The Irish Pub Tour (9 days) - 2018

Learn about Ireland’s folk traditions and tales as you explore cozy pubs around the country, including story-telling at Dublin’s Oldest Pub, the Brazen Head, and dinner and music at Kate Kearney’s Cottage. Visit Teeling Whiskey Distillery and Guinness Storehouse. Stay in Kilkenny, Killarney and Westport, towns renowned for lots of lively pubs.

THIS INCLUSIVE TOUR FEATURES	Ailwee Cave Blarney Castle Cliffs of Moher Guiness Storehouse & a Pint Smithwick’s Experience Teeling Distillery Dingle Peninsula Sheepdog Demonstration
DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION	Dublin
DEPARTURE TIME	2:00 PM
All TOURS INCLUDE	Full daily breakfast (except Day 1) All on-tour transportation including shuttles and ferries Welcome get-together drink with your group Free Wi-Fi on coaches so you can stay connected along the way Documents wallet and backpack to keep you organized All local taxes, hotel service charges & handling of one suitcase per person
HOTELS	Ballsbridge Hotel Dublin (1 night) for Saturday departure or Croke Park Hotel Dublin (1 night) for Wednesday departure Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel Kilkenny (1 night) International Hotel Killarney (2 nights) Armada Hotel Spanish Point (1 night) Wyatt Hotel Westport (1 night) Ashling Hotel Dublin (2 nights)

Dublin Tour & Guinness Storehouse

Tour starts 2:00 pm, Dublin hotel. Set out on an introductory tour of central Dublin. Cross the River Liffey to drive along the wide O’Connell Street and view the General Post Office where the 1916 Uprising started. Visit the Guinness Storehouse to learn about Ireland’s “black beer” and after pulling your own pint enjoy views of Dublin from the rooftop bar. Back at the hotel, enjoy a welcome drink with your group and then dine on your own at one of Dublin’s many restaurants or pubs.

Glasnevin Cemetery Museum & Medieval Kilkenny Walk

Explore Glasnevin Cemetery Museum, Ireland’s national necropolis, which is a who’s who of modern Irish history. Head to Kilkenny for a walking tour through Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile to view merchants’ houses and historic pubs. Visit Smithwick’s Experience for a tour and enjoy a sample. Spend some free time browsing the charming city before dinner.
(B, D)

House of Waterford Crystal & Blarney

Head to the ancient port of Waterford to visit the House of Waterford Crystal. Witness the creation of crystal masterpieces during your visit. Visit Blarney Castle to kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence” or explore the tranquil gardens. Treat yourself to quality Irish made goods at Blarney Woollen Mills. Pass through County Cork to Killarney where you’ll have free time to explore some of the lively pubs.
(B, D)

Dingle Peninsula & Kate Keraney's Cottage Dinner

Head to the glorious Dingle Peninsula, made famous by two movies, “Ryan’s Daughter” and “Far & Away,” which showcased the wonderful scenery. Visit the South Pole Inn for an Irish coffee and learn about Tom Crean, an explorer who bravely journeyed to the South Pole. Immerse yourself in farm life and watch skilled dogs herd sheep. Enjoy some time and lunch on your own in the town of Dingle. In the evening head to Kate Kearney’s Cottage for dinner and traditional Irish entertainment with songs and step-dancing.
(B, D)

Cliffs of Moher & Aillwee Cave

Embark on a ferry ride across the wide River Shannon Estuary. Take in the spectacular beauty of the Cliffs of Moher – soaring 700 feet (200m) above the Atlantic surf. Walk along the top of the cliffs for views across Galway Bay of Connemara and the Aran Islands. A short drive will bring you into Doolin for lunch at McGann’s Pub. Next visit Aillwee Cave for a guided stroll through the underground caverns. Travel to Spanish Point, named after the ships of the 1588 Spanish Armada that were wrecked there. The village has many enticing pubs to check out before or after dinner.
(B, L, D)

Galway & Westport Walk

Drive around the shores of Galway Bay and stop in Galway for some leisure time to explore independently. Continue through Connemara with its hills, lakes and open country where mountain sheep roam freely. Stop in Leenane, where the movie, “The Field” was made. Continue to Westport and enjoy a walking tour of this attractive estate town built in 1780, with buildings steeped in history and traditional pubs, many with live music.
(B, D)

Teeling Distillery & 12 th Century Brazen Head Pub

Enjoy the scenery of central Ireland as you head to Dublin on the east coast. Visit Teeling Distillery, a distillery in the heart of the city, and sample the aged whiskey. Head to the Brazen Head Pub, Dublin’s oldest, dating back to 1198 for an evening of “Food, Folk and Fairies” where story-telling will reveal Ireland’s myths and beliefs in times past.
(B, D)

Independent Bus Tour In Dublin

Spend an additional day in Dublin with an independent Dublin open-top bus tour (valid for 48 hours), plus a visit to either Trinity College Book of Kells, EPIC Ireland or the General Post Office Museum.
(B)