Shades of Ireland
From the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, to an overnight stay in a stately castle, Shades of Ireland takes you on a comprehensive journey around the Emerald Isle. Explore the Giant's Causeway, the legendary creation of Irish giant, Finn MacCool. Enjoy coffee and scones on a working Irish Farm. Learn the secrets of Irish whiskey with a Distillery tour. Discover Belfast, Dublin, Limerick, Galway and Derry. Travel the famed "Ring of Kerry."

Tour Highlights
Limerick, Medieval Castle Banquet, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Farm Visit, Killarney, Jaunting Car Ride*, Ring of Kerry, Blarney Castle, Waterford Crystal, Kilkenny, Dublin

Collette Experiences

  • Experience medieval Ireland and the ambiance of a real castle during a fun-filled banquet featuring music, food and traditional entertainment.
  • Behold the spectacular beauty of the Cliffs of Moher.
  • Meet an Irish family during a visit to a working Irish farm. Have coffee and scones while they explain their everyday life.
  • Travel the Ring of Kerry, one of the world's most beautiful coastal routes.
  • Overnight on the grounds of a castle and delight in the pleasures of royalty.
  • Call (941) 779-2050 for more information or to book today! Mention code 6237792
    Tour OperatorCollette Vacations
    Duration
    13 Days
    Itinerary
    DayDestinationDescription
    Day 1Overnight FlightOvernight Flight: The Emerald Isle is a land of green hills, warm people, stately castles and rollicking fun. Visit Limerick, Killarney, Waterford and Dublin as this comprehensive tour introduces Ireland's natural beauty, turbulent history and hospitable culture.
    Day 2LimerickArrive Limerick, Ireland - Tour Begins: Your tour begins today in Limerick. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers at a castle for a medieval banquet featuring beautiful music, delicious food and traditional entertainment.
    Day 3LimerickLimerick - Cliffs of Moher - Galway - Limerick: Journey to the stunning, 700-foot-high Cliffs of Moher for awe-inspiring views of the mighty Atlantic and the Aran Islands. Experience the cliff face and its native bird and sea life through interactive exhibits at the brand new interpretive centre, aptly named "Atlantic Edge." Then, travel through the vast limestone landscape of the Burren, known for its stark beauty and Neolithic tombs. Continue past scenic countryside into Galway, where a brief city tour introduces "The City of Tribes." Return to Limerick for your overnight stay.
    Day 4KillarneyLimerick - Killarney: Enjoy a city tour of Limerick showcasing King John's Castle and Treaty Stone while learning about the fascinating history of the "city of the violated treaty." Experience the customs and daily life of a traditional Irish family during a memorable visit to the Molanna Dairy Farm. Continue to Killarney where you will be treated to a time-honored Irish jaunting car ride. A tour of the beautiful Muckross House and Gardens offers a glimpse into the elegant lifestyle of the Victorian gentry.
    Day 5KillarneyKillarney - Ring of Kerry - Killarney: Today, travel along one of the most beautiful coastal routes in the world, the Ring of Kerry. Enjoy spectacular ocean scenery as you pass through picturesque villages. At the Gap of Dunloe, shop for traditional Irish goods handcrafted by local artisans. Continue on through rugged mountain passes into "Ladies View," where you will see breathtaking views of the Lakes of Killarney. Tonight, use your leisure time to sample a true taste of Irish culture.
    Day 6WaterfordKillarney - Blarney Stone - Midleton - Waterford: Today is highlighted by a journey to historic Blarney Castle. Along the way, pass through the mountains of West Cork and the scenic towns of Ballyvourney and Macroom. Upon arrival at the castle, take this opportunity to kiss the famous Blarney Stone. Legend has it that those who kiss the stone are bestowed with the gift of eloquence. Make a visit to Midleton Whiskey Distillery for a tour and tasting. Finally, arrive in the historic city of Waterford where you will enjoy a leisurely-paced walking tour.
    Day 7KingscourtWaterford - Kilkenny - Kingscourt: Start the day with a visit to the world-famous Waterford Crystal Factory. Take a tour of the facility to learn how these exquisite treasures are crafted and marvel at the impressive collection of crystal in their glittering showroom. Next, stop in Kilkenny for the chance to explore this medieval city. Continue to a castle where you will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay on the castle grounds.
    Day 8DerryKingscourt - Derry: This morning you depart Kingscourt and cross the border into Northern Ireland. Travel via Omagh to visit the Ulster American Folk Park. This open air museum documents the story of emigration from Northern Ireland to America during the 18th and 19th centuries. Next, travel to Derry where a local guide leads you on a walking tour of the old city featuring the medieval city walls, St. Augustine's Cathedral and the Guildhall.
    Day 9DerryDerry - Inishowen Peninsula - Derry: Your day begins with an excursion to the Inishowen Peninsula and Malin Head. Leaving Derry, a stop will be made at Carndonagh to see the second-oldest Celtic cross in Ireland. Continuing on through Malin village, you will arrive at Malin Head, Ireland's northernmost point with its beautiful panoramic view of the North Atlantic Ocean. Return to Derry via the Slieve Snaght hills. The afternoon is free to further explore this historic city.
    Day 10BelfastDerry - Giant's Causeway - Belfast: See the most famous natural site in Northern Ireland as you visit the magnificent Giant's Causeway this morning. Formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago, the causeway resembles a cobbled road leading into the sea. Continue along the stunning Antrim Coastal Route to Belfast, where you will enjoy a guided tour of the city sights. A visit is included to the Culturlann McAdam O'Fiaich*- an Irish language arts and community center supported by the efforts of the Collette Foundation. The Culturlann is headquartered in West Belfast, which suffered greatly during many years of political strife. This groundbreaking program is dedicated to enriching the lives of Ireland's underprivileged children and the revitalization of Northern Ireland.
    Day 11DublinBelfast - Dublin: A short drive brings you back to the Republic of Ireland and to Dublin where you will enjoy a sightseeing tour of this "Fair City." Visit St. Patrick's Cathedral, O'Connell Street, Grafton Street, Phoenix Park and see the city's trademark - magnificent rows of stately Georgian town homes.
    Day 12DublinDublin: The day is at leisure to relax and explore the cultural offerings of delightful Dublin on your own. Check out the ancient Book of Kells at Trinity College, or partake in an excursion along Ireland's North Coast. Tonight, gather with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner, celebrating a fantastic courney to Ireland.
    Day 13DublinDublin - Tour Ends: Your tour ends today in Dublin.
    Dates/Pricing
    Click Quote or call us to get additional information on your chosen travel date. Special offers or competitive pricing may be available!

    DatePrice / DescriptionQuote
    September 23, 2008$2,299.00* (USD)Quote
    March 17, 2009$2,099.00* (USD)Quote
    Lodging
    Radisson SAS Limerick or Castletroy Park Hotel, LimerickKillarney Plaza Hotel, Killarney or Killarney Avenue, Killarney
    Dooleys Hotel, Waterford or Granville Hotel, WaterfordCabra Castle or similar, Kingscourt
    Castleknock Hotel and Country Club, Dublin 
    Dining
    Total meals - 18
    Disclaimer
    * NOTE: Tour prices are lead-in land only rates based on double occupancy. Please call your agent for triple or child occupancy rates. Taxes and fees are additional for tours that feature a cruise; port taxes are not included in the prices shown. Some dates may feature various changes in hotels, sightseeing and inclusions. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking.
    Airfare is additional and is available through Collette Vacations.