Spring Into Ireland

Day 1

Morning departure to Holyhead for the afternoon sailing to Dublin. Complete the journey to the overnight hotel just south of Dublin city.

Day 2

We travel south via Limerick, the home of King John’s Castle which is strategically located on the River Shannon.  A short distance away is Bunratty Castle and Folk Village which was restored in 1960. The castle, which houses the Lord Gort collection of furniture and artwork is Ireland’s most authentic and complete medieval castle. The folk park encloses farmhouses, a blacksmith, water mill and a complete village street.  Onwards to Killarney via Adare, reputedly Ireland’s prettiest village, continuing to Killarney in the beautiful county of Kerry, our base for the next 4 nights.

Day 3

Full day excursion around the Ring of Kerry. Dominated by MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, savour 100 miles of spectacular scenery as you travel along the narrow coastal road of the Iveragh Peninsula. Our journey continues through Waterville and Derrynane, which overlook Ballinskelligs Bay to Caherdaniel, the hometown of political hero Daniel O’Connel. Onward through Sneem, a quaint town with its own village green, to Kenner and Moll’s Gap; a cutting between bleak bogland and mountains.  

Travel through Waterville and Derrynane, overlooking Ballinskelligs Bay to Caherdaniel, hometown of political hero Daniel O'Connell.  Continue through Sneem, a quaint town with its own village green, and Kenmare to Moll's Gap, a cutting between bleak bogland and mountains. The winding road passes Ladies View, aptly named after Queen Victoria's ladies-in-waiting who were so impressed with the view of the lakes and the entrance to Muckross. Today’s tour finishes in Killarney.

Day 4

Full day in Killarney, set in the Irish Lake District and internationally renowned for its scenic beauty with a myriad of pastimes to ensure you will never be left at a loose end.  We include a Jaunting car trip and lake cruise, a highlight of the tour. Starting onboard a traditional Jaunting Car, enjoy the unique beauty of Killarney National Park and its wildlife as you ramble through its tree-lined avenues. Learn about the history, legends and folklore of the area from your local Jarvey Guide and also catch a glimpse of the Park’s unique wildlife including the Red Deer, the last native herd in Ireland. On arrival at Ross Castle, we will be invited to board the MV Lake Cruiser and set upon a voyage through Killarney’s largest and most picturesque Lake, Lough Léin from the comfort of the glass-covered, heated vessel. The remainder of the day is free to explore Killarney at your own pace.

Day 5

Spend today exploring the Dingle Peninsula made famous by ‘Ryan‘s Daughter’, which offers some of the wildest natural scenic beauty in Ireland.  Travelling north-west, Tralee beckons with its veritable feast of activities for the visitor.  Continue to Dingle, a fishing village whose most famous resident is "Fungi" the Dolphin and then a circular tour around the most westerly tip of the peninsula. At Slea Head promontory the Blasket Islands come into full view. Return to Killarney via Annascaul, Inch, (where the famous beach scenes from Ryan’s Daughter were filmed) and Castlemaine.

Day 6

Today we say goodbye to Killarney and head north via Limerick and Portlaoise to Co. Kildare for a visit to the Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens, where in 2020 a new visitor centre was completed.  This is the breeding headquarters for some of Ireland's most successful racehorses. Join a tour of the paddocks and stables to see these magnificent horses before studying their achievements in the museum. Included in your visit is the chance to see the adjoining Japanese Gardens, beautifully designed to symbolise the 'Life of Man' from cradle to grave. Continue onto our last overnight stay just south of Dublin.

Day 7

Head up to Dublin Port in time for the early morning ferry crossing to Holyhead (breakfast will be served on board). Upon arrival in North Wales, continue your journey home.

Included

Return coach travel 
Return ferry crossings Holyhead-Dublin 
2 overnights Talbot Hotel Stillorgan half board 
4 nights Killarney Towers Hotel half board 
Jaunting car trip and cruise 
Admission to Bunratty Castle and Irish National Stud 
 
 
Single £190 (double/twin for sole occupancy)
Deposit £75 per person