exhibits on how this world famous stout was first created and why it is so
popular today.
Finish your visit in the roof-top bar, Gravity, overlooking the city center where you can sample a draft Guinness and
enjoy the view of the city.
After your visit, check into your hotel and enjoy the afternoon free for individual pursuits.
In the evening join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner followed by authentic story telling by a local Seanachie.
OVERNIGHT:
Dunboyne Castle Hotel, Dunboyne
1 Night
www.dunboynecastlehotel.com
Day 13 | Friday, August 19: Departure Day
Sadly, today is the final day of your Irish vacation. Transfer
to Dublin Airport in good time to check in for your flight.
You may do some last minute shopping at the duty free
stores before boarding your aircraft and flying across the
Atlantic Ocean back to Canada.
Tour Details
INCLUSIONS:
THE ROUTE:
• Escorted tour from beginning to the end
• Exclusive transport by luxury motorcoach with driver/guide
• 12 nights in comfortable character rich hotels. Room type Twin
• Internet in hotels when possible
• Full time tour leader
• Special events exclusively for Cobblestone travellers
MEALS:
• All breakfasts
• 7 Dinners
TOURS & ATTRACTIONS:
• Guided tours of Belfast, Limerick, Dublin & Kilkenny
• Viking Cruise on the River Shannon
• Sheepdog Trials on the Ring of Kerry
• Traditional storytelling by a local Seanachie
VISITS & ADMISSION FEES TO:
Titanic Belfast; Giant’s Causeway; Dunluce Castle (Photo Stop);
Mountsandel Fort; Gracehill House; Athlone Castle;
Bunratty Folk Park; Cliffs of Moher; Liscarroll Castle;
Ross Castle; Black Abbey; Castlecomer Discovery Park;
Guinness Storehouse
OPTIONAL ADD-ONS:
• Extend your trip
• Upgrade your room / Get a single room
MORE QUESTIONS?
NOT INCLUDED:
• Extra days before/after the tour
• Events and Services not included in the itinerary or
marked Optional
• Some meals & Alcoholic beverages
• Airport Transfers if you’re NOT travelling with a group
• Travel Insurance
• Telephone services
• Laundry services
• Personal expenses
If you have any question or requests regarding your trip – big, small or downright quirky – please call or e-mail us. We are happy to
help!