Day 1 Depart for Dublin,
Ireland.
Day 2 Upon arrival, travel to
the Clontarf Castle Hotel. This afternoon, enjoy a scenic
drive along the coast to the charming village of Howth.
See the historic Baily Lighthouse and admire the magnificent
views, then indulge in an Irish coffee at the Abbey Tavern.
Tonight, enjoy a welcome reception. (R,D)
Day 3 As you explore cosmopolitan
Dublin, see the memorial to Jonathan Swift at St. Patrick's
Cathedral, admire the majestic façade of the Customs House
and learn about Ireland's literary greats at the Writers'
Museum. Visit Trinity College to see its famous Book of
Kells. (B,D)
Day 4 Today, discover the UNESCO
World Heritage Site of Newgrange, a Neolithic ritual center
and passage tomb. Continue to the Hill of Tara, where
142 Irish High Kings were crowned. Conclude in the village
of Slane, where St. Patrick lit the Pascal Fire. (B,L,D)
Day 5 The beauty of the Irish
countryside comes alive as you journey to Belfast. Upon
arrival, a tour showcases the city's highlights, including
Stormont Castle, which houses the offices of Northern
Ireland government officials, Queens University and the
Golden Mile, the lively university district. Visit Donegall
Square, bordered by the neo-Renaissance Town Hall, Linen
Hall Library and the main pedestrian shopping district.
After lunch at a local pub, there is time to explore the
city on your own. (B,L,D)
Day 6 Travel to Dublin's West
End and tour the historic Kilmainham Gaol and the Royal
Hospital, which houses the Irish Museum of Modern Art.
Then, visit another famous Irish icon, the Guinness Storehouse,
the largest brewery in Europe. Enjoy a pint in the Gravity
Bar, which commands magnificent views of Dublin, and learn
how the Irish national drink is brewed. (B,L)
Day 7 Today, tour Powerscourt
Estate, whose 45 acres feature formal gardens, sweeping
terraces and ornamental lakes. As you travel, pass through
Glendalough, the Wicklow Mountains and Wicklow Gap, home
to some of the most breathtaking scenery in Ireland. (B,L,D)
Day 8 Learn about The Celtic
Tiger and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. This
evening, attend a graduation ceremony, followed by your
farewell reception and dinner. (B,D)
Day 9 After breakfast, transfer to the Dublin airport for the return flight to the U.S. (B)
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