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 Those who work the land of Eire might tell you that the land dances. Gentle breezes kiss the earth and set grasses swaying until entire patches turn new shades of green. In our Hermes small group, we'll journey on a castle-dotted route to experience Ireland’s many shades – cultural, historic, and natural. From Dublin to Killarney and along the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, we'll discover that Celtic legends live large here.
Explore one of the most spectacular countries in Europe. Rich in history, mythology and traditional Irish culture, a magical setting will unfold before you. We start our adventure in Dublin. We continue on to Kilkenny, Blarney Castle, Killarney and the spectacular Ring of Beara with the dramatic cliffs and wonderful views of the sea. We wrap up the tour in Shannon with its picture perfect green countryside on the Wonderland tour of the Green Isle.
 • Dublin, including Trinity College & the Book of Kells, O'Connell & Grafton Streets, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Georgian Dublin, and Dublin Castle
• Enniskerry, including Powerscourt and Glendalough Monastery
• Waterford, including the Crystal Visitor Centre
• Kilkenny, including Kilkenny Castle
• Killarney, including Muckross House & Farm
• Ring of Kerry & the Cliffs of Moher
• Connemara, including Kylemore Abbey
• Shannon, including Bunratty Castle and Folk Park
• Accommodations for 7 nights in 3- and 4-star, centrally located hotels
• Daily breakfast and 3 dinners
• Services of a Hermes Tours escort
• Services of an expert, local guide in all cities
• $100 per person savings if you reserve 5 months before departure! (BEFORE MARCH 31, 2010)
• Flights from JFK (and others), roundtrip for $585 plus taxes ($115 approx). Contact us for other departure cities.
Day 1 - September 3, 2010, Friday
For American travelers our tour starts today. Fly overnight to Dublin. (DUB).
Overnight: airplane.
Meal: N/A
 Day 2 - September 4, 2010, Saturday
Meet in Dublin at our hotel today. This afternoon, get acquainted with Oscar Wilde's home city during a sightseeing tour. We'll visit Trinity College and see the beautiful, illuminated Book of Kells, explore a little of O'Connell and Grafton Streets, and tour St. Patrick's Cathedral, Georgian Dublin, and Dublin Castle. This evening Hermes hosts a welcome dinner so we can get to know each other.
Overnight: O'Callaghan Mont Clare Hotel, Dublin .
Meal: D
 Day 3 - September 5, 2010, Sunday
Today we journey through the beautiful mountains of Wicklow, known as the "Garden of Ireland" for its pastoral beauty. In the heart of its gently rolling hills rests Enniskerry, a picturesque village and home to Powerscourt House and Gardens. We'll stroll these magnificent aristocratic gardens, designed in the 1860s and 1870s with inspiration from Versailles. This afternoon we visit Glendalough Monastic settlement, founded in the sixth century by St. Kevin, a hermit priest.
Tonight, we dine at the quaint Johnnie Foxes Pub, the highest pub in Ireland, in the Dublin Mountains. This is a truly authentic Irish night out: sawdust blankets the floor and bric-a-brac hangs from the walls. We'll enjoy some foot-stompin' Irish entertainment with our traditional meal.
Overnight: O'Callaghan Mont Clare Hotel, Dublin
Meal: B, D
 Day 4 - September 6, 2010, Monday
After breakfast we travel southwest to Kilkenny. Known as the "marble city," it is without doubt Ireland's prettiest inland city. In the 13th century it rose to prominence when the Irish Parliament met at Kilkenny Castle, which we will also visit.
Overnight: Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel.
Meal: B
 Day 5 - September 7, 2010, Tuesday
We venture south to Waterford today. This is Ireland's oldest city, founded by Vikings in A.D. 914. Today, it is known for its world-famous crystal. We'll see master craftsmen as they blow and cut crystal goblets, bowls, and other ornamental glassware. Sample one of the city's inviting cafes for lunch on your own. We return to Kilkenny for a free afternoon.
Overnight: Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel
Meal: B
 Day 6 - September 8, 2010, Wednesday
We get an early start to Killarney today. Along the way we stop in Blarney. By now, you've experienced the Irish love of conversation in pubs, shops and restaurants. At the historic Blarney Castle, you just might acquire that "gift of gab" yourself when you kiss the famed stone. It's not as easy as you think!
In Killarney, we visit Muckross House. This beautiful 65-room Victorian mansion was built in the Tudor style in 1843. Period furnishings decorate the interior. We'll have time to stroll the landscaped gardens or walk the short distance to Muckross Farm, a working farm that honors traditional farming techniques still today.
Overnight: Dromhall Hotel, Killarney
Meal: B
 Day 7 - September 9, 2010, Thursday
Today the beauty of Eire unfolds before us in all its glory as we drive onto the Iveragh Peninsula, famously known as the "Ring of Kerry." We see all shades of green here, from patchwork farmlands to gentle dales laden with wildflowers to hills that spill into the sea. Our day includes a stop for lunch on your own.
Overnight: Dromhall Hotel, Killarney
Meal: B
 Day 8 - September 10, 2010, Friday
Continue north through the Irish countryside. After lunch on our own, we'll enter The Burren. This stark region is one of Europe's largest karst landscapes. Though few trees survive here, its unique landscape and climate are varied enough to support Arctic, Mediterranean, and Alpine plants side by side. Derived from the Gaelic word boireann, which means "rocky land," Burren is an apt name for this vast limestone plateau.
In the southern part of The Burren, limestone gives way to the black shale and sandstone that form the dramatic Cliffs of Moher. We'll stop here to marvel at their breathtaking heights of 650 feet. We end our day in Galway, a lively university city. We'll have time to explore the city this evening.
Overnight: Harbour Hotel, Galway
Meal: B
 Day 9 - September 11, 2010, Saturday
Today we continue our scenic discoveries in the Connemara. This wild region in the west of Galway is home to bogs, mountains, and a rugged coastline. We'll stop at Kylemore Abbey, a Benedictine monastery originally built in the 19th century for a wealthy English businessman. With its setting on the strikingly beautiful Kylemore Lake, this magnificent white granite and grey limestone building is one of the most photographed houses in Ireland. After lunch on your own here, return to Galway via the quaint seaside town of Clifden.
Overnight: Harbour Hotel, Galway
Meal: B
 Day 10 - September 12, 2010, Sunday
After breakfast, we head south to Shannon and visit Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. On these grounds you'll walk through a microcosm of Irish history. The site has been occupied since Vikings set up camp here in A.D. 970. The first structures were built 300 years later and the property has evolved and changed hands during conflict and intrigue countless times since. We'll also visit Bunratty House, home to the Studderts who once occupied the castle, and stroll through the charming Folk Park, a recreated 19th century village.
For our farewell dinner, we enjoy a medieval banquet at Bunratty Castle, a dagger our only utensil! Join the Earl of Thomond for a glorious four-course feast accompanied by music and song.
Overnight: Shannon Shamrock Hotel, Bunratty
Meal: B, D
Day 11 - September 13, 2010, Monday
This morning is the end of our tour. You are free to make your return flight for any time today from Shannon airport (SHA).
Meal: B
Dublin:
With a superb central location, just a few minutes' walk from Trinity College and Grafton Street, this traditional Dublin hotel offers 3-star accommodation at great-value rates.
The O'Callaghan Mont Clare Hotel is located in the very heart of Dublin, close to Merrion Square and beside the National Art Gallery. The hotel is just metres away from Pearse Street DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) station.
A traditional Dublin hotel, the O'Callaghan Mont Clare offers a true slice of Dublin life and was regularly visited by the renowned Irish writer James Joyce during his early writing career.
The hotel has 74 en suite rooms, all decorated in warm shades of burgundy and cream. Heavy velvets and dark wood combine to create a cosy, traditional Irish feel. Each room has air conditioning, wired broadband internet access, satellite TV and tea/coffee making facilities.
The hotel's restaurant has large bay windows overlooking the street. The restaurant combines modern European cuisine with an Irish twist and all dishes are made using fresh, local produce.
The hotel's Number 1 Bar is a traditional Irish pub and has proved popular with locals and guests alike.
Kilkenny:
In Kilkenny city centre, the award-winning Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel offers luxury accommodation, the new City Bar & Grill Restaurant and 2 leading bars.
In the shadow of Kilkenny Castle, the Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel is in the heart of Kilkenny city. Originally the Hibernian Bank, this building overlooks the Parade, popular because it's close to Kilkenny Castle and the Kilkenny Design Centre.
Just under 2 hours from Dublin, the Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel offers you traditional charm in this vibrant city.
Killarney:
Located in Killarney on the stunning Ring of Kerry, Dromhall provides an excellent base for all holidays. Family owned & managed, its renowned hospitality and warmth makes this hotel one of the finest Killarney has to offer.
Conveniently located a mere 5 minutes walk from the town centre, the hotel offers a wide range of amenities, its variety of bars and restaurants providing an option for every mood and occasion. For relaxation and well-being, Club Santé is available to all hotel guests. Be it an invigorating swim or indulgent massage we guarantee you will leave us revitalised.
Galway:
The Galway Harbour Hotel boasts a prime location in Galway City Centre, minutes' walk away from all of the city's focal points. This luxury Galway hotel is situated in the docks area, which is a short walk from the Spanish Arch and Eyre Square, the city's main square. Restaurants and shops are in abundance as well as sites of historical interest like Claddagh, where the city was born.
A 3 star hotel with 4 star facilities, this Galway city hotel provides perfect accommodation for those who want a trendy and modern address right in the centre of town, while visiting or here for the Galway races. These same characteristics make the hotel an ideal choice for business people, who can also make the most out of the free wireless Internet access.
 There are numerous things guests can do to relax and have fun at the Galway Harbour Hotel, such as having a revitalising massage, facial or body shaping treatment at the Haven Leisure Suite. Also, the hotel's K Bar is a chic venue for a cocktail or a glass of wine in the evening. There is a classy restaurant as well as numerous meeting and banqueting facilities too.
High-quality hotel rooms are available in plentiful supply at this Galway Bay hotel, ranging from single to double guest rooms, which sleep 1 to 2 people respectively.
The rooms are decorated with particular flair along the lines of Scandinavian, maritime and modern Irish themes. The warm colours, modern furniture and soft fabrics combine with the attractive décor to create a really cosy place to stay.
All of the Galway Harbour Hotel's rooms have an en suite bathroom, with a bathtub and a shower, and are fitted out with a full range of amenities including a personal messaging service, trouser press and a laundry service too.
Bunratty:
Nestled in the Bunratty Village and just 10 kilometers from Limerick, Ireland, the Bunratty Shannon Shamrock Hotel stands 300 meters from the Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.
Traditional Irish fare and an extensive wine selection are featured at PJ's Restaurant, the on- site eatery. Shamrock Bar serves light meals and drinks, and live music is played every Friday and Saturday evening. The Gallery Lounge features live piano music and afternoon tea. Conference facilities include six individual meeting rooms and banquet suites, and can accommodate up to 1,200 delegates. A leisure center is located on site, and includes an indoor pool, steam room, sauna, fitness center and spa tub. The beauty salon provides haircuts, facials and massage treatments.
 Warm tones brighten each of the 155 guestrooms. Cable television is provided, and select rooms offer wireless Internet access. The separate self-catering holiday cottages also include DVD players, kitchens with ovens and washing machines, and living rooms with electric fireplaces.
The village of Bunratty includes a small collection of pubs, shops, a winery and the famous Bunratty Castle. The Norman-style castle includes a "great hall," dungeons and four towers. Medieval banquets are held in the great hall twice each evening.
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Services of professional gay tour guide throughout the trip. Accommodations as listed, rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, porterage, tips and service charges. All meals as per itinerary, Transportation in luxury air-conditioned mini coach. Entrance fees to all sites on itinerary.
International air to/from Dublin/Shannon, visas if required, transfers to/from airport on designated days. Meals and activities not specifically included in itinerary. Any items of a personal nature such as telephone, laundry, alcohol as well as customary tips to your driver and tour guides and Hermes Tours escort.
