Irish Pubs & Folklore

Dublin Pubs: At one time Dublin had over 4,000 pubs where locals could indulge in their favourite tipple. As time passed laws came into being to control the amount of pubs in the city. Now Dublin has almost 750 licensed pubs, each with its own style and particular clientele. The Dublin pub is far from being a mere drinking emporium alone. Each has it own special character, and many have developed far-flung reputations for specialising in specific aspects of Irish social culture - traditional music, song and dance, sport and literature and high quality cuisine served in a relaxed informal atmosphere. All, however, are centres of Irish community life where the art of conversation finds effortless expression and no one remains a stranger for long.

Highlights

• Dublin
• Kilbeggan
• Kylemore Abbey
• Killarney
• Galway
• Blarney
• Kildare
• Kilkenny
• Foynes
• Co. Clare

Day 1 - Depart Canada
Overnight flight to Dublin.

Day 2 - Arrive Dublin (2 nights)
Welcome to Dublin! Visit the Guinness Storehouse and discover what goes into making a pint of Guinness. The journey ends in the Gravity Bar with a pint. Tonight, have a Welcome Drink at a traditional Irish pub.
Hotel: Alexander

Day 3 - Dublin
Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, then on to Trinity College to see the 8th century Book of Kells. Your Tour Director will also reveal a Hidden Treasure. The afternoon is free. This evening, join the “Dublin Literary Pub Crawl.” (Full breakfast)

Day 4 - Dublin – Galway (2 nights)
Travel to Locke’s Distillery. Now a museum, guided tours follow the process from the grinding of the grain to the casking of the final product. At the end of the tour, enjoy a sample of six-year-old Lockes Irish Whiskey. Then, on to Rathbaun Farm for afternoon tea. End the day in Galway. (Full breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Jurys Inn

Day 5 - Connemara excursion
Visit Kylemore Abbey, a castellated neo-Gothic mansion, occupied by Irish Benedictine nuns. Return to Galway for a visit to Galway Cathedral. The evening is free to explore Galway’s pubs. (Full breakfast)

Day 6 - Galway – Cliffs of Moher – Killarney (2 nights)
Heading south, stop at the Cliffs of Moher. Next, visit the Flying Boat Museum at Foynes, the birthplace of Irish Coffee. Sample the famous beverage before continuing to Killarney. (Full breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Killarney Towers

Day 7 - The Ring of Kerry
Travel the road that winds around “The Ring of Kerry.” Stop at the Scarriff Inn, half way around the Ring, for a light lunch. Later, take a jaunting car ride to 19th century Muckross House and Folk Museum. (Full breakfast / Lunch)

Day 8 - Killarney – Blarney – Kilkenny
Stop at Blarney Castle, with its magical stone that gives the gift of eloquence for a kiss. Stroll across to the Blarney Woollen Mills to shop. Then, on to Kilkenny for a walking tour with a local guide and a stop at award-winning Langton’s Bar. (Full breakfast)
Hotel: Pembroke

Day 9 - Kilkenny – Dublin
Travel through Ireland’s horse country to the National Stud Farm, and take a guided tour. Return to Dublin with some time for shopping. Tonight enjoy a Farewell Dinner with traditional Irish entertainment. (Full breakfast / Farewell dinner)
Hotel: Burlington

Day 10 - Dublin – Canada
Time to bid farewell at the end of our tour. (Full breakfast)

Free airport transfers:
Transfers on Day 1 at Dublin Airport will operate at 08.00, 11.00 and 13.30. Passengers arriving later should make their own way to the first hotel. Return transfers on the last touring day will arrive at Dublin Airport at 07.30, 09.30 and 11.30.