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Avanti Destinations
OFFER ID 1523519
Scenic Southern Ireland
Explore Ireland at your own pace, stopping to experience and enjoy this ancient Celtic Culture as you go! Start in the vibrant capital city of Dublin. Discover Ireland's sunny southeast in the crystal city of Waterford. Then marvel at the spectacular scenery along the Ring of Kerry, an easy day-trip from your base in Killarney. Learn about and experience the history of rural life in Ireland with a visit to Bunratty Castle & Folk Park then spend your final night at Dromoland Castle.
Includes:
6 nights | Call for pricing
Avanti Destinations: Scenic Southern Ireland
Day 1 Dublin
Arrive in Dublin to explore this cosmopolitan city’s Celtic roots. While a settlement on the Liffey River appeared on a Roman map dated 140 A.D., Dublin became Dublin in 988 A.D. when Vikings sailed up the river, destroyed a small Celtic village, and established Dubh Lin (Dark Pool). Dubh Lin soon combined with another Celtic settlement, Baile Atha Cliath or “town of the hurdles”, still the name of this city in Irish. Optional private transfers from the airport, rail station or a ferry port are available.
Ireland’s Visitor Attractions Guide:Saves you up to $600 at 98 of Ireland’s best known attractions, plus lists addresses, telephone numbers, operating hours and more. The essential visitor’s guide, indeed!
Dublin City Hop-on/Hop-off Tour:Use your voucher to join this tour at one of 14 pick-up points around Dublin. Your ticket is good for a full 24 hours.<.p>
Dinner at Knightsbridge Bar:The Knightsbridge Bar comes alive with music, song and dance where visitors can relax and enjoy a spectacular Irish dancing show and three-course meal.
Waterford in south-east Ireland on the River Suir (pronounced Shure) was founded by Vikings in the 9th century then captured by Anglo-Norman invaders of the 12th century leading to years of conflict between the English and Irish. In 1783 George and William Penrose founded a glass factory that produced what we know today as Waterford Crystal, the area’s main attraction.
Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre:Explore over 200 years of glass making through exhibits of luxury pieces.
After breakfast you’re off to Dromoland Castle by way of Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.
Your last evening is at the Dromoland Castle in Newmarket-on-Fergus, one of the most famous castles in Ireland and ancestral home of the O’Briens, a native Gaelic family who are descendants of Brian Boroimhe (pronounced: Boru), 11th century High King of Ireland.
Entrance to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park:Built in 1425, Bunratty Castle is the most authentic medieval fortress in Ireland. Furnished with over 450 items of medieval furniture and artifacts.
Bunratty Folk Parkis a living reconstruction 19th century Ireland, with a village street, Ireland school, doctor’s house, pawnbrokers, pub, drapery, printworks, grocery, hardware shop, pottery and a post office.
Waterford Shore Excursion- Waterford and Kilkenny Tour - Full Day Tour
Waterford’s Fine Houses – full day tour
Leaving Waterford this morning we travel through the rich pastures of County Waterford and head for Lismore to visit Lismore Castle Gardens. The castle, which was originally built in 1185 is now the Irish home of the Duke of Devonshire. While Lismore Castle itself is not open to the public, the beautiful and lovingly maintained public gardens are, as is the west wing of the Castle which houses a wonderful contemporary art gallery. The gardens are said to be the oldest continually cultivated gardens in Ireland and they offer spectacular views of both Lismore Castle and the surrounding countryside of the Blackwater valley.
Leaving Lismore we visit nearby Cappoquin House, which is an eighteenth century mansion built on the site of an old Fitzgerald Castle overlooking the River Blackwater. It was designed by the Cork architect, Abraham Hargreave. The Keane family have lived here for the last 300 years. It is little changed from the handsome building completed in 1779. In the house are many reminders of the Afghan war of 1839 in which General Sir John Keane later created Lord Keane of Ghuznee and Cappoquin played an important role. The garden is on a south facing slope crowned with two huge arboretum rhododendrons and planted with unusual trees and flowering shrubs.
Returning to Waterford, we visit Curraghmore House, which is owned by the Marquis of Waterford and has been home to his ancestors since 1170. Some 2,500 acres of formal gardens, woodland and grazing fields make this the largest private demesne in Ireland and one of the finest places to visit in Ireland. The interior has exceptionally fine plasterwork and a guided tour of the main reception rooms of Curraghmore House can be arranged by prior appointment. This tour takes in some of the finest neo-classical rooms in Ireland which feature the magnificent plaster work of James Wyatt and grisaille panels by Peter de Gree. The superbly landscaped gardens beside Curraghmore House, incorporate a shell house, the interior of which was designed by Catherine, Countess of Tyrone, in 1754. May and June are the best months to appreciate azaleas, rhododendrons, through exceptionally fine trees may be enjoyed at any time.
Your driver with then transfer you back to your ship.
Dublin: Highlights of Dublin City - 8 hours
Ireland, known affectionately as the “the Emerald Isle” is renowned for its excellent hospitality and you can be assured of a warm welcome by your guide and driver, who will meet you at the port. Discover the history, literary heritage and culture that lies behind Dublin’s elegant Georgian architecture and famous landmarks, during your full-day tour.
Founded in the 16th-century, Trinity College is Ireland's oldest university and holds the Book of Kells, a greatly treasured example of early Irish manuscript illumination. History lovers may opt to visit the nearby Treasury of the National Museum or EPIC - the interactive museum commemorating the emigration of 10 million Irish. For those interested in art, the National Gallery houses a superb collection.
Afterwards make a lunchtime pit stop at the Guinness Storehouse, where you learn how a pint of the world-famous Guinness is created. The heart of the building is modelled on a giant pint glass, which would hold approximately 14 million pints of Guinness beer if filled! Enjoy a complimentary pint of Guinness in the Gravity Bar, which boast 360-degree views of the capital.
Complete your touring this afternoon, with a visit to St. Patrick's Cathedral, the largest church in Ireland and final resting place of Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver's Travels. Here, take a guided tour of the impressive staterooms which are a longtime symbol of British rule in Ireland, before being transferred back to your ship.
Highlights:
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
Dublin: An Introduction to Dublin - 4 hours
Disembark for a city adventure this morning accompanied by your expert guide and driver. Your tour of Dublin begins with the impressive Trinity College; Ireland's oldest university. Explore the Old Library, which houses 200,000 antiquarian texts and the oldest surviving harp in Ireland. Here you will see the world-famous Book of Kells; a fabulous example of early Irish manuscript illumination. Hand-crafted by monks, it contains the four gospels and has been resident at Trinity College since the 17th century. Continue to St. Patrick's Cathedral, the largest church in Ireland, where you have the opportunity to see a memorial to Jonathan Swift, the author of 'Gulliver's Travels', who became Dean of St. Patrick's in 1713. Afterwards you are transferred back to port.
Highlights:
Dublin - Dublin City & Powerscourt - Full Day Tour
Upon arrival in Dublin Port, you will meet with your private driver/guide and transfer directly to Powerscourt House & Gardens in Co. Wicklow
This stunning 18th Century Stately home comprises extensive gardens, which are open to the public; as is the Main House. There is a lovely restaurant in the house, overlooking the gardens and Wicklow Mountains, which offers the finest in Irish artisan, home cooked cuisine. The 34,000 acres of this estate extend along both shores of the River Dargle . Powerscourt is one of the finest properties in Europe, designed and laid out by Daniel Robertson between 1745 and 1767. This property is filled with splendid Greek and Italian-inspired statuary, decorative ironwork, a petrified-moss grotto, lovely herbaceous borders, a Japanese garden, a circular pond and fountain with statues of winged horses, and an occasional herd of deer. Opportunity for shopping at Avoca Handweavers now located in Powerscourt House. Enjoy lunch here at Powerscourt or at a traditional Irish pub in the city centre.
Upon your return from Powerscourt Estate, your private driver guide will take you on your tour of Dublin City.
Whilst Dublin is a vibrant and bustling city, by European standards it is a small city with a population of just over 1 million people. Much of Dublin’s streetscapes are adorned with beautiful 18th century townhouses and a number of city parks, such as St. Stephen’s Green and indeed Merrion Square. The highlights of any tour in Dublin may include a visit to Trinity College, the Guinness Storehouse… and –if time permits –St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Following the city tour, your driver will return you to your ship.
Inclusions
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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