Treat yourself to a real gem of a trip and visit the lush "Emerald Isle" - Ireland! Witness truly indescribable natural beauty visiting the awe-inspiring vistas along the Ring of Kerry and famous 700-foot hight Cliffs of Moher. See Blarney Castle, perhaps even receiving the “Gift of Gab” from the Stone of Eloquence, and explore some of Ireland’s most intriguing cities, including Dublin, Belfast, and Cork. With so much to experience on this 12-day Isle adventure, Ireland’s interesting historic locations and unparalleled beauty is sure to make for an exceptional collection of treasured memories.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
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Tour Includes
- Ten nights of accommodations are based on twin/double occupancy in moderate, clean, comfortable hotels.
- All entrance fees for sightseeing and special events as listed in itinerary.
- 10 breakfasts and 6 dinners.
- Baggage handling to and from your hotel room throughout your tour for one piece of checked baggage per person.
- Transportation provided by a professionally trained Irish driver guide who is knowledgeable on the local area and will provide you with a wealth of information during your tour. Their friendly service will make your trip a memorable experience.
Travel Protection Plans
Print Itinerary
Day 1(Thursday) – Depart the USA for Dublin, Ireland: Your Irish adventure begins as you depart on your trans-Atlantic flight. Overnight in flight Day 2(Friday) – Arrive Dublin: Arrive in historic Dublin, capital city of the “Emerald Isle.” If you purchased airline tickets from YMT Vacations, a YMT representative will welcome you and transfer you to the hotel. For those guests on early morning arrivals into Dublin, a traditional Irish breakfast will be available for purchase at your hotel, following which the rest of the day is at your leisure. The Irish culture has taken thousands of years to develop, so cherish every moment of your cultural discovery and Dublin is a great place to start. It is usually the first port of call for most visitors and this vibrant, colorful city offers a compelling mix of history, culture, traditional pubs, elegant architecture, great shopping and dining. The great thing about Dublin is that the city is compact, the shops and restaurants, the River Liffey and many of the highlights are all within walking distance of each other and easy to explore on foot. This evening meet your fellow travelers and learn about the exciting days ahead, then relax over a welcome dinner. (D) Overnight: Belvedere Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 3(Saturday) – Dublin Sightseeing: This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of the highlights of this rich historical city. Its graceful Georgian townhouses with noted colorful doors, prominent public buildings and peaceful gardens make a delightful sight along the River Liffey. See the Bank of Ireland, built in the 18th century to house the Parliament; and Leinster House, where the government convenes today. Stop to see famous St. Patrick’s Cathedral, originally built in 450 AD, then rebuilt in 1191, it is still the largest church in Ireland. This afternoon is at leisure and leaves you plenty of time to visit Trinity College to see the Book of Kells, a 9th century version of the Christian gospels (extra charge). This evening enjoy an optional evening out at the Guinness Storehouse. (B) Overnight: Belvedere Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 4(Sunday) – Dublin to Cork: Today, we begin our motorcoach tour of Ireland heading south to our first destination, the Rock of Cashel – a cluster of historic ruins that sits on a towering hilltop rising 200 feet above the surrounding plains. There is time to take the short Bishop’s Walk from the town to the Rock, which dates back to the 4th century. Next, we continue to Cobh (formerly known as Queenstown), a pretty seaside town, set on a hill above a harbor that was the Titanic’s last port of call in 1912. Learn the history of the town when we visit the Cobh Heritage Centre and watch the multimedia exhibition in the Victorian Railway Station. Cobh was also the departure point for over 2.5 million emigrating Irish, the majority to the US and you’ll learn their full story as it is told in the exhibition. We arrive in the city of Cork by late afternoon. (B,D) Overnight: Maldron Hotel Cork (or similar accommodations) Day 5(Monday) – Cork to Killarney: Cork, now Ireland’s second largest city, was founded in the 6th century, and built on a marshy island the middle of the River Lee. This morning we take a panoramic tour of this unique town, and see the many bridges that give it a continental character. Then, it is a short drive to visit Blarney Castle, one of Ireland’s oldest and most historic castles. Explore the castle, and if you want to climb the 125 steps of the spiral staircase, perhaps kiss ‘The Stone of Eloquence’ (the Blarney Stone), so you can, as tradition says, acquire the “Gift of the Gab.” Before we leave, there is time to visit Blarney Woollen Mill, to see some of Ireland’s famous high-quality woolen products. Our drive continues to Muckross House & Gardens in the Killarney National Park. This elaborately restored Victorian mansion was owned by Lord Ardilaun (of the Guinness family) and then by the Bourn Vincents. Enjoy time to stroll through the colorful sculpted gardens. Our Tour ends today in Killarney, where you spend the next two nights. Killarney, a small town, has been welcoming tourists for hundreds of years and is the gateway to the Ring of Kerry - tomorrow’s highlight. (B,D) Overnight: Killarney Oaks Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 6(Tuesday) – Full day Ring of Kerry excursion:
Overnight: Killarney Oaks Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 7(Wednesday) – Killarney to Galway: Today enjoy a full day of captivating sightseeing as we drive north to Galway. Our first stop is Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, to see one of the most complete and authentic medieval fortresses in Ireland. Built in 1425, the Bunratty Castle was restored in 1954 to its former splendor. It now contains 15th and 16th century furnishings, tapestries and works of art that capture the mood of those times. You will have time to wander through the castle, and explore the surrounding park, with it’s cottages that appear just as they would have in medieval times. Next, we drive through the scenic Burren area, stopping to view the picturesque Cliffs of Moher, standing 700 feet tall and 5 miles long, with incredible views of the Atlantic. We arrive in the Galway area by late afternoon. (B,D) Overnight: Clare Galway Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 8(Thursday) – Galway to Bundoran: Today, we first travel through the beautiful and rugged landscape of the Connemara region, then, on through the quiet hills and maze of gentle lakes and rivers. Next we visit the palatial Kylemore Abbey, majestically nestled at the base of Druchruach Mountain. Originally built as a castle in 1867 by local icon Mitchell Henry, in 1920 became an Abbey and today is the oldest of the Irish Benedictine Abbeys. Our drive continues to Westport where we make a short stop and today’s journey ends late this afternoon when we arrive in the Bundoran area. (B,D) Overnight: Grand Central Hotel Bundoran (or similar accommodations) Day 9(Friday) – Bundoran to Belfast: This morning we enjoy a delightful 30-minute guided tour of Belleek Pottery, learning about the history and creation of delicate Irish porcelain. Next, we visit the Ulster American Folk Park, a living history settlement showing Ireland in the mid 1800’s, and the story of how and why so many Irish immigrated to America. Explore the ‘village’ with its inviting countryside cottages, farms, schools and costumed docents. Our drive then continues driving east, to arrive in Belfast, Northern Ireland, your home for the next two nights. Northern Ireland is actually part of the United Kingdom, so you’ve entered a new country (although there are no customs or passport checks) and you’ll need to get used to a new currency, the British Pound, for a couple of days until you arrive back In the Irish Republic. (B,D) Overnight: Days Hotel Belfast (or similar accommodations) Day 10(Saturday) – Giant’s Causeway excursion: Today enjoy a scenic full day excursion all the way to the North Channel of the Irish Sea. We drive along the beautiful coastal road and take in some stunning scenery and from the motorcoach you will have a view of Dunluce Castle. We spend time exploring “The Giant’s Causeway,” a UNESCO World Heritage Site with remarkable rock formations made up of over 40,000 hexagonal stacks. Here you may visit the rock formations on foot or may take the Causeway shuttle in either direction at a nominal charge of £1 each way. Enjoy the scenery en route back to Belfast. (B) Overnight: Days Hotel Belfast (or similar accommodations) Day 11(Sunday) – Belfast & Dublin: This morning we make an included visit to Titanic Belfast; the brand new $150 million Titanic visitor experience in the city where the doomed liner was built. 2012 marks 100 years since she sank and here you will see full-scale reconstructions, learn about her conception, through her construction and launch, to her infamous maiden voyage and catastrophic demise. The journey goes beyond the aftermath of the sinking, to the discovery of the wreck and continues into the present day with a live undersea exploration centre. Before we leave Belfast we will continue on a panoramic motor coach tour of the city taking in sights such as the impressive Parliament buildings at Stormont, Belfast City Hall and the murals of the Falls Road which depict the religious-political strife of the 20th Century. In the afternoon we drive south to Dublin. This evening, why not enjoy an optional Irish Night with a 4-course dinner and a lively show of Irish music and a full cast of dancers. Overnight: Belvedere Hotel or similar (B) Overnight: Belvedere Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 12(Monday) – Depart Dublin for Home: Today, bid farewell to Ireland, taking home a suitcase full of memories and stories to share about your YMT Irish vacation! If you purchased airline tickets through YMT Vacations, your airport transfers are arranged. (If you made your own flight arrangements, please make your own way to the airport in plenty of time to check-in for your flight.) (B) |
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Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather. Because our tour arrangements are often made a year or more in advance, YMT Vacations reserves the right to alter the itinerary. Itinerary changes are made to improve your vacation experience, as well as respond to any unforeseen circumstances that mandate alterations. Note: By their nature, all tours vacations involve a certain level of physical activity. While YMT tours have been designed with our guests in mind and are not physically demanding, this tour does include walking and periods of standing during the sightseeing visits. You will also encounter steps and some uneven ground along the way, particularly at older, historical sights. |
Tour Starts
Dublin, Ireland
Tour Ends
Dublin, Ireland
Day 1(Thursday) – Depart the USA for Dublin, Ireland: Your Irish adventure begins as you depart on your trans-Atlantic flight. Overnight in flight Day 2(Friday) – Arrive Dublin: Arrive in historic Dublin, capital city of the “Emerald Isle.” If you purchased airline tickets from YMT Vacations, a YMT representative will welcome you and transfer you to the hotel. For those guests on early morning arrivals into Dublin, a traditional Irish breakfast will be available for purchase at your hotel, following which the rest of the day is at your leisure. The Irish culture has taken thousands of years to develop, so cherish every moment of your cultural discovery and Dublin is a great place to start. It is usually the first port of call for most visitors and this vibrant, colorful city offers a compelling mix of history, culture, traditional pubs, elegant architecture, great shopping and dining. The great thing about Dublin is that the city is compact, the shops and restaurants, the River Liffey and many of the highlights are all within walking distance of each other and easy to explore on foot. This evening meet your fellow travelers and learn about the exciting days ahead, then relax over a welcome dinner. (D) Overnight: Belvedere Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 3(Saturday) – Dublin Sightseeing: This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of the highlights of this rich historical city. Its graceful Georgian townhouses with noted colorful doors, prominent public buildings and peaceful gardens make a delightful sight along the River Liffey. See the Bank of Ireland, built in the 18th century to house the Parliament; and Leinster House, where the government convenes today. Stop to see famous St. Patrick’s Cathedral, originally built in 450 AD, then rebuilt in 1191, it is still the largest church in Ireland. This afternoon is at leisure and leaves you plenty of time to visit Trinity College to see the Book of Kells, a 9th century version of the Christian gospels (extra charge). This evening enjoy an optional evening out at the Guinness Storehouse. (B) Overnight: Belvedere Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 4(Sunday) – Dublin to Cork: Today, we begin our motorcoach tour of Ireland heading south to our first destination, the Rock of Cashel – a cluster of historic ruins that sits on a towering hilltop rising 200 feet above the surrounding plains. There is time to take the short Bishop’s Walk from the town to the Rock, which dates back to the 4th century. Next, we continue to Cobh (formerly known as Queenstown), a pretty seaside town, set on a hill above a harbor that was the Titanic’s last port of call in 1912. Learn the history of the town when we visit the Cobh Heritage Centre and watch the multimedia exhibition in the Victorian Railway Station. Cobh was also the departure point for over 2.5 million emigrating Irish, the majority to the US and you’ll learn their full story as it is told in the exhibition. We arrive in the city of Cork by late afternoon. (B,D) Overnight: Maldron Hotel Cork (or similar accommodations) Day 5(Monday) – Cork to Killarney: Cork, now Ireland’s second largest city, was founded in the 6th century, and built on a marshy island the middle of the River Lee. This morning we take a panoramic tour of this unique town, and see the many bridges that give it a continental character. Then, it is a short drive to visit Blarney Castle, one of Ireland’s oldest and most historic castles. Explore the castle, and if you want to climb the 125 steps of the spiral staircase, perhaps kiss ‘The Stone of Eloquence’ (the Blarney Stone), so you can, as tradition says, acquire the “Gift of the Gab.” Before we leave, there is time to visit Blarney Woollen Mill, to see some of Ireland’s famous high-quality woolen products. Our drive continues to Muckross House & Gardens in the Killarney National Park. This elaborately restored Victorian mansion was owned by Lord Ardilaun (of the Guinness family) and then by the Bourn Vincents. Enjoy time to stroll through the colorful sculpted gardens. Our Tour ends today in Killarney, where you spend the next two nights. Killarney, a small town, has been welcoming tourists for hundreds of years and is the gateway to the Ring of Kerry - tomorrow’s highlight. (B,D) Overnight: Killarney Oaks Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 6(Tuesday) – Full day Ring of Kerry excursion:
Overnight: Killarney Oaks Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 7(Wednesday) – Killarney to Galway: Today enjoy a full day of captivating sightseeing as we drive north to Galway. Our first stop is Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, to see one of the most complete and authentic medieval fortresses in Ireland. Built in 1425, the Bunratty Castle was restored in 1954 to its former splendor. It now contains 15th and 16th century furnishings, tapestries and works of art that capture the mood of those times. You will have time to wander through the castle, and explore the surrounding park, with it’s cottages that appear just as they would have in medieval times. Next, we drive through the scenic Burren area, stopping to view the picturesque Cliffs of Moher, standing 700 feet tall and 5 miles long, with incredible views of the Atlantic. We arrive in the Galway area by late afternoon. (B,D) Overnight: Clare Galway Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 8(Thursday) – Galway to Bundoran: Today, we first travel through the beautiful and rugged landscape of the Connemara region, then, on through the quiet hills and maze of gentle lakes and rivers. Next we visit the palatial Kylemore Abbey, majestically nestled at the base of Druchruach Mountain. Originally built as a castle in 1867 by local icon Mitchell Henry, in 1920 became an Abbey and today is the oldest of the Irish Benedictine Abbeys. Our drive continues to Westport where we make a short stop and today’s journey ends late this afternoon when we arrive in the Bundoran area. (B,D) Overnight: Grand Central Hotel Bundoran (or similar accommodations) Day 9(Friday) – Bundoran to Belfast: This morning we enjoy a delightful 30-minute guided tour of Belleek Pottery, learning about the history and creation of delicate Irish porcelain. Next, we visit the Ulster American Folk Park, a living history settlement showing Ireland in the mid 1800’s, and the story of how and why so many Irish immigrated to America. Explore the ‘village’ with its inviting countryside cottages, farms, schools and costumed docents. Our drive then continues driving east, to arrive in Belfast, Northern Ireland, your home for the next two nights. Northern Ireland is actually part of the United Kingdom, so you’ve entered a new country (although there are no customs or passport checks) and you’ll need to get used to a new currency, the British Pound, for a couple of days until you arrive back In the Irish Republic. (B,D) Overnight: Days Hotel Belfast (or similar accommodations) Day 10(Saturday) – Giant’s Causeway excursion: Today enjoy a scenic full day excursion all the way to the North Channel of the Irish Sea. We drive along the beautiful coastal road and take in some stunning scenery and from the motorcoach you will have a view of Dunluce Castle. We spend time exploring “The Giant’s Causeway,” a UNESCO World Heritage Site with remarkable rock formations made up of over 40,000 hexagonal stacks. Here you may visit the rock formations on foot or may take the Causeway shuttle in either direction at a nominal charge of £1 each way. Enjoy the scenery en route back to Belfast. (B) Overnight: Days Hotel Belfast (or similar accommodations) Day 11(Sunday) – Belfast & Dublin: This morning we make an included visit to Titanic Belfast; the brand new $150 million Titanic visitor experience in the city where the doomed liner was built. 2012 marks 100 years since she sank and here you will see full-scale reconstructions, learn about her conception, through her construction and launch, to her infamous maiden voyage and catastrophic demise. The journey goes beyond the aftermath of the sinking, to the discovery of the wreck and continues into the present day with a live undersea exploration centre. Before we leave Belfast we will continue on a panoramic motor coach tour of the city taking in sights such as the impressive Parliament buildings at Stormont, Belfast City Hall and the murals of the Falls Road which depict the religious-political strife of the 20th Century. In the afternoon we drive south to Dublin. This evening, why not enjoy an optional Irish Night with a 4-course dinner and a lively show of Irish music and a full cast of dancers. Overnight: Belvedere Hotel or similar (B) Overnight: Belvedere Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 12(Monday) – Depart Dublin for Home: Today, bid farewell to Ireland, taking home a suitcase full of memories and stories to share about your YMT Irish vacation! If you purchased airline tickets through YMT Vacations, your airport transfers are arranged. (If you made your own flight arrangements, please make your own way to the airport in plenty of time to check-in for your flight.) (B) |
|
Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather. Because our tour arrangements are often made a year or more in advance, YMT Vacations reserves the right to alter the itinerary. Itinerary changes are made to improve your vacation experience, as well as respond to any unforeseen circumstances that mandate alterations. Note: By their nature, all tours vacations involve a certain level of physical activity. While YMT tours have been designed with our guests in mind and are not physically demanding, this tour does include walking and periods of standing during the sightseeing visits. You will also encounter steps and some uneven ground along the way, particularly at older, historical sights. |
Tour Starts
Dublin, Ireland
Tour Ends
Dublin, Ireland
Day 1(Thursday) – Depart the USA for Dublin, Ireland: Your Irish adventure begins as you depart on your trans-Atlantic flight. Overnight in flight Day 2(Friday) – Arrive Dublin: Arrive in historic Dublin, capital city of the “Emerald Isle.” If you purchased airline tickets from YMT Vacations, a YMT representative will welcome you and transfer you to the hotel. For those guests on early morning arrivals into Dublin, a traditional Irish breakfast will be available for purchase at your hotel, following which the rest of the day is at your leisure. The Irish culture has taken thousands of years to develop, so cherish every moment of your cultural discovery and Dublin is a great place to start. It is usually the first port of call for most visitors and this vibrant, colorful city offers a compelling mix of history, culture, traditional pubs, elegant architecture, great shopping and dining. The great thing about Dublin is that the city is compact, the shops and restaurants, the River Liffey and many of the highlights are all within walking distance of each other and easy to explore on foot. This evening meet your fellow travelers and learn about the exciting days ahead, then relax over a welcome dinner. (D) Overnight: Belvedere Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 3(Saturday) – Dublin Sightseeing: This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of the highlights of this rich historical city. Its graceful Georgian townhouses with noted colorful doors, prominent public buildings and peaceful gardens make a delightful sight along the River Liffey. See the Bank of Ireland, built in the 18th century to house the Parliament; and Leinster House, where the government convenes today. Stop to see famous St. Patrick’s Cathedral, originally built in 450 AD, then rebuilt in 1191, it is still the largest church in Ireland. This afternoon is at leisure and leaves you plenty of time to visit Trinity College to see the Book of Kells, a 9th century version of the Christian gospels (extra charge). This evening enjoy an optional evening out at the Guinness Storehouse. (B) Overnight: Belvedere Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 4(Sunday) – Dublin to Cork: Today, we begin our motorcoach tour of Ireland heading south to our first destination, the Rock of Cashel – a cluster of historic ruins that sits on a towering hilltop rising 200 feet above the surrounding plains. There is time to take the short Bishop’s Walk from the town to the Rock, which dates back to the 4th century. Next, we continue to Cobh (formerly known as Queenstown), a pretty seaside town, set on a hill above a harbor that was the Titanic’s last port of call in 1912. Learn the history of the town when we visit the Cobh Heritage Centre and watch the multimedia exhibition in the Victorian Railway Station. Cobh was also the departure point for over 2.5 million emigrating Irish, the majority to the US and you’ll learn their full story as it is told in the exhibition. We arrive in the city of Cork by late afternoon. (B,D) Overnight: Maldron Hotel Cork (or similar accommodations) Day 5(Monday) – Cork to Killarney: Cork, now Ireland’s second largest city, was founded in the 6th century, and built on a marshy island the middle of the River Lee. This morning we take a panoramic tour of this unique town, and see the many bridges that give it a continental character. Then, it is a short drive to visit Blarney Castle, one of Ireland’s oldest and most historic castles. Explore the castle, and if you want to climb the 125 steps of the spiral staircase, perhaps kiss ‘The Stone of Eloquence’ (the Blarney Stone), so you can, as tradition says, acquire the “Gift of the Gab.” Before we leave, there is time to visit Blarney Woollen Mill, to see some of Ireland’s famous high-quality woolen products. Our drive continues to Muckross House & Gardens in the Killarney National Park. This elaborately restored Victorian mansion was owned by Lord Ardilaun (of the Guinness family) and then by the Bourn Vincents. Enjoy time to stroll through the colorful sculpted gardens. Our Tour ends today in Killarney, where you spend the next two nights. Killarney, a small town, has been welcoming tourists for hundreds of years and is the gateway to the Ring of Kerry - tomorrow’s highlight. (B,D) Overnight: Killarney Oaks Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 6(Tuesday) – Full day Ring of Kerry excursion:
Overnight: Killarney Oaks Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 7(Wednesday) – Killarney to Galway: Today enjoy a full day of captivating sightseeing as we drive north to Galway. Our first stop is Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, to see one of the most complete and authentic medieval fortresses in Ireland. Built in 1425, the Bunratty Castle was restored in 1954 to its former splendor. It now contains 15th and 16th century furnishings, tapestries and works of art that capture the mood of those times. You will have time to wander through the castle, and explore the surrounding park, with it’s cottages that appear just as they would have in medieval times. Next, we drive through the scenic Burren area, stopping to view the picturesque Cliffs of Moher, standing 700 feet tall and 5 miles long, with incredible views of the Atlantic. We arrive in the Galway area by late afternoon. (B,D) Overnight: Clare Galway Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 8(Thursday) – Galway to Bundoran: Today, we first travel through the beautiful and rugged landscape of the Connemara region, then, on through the quiet hills and maze of gentle lakes and rivers. Next we visit the palatial Kylemore Abbey, majestically nestled at the base of Druchruach Mountain. Originally built as a castle in 1867 by local icon Mitchell Henry, in 1920 became an Abbey and today is the oldest of the Irish Benedictine Abbeys. Our drive continues to Westport where we make a short stop and today’s journey ends late this afternoon when we arrive in the Bundoran area. (B,D) Overnight: Grand Central Hotel Bundoran (or similar accommodations) Day 9(Friday) – Bundoran to Belfast: This morning we enjoy a delightful 30-minute guided tour of Belleek Pottery, learning about the history and creation of delicate Irish porcelain. Next, we visit the Ulster American Folk Park, a living history settlement showing Ireland in the mid 1800’s, and the story of how and why so many Irish immigrated to America. Explore the ‘village’ with its inviting countryside cottages, farms, schools and costumed docents. Our drive then continues driving east, to arrive in Belfast, Northern Ireland, your home for the next two nights. Northern Ireland is actually part of the United Kingdom, so you’ve entered a new country (although there are no customs or passport checks) and you’ll need to get used to a new currency, the British Pound, for a couple of days until you arrive back In the Irish Republic. (B,D) Overnight: Days Hotel Belfast (or similar accommodations) Day 10(Saturday) – Giant’s Causeway excursion: Today enjoy a scenic full day excursion all the way to the North Channel of the Irish Sea. We drive along the beautiful coastal road and take in some stunning scenery and from the motorcoach you will have a view of Dunluce Castle. We spend time exploring “The Giant’s Causeway,” a UNESCO World Heritage Site with remarkable rock formations made up of over 40,000 hexagonal stacks. Here you may visit the rock formations on foot or may take the Causeway shuttle in either direction at a nominal charge of £1 each way. Enjoy the scenery en route back to Belfast. (B) Overnight: Days Hotel Belfast (or similar accommodations) Day 11(Sunday) – Belfast & Dublin: This morning we make an included visit to Titanic Belfast; the brand new $150 million Titanic visitor experience in the city where the doomed liner was built. 2012 marks 100 years since she sank and here you will see full-scale reconstructions, learn about her conception, through her construction and launch, to her infamous maiden voyage and catastrophic demise. The journey goes beyond the aftermath of the sinking, to the discovery of the wreck and continues into the present day with a live undersea exploration centre. Before we leave Belfast we will continue on a panoramic motor coach tour of the city taking in sights such as the impressive Parliament buildings at Stormont, Belfast City Hall and the murals of the Falls Road which depict the religious-political strife of the 20th Century. In the afternoon we drive south to Dublin. This evening, why not enjoy an optional Irish Night with a 4-course dinner and a lively show of Irish music and a full cast of dancers. Overnight: Belvedere Hotel or similar (B) Overnight: Belvedere Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 12(Monday) – Depart Dublin for Home: Today, bid farewell to Ireland, taking home a suitcase full of memories and stories to share about your YMT Irish vacation! If you purchased airline tickets through YMT Vacations, your airport transfers are arranged. (If you made your own flight arrangements, please make your own way to the airport in plenty of time to check-in for your flight.) (B) |
|
Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather. Because our tour arrangements are often made a year or more in advance, YMT Vacations reserves the right to alter the itinerary. Itinerary changes are made to improve your vacation experience, as well as respond to any unforeseen circumstances that mandate alterations. Note: By their nature, all tours vacations involve a certain level of physical activity. While YMT tours have been designed with our guests in mind and are not physically demanding, this tour does include walking and periods of standing during the sightseeing visits. You will also encounter steps and some uneven ground along the way, particularly at older, historical sights. |
Tour Starts
Dublin, Ireland
Tour Ends
Dublin, Ireland
Day 1(Thursday) – Depart the USA for Dublin, Ireland: Your Irish adventure begins as you depart on your trans-Atlantic flight. Overnight in flight Day 2(Friday) – Arrive Dublin: Arrive in historic Dublin, capital city of the “Emerald Isle.” If you purchased airline tickets from YMT Vacations, a YMT representative will welcome you and transfer you to the hotel. For those guests on early morning arrivals into Dublin, a traditional Irish breakfast will be available for purchase at your hotel, following which the rest of the day is at your leisure. The Irish culture has taken thousands of years to develop, so cherish every moment of your cultural discovery and Dublin is a great place to start. It is usually the first port of call for most visitors and this vibrant, colorful city offers a compelling mix of history, culture, traditional pubs, elegant architecture, great shopping and dining. The great thing about Dublin is that the city is compact, the shops and restaurants, the River Liffey and many of the highlights are all within walking distance of each other and easy to explore on foot. This evening meet your fellow travelers and learn about the exciting days ahead, then relax over a welcome dinner. (D) Overnight: Belvedere Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 3(Saturday) – Dublin Sightseeing: This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of the highlights of this rich historical city. Its graceful Georgian townhouses with noted colorful doors, prominent public buildings and peaceful gardens make a delightful sight along the River Liffey. See the Bank of Ireland, built in the 18th century to house the Parliament; and Leinster House, where the government convenes today. Stop to see famous St. Patrick’s Cathedral, originally built in 450 AD, then rebuilt in 1191, it is still the largest church in Ireland. This afternoon is at leisure and leaves you plenty of time to visit Trinity College to see the Book of Kells, a 9th century version of the Christian gospels (extra charge). This evening enjoy an optional evening out at the Guinness Storehouse. (B) Overnight: Belvedere Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 4(Sunday) – Dublin to Cork: Today, we begin our motorcoach tour of Ireland heading south to our first destination, the Rock of Cashel – a cluster of historic ruins that sits on a towering hilltop rising 200 feet above the surrounding plains. There is time to take the short Bishop’s Walk from the town to the Rock, which dates back to the 4th century. Next, we continue to Cobh (formerly known as Queenstown), a pretty seaside town, set on a hill above a harbor that was the Titanic’s last port of call in 1912. Learn the history of the town when we visit the Cobh Heritage Centre and watch the multimedia exhibition in the Victorian Railway Station. Cobh was also the departure point for over 2.5 million emigrating Irish, the majority to the US and you’ll learn their full story as it is told in the exhibition. We arrive in the city of Cork by late afternoon. (B,D) Overnight: Maldron Hotel Cork (or similar accommodations) Day 5(Monday) – Cork to Killarney: Cork, now Ireland’s second largest city, was founded in the 6th century, and built on a marshy island the middle of the River Lee. This morning we take a panoramic tour of this unique town, and see the many bridges that give it a continental character. Then, it is a short drive to visit Blarney Castle, one of Ireland’s oldest and most historic castles. Explore the castle, and if you want to climb the 125 steps of the spiral staircase, perhaps kiss ‘The Stone of Eloquence’ (the Blarney Stone), so you can, as tradition says, acquire the “Gift of the Gab.” Before we leave, there is time to visit Blarney Woollen Mill, to see some of Ireland’s famous high-quality woolen products. Our drive continues to Muckross House & Gardens in the Killarney National Park. This elaborately restored Victorian mansion was owned by Lord Ardilaun (of the Guinness family) and then by the Bourn Vincents. Enjoy time to stroll through the colorful sculpted gardens. Our Tour ends today in Killarney, where you spend the next two nights. Killarney, a small town, has been welcoming tourists for hundreds of years and is the gateway to the Ring of Kerry - tomorrow’s highlight. (B,D) Overnight: Killarney Oaks Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 6(Tuesday) – Full day Ring of Kerry excursion:
Overnight: Killarney Oaks Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 7(Wednesday) – Killarney to Galway: Today enjoy a full day of captivating sightseeing as we drive north to Galway. Our first stop is Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, to see one of the most complete and authentic medieval fortresses in Ireland. Built in 1425, the Bunratty Castle was restored in 1954 to its former splendor. It now contains 15th and 16th century furnishings, tapestries and works of art that capture the mood of those times. You will have time to wander through the castle, and explore the surrounding park, with it’s cottages that appear just as they would have in medieval times. Next, we drive through the scenic Burren area, stopping to view the picturesque Cliffs of Moher, standing 700 feet tall and 5 miles long, with incredible views of the Atlantic. We arrive in the Galway area by late afternoon. (B,D) Overnight: Clare Galway Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 8(Thursday) – Galway to Bundoran: Today, we first travel through the beautiful and rugged landscape of the Connemara region, then, on through the quiet hills and maze of gentle lakes and rivers. Next we visit the palatial Kylemore Abbey, majestically nestled at the base of Druchruach Mountain. Originally built as a castle in 1867 by local icon Mitchell Henry, in 1920 became an Abbey and today is the oldest of the Irish Benedictine Abbeys. Our drive continues to Westport where we make a short stop and today’s journey ends late this afternoon when we arrive in the Bundoran area. (B,D) Overnight: Grand Central Hotel Bundoran (or similar accommodations) Day 9(Friday) – Bundoran to Belfast: This morning we enjoy a delightful 30-minute guided tour of Belleek Pottery, learning about the history and creation of delicate Irish porcelain. Next, we visit the Ulster American Folk Park, a living history settlement showing Ireland in the mid 1800’s, and the story of how and why so many Irish immigrated to America. Explore the ‘village’ with its inviting countryside cottages, farms, schools and costumed docents. Our drive then continues driving east, to arrive in Belfast, Northern Ireland, your home for the next two nights. Northern Ireland is actually part of the United Kingdom, so you’ve entered a new country (although there are no customs or passport checks) and you’ll need to get used to a new currency, the British Pound, for a couple of days until you arrive back In the Irish Republic. (B,D) Overnight: Days Hotel Belfast (or similar accommodations) Day 10(Saturday) – Giant’s Causeway excursion: Today enjoy a scenic full day excursion all the way to the North Channel of the Irish Sea. We drive along the beautiful coastal road and take in some stunning scenery and from the motorcoach you will have a view of Dunluce Castle. We spend time exploring “The Giant’s Causeway,” a UNESCO World Heritage Site with remarkable rock formations made up of over 40,000 hexagonal stacks. Here you may visit the rock formations on foot or may take the Causeway shuttle in either direction at a nominal charge of £1 each way. Enjoy the scenery en route back to Belfast. (B) Overnight: Days Hotel Belfast (or similar accommodations) Day 11(Sunday) – Belfast & Dublin: This morning we make an included visit to Titanic Belfast; the brand new $150 million Titanic visitor experience in the city where the doomed liner was built. 2012 marks 100 years since she sank and here you will see full-scale reconstructions, learn about her conception, through her construction and launch, to her infamous maiden voyage and catastrophic demise. The journey goes beyond the aftermath of the sinking, to the discovery of the wreck and continues into the present day with a live undersea exploration centre. Before we leave Belfast we will continue on a panoramic motor coach tour of the city taking in sights such as the impressive Parliament buildings at Stormont, Belfast City Hall and the murals of the Falls Road which depict the religious-political strife of the 20th Century. In the afternoon we drive south to Dublin. This evening, why not enjoy an optional Irish Night with a 4-course dinner and a lively show of Irish music and a full cast of dancers. Overnight: Belvedere Hotel or similar (B) Overnight: Belvedere Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 12(Monday) – Depart Dublin for Home: Today, bid farewell to Ireland, taking home a suitcase full of memories and stories to share about your YMT Irish vacation! If you purchased airline tickets through YMT Vacations, your airport transfers are arranged. (If you made your own flight arrangements, please make your own way to the airport in plenty of time to check-in for your flight.) (B) |
|
Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather. Because our tour arrangements are often made a year or more in advance, YMT Vacations reserves the right to alter the itinerary. Itinerary changes are made to improve your vacation experience, as well as respond to any unforeseen circumstances that mandate alterations. Note: By their nature, all tours vacations involve a certain level of physical activity. While YMT tours have been designed with our guests in mind and are not physically demanding, this tour does include walking and periods of standing during the sightseeing visits. You will also encounter steps and some uneven ground along the way, particularly at older, historical sights. |
Tour Starts
Dublin, Ireland
Tour Ends
Dublin, Ireland
Day 1(Thursday) – Depart the USA for Dublin, Ireland: Your Irish adventure begins as you depart on your trans-Atlantic flight. Overnight in flight Day 2(Friday) – Arrive Dublin: Arrive in historic Dublin, capital city of the “Emerald Isle.” If you purchased airline tickets from YMT Vacations, a YMT representative will welcome you and transfer you to the hotel. For those guests on early morning arrivals into Dublin, a traditional Irish breakfast will be available for purchase at your hotel, following which the rest of the day is at your leisure. The Irish culture has taken thousands of years to develop, so cherish every moment of your cultural discovery and Dublin is a great place to start. It is usually the first port of call for most visitors and this vibrant, colorful city offers a compelling mix of history, culture, traditional pubs, elegant architecture, great shopping and dining. The great thing about Dublin is that the city is compact, the shops and restaurants, the River Liffey and many of the highlights are all within walking distance of each other and easy to explore on foot. This evening meet your fellow travelers and learn about the exciting days ahead, then relax over a welcome dinner. (D) Overnight: Belvedere Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 3(Saturday) – Dublin Sightseeing: This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of the highlights of this rich historical city. Its graceful Georgian townhouses with noted colorful doors, prominent public buildings and peaceful gardens make a delightful sight along the River Liffey. See the Bank of Ireland, built in the 18th century to house the Parliament; and Leinster House, where the government convenes today. Stop to see famous St. Patrick’s Cathedral, originally built in 450 AD, then rebuilt in 1191, it is still the largest church in Ireland. This afternoon is at leisure and leaves you plenty of time to visit Trinity College to see the Book of Kells, a 9th century version of the Christian gospels (extra charge). This evening enjoy an optional evening out at the Guinness Storehouse. (B) Overnight: Belvedere Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 4(Sunday) – Dublin to Cork: Today, we begin our motorcoach tour of Ireland heading south to our first destination, the Rock of Cashel – a cluster of historic ruins that sits on a towering hilltop rising 200 feet above the surrounding plains. There is time to take the short Bishop’s Walk from the town to the Rock, which dates back to the 4th century. Next, we continue to Cobh (formerly known as Queenstown), a pretty seaside town, set on a hill above a harbor that was the Titanic’s last port of call in 1912. Learn the history of the town when we visit the Cobh Heritage Centre and watch the multimedia exhibition in the Victorian Railway Station. Cobh was also the departure point for over 2.5 million emigrating Irish, the majority to the US and you’ll learn their full story as it is told in the exhibition. We arrive in the city of Cork by late afternoon. (B,D) Overnight: Maldron Hotel Cork (or similar accommodations) Day 5(Monday) – Cork to Killarney: Cork, now Ireland’s second largest city, was founded in the 6th century, and built on a marshy island the middle of the River Lee. This morning we take a panoramic tour of this unique town, and see the many bridges that give it a continental character. Then, it is a short drive to visit Blarney Castle, one of Ireland’s oldest and most historic castles. Explore the castle, and if you want to climb the 125 steps of the spiral staircase, perhaps kiss ‘The Stone of Eloquence’ (the Blarney Stone), so you can, as tradition says, acquire the “Gift of the Gab.” Before we leave, there is time to visit Blarney Woollen Mill, to see some of Ireland’s famous high-quality woolen products. Our drive continues to Muckross House & Gardens in the Killarney National Park. This elaborately restored Victorian mansion was owned by Lord Ardilaun (of the Guinness family) and then by the Bourn Vincents. Enjoy time to stroll through the colorful sculpted gardens. Our Tour ends today in Killarney, where you spend the next two nights. Killarney, a small town, has been welcoming tourists for hundreds of years and is the gateway to the Ring of Kerry - tomorrow’s highlight. (B,D) Overnight: Killarney Oaks Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 6(Tuesday) – Full day Ring of Kerry excursion:
Overnight: Killarney Oaks Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 7(Wednesday) – Killarney to Galway: Today enjoy a full day of captivating sightseeing as we drive north to Galway. Our first stop is Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, to see one of the most complete and authentic medieval fortresses in Ireland. Built in 1425, the Bunratty Castle was restored in 1954 to its former splendor. It now contains 15th and 16th century furnishings, tapestries and works of art that capture the mood of those times. You will have time to wander through the castle, and explore the surrounding park, with it’s cottages that appear just as they would have in medieval times. Next, we drive through the scenic Burren area, stopping to view the picturesque Cliffs of Moher, standing 700 feet tall and 5 miles long, with incredible views of the Atlantic. We arrive in the Galway area by late afternoon. (B,D) Overnight: Clare Galway Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 8(Thursday) – Galway to Bundoran: Today, we first travel through the beautiful and rugged landscape of the Connemara region, then, on through the quiet hills and maze of gentle lakes and rivers. Next we visit the palatial Kylemore Abbey, majestically nestled at the base of Druchruach Mountain. Originally built as a castle in 1867 by local icon Mitchell Henry, in 1920 became an Abbey and today is the oldest of the Irish Benedictine Abbeys. Our drive continues to Westport where we make a short stop and today’s journey ends late this afternoon when we arrive in the Bundoran area. (B,D) Overnight: Grand Central Hotel Bundoran (or similar accommodations) Day 9(Friday) – Bundoran to Belfast: This morning we enjoy a delightful 30-minute guided tour of Belleek Pottery, learning about the history and creation of delicate Irish porcelain. Next, we visit the Ulster American Folk Park, a living history settlement showing Ireland in the mid 1800’s, and the story of how and why so many Irish immigrated to America. Explore the ‘village’ with its inviting countryside cottages, farms, schools and costumed docents. Our drive then continues driving east, to arrive in Belfast, Northern Ireland, your home for the next two nights. Northern Ireland is actually part of the United Kingdom, so you’ve entered a new country (although there are no customs or passport checks) and you’ll need to get used to a new currency, the British Pound, for a couple of days until you arrive back In the Irish Republic. (B,D) Overnight: Days Hotel Belfast (or similar accommodations) Day 10(Saturday) – Giant’s Causeway excursion: Today enjoy a scenic full day excursion all the way to the North Channel of the Irish Sea. We drive along the beautiful coastal road and take in some stunning scenery and from the motorcoach you will have a view of Dunluce Castle. We spend time exploring “The Giant’s Causeway,” a UNESCO World Heritage Site with remarkable rock formations made up of over 40,000 hexagonal stacks. Here you may visit the rock formations on foot or may take the Causeway shuttle in either direction at a nominal charge of £1 each way. Enjoy the scenery en route back to Belfast. (B) Overnight: Days Hotel Belfast (or similar accommodations) Day 11(Sunday) – Belfast & Dublin: This morning we make an included visit to Titanic Belfast; the brand new $150 million Titanic visitor experience in the city where the doomed liner was built. 2012 marks 100 years since she sank and here you will see full-scale reconstructions, learn about her conception, through her construction and launch, to her infamous maiden voyage and catastrophic demise. The journey goes beyond the aftermath of the sinking, to the discovery of the wreck and continues into the present day with a live undersea exploration centre. Before we leave Belfast we will continue on a panoramic motor coach tour of the city taking in sights such as the impressive Parliament buildings at Stormont, Belfast City Hall and the murals of the Falls Road which depict the religious-political strife of the 20th Century. In the afternoon we drive south to Dublin. This evening, why not enjoy an optional Irish Night with a 4-course dinner and a lively show of Irish music and a full cast of dancers. Overnight: Belvedere Hotel or similar (B) Overnight: Belvedere Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 12(Monday) – Depart Dublin for Home: Today, bid farewell to Ireland, taking home a suitcase full of memories and stories to share about your YMT Irish vacation! If you purchased airline tickets through YMT Vacations, your airport transfers are arranged. (If you made your own flight arrangements, please make your own way to the airport in plenty of time to check-in for your flight.) (B) |
|
Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather. Because our tour arrangements are often made a year or more in advance, YMT Vacations reserves the right to alter the itinerary. Itinerary changes are made to improve your vacation experience, as well as respond to any unforeseen circumstances that mandate alterations. Note: By their nature, all tours vacations involve a certain level of physical activity. While YMT tours have been designed with our guests in mind and are not physically demanding, this tour does include walking and periods of standing during the sightseeing visits. You will also encounter steps and some uneven ground along the way, particularly at older, historical sights. |
Tour Starts
Dublin, Ireland
Tour Ends
Dublin, Ireland
Day 1(Thursday) – Depart the USA for Dublin, Ireland: Your Irish adventure begins as you depart on your trans-Atlantic flight. Overnight in flight Day 2(Friday) – Arrive Dublin: Arrive in historic Dublin, capital city of the “Emerald Isle.” If you purchased airline tickets from YMT Vacations, a YMT representative will welcome you and transfer you to the hotel. For those guests on early morning arrivals into Dublin, a traditional Irish breakfast will be available for purchase at your hotel, following which the rest of the day is at your leisure. The Irish culture has taken thousands of years to develop, so cherish every moment of your cultural discovery and Dublin is a great place to start. It is usually the first port of call for most visitors and this vibrant, colorful city offers a compelling mix of history, culture, traditional pubs, elegant architecture, great shopping and dining. The great thing about Dublin is that the city is compact, the shops and restaurants, the River Liffey and many of the highlights are all within walking distance of each other and easy to explore on foot. This evening meet your fellow travelers and learn about the exciting days ahead, then relax over a welcome dinner. (D) Overnight: Belvedere Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 3(Saturday) – Dublin Sightseeing: This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of the highlights of this rich historical city. Its graceful Georgian townhouses with noted colorful doors, prominent public buildings and peaceful gardens make a delightful sight along the River Liffey. See the Bank of Ireland, built in the 18th century to house the Parliament; and Leinster House, where the government convenes today. Stop to see famous St. Patrick’s Cathedral, originally built in 450 AD, then rebuilt in 1191, it is still the largest church in Ireland. This afternoon is at leisure and leaves you plenty of time to visit Trinity College to see the Book of Kells, a 9th century version of the Christian gospels (extra charge). This evening enjoy an optional evening out at the Guinness Storehouse. (B) Overnight: Belvedere Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 4(Sunday) – Dublin to Cork: Today, we begin our motorcoach tour of Ireland heading south to our first destination, the Rock of Cashel – a cluster of historic ruins that sits on a towering hilltop rising 200 feet above the surrounding plains. There is time to take the short Bishop’s Walk from the town to the Rock, which dates back to the 4th century. Next, we continue to Cobh (formerly known as Queenstown), a pretty seaside town, set on a hill above a harbor that was the Titanic’s last port of call in 1912. Learn the history of the town when we visit the Cobh Heritage Centre and watch the multimedia exhibition in the Victorian Railway Station. Cobh was also the departure point for over 2.5 million emigrating Irish, the majority to the US and you’ll learn their full story as it is told in the exhibition. We arrive in the city of Cork by late afternoon. (B,D) Overnight: Maldron Hotel Cork (or similar accommodations) Day 5(Monday) – Cork to Killarney: Cork, now Ireland’s second largest city, was founded in the 6th century, and built on a marshy island the middle of the River Lee. This morning we take a panoramic tour of this unique town, and see the many bridges that give it a continental character. Then, it is a short drive to visit Blarney Castle, one of Ireland’s oldest and most historic castles. Explore the castle, and if you want to climb the 125 steps of the spiral staircase, perhaps kiss ‘The Stone of Eloquence’ (the Blarney Stone), so you can, as tradition says, acquire the “Gift of the Gab.” Before we leave, there is time to visit Blarney Woollen Mill, to see some of Ireland’s famous high-quality woolen products. Our drive continues to Muckross House & Gardens in the Killarney National Park. This elaborately restored Victorian mansion was owned by Lord Ardilaun (of the Guinness family) and then by the Bourn Vincents. Enjoy time to stroll through the colorful sculpted gardens. Our Tour ends today in Killarney, where you spend the next two nights. Killarney, a small town, has been welcoming tourists for hundreds of years and is the gateway to the Ring of Kerry - tomorrow’s highlight. (B,D) Overnight: Killarney Oaks Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 6(Tuesday) – Full day Ring of Kerry excursion:
Overnight: Killarney Oaks Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 7(Wednesday) – Killarney to Galway: Today enjoy a full day of captivating sightseeing as we drive north to Galway. Our first stop is Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, to see one of the most complete and authentic medieval fortresses in Ireland. Built in 1425, the Bunratty Castle was restored in 1954 to its former splendor. It now contains 15th and 16th century furnishings, tapestries and works of art that capture the mood of those times. You will have time to wander through the castle, and explore the surrounding park, with it’s cottages that appear just as they would have in medieval times. Next, we drive through the scenic Burren area, stopping to view the picturesque Cliffs of Moher, standing 700 feet tall and 5 miles long, with incredible views of the Atlantic. We arrive in the Galway area by late afternoon. (B,D) Overnight: Clare Galway Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 8(Thursday) – Galway to Bundoran: Today, we first travel through the beautiful and rugged landscape of the Connemara region, then, on through the quiet hills and maze of gentle lakes and rivers. Next we visit the palatial Kylemore Abbey, majestically nestled at the base of Druchruach Mountain. Originally built as a castle in 1867 by local icon Mitchell Henry, in 1920 became an Abbey and today is the oldest of the Irish Benedictine Abbeys. Our drive continues to Westport where we make a short stop and today’s journey ends late this afternoon when we arrive in the Bundoran area. (B,D) Overnight: Grand Central Hotel Bundoran (or similar accommodations) Day 9(Friday) – Bundoran to Belfast: This morning we enjoy a delightful 30-minute guided tour of Belleek Pottery, learning about the history and creation of delicate Irish porcelain. Next, we visit the Ulster American Folk Park, a living history settlement showing Ireland in the mid 1800’s, and the story of how and why so many Irish immigrated to America. Explore the ‘village’ with its inviting countryside cottages, farms, schools and costumed docents. Our drive then continues driving east, to arrive in Belfast, Northern Ireland, your home for the next two nights. Northern Ireland is actually part of the United Kingdom, so you’ve entered a new country (although there are no customs or passport checks) and you’ll need to get used to a new currency, the British Pound, for a couple of days until you arrive back In the Irish Republic. (B,D) Overnight: Days Hotel Belfast (or similar accommodations) Day 10(Saturday) – Giant’s Causeway excursion: Today enjoy a scenic full day excursion all the way to the North Channel of the Irish Sea. We drive along the beautiful coastal road and take in some stunning scenery and from the motorcoach you will have a view of Dunluce Castle. We spend time exploring “The Giant’s Causeway,” a UNESCO World Heritage Site with remarkable rock formations made up of over 40,000 hexagonal stacks. Here you may visit the rock formations on foot or may take the Causeway shuttle in either direction at a nominal charge of £1 each way. Enjoy the scenery en route back to Belfast. (B) Overnight: Days Hotel Belfast (or similar accommodations) Day 11(Sunday) – Belfast & Dublin: This morning we make an included visit to Titanic Belfast; the brand new $150 million Titanic visitor experience in the city where the doomed liner was built. 2012 marks 100 years since she sank and here you will see full-scale reconstructions, learn about her conception, through her construction and launch, to her infamous maiden voyage and catastrophic demise. The journey goes beyond the aftermath of the sinking, to the discovery of the wreck and continues into the present day with a live undersea exploration centre. Before we leave Belfast we will continue on a panoramic motor coach tour of the city taking in sights such as the impressive Parliament buildings at Stormont, Belfast City Hall and the murals of the Falls Road which depict the religious-political strife of the 20th Century. In the afternoon we drive south to Dublin. This evening, why not enjoy an optional Irish Night with a 4-course dinner and a lively show of Irish music and a full cast of dancers. Overnight: Belvedere Hotel or similar (B) Overnight: Belvedere Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 12(Monday) – Depart Dublin for Home: Today, bid farewell to Ireland, taking home a suitcase full of memories and stories to share about your YMT Irish vacation! If you purchased airline tickets through YMT Vacations, your airport transfers are arranged. (If you made your own flight arrangements, please make your own way to the airport in plenty of time to check-in for your flight.) (B) |
|
Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather. Because our tour arrangements are often made a year or more in advance, YMT Vacations reserves the right to alter the itinerary. Itinerary changes are made to improve your vacation experience, as well as respond to any unforeseen circumstances that mandate alterations. Note: By their nature, all tours vacations involve a certain level of physical activity. While YMT tours have been designed with our guests in mind and are not physically demanding, this tour does include walking and periods of standing during the sightseeing visits. You will also encounter steps and some uneven ground along the way, particularly at older, historical sights. |
Tour Starts
Dublin, Ireland
Tour Ends
Dublin, Ireland
Day 1(Thursday) – Depart the USA for Dublin, Ireland: Your Irish adventure begins as you depart on your trans-Atlantic flight. Overnight in flight Day 2(Friday) – Arrive Dublin: Arrive in historic Dublin, capital city of the “Emerald Isle.” If you purchased airline tickets from YMT Vacations, a YMT representative will welcome you and transfer you to the hotel. For those guests on early morning arrivals into Dublin, a traditional Irish breakfast will be available for purchase at your hotel, following which the rest of the day is at your leisure. The Irish culture has taken thousands of years to develop, so cherish every moment of your cultural discovery and Dublin is a great place to start. It is usually the first port of call for most visitors and this vibrant, colorful city offers a compelling mix of history, culture, traditional pubs, elegant architecture, great shopping and dining. The great thing about Dublin is that the city is compact, the shops and restaurants, the River Liffey and many of the highlights are all within walking distance of each other and easy to explore on foot. This evening meet your fellow travelers and learn about the exciting days ahead, then relax over a welcome dinner. (D) Overnight: Belvedere Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 3(Saturday) – Dublin Sightseeing: This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of the highlights of this rich historical city. Its graceful Georgian townhouses with noted colorful doors, prominent public buildings and peaceful gardens make a delightful sight along the River Liffey. See the Bank of Ireland, built in the 18th century to house the Parliament; and Leinster House, where the government convenes today. Stop to see famous St. Patrick’s Cathedral, originally built in 450 AD, then rebuilt in 1191, it is still the largest church in Ireland. This afternoon is at leisure and leaves you plenty of time to visit Trinity College to see the Book of Kells, a 9th century version of the Christian gospels (extra charge). This evening enjoy an optional evening out at the Guinness Storehouse. (B) Overnight: Belvedere Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 4(Sunday) – Dublin to Cork: Today, we begin our motorcoach tour of Ireland heading south to our first destination, the Rock of Cashel – a cluster of historic ruins that sits on a towering hilltop rising 200 feet above the surrounding plains. There is time to take the short Bishop’s Walk from the town to the Rock, which dates back to the 4th century. Next, we continue to Cobh (formerly known as Queenstown), a pretty seaside town, set on a hill above a harbor that was the Titanic’s last port of call in 1912. Learn the history of the town when we visit the Cobh Heritage Centre and watch the multimedia exhibition in the Victorian Railway Station. Cobh was also the departure point for over 2.5 million emigrating Irish, the majority to the US and you’ll learn their full story as it is told in the exhibition. We arrive in the city of Cork by late afternoon. (B,D) Overnight: Maldron Hotel Cork (or similar accommodations) Day 5(Monday) – Cork to Killarney: Cork, now Ireland’s second largest city, was founded in the 6th century, and built on a marshy island the middle of the River Lee. This morning we take a panoramic tour of this unique town, and see the many bridges that give it a continental character. Then, it is a short drive to visit Blarney Castle, one of Ireland’s oldest and most historic castles. Explore the castle, and if you want to climb the 125 steps of the spiral staircase, perhaps kiss ‘The Stone of Eloquence’ (the Blarney Stone), so you can, as tradition says, acquire the “Gift of the Gab.” Before we leave, there is time to visit Blarney Woollen Mill, to see some of Ireland’s famous high-quality woolen products. Our drive continues to Muckross House & Gardens in the Killarney National Park. This elaborately restored Victorian mansion was owned by Lord Ardilaun (of the Guinness family) and then by the Bourn Vincents. Enjoy time to stroll through the colorful sculpted gardens. Our Tour ends today in Killarney, where you spend the next two nights. Killarney, a small town, has been welcoming tourists for hundreds of years and is the gateway to the Ring of Kerry - tomorrow’s highlight. (B,D) Overnight: Killarney Oaks Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 6(Tuesday) – Full day Ring of Kerry excursion:
Overnight: Killarney Oaks Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 7(Wednesday) – Killarney to Galway: Today enjoy a full day of captivating sightseeing as we drive north to Galway. Our first stop is Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, to see one of the most complete and authentic medieval fortresses in Ireland. Built in 1425, the Bunratty Castle was restored in 1954 to its former splendor. It now contains 15th and 16th century furnishings, tapestries and works of art that capture the mood of those times. You will have time to wander through the castle, and explore the surrounding park, with it’s cottages that appear just as they would have in medieval times. Next, we drive through the scenic Burren area, stopping to view the picturesque Cliffs of Moher, standing 700 feet tall and 5 miles long, with incredible views of the Atlantic. We arrive in the Galway area by late afternoon. (B,D) Overnight: Clare Galway Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 8(Thursday) – Galway to Bundoran: Today, we first travel through the beautiful and rugged landscape of the Connemara region, then, on through the quiet hills and maze of gentle lakes and rivers. Next we visit the palatial Kylemore Abbey, majestically nestled at the base of Druchruach Mountain. Originally built as a castle in 1867 by local icon Mitchell Henry, in 1920 became an Abbey and today is the oldest of the Irish Benedictine Abbeys. Our drive continues to Westport where we make a short stop and today’s journey ends late this afternoon when we arrive in the Bundoran area. (B,D) Overnight: Grand Central Hotel Bundoran (or similar accommodations) Day 9(Friday) – Bundoran to Belfast: This morning we enjoy a delightful 30-minute guided tour of Belleek Pottery, learning about the history and creation of delicate Irish porcelain. Next, we visit the Ulster American Folk Park, a living history settlement showing Ireland in the mid 1800’s, and the story of how and why so many Irish immigrated to America. Explore the ‘village’ with its inviting countryside cottages, farms, schools and costumed docents. Our drive then continues driving east, to arrive in Belfast, Northern Ireland, your home for the next two nights. Northern Ireland is actually part of the United Kingdom, so you’ve entered a new country (although there are no customs or passport checks) and you’ll need to get used to a new currency, the British Pound, for a couple of days until you arrive back In the Irish Republic. (B,D) Overnight: Days Hotel Belfast (or similar accommodations) Day 10(Saturday) – Giant’s Causeway excursion: Today enjoy a scenic full day excursion all the way to the North Channel of the Irish Sea. We drive along the beautiful coastal road and take in some stunning scenery and from the motorcoach you will have a view of Dunluce Castle. We spend time exploring “The Giant’s Causeway,” a UNESCO World Heritage Site with remarkable rock formations made up of over 40,000 hexagonal stacks. Here you may visit the rock formations on foot or may take the Causeway shuttle in either direction at a nominal charge of £1 each way. Enjoy the scenery en route back to Belfast. (B) Overnight: Days Hotel Belfast (or similar accommodations) Day 11(Sunday) – Belfast & Dublin: This morning we make an included visit to Titanic Belfast; the brand new $150 million Titanic visitor experience in the city where the doomed liner was built. 2012 marks 100 years since she sank and here you will see full-scale reconstructions, learn about her conception, through her construction and launch, to her infamous maiden voyage and catastrophic demise. The journey goes beyond the aftermath of the sinking, to the discovery of the wreck and continues into the present day with a live undersea exploration centre. Before we leave Belfast we will continue on a panoramic motor coach tour of the city taking in sights such as the impressive Parliament buildings at Stormont, Belfast City Hall and the murals of the Falls Road which depict the religious-political strife of the 20th Century. In the afternoon we drive south to Dublin. This evening, why not enjoy an optional Irish Night with a 4-course dinner and a lively show of Irish music and a full cast of dancers. Overnight: Belvedere Hotel or similar (B) Overnight: Belvedere Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 12(Monday) – Depart Dublin for Home: Today, bid farewell to Ireland, taking home a suitcase full of memories and stories to share about your YMT Irish vacation! If you purchased airline tickets through YMT Vacations, your airport transfers are arranged. (If you made your own flight arrangements, please make your own way to the airport in plenty of time to check-in for your flight.) (B) |
|
Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather. Because our tour arrangements are often made a year or more in advance, YMT Vacations reserves the right to alter the itinerary. Itinerary changes are made to improve your vacation experience, as well as respond to any unforeseen circumstances that mandate alterations. Note: By their nature, all tours vacations involve a certain level of physical activity. While YMT tours have been designed with our guests in mind and are not physically demanding, this tour does include walking and periods of standing during the sightseeing visits. You will also encounter steps and some uneven ground along the way, particularly at older, historical sights. |
Tour Starts
Dublin, Ireland
Tour Ends
Dublin, Ireland
Day 1(Thursday) – Depart the USA for Dublin, Ireland: Your Irish adventure begins as you depart on your trans-Atlantic flight. Overnight in flight Day 2(Friday) – Arrive Dublin: Arrive in historic Dublin, capital city of the “Emerald Isle.” If you purchased airline tickets from YMT Vacations, a YMT representative will welcome you and transfer you to the hotel. For those guests on early morning arrivals into Dublin, a traditional Irish breakfast will be available for purchase at your hotel, following which the rest of the day is at your leisure. The Irish culture has taken thousands of years to develop, so cherish every moment of your cultural discovery and Dublin is a great place to start. It is usually the first port of call for most visitors and this vibrant, colorful city offers a compelling mix of history, culture, traditional pubs, elegant architecture, great shopping and dining. The great thing about Dublin is that the city is compact, the shops and restaurants, the River Liffey and many of the highlights are all within walking distance of each other and easy to explore on foot. This evening meet your fellow travelers and learn about the exciting days ahead, then relax over a welcome dinner. (D) Overnight: Belvedere Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 3(Saturday) – Dublin Sightseeing: This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of the highlights of this rich historical city. Its graceful Georgian townhouses with noted colorful doors, prominent public buildings and peaceful gardens make a delightful sight along the River Liffey. See the Bank of Ireland, built in the 18th century to house the Parliament; and Leinster House, where the government convenes today. Stop to see famous St. Patrick’s Cathedral, originally built in 450 AD, then rebuilt in 1191, it is still the largest church in Ireland. This afternoon is at leisure and leaves you plenty of time to visit Trinity College to see the Book of Kells, a 9th century version of the Christian gospels (extra charge). This evening enjoy an optional evening out at the Guinness Storehouse. (B) Overnight: Belvedere Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 4(Sunday) – Dublin to Cork: Today, we begin our motorcoach tour of Ireland heading south to our first destination, the Rock of Cashel – a cluster of historic ruins that sits on a towering hilltop rising 200 feet above the surrounding plains. There is time to take the short Bishop’s Walk from the town to the Rock, which dates back to the 4th century. Next, we continue to Cobh (formerly known as Queenstown), a pretty seaside town, set on a hill above a harbor that was the Titanic’s last port of call in 1912. Learn the history of the town when we visit the Cobh Heritage Centre and watch the multimedia exhibition in the Victorian Railway Station. Cobh was also the departure point for over 2.5 million emigrating Irish, the majority to the US and you’ll learn their full story as it is told in the exhibition. We arrive in the city of Cork by late afternoon. (B,D) Overnight: Maldron Hotel Cork (or similar accommodations) Day 5(Monday) – Cork to Killarney: Cork, now Ireland’s second largest city, was founded in the 6th century, and built on a marshy island the middle of the River Lee. This morning we take a panoramic tour of this unique town, and see the many bridges that give it a continental character. Then, it is a short drive to visit Blarney Castle, one of Ireland’s oldest and most historic castles. Explore the castle, and if you want to climb the 125 steps of the spiral staircase, perhaps kiss ‘The Stone of Eloquence’ (the Blarney Stone), so you can, as tradition says, acquire the “Gift of the Gab.” Before we leave, there is time to visit Blarney Woollen Mill, to see some of Ireland’s famous high-quality woolen products. Our drive continues to Muckross House & Gardens in the Killarney National Park. This elaborately restored Victorian mansion was owned by Lord Ardilaun (of the Guinness family) and then by the Bourn Vincents. Enjoy time to stroll through the colorful sculpted gardens. Our Tour ends today in Killarney, where you spend the next two nights. Killarney, a small town, has been welcoming tourists for hundreds of years and is the gateway to the Ring of Kerry - tomorrow’s highlight. (B,D) Overnight: Killarney Oaks Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 6(Tuesday) – Full day Ring of Kerry excursion:
Overnight: Killarney Oaks Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 7(Wednesday) – Killarney to Galway: Today enjoy a full day of captivating sightseeing as we drive north to Galway. Our first stop is Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, to see one of the most complete and authentic medieval fortresses in Ireland. Built in 1425, the Bunratty Castle was restored in 1954 to its former splendor. It now contains 15th and 16th century furnishings, tapestries and works of art that capture the mood of those times. You will have time to wander through the castle, and explore the surrounding park, with it’s cottages that appear just as they would have in medieval times. Next, we drive through the scenic Burren area, stopping to view the picturesque Cliffs of Moher, standing 700 feet tall and 5 miles long, with incredible views of the Atlantic. We arrive in the Galway area by late afternoon. (B,D) Overnight: Clare Galway Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 8(Thursday) – Galway to Bundoran: Today, we first travel through the beautiful and rugged landscape of the Connemara region, then, on through the quiet hills and maze of gentle lakes and rivers. Next we visit the palatial Kylemore Abbey, majestically nestled at the base of Druchruach Mountain. Originally built as a castle in 1867 by local icon Mitchell Henry, in 1920 became an Abbey and today is the oldest of the Irish Benedictine Abbeys. Our drive continues to Westport where we make a short stop and today’s journey ends late this afternoon when we arrive in the Bundoran area. (B,D) Overnight: Grand Central Hotel Bundoran (or similar accommodations) Day 9(Friday) – Bundoran to Belfast: This morning we enjoy a delightful 30-minute guided tour of Belleek Pottery, learning about the history and creation of delicate Irish porcelain. Next, we visit the Ulster American Folk Park, a living history settlement showing Ireland in the mid 1800’s, and the story of how and why so many Irish immigrated to America. Explore the ‘village’ with its inviting countryside cottages, farms, schools and costumed docents. Our drive then continues driving east, to arrive in Belfast, Northern Ireland, your home for the next two nights. Northern Ireland is actually part of the United Kingdom, so you’ve entered a new country (although there are no customs or passport checks) and you’ll need to get used to a new currency, the British Pound, for a couple of days until you arrive back In the Irish Republic. (B,D) Overnight: Days Hotel Belfast (or similar accommodations) Day 10(Saturday) – Giant’s Causeway excursion: Today enjoy a scenic full day excursion all the way to the North Channel of the Irish Sea. We drive along the beautiful coastal road and take in some stunning scenery and from the motorcoach you will have a view of Dunluce Castle. We spend time exploring “The Giant’s Causeway,” a UNESCO World Heritage Site with remarkable rock formations made up of over 40,000 hexagonal stacks. Here you may visit the rock formations on foot or may take the Causeway shuttle in either direction at a nominal charge of £1 each way. Enjoy the scenery en route back to Belfast. (B) Overnight: Days Hotel Belfast (or similar accommodations) Day 11(Sunday) – Belfast & Dublin: This morning we make an included visit to Titanic Belfast; the brand new $150 million Titanic visitor experience in the city where the doomed liner was built. 2012 marks 100 years since she sank and here you will see full-scale reconstructions, learn about her conception, through her construction and launch, to her infamous maiden voyage and catastrophic demise. The journey goes beyond the aftermath of the sinking, to the discovery of the wreck and continues into the present day with a live undersea exploration centre. Before we leave Belfast we will continue on a panoramic motor coach tour of the city taking in sights such as the impressive Parliament buildings at Stormont, Belfast City Hall and the murals of the Falls Road which depict the religious-political strife of the 20th Century. In the afternoon we drive south to Dublin. This evening, why not enjoy an optional Irish Night with a 4-course dinner and a lively show of Irish music and a full cast of dancers. Overnight: Belvedere Hotel or similar (B) Overnight: Belvedere Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 12(Monday) – Depart Dublin for Home: Today, bid farewell to Ireland, taking home a suitcase full of memories and stories to share about your YMT Irish vacation! If you purchased airline tickets through YMT Vacations, your airport transfers are arranged. (If you made your own flight arrangements, please make your own way to the airport in plenty of time to check-in for your flight.) (B) |
|
Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather. Because our tour arrangements are often made a year or more in advance, YMT Vacations reserves the right to alter the itinerary. Itinerary changes are made to improve your vacation experience, as well as respond to any unforeseen circumstances that mandate alterations. Note: By their nature, all tours vacations involve a certain level of physical activity. While YMT tours have been designed with our guests in mind and are not physically demanding, this tour does include walking and periods of standing during the sightseeing visits. You will also encounter steps and some uneven ground along the way, particularly at older, historical sights. |
Tour Starts
Dublin, Ireland
Tour Ends
Dublin, Ireland
Day 1(Thursday) – Depart the USA for Dublin, Ireland: Your Irish adventure begins as you depart on your trans-Atlantic flight. Overnight in flight Day 2(Friday) – Arrive Dublin: Arrive in historic Dublin, capital city of the “Emerald Isle.” If you purchased airline tickets from YMT Vacations, a YMT representative will welcome you and transfer you to the hotel. For those guests on early morning arrivals into Dublin, a traditional Irish breakfast will be available for purchase at your hotel, following which the rest of the day is at your leisure. The Irish culture has taken thousands of years to develop, so cherish every moment of your cultural discovery and Dublin is a great place to start. It is usually the first port of call for most visitors and this vibrant, colorful city offers a compelling mix of history, culture, traditional pubs, elegant architecture, great shopping and dining. The great thing about Dublin is that the city is compact, the shops and restaurants, the River Liffey and many of the highlights are all within walking distance of each other and easy to explore on foot. This evening meet your fellow travelers and learn about the exciting days ahead, then relax over a welcome dinner. (D) Overnight: Belvedere Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 3(Saturday) – Dublin Sightseeing: This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of the highlights of this rich historical city. Its graceful Georgian townhouses with noted colorful doors, prominent public buildings and peaceful gardens make a delightful sight along the River Liffey. See the Bank of Ireland, built in the 18th century to house the Parliament; and Leinster House, where the government convenes today. Stop to see famous St. Patrick’s Cathedral, originally built in 450 AD, then rebuilt in 1191, it is still the largest church in Ireland. This afternoon is at leisure and leaves you plenty of time to visit Trinity College to see the Book of Kells, a 9th century version of the Christian gospels (extra charge). This evening enjoy an optional evening out at the Guinness Storehouse. (B) Overnight: Belvedere Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 4(Sunday) – Dublin to Cork: Today, we begin our motorcoach tour of Ireland heading south to our first destination, the Rock of Cashel – a cluster of historic ruins that sits on a towering hilltop rising 200 feet above the surrounding plains. There is time to take the short Bishop’s Walk from the town to the Rock, which dates back to the 4th century. Next, we continue to Cobh (formerly known as Queenstown), a pretty seaside town, set on a hill above a harbor that was the Titanic’s last port of call in 1912. Learn the history of the town when we visit the Cobh Heritage Centre and watch the multimedia exhibition in the Victorian Railway Station. Cobh was also the departure point for over 2.5 million emigrating Irish, the majority to the US and you’ll learn their full story as it is told in the exhibition. We arrive in the city of Cork by late afternoon. (B,D) Overnight: Maldron Hotel Cork (or similar accommodations) Day 5(Monday) – Cork to Killarney: Cork, now Ireland’s second largest city, was founded in the 6th century, and built on a marshy island the middle of the River Lee. This morning we take a panoramic tour of this unique town, and see the many bridges that give it a continental character. Then, it is a short drive to visit Blarney Castle, one of Ireland’s oldest and most historic castles. Explore the castle, and if you want to climb the 125 steps of the spiral staircase, perhaps kiss ‘The Stone of Eloquence’ (the Blarney Stone), so you can, as tradition says, acquire the “Gift of the Gab.” Before we leave, there is time to visit Blarney Woollen Mill, to see some of Ireland’s famous high-quality woolen products. Our drive continues to Muckross House & Gardens in the Killarney National Park. This elaborately restored Victorian mansion was owned by Lord Ardilaun (of the Guinness family) and then by the Bourn Vincents. Enjoy time to stroll through the colorful sculpted gardens. Our Tour ends today in Killarney, where you spend the next two nights. Killarney, a small town, has been welcoming tourists for hundreds of years and is the gateway to the Ring of Kerry - tomorrow’s highlight. (B,D) Overnight: Killarney Oaks Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 6(Tuesday) – Full day Ring of Kerry excursion:
Overnight: Killarney Oaks Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 7(Wednesday) – Killarney to Galway: Today enjoy a full day of captivating sightseeing as we drive north to Galway. Our first stop is Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, to see one of the most complete and authentic medieval fortresses in Ireland. Built in 1425, the Bunratty Castle was restored in 1954 to its former splendor. It now contains 15th and 16th century furnishings, tapestries and works of art that capture the mood of those times. You will have time to wander through the castle, and explore the surrounding park, with it’s cottages that appear just as they would have in medieval times. Next, we drive through the scenic Burren area, stopping to view the picturesque Cliffs of Moher, standing 700 feet tall and 5 miles long, with incredible views of the Atlantic. We arrive in the Galway area by late afternoon. (B,D) Overnight: Clare Galway Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 8(Thursday) – Galway to Bundoran: Today, we first travel through the beautiful and rugged landscape of the Connemara region, then, on through the quiet hills and maze of gentle lakes and rivers. Next we visit the palatial Kylemore Abbey, majestically nestled at the base of Druchruach Mountain. Originally built as a castle in 1867 by local icon Mitchell Henry, in 1920 became an Abbey and today is the oldest of the Irish Benedictine Abbeys. Our drive continues to Westport where we make a short stop and today’s journey ends late this afternoon when we arrive in the Bundoran area. (B,D) Overnight: Grand Central Hotel Bundoran (or similar accommodations) Day 9(Friday) – Bundoran to Belfast: This morning we enjoy a delightful 30-minute guided tour of Belleek Pottery, learning about the history and creation of delicate Irish porcelain. Next, we visit the Ulster American Folk Park, a living history settlement showing Ireland in the mid 1800’s, and the story of how and why so many Irish immigrated to America. Explore the ‘village’ with its inviting countryside cottages, farms, schools and costumed docents. Our drive then continues driving east, to arrive in Belfast, Northern Ireland, your home for the next two nights. Northern Ireland is actually part of the United Kingdom, so you’ve entered a new country (although there are no customs or passport checks) and you’ll need to get used to a new currency, the British Pound, for a couple of days until you arrive back In the Irish Republic. (B,D) Overnight: Days Hotel Belfast (or similar accommodations) Day 10(Saturday) – Giant’s Causeway excursion: Today enjoy a scenic full day excursion all the way to the North Channel of the Irish Sea. We drive along the beautiful coastal road and take in some stunning scenery and from the motorcoach you will have a view of Dunluce Castle. We spend time exploring “The Giant’s Causeway,” a UNESCO World Heritage Site with remarkable rock formations made up of over 40,000 hexagonal stacks. Here you may visit the rock formations on foot or may take the Causeway shuttle in either direction at a nominal charge of £1 each way. Enjoy the scenery en route back to Belfast. (B) Overnight: Days Hotel Belfast (or similar accommodations) Day 11(Sunday) – Belfast & Dublin: This morning we make an included visit to Titanic Belfast; the brand new $150 million Titanic visitor experience in the city where the doomed liner was built. 2012 marks 100 years since she sank and here you will see full-scale reconstructions, learn about her conception, through her construction and launch, to her infamous maiden voyage and catastrophic demise. The journey goes beyond the aftermath of the sinking, to the discovery of the wreck and continues into the present day with a live undersea exploration centre. Before we leave Belfast we will continue on a panoramic motor coach tour of the city taking in sights such as the impressive Parliament buildings at Stormont, Belfast City Hall and the murals of the Falls Road which depict the religious-political strife of the 20th Century. In the afternoon we drive south to Dublin. This evening, why not enjoy an optional Irish Night with a 4-course dinner and a lively show of Irish music and a full cast of dancers. Overnight: Belvedere Hotel or similar (B) Overnight: Belvedere Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 12(Monday) – Depart Dublin for Home: Today, bid farewell to Ireland, taking home a suitcase full of memories and stories to share about your YMT Irish vacation! If you purchased airline tickets through YMT Vacations, your airport transfers are arranged. (If you made your own flight arrangements, please make your own way to the airport in plenty of time to check-in for your flight.) (B) |
|
Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather. Because our tour arrangements are often made a year or more in advance, YMT Vacations reserves the right to alter the itinerary. Itinerary changes are made to improve your vacation experience, as well as respond to any unforeseen circumstances that mandate alterations. Note: By their nature, all tours vacations involve a certain level of physical activity. While YMT tours have been designed with our guests in mind and are not physically demanding, this tour does include walking and periods of standing during the sightseeing visits. You will also encounter steps and some uneven ground along the way, particularly at older, historical sights. |
Tour Starts
Dublin, Ireland
Tour Ends
Dublin, Ireland
Day 1(Thursday) – Depart the USA for Dublin, Ireland: Your Irish adventure begins as you depart on your trans-Atlantic flight. Overnight in flight Day 2(Friday) – Arrive Dublin: Arrive in historic Dublin, capital city of the “Emerald Isle.” If you purchased airline tickets from YMT Vacations, a YMT representative will welcome you and transfer you to the hotel. For those guests on early morning arrivals into Dublin, a traditional Irish breakfast will be available for purchase at your hotel, following which the rest of the day is at your leisure. The Irish culture has taken thousands of years to develop, so cherish every moment of your cultural discovery and Dublin is a great place to start. It is usually the first port of call for most visitors and this vibrant, colorful city offers a compelling mix of history, culture, traditional pubs, elegant architecture, great shopping and dining. The great thing about Dublin is that the city is compact, the shops and restaurants, the River Liffey and many of the highlights are all within walking distance of each other and easy to explore on foot. This evening meet your fellow travelers and learn about the exciting days ahead, then relax over a welcome dinner. (D) Overnight: Belvedere Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 3(Saturday) – Dublin Sightseeing: This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of the highlights of this rich historical city. Its graceful Georgian townhouses with noted colorful doors, prominent public buildings and peaceful gardens make a delightful sight along the River Liffey. See the Bank of Ireland, built in the 18th century to house the Parliament; and Leinster House, where the government convenes today. Stop to see famous St. Patrick’s Cathedral, originally built in 450 AD, then rebuilt in 1191, it is still the largest church in Ireland. This afternoon is at leisure and leaves you plenty of time to visit Trinity College to see the Book of Kells, a 9th century version of the Christian gospels (extra charge). This evening enjoy an optional evening out at the Guinness Storehouse. (B) Overnight: Belvedere Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 4(Sunday) – Dublin to Cork: Today, we begin our motorcoach tour of Ireland heading south to our first destination, the Rock of Cashel – a cluster of historic ruins that sits on a towering hilltop rising 200 feet above the surrounding plains. There is time to take the short Bishop’s Walk from the town to the Rock, which dates back to the 4th century. Next, we continue to Cobh (formerly known as Queenstown), a pretty seaside town, set on a hill above a harbor that was the Titanic’s last port of call in 1912. Learn the history of the town when we visit the Cobh Heritage Centre and watch the multimedia exhibition in the Victorian Railway Station. Cobh was also the departure point for over 2.5 million emigrating Irish, the majority to the US and you’ll learn their full story as it is told in the exhibition. We arrive in the city of Cork by late afternoon. (B,D) Overnight: Maldron Hotel Cork (or similar accommodations) Day 5(Monday) – Cork to Killarney: Cork, now Ireland’s second largest city, was founded in the 6th century, and built on a marshy island the middle of the River Lee. This morning we take a panoramic tour of this unique town, and see the many bridges that give it a continental character. Then, it is a short drive to visit Blarney Castle, one of Ireland’s oldest and most historic castles. Explore the castle, and if you want to climb the 125 steps of the spiral staircase, perhaps kiss ‘The Stone of Eloquence’ (the Blarney Stone), so you can, as tradition says, acquire the “Gift of the Gab.” Before we leave, there is time to visit Blarney Woollen Mill, to see some of Ireland’s famous high-quality woolen products. Our drive continues to Muckross House & Gardens in the Killarney National Park. This elaborately restored Victorian mansion was owned by Lord Ardilaun (of the Guinness family) and then by the Bourn Vincents. Enjoy time to stroll through the colorful sculpted gardens. Our Tour ends today in Killarney, where you spend the next two nights. Killarney, a small town, has been welcoming tourists for hundreds of years and is the gateway to the Ring of Kerry - tomorrow’s highlight. (B,D) Overnight: Killarney Oaks Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 6(Tuesday) – Full day Ring of Kerry excursion:
Overnight: Killarney Oaks Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 7(Wednesday) – Killarney to Galway: Today enjoy a full day of captivating sightseeing as we drive north to Galway. Our first stop is Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, to see one of the most complete and authentic medieval fortresses in Ireland. Built in 1425, the Bunratty Castle was restored in 1954 to its former splendor. It now contains 15th and 16th century furnishings, tapestries and works of art that capture the mood of those times. You will have time to wander through the castle, and explore the surrounding park, with it’s cottages that appear just as they would have in medieval times. Next, we drive through the scenic Burren area, stopping to view the picturesque Cliffs of Moher, standing 700 feet tall and 5 miles long, with incredible views of the Atlantic. We arrive in the Galway area by late afternoon. (B,D) Overnight: Clare Galway Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 8(Thursday) – Galway to Bundoran: Today, we first travel through the beautiful and rugged landscape of the Connemara region, then, on through the quiet hills and maze of gentle lakes and rivers. Next we visit the palatial Kylemore Abbey, majestically nestled at the base of Druchruach Mountain. Originally built as a castle in 1867 by local icon Mitchell Henry, in 1920 became an Abbey and today is the oldest of the Irish Benedictine Abbeys. Our drive continues to Westport where we make a short stop and today’s journey ends late this afternoon when we arrive in the Bundoran area. (B,D) Overnight: Grand Central Hotel Bundoran (or similar accommodations) Day 9(Friday) – Bundoran to Belfast: This morning we enjoy a delightful 30-minute guided tour of Belleek Pottery, learning about the history and creation of delicate Irish porcelain. Next, we visit the Ulster American Folk Park, a living history settlement showing Ireland in the mid 1800’s, and the story of how and why so many Irish immigrated to America. Explore the ‘village’ with its inviting countryside cottages, farms, schools and costumed docents. Our drive then continues driving east, to arrive in Belfast, Northern Ireland, your home for the next two nights. Northern Ireland is actually part of the United Kingdom, so you’ve entered a new country (although there are no customs or passport checks) and you’ll need to get used to a new currency, the British Pound, for a couple of days until you arrive back In the Irish Republic. (B,D) Overnight: Days Hotel Belfast (or similar accommodations) Day 10(Saturday) – Giant’s Causeway excursion: Today enjoy a scenic full day excursion all the way to the North Channel of the Irish Sea. We drive along the beautiful coastal road and take in some stunning scenery and from the motorcoach you will have a view of Dunluce Castle. We spend time exploring “The Giant’s Causeway,” a UNESCO World Heritage Site with remarkable rock formations made up of over 40,000 hexagonal stacks. Here you may visit the rock formations on foot or may take the Causeway shuttle in either direction at a nominal charge of £1 each way. Enjoy the scenery en route back to Belfast. (B) Overnight: Days Hotel Belfast (or similar accommodations) Day 11(Sunday) – Belfast & Dublin: This morning we make an included visit to Titanic Belfast; the brand new $150 million Titanic visitor experience in the city where the doomed liner was built. 2012 marks 100 years since she sank and here you will see full-scale reconstructions, learn about her conception, through her construction and launch, to her infamous maiden voyage and catastrophic demise. The journey goes beyond the aftermath of the sinking, to the discovery of the wreck and continues into the present day with a live undersea exploration centre. Before we leave Belfast we will continue on a panoramic motor coach tour of the city taking in sights such as the impressive Parliament buildings at Stormont, Belfast City Hall and the murals of the Falls Road which depict the religious-political strife of the 20th Century. In the afternoon we drive south to Dublin. This evening, why not enjoy an optional Irish Night with a 4-course dinner and a lively show of Irish music and a full cast of dancers. Overnight: Belvedere Hotel or similar (B) Overnight: Belvedere Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 12(Monday) – Depart Dublin for Home: Today, bid farewell to Ireland, taking home a suitcase full of memories and stories to share about your YMT Irish vacation! If you purchased airline tickets through YMT Vacations, your airport transfers are arranged. (If you made your own flight arrangements, please make your own way to the airport in plenty of time to check-in for your flight.) (B) |
|
Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather. Because our tour arrangements are often made a year or more in advance, YMT Vacations reserves the right to alter the itinerary. Itinerary changes are made to improve your vacation experience, as well as respond to any unforeseen circumstances that mandate alterations. Note: By their nature, all tours vacations involve a certain level of physical activity. While YMT tours have been designed with our guests in mind and are not physically demanding, this tour does include walking and periods of standing during the sightseeing visits. You will also encounter steps and some uneven ground along the way, particularly at older, historical sights. |
Tour Starts
Dublin, Ireland
Tour Ends
Dublin, Ireland
Day 1(Thursday) – Depart the USA for Dublin, Ireland: Your Irish adventure begins as you depart on your trans-Atlantic flight. Overnight in flight Day 2(Friday) – Arrive Dublin: Arrive in historic Dublin, capital city of the “Emerald Isle.” If you purchased airline tickets from YMT Vacations, a YMT representative will welcome you and transfer you to the hotel. For those guests on early morning arrivals into Dublin, a traditional Irish breakfast will be available for purchase at your hotel, following which the rest of the day is at your leisure. The Irish culture has taken thousands of years to develop, so cherish every moment of your cultural discovery and Dublin is a great place to start. It is usually the first port of call for most visitors and this vibrant, colorful city offers a compelling mix of history, culture, traditional pubs, elegant architecture, great shopping and dining. The great thing about Dublin is that the city is compact, the shops and restaurants, the River Liffey and many of the highlights are all within walking distance of each other and easy to explore on foot. This evening meet your fellow travelers and learn about the exciting days ahead, then relax over a welcome dinner. (D) Overnight: Belvedere Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 3(Saturday) – Dublin Sightseeing: This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of the highlights of this rich historical city. Its graceful Georgian townhouses with noted colorful doors, prominent public buildings and peaceful gardens make a delightful sight along the River Liffey. See the Bank of Ireland, built in the 18th century to house the Parliament; and Leinster House, where the government convenes today. Stop to see famous St. Patrick’s Cathedral, originally built in 450 AD, then rebuilt in 1191, it is still the largest church in Ireland. This afternoon is at leisure and leaves you plenty of time to visit Trinity College to see the Book of Kells, a 9th century version of the Christian gospels (extra charge). This evening enjoy an optional evening out at the Guinness Storehouse. (B) Overnight: Belvedere Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 4(Sunday) – Dublin to Cork: Today, we begin our motorcoach tour of Ireland heading south to our first destination, the Rock of Cashel – a cluster of historic ruins that sits on a towering hilltop rising 200 feet above the surrounding plains. There is time to take the short Bishop’s Walk from the town to the Rock, which dates back to the 4th century. Next, we continue to Cobh (formerly known as Queenstown), a pretty seaside town, set on a hill above a harbor that was the Titanic’s last port of call in 1912. Learn the history of the town when we visit the Cobh Heritage Centre and watch the multimedia exhibition in the Victorian Railway Station. Cobh was also the departure point for over 2.5 million emigrating Irish, the majority to the US and you’ll learn their full story as it is told in the exhibition. We arrive in the city of Cork by late afternoon. (B,D) Overnight: Maldron Hotel Cork (or similar accommodations) Day 5(Monday) – Cork to Killarney: Cork, now Ireland’s second largest city, was founded in the 6th century, and built on a marshy island the middle of the River Lee. This morning we take a panoramic tour of this unique town, and see the many bridges that give it a continental character. Then, it is a short drive to visit Blarney Castle, one of Ireland’s oldest and most historic castles. Explore the castle, and if you want to climb the 125 steps of the spiral staircase, perhaps kiss ‘The Stone of Eloquence’ (the Blarney Stone), so you can, as tradition says, acquire the “Gift of the Gab.” Before we leave, there is time to visit Blarney Woollen Mill, to see some of Ireland’s famous high-quality woolen products. Our drive continues to Muckross House & Gardens in the Killarney National Park. This elaborately restored Victorian mansion was owned by Lord Ardilaun (of the Guinness family) and then by the Bourn Vincents. Enjoy time to stroll through the colorful sculpted gardens. Our Tour ends today in Killarney, where you spend the next two nights. Killarney, a small town, has been welcoming tourists for hundreds of years and is the gateway to the Ring of Kerry - tomorrow’s highlight. (B,D) Overnight: Killarney Oaks Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 6(Tuesday) – Full day Ring of Kerry excursion:
Overnight: Killarney Oaks Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 7(Wednesday) – Killarney to Galway: Today enjoy a full day of captivating sightseeing as we drive north to Galway. Our first stop is Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, to see one of the most complete and authentic medieval fortresses in Ireland. Built in 1425, the Bunratty Castle was restored in 1954 to its former splendor. It now contains 15th and 16th century furnishings, tapestries and works of art that capture the mood of those times. You will have time to wander through the castle, and explore the surrounding park, with it’s cottages that appear just as they would have in medieval times. Next, we drive through the scenic Burren area, stopping to view the picturesque Cliffs of Moher, standing 700 feet tall and 5 miles long, with incredible views of the Atlantic. We arrive in the Galway area by late afternoon. (B,D) Overnight: Clare Galway Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 8(Thursday) – Galway to Bundoran: Today, we first travel through the beautiful and rugged landscape of the Connemara region, then, on through the quiet hills and maze of gentle lakes and rivers. Next we visit the palatial Kylemore Abbey, majestically nestled at the base of Druchruach Mountain. Originally built as a castle in 1867 by local icon Mitchell Henry, in 1920 became an Abbey and today is the oldest of the Irish Benedictine Abbeys. Our drive continues to Westport where we make a short stop and today’s journey ends late this afternoon when we arrive in the Bundoran area. (B,D) Overnight: Grand Central Hotel Bundoran (or similar accommodations) Day 9(Friday) – Bundoran to Belfast: This morning we enjoy a delightful 30-minute guided tour of Belleek Pottery, learning about the history and creation of delicate Irish porcelain. Next, we visit the Ulster American Folk Park, a living history settlement showing Ireland in the mid 1800’s, and the story of how and why so many Irish immigrated to America. Explore the ‘village’ with its inviting countryside cottages, farms, schools and costumed docents. Our drive then continues driving east, to arrive in Belfast, Northern Ireland, your home for the next two nights. Northern Ireland is actually part of the United Kingdom, so you’ve entered a new country (although there are no customs or passport checks) and you’ll need to get used to a new currency, the British Pound, for a couple of days until you arrive back In the Irish Republic. (B,D) Overnight: Days Hotel Belfast (or similar accommodations) Day 10(Saturday) – Giant’s Causeway excursion: Today enjoy a scenic full day excursion all the way to the North Channel of the Irish Sea. We drive along the beautiful coastal road and take in some stunning scenery and from the motorcoach you will have a view of Dunluce Castle. We spend time exploring “The Giant’s Causeway,” a UNESCO World Heritage Site with remarkable rock formations made up of over 40,000 hexagonal stacks. Here you may visit the rock formations on foot or may take the Causeway shuttle in either direction at a nominal charge of £1 each way. Enjoy the scenery en route back to Belfast. (B) Overnight: Days Hotel Belfast (or similar accommodations) Day 11(Sunday) – Belfast & Dublin: This morning we make an included visit to Titanic Belfast; the brand new $150 million Titanic visitor experience in the city where the doomed liner was built. 2012 marks 100 years since she sank and here you will see full-scale reconstructions, learn about her conception, through her construction and launch, to her infamous maiden voyage and catastrophic demise. The journey goes beyond the aftermath of the sinking, to the discovery of the wreck and continues into the present day with a live undersea exploration centre. Before we leave Belfast we will continue on a panoramic motor coach tour of the city taking in sights such as the impressive Parliament buildings at Stormont, Belfast City Hall and the murals of the Falls Road which depict the religious-political strife of the 20th Century. In the afternoon we drive south to Dublin. This evening, why not enjoy an optional Irish Night with a 4-course dinner and a lively show of Irish music and a full cast of dancers. Overnight: Belvedere Hotel or similar (B) Overnight: Belvedere Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 12(Monday) – Depart Dublin for Home: Today, bid farewell to Ireland, taking home a suitcase full of memories and stories to share about your YMT Irish vacation! If you purchased airline tickets through YMT Vacations, your airport transfers are arranged. (If you made your own flight arrangements, please make your own way to the airport in plenty of time to check-in for your flight.) (B) |
|
Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather. Because our tour arrangements are often made a year or more in advance, YMT Vacations reserves the right to alter the itinerary. Itinerary changes are made to improve your vacation experience, as well as respond to any unforeseen circumstances that mandate alterations. Note: By their nature, all tours vacations involve a certain level of physical activity. While YMT tours have been designed with our guests in mind and are not physically demanding, this tour does include walking and periods of standing during the sightseeing visits. You will also encounter steps and some uneven ground along the way, particularly at older, historical sights. |
Tour Starts
Dublin, Ireland
Tour Ends
Dublin, Ireland
Day 1(Thursday) – Depart the USA for Dublin, Ireland: Your Irish adventure begins as you depart on your trans-Atlantic flight. Overnight in flight Day 2(Friday) – Arrive Dublin: Arrive in historic Dublin, capital city of the “Emerald Isle.” If you purchased airline tickets from YMT Vacations, a YMT representative will welcome you and transfer you to the hotel. For those guests on early morning arrivals into Dublin, a traditional Irish breakfast will be available for purchase at your hotel, following which the rest of the day is at your leisure. The Irish culture has taken thousands of years to develop, so cherish every moment of your cultural discovery and Dublin is a great place to start. It is usually the first port of call for most visitors and this vibrant, colorful city offers a compelling mix of history, culture, traditional pubs, elegant architecture, great shopping and dining. The great thing about Dublin is that the city is compact, the shops and restaurants, the River Liffey and many of the highlights are all within walking distance of each other and easy to explore on foot. This evening meet your fellow travelers and learn about the exciting days ahead, then relax over a welcome dinner. (D) Overnight: Belvedere Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 3(Saturday) – Dublin Sightseeing: This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of the highlights of this rich historical city. Its graceful Georgian townhouses with noted colorful doors, prominent public buildings and peaceful gardens make a delightful sight along the River Liffey. See the Bank of Ireland, built in the 18th century to house the Parliament; and Leinster House, where the government convenes today. Stop to see famous St. Patrick’s Cathedral, originally built in 450 AD, then rebuilt in 1191, it is still the largest church in Ireland. This afternoon is at leisure and leaves you plenty of time to visit Trinity College to see the Book of Kells, a 9th century version of the Christian gospels (extra charge). This evening enjoy an optional evening out at the Guinness Storehouse. (B) Overnight: Belvedere Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 4(Sunday) – Dublin to Cork: Today, we begin our motorcoach tour of Ireland heading south to our first destination, the Rock of Cashel – a cluster of historic ruins that sits on a towering hilltop rising 200 feet above the surrounding plains. There is time to take the short Bishop’s Walk from the town to the Rock, which dates back to the 4th century. Next, we continue to Cobh (formerly known as Queenstown), a pretty seaside town, set on a hill above a harbor that was the Titanic’s last port of call in 1912. Learn the history of the town when we visit the Cobh Heritage Centre and watch the multimedia exhibition in the Victorian Railway Station. Cobh was also the departure point for over 2.5 million emigrating Irish, the majority to the US and you’ll learn their full story as it is told in the exhibition. We arrive in the city of Cork by late afternoon. (B,D) Overnight: Maldron Hotel Cork (or similar accommodations) Day 5(Monday) – Cork to Killarney: Cork, now Ireland’s second largest city, was founded in the 6th century, and built on a marshy island the middle of the River Lee. This morning we take a panoramic tour of this unique town, and see the many bridges that give it a continental character. Then, it is a short drive to visit Blarney Castle, one of Ireland’s oldest and most historic castles. Explore the castle, and if you want to climb the 125 steps of the spiral staircase, perhaps kiss ‘The Stone of Eloquence’ (the Blarney Stone), so you can, as tradition says, acquire the “Gift of the Gab.” Before we leave, there is time to visit Blarney Woollen Mill, to see some of Ireland’s famous high-quality woolen products. Our drive continues to Muckross House & Gardens in the Killarney National Park. This elaborately restored Victorian mansion was owned by Lord Ardilaun (of the Guinness family) and then by the Bourn Vincents. Enjoy time to stroll through the colorful sculpted gardens. Our Tour ends today in Killarney, where you spend the next two nights. Killarney, a small town, has been welcoming tourists for hundreds of years and is the gateway to the Ring of Kerry - tomorrow’s highlight. (B,D) Overnight: Killarney Oaks Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 6(Tuesday) – Full day Ring of Kerry excursion:
Overnight: Killarney Oaks Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 7(Wednesday) – Killarney to Galway: Today enjoy a full day of captivating sightseeing as we drive north to Galway. Our first stop is Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, to see one of the most complete and authentic medieval fortresses in Ireland. Built in 1425, the Bunratty Castle was restored in 1954 to its former splendor. It now contains 15th and 16th century furnishings, tapestries and works of art that capture the mood of those times. You will have time to wander through the castle, and explore the surrounding park, with it’s cottages that appear just as they would have in medieval times. Next, we drive through the scenic Burren area, stopping to view the picturesque Cliffs of Moher, standing 700 feet tall and 5 miles long, with incredible views of the Atlantic. We arrive in the Galway area by late afternoon. (B,D) Overnight: Clare Galway Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 8(Thursday) – Galway to Bundoran: Today, we first travel through the beautiful and rugged landscape of the Connemara region, then, on through the quiet hills and maze of gentle lakes and rivers. Next we visit the palatial Kylemore Abbey, majestically nestled at the base of Druchruach Mountain. Originally built as a castle in 1867 by local icon Mitchell Henry, in 1920 became an Abbey and today is the oldest of the Irish Benedictine Abbeys. Our drive continues to Westport where we make a short stop and today’s journey ends late this afternoon when we arrive in the Bundoran area. (B,D) Overnight: Grand Central Hotel Bundoran (or similar accommodations) Day 9(Friday) – Bundoran to Belfast: This morning we enjoy a delightful 30-minute guided tour of Belleek Pottery, learning about the history and creation of delicate Irish porcelain. Next, we visit the Ulster American Folk Park, a living history settlement showing Ireland in the mid 1800’s, and the story of how and why so many Irish immigrated to America. Explore the ‘village’ with its inviting countryside cottages, farms, schools and costumed docents. Our drive then continues driving east, to arrive in Belfast, Northern Ireland, your home for the next two nights. Northern Ireland is actually part of the United Kingdom, so you’ve entered a new country (although there are no customs or passport checks) and you’ll need to get used to a new currency, the British Pound, for a couple of days until you arrive back In the Irish Republic. (B,D) Overnight: Days Hotel Belfast (or similar accommodations) Day 10(Saturday) – Giant’s Causeway excursion: Today enjoy a scenic full day excursion all the way to the North Channel of the Irish Sea. We drive along the beautiful coastal road and take in some stunning scenery and from the motorcoach you will have a view of Dunluce Castle. We spend time exploring “The Giant’s Causeway,” a UNESCO World Heritage Site with remarkable rock formations made up of over 40,000 hexagonal stacks. Here you may visit the rock formations on foot or may take the Causeway shuttle in either direction at a nominal charge of £1 each way. Enjoy the scenery en route back to Belfast. (B) Overnight: Days Hotel Belfast (or similar accommodations) Day 11(Sunday) – Belfast & Dublin: This morning we make an included visit to Titanic Belfast; the brand new $150 million Titanic visitor experience in the city where the doomed liner was built. 2012 marks 100 years since she sank and here you will see full-scale reconstructions, learn about her conception, through her construction and launch, to her infamous maiden voyage and catastrophic demise. The journey goes beyond the aftermath of the sinking, to the discovery of the wreck and continues into the present day with a live undersea exploration centre. Before we leave Belfast we will continue on a panoramic motor coach tour of the city taking in sights such as the impressive Parliament buildings at Stormont, Belfast City Hall and the murals of the Falls Road which depict the religious-political strife of the 20th Century. In the afternoon we drive south to Dublin. This evening, why not enjoy an optional Irish Night with a 4-course dinner and a lively show of Irish music and a full cast of dancers. Overnight: Belvedere Hotel or similar (B) Overnight: Belvedere Hotel (or similar accommodations) Day 12(Monday) – Depart Dublin for Home: Today, bid farewell to Ireland, taking home a suitcase full of memories and stories to share about your YMT Irish vacation! If you purchased airline tickets through YMT Vacations, your airport transfers are arranged. (If you made your own flight arrangements, please make your own way to the airport in plenty of time to check-in for your flight.) (B) |
|
Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather. Because our tour arrangements are often made a year or more in advance, YMT Vacations reserves the right to alter the itinerary. Itinerary changes are made to improve your vacation experience, as well as respond to any unforeseen circumstances that mandate alterations. Note: By their nature, all tours vacations involve a certain level of physical activity. While YMT tours have been designed with our guests in mind and are not physically demanding, this tour does include walking and periods of standing during the sightseeing visits. You will also encounter steps and some uneven ground along the way, particularly at older, historical sights. |
Tour Starts
Dublin, Ireland
Tour Ends
Dublin, Ireland
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The Motor Coach ExperienceExperience the excitement of visiting unforgettable destinations from the comfort, convenience, and ease of modern motor coach transportation.
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YMT Vacations has been providing quality, care-free discount vacation packages since 1967 - that's over 40 years of serving our satisfied clients! We specialize in affordable escorted tours and cruises for the discerning adult traveler to warm and interesting destinations like Hawaii, Mexico and the Mediterranean, as well as breathtaking and awe-inspiring cruises to Alaska, the great Northwest and the Canadian Rockies, as well as international tours and vacations to Europe, Egypt, Morocco, Costa Rica and Australia and New Zealand. With YMT Vacations, you, your loved ones and close friends can relax and leave the planning to us. We'll show you the natural marvels of America's National Parks aboard a luxury motor coach, provide flexible and affordable dining options, and offer you exclusive and thrilling sightseeing opportunities both near and far. YMT offers exciting travel tours and discount vacation packages on several continents! YMT even offers opportunities to travel for free! When it comes to economy and maximizing the money you spend on your travels, our discount vacation packages will satisfy even the most budget-conscious traveler. Please browse our website and see what we have to offer the world traveler in you. Bon voyage!
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"[Driver guide] was great, funny and knowledgeable…We had a wonderful time. Our bus was the best, we all got along and enjoyed our trip together."
- Cathy Miller, OH"I could not say enough about our driver/guide. His knowledge and expertise was beyond measure. He actually was able to teach all of us about the history and culture of Ireland. He shared personal stories, sang for us and lauged with us…It was a wonderful experience, my love of Ireland and their people has increased ten fold....I picked YMT because I felt that any business that has been doing their tours since 1960's has to be not only good, but great. I enjoyed every aspect of the trip...we were able to do all we set out to do. Our guide was excellent in every way. We had so much fun celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary."
- Shirley Seyler, MD"Our overall experience was very positive. The country was beautiful and the trip was greatly enriched by our tour guide's overall performance. We gained a great deal of knowledge from him and he made it so much fun."
- John Davis Jr., MO"People have asked me what my favorite part was--the whole trip! It was excellent. This was a dream vacation for my family and it couldn't have gone any better."
- Linda Uchtman, OH"Our driver guide was absolutely knowledgeable and very enjoyable. We looked forward to each day's trip because our tour guide was just wonderful."
- Patricia Hodapp, OH