Ireland School Tour (example)

This school tour explores the Emerald Isle in depth as it begins in Dublin, travels to Northern Ireland, Ennis, Killarney and Tramore. This wonderful Irish experience provides an ideal understanding for all students.

• Dublin
• Sligo
• Northern Ireland
• Ennis
• Dingle Penninsula
• Killarney
• Ring of Kerry
• Waterford
• Tramore

Itinerary

Day 1
Dublin
On arrival into Dublin you are transferred to your hotel. This afternoon you take an orientation drive through statue-lined O'Connell Street and elegant Georgian squares to St. Patrick's Cathedral, and Trinity College.

Day 2
Dublin - Sligo (B D)
On your first day in the Irish countryside you discover why this is known as the "Emerald Isle". Motor north through history-steeped landscapes, with Ireland's typical round towers and castles ruins, to the legendary Hill of Tara. See mighty Trim Castle, then across the River Boyne and via the agricultural and angling center of Mullingar to Longford, the county capital. On the way to Sligo take your pictures at scenic Carrick-on-Shannon and the Cistercian abbey ruins at Boyle.

Day 3
Sligo - Northern Ireland (B D)
At Drumcliff see the grave of the native son and poet, W.B.Yeats, then step across the border into Northern Ireland to visit the Belleek Pottery Factory, renowned for its exquisite cream-coloured Parian china. Then follow the route through Omagh to the fascinating city of Derry where a walking tour takes in the old city walls and St. Columb's Cathedral. In the afternoon shop for hand-knitted woollen goods in Donegal town.

Day 4
Sligo - Ennis (B)
South to Knock, a village that attracts pilgrims from all over the world since the townsfolk saw apparitions, and Galway, a vibrant city with a great seafaring tradition, where you hear about the infamous Lynch Stone, commemorating the day Mayor James Lynch Fitzstephen hanged his son for murder. Cross the limestone plateau of The Burren to visit the spectacular 203 metre (668-foot) Cliffs of Moher.

Day 5
Ennis - Dingle Penninsula - Killarney (B D)
This morning's orientation drive in Limerick acquaints you with King John's Castle and the Stone where the Treaty of Limerick was signed in 1691. Then via Adare, a village known for its prize-winning thatched cottages. Breathtaking scenery this afternoon on the Dingle Peninsula, where the 51 kilometre (32-mile) Slea Head drive affords magnificent vistas of the Atlantic Ocean, then pass miles of white sandy beaches, setting for the film Ryan's Daughter. The next two nights are spent in the popular resort of Killarney.

Day 6
Killarney - Ring of Kerry (B)
At Killorglin join the road known as the "Ring of Kerry" for a 160 kilometre (100-mile) coastal panoramic drive: sparkling seascapes, mountains dotted with brightly coloured farmhouses, winding lanes bordered with subtropical vegetation and spectacular views of the Lakes of Killarney from Ladies View.

Day 7
Killarney - Waterford - Tramore (B D)
More scenic splendour as you head over the Kerry Mountains into County Cork. Stop in Blarney, famous for its Stone of Eloquence, with time at your leisure to see the castle, and shop for Irish crafts and handmade crystal. After lunch drive past Cork, the country's second-largest city. Youghal and Dungarvan are further milestones on your way to Waterford, where a visit to the world-famous Waterford Crystal factory is included. Spend the night at the nearby seaside resort of Tramore.

Day 8
Tramore - Dublin (B)
Highlights on your northbound journey: Enniscorthy, site of the final battle of the Great Rebellion of 1798, a visit to Ireland's oldest hand weaving mill at Avoca, views of the Wicklow Mountains and Glendalough with its ruins of a centre of Irish Christianity founded by St. Kevin. Tonight you travel back in Dublin.

Day 9
Dublin (B)
The tour ends and you can fly home or continue your sightseeing.

Highlights
• Dublin - O'Connell Street, Georgian squares to St. Patrick's Cathedral, Trinity College, Hill of Tara, Trim Castle, River Boyne
• Sligo -
Carrick-on-Shannon, Cistercian abbey ruins
• Northern Ireland -
Belleek Pottery Factory, city of Derry St. Columb's Cathedral. shop for hand-knitted woollen goods.
• Ennis -
Cliffs of Moher, King John's Castle
• Dingle Penninsula -
Slea Head drive
• Killarney -
Lakes of Killarney, Kerry Mountains
• Ring of Kerry -
coastal panoramic drive
• Waterford -
Crystal factory
• Tramore -
site of the final battle of the Great Rebellion of 1798, visit to Ireland's oldest hand weaving mill, Wicklow Mountains,

Tour Includes
• International airfares
• Accommodation
• Coach transfers
• Transfer with private A/C vehicles
• Sightseeing with local experienced english speaking guide
• Meals as per itinerary
• Entrance fees as per itinerary.
• Information kit inclucing travel information, maps, certificate and travel wallet.