March 12, 2023 - What am I Working On? Ireland
Check out this amazing trip I'm in the midst of planning for a client!
Ireland - 8 days
My clients wanted to see as much of Ireland as they could in a short amount of time, with plenty of opportunities for free time for them to pop into a local pub. They preferred to join in with an escorted group versus exploring completely on their own, as a few of them were in their 60's and 70's and wanted to ensure activity level would match their mobility. Budget was also a factor for them - they didn't want to pay more to stay at 4 or 5 star accommodations.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Dublin
After check-in, they'll take to its streets in search of its characteristic craic. They’ll join their Local Specialist later for a sightseeing tour which includes views of St. Patrick's Cathedral and Trinity College. Later, they'll tap into Dublin’s effervescent spirit and head to Temple Bar or Grafton Street on their own this evening.
Day 2 - Dublin – Boyle – Knock – Ballina
Ireland's famous countryside glows green and gold as they'll venture west, every turn in the road revealing yet another magnificent view. They'll have the option to cruise along the Shannon River, the longest river in the British Isles. Later, they'll view the ruins of the 12th-century Boyle Abbey before arriving in Knock. It was here in 1879 that villagers witnessed an apparition of Our Lady and today pilgrims the world over visit the village’s Marian Shrine. Tonight they'll head to their hotel in Ballina to dine tonight.
Day 3 - Belleek (Northern Ireland) – County Donegal
They'll cross the border into Northern Ireland this morning for a visit to the Belleek Pottery Centre. Its elegant fine porcelain has been gracing dining tables all over the world for over a century and they’ll have an opportunity to buy a Shamrock-adorned memento during their visit. Heading to Donegal next where they’ll view its 15th-century castle and the self-penned epitaph on his simple headstone urging the horseman to 'pass by'. Then they'll continue past the harbor town of Mullaghmore, before returning to their hotel in Ballina.
Day 4 - Ballina – Westport – Galway – County Limerick
Today they'll discover why Westport on Ireland’s west coast justifiably earns its title as Ireland’s most livable town. It certainly is one of the prettiest as they’ll see first-hand when they travel through it and the breathtaking coastal landscape of Connemara, captured in John Wayne’s acclaimed 'The Quiet Man'. They'll visit Galway next to see the cathedral and a stroll around Eyre Square, also known as John F. Kennedy Memorial Park. Their orientation drive through Limerick includes views of the city’s medieval-era St. Mary’s Cathedral and King John's Castle. Tonight they can dine like lords and ladies at a medieval banquet in the great hall of a castle.
Day 5 - Cliffs of Moher
They'll peer over the edge of the emerald-topped cliffs to the crashing waves of the Atlantic below. The rugged and wild Cliffs of Moher have been proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site and for good reason. They will spot the curious colorful-beaked puffins that have settled along this western coast and visit the magnificent Cliffs of Moher exhibition, before continuing to Limerick, where the rest of their day is free.
Day 6 - County Limerick – Ring of Kerry – Tralee
Today they leave Ireland’s first 'City of Culture' behind for a journey across stunning landscapes in the wild west, keeping their camera at hand as their scenic drive around the 'Ring of Kerry' passes colorful villages, deserted beaches and quiet fishing harbors. Later, they'll arrive in Tralee in County Kerry, where the Rose of Tralee International Festival attracts Irish women from around the world to compete for the crown of 'Rose'.
Day 7 - Tralee – Blarney – Dublin
They'll kiss the Blarney Stone and acquire the 'gift of the gab' on their visit to Blarney Castle this morning. Then it’ll be time to return to Dublin where they’ll put their silver tongue to good use during an evening dinner and Irish show that will have their toes tapping and taste buds craving another round of Irish coffee. It will be time well spent with new friends after a memorable holiday.
Day 8 - Depart Dublin
And just like that their enchanting exploration of the 'Emerald Isle' will have come to an end. They will have seen ancient churches, castles and towering cliffs, had their fair share of the craic and seen beautiful landscapes that many only encounter in pictures. All that’s left is to say a fond slán go fóill as they prepare for their return journey home.
Does this type of trip appeal to you?
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