Day 1 (Sat.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight

Day 2 Arrival in Shannon, Ireland. To Bunratty. (Sun.) After checking into your hotel, free time to relax or sightsee. Lots to see and do within a short walk: the folk park, a "village" of thatched cottages, farmhouses, and shops depicting turn-of-the-century Irish life; a complex of smart shops in which to browse; and perhaps a refreshment at famous "Durty Nelly’s" Irish pub. At 5:15 p.m. walk across to Bunratty Castle for a special welcome banquet in the company of your Tour Director and traveling companions, with dinner, wine, and entertainment included. (D)

Day 3 Bunratty-Limerick-Killarney. (Mon.) Spend an interesting morning in Limerick. After an orientation tour, the first stop is at the HUNT MUSEUM, with its vast collection of art and antiquity, amassed by John and Gertrude Hunt and given to the people of Ireland. Next, step further back in time for a fascinating visit to KING JOHN’S CASTLE in the medieval heritage precinct. After lunch, follow the shores of the Shannon estuary and head south to the popular resort of Killarney, your destination for the next three nights. (FB,D)

Day 4 Killarney. Excursion to Garinish Island and Ring of Kerry. (Tue.) A day full of splendid scenery. Via Macroom head for the southernmost coast of County Cork and Bantry Bay, one of the largest natural harbors in Europe. At Glengarriff board a private boat for the short crossing to GARINISH ISLAND, whose warm waters attract colonies of seals. Follow the winding paths between the strong-scented flowering trees and shrubs of this lush, tropical island garden. Later take the mountain route, with its panoramic coastal vistas, for a visit to pretty Kenmare before joining the road known as the Ring of Kerry to follow part of the popular scenic drive on the southwestern tip of Ireland. Via Sneem and along winding lanes bordered with fuchsia and rhododendrons, pause for the breathtaking panorama of the Lakes of Killarney from Ladies View. Tonight an entertaining optional evening in Tralee with dinner and tickets for Siamsa Tire National Folk Theatre. (FB)

Day 5 Killarney. Dingle Peninsula Excursion. (Wed.) Panoramic views on Dingle Peninsula, where the 32-mile Slea Head drive affords magnificent vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. At the BLASKET ISLANDS CENTRE, which is dedicated to the native Irish language and culture, learn about the way of life and unique literary achievements on the string of remote offshore islands evacuated by the last inhabitants in 1953. Visit Dingle, then pass miles of white sandy beaches, setting for the film Ryan’s Daughter. Back in Killarney, a special optional treat would be a fun-filled, horsedrawn jaunting car ride through the national park with a stop for photos of Ross Castle set amidst some of the most spectacular scenery in Ireland. (FB)

Day 6 Killarney-Dublin. (Thu.) An interesting day’s drive with a stop first for photos of the Rock of Cashel where St. Patrick preached. Later, horseracing country and a visit to the IRISH NATIONAL STUD at Kildare, whose fine thoroughbreds command respect on the racecourses of the world. Drive across the Curragh and, later this afternoon, arrive in the Irish capital. Dinner is included at your hotel this evening. (FB,D)

Day 7 Dublin. (Fri.) A day to experience the vibrant atmosphere of Ireland’s "Fair City." Your orientation drive includes statue-lined O’Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Then a highlight visit to Oscar Wilde’s TRINITY COLLEGE, famous for the 1,200-year-old Book of Kells and the magnificent Old Library. The rest of the day is free for you to further explore the city on your own. Tonight join your Tour Director for an optional dinner evening at the Guinness Storehouse. (FB)

Day 8 Dublin. Wicklow Excursion. (Sat.) Vistas of the Wicklow Mountains appear as you head south towards Glendalough. At its VISITOR CENTRE see the engaging audiovisual tour "Ireland of the Monasteries" and let your Local Guide explain the ruins of one of the centers of Irish Celtic Christianity founded by St. Kevin. Nearby pause to take in the spectacular views during your visit to POWERSCOURT HOUSE and GARDENS. Return to Dublin after lunch for more free time in the city. Tonight’s optional recommendation to celebrate your visit to Ireland is a traditional Irish dinner and cabaret show. (FB)

Day 9 (Sun.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (FB)