Ireland Beckons

Today you will board your flight from Toronto to Dublin.

Welcome to Ireland!

Arrive at the Dublin Airport and you will be met by our local representative who will assist you with a full touring specification of the modern coach and transfer you to the hotel.

Arrive and check in to your hotel.

Later depart for a Dublin City Tour and visit:

O’Connell St.: This is Dublin's main thoroughfare. It measures 49 m in width at its southern end, 46 m at the north, and is 500 m in length. During the 17th century it was a narrow street known as Drogheda Street (named after Henry Moore, Earl of Drogheda). It was widened, and renamed 'Sackville Street' (named after Lionel Sackville, 1st Duke of Dorset) in the late 1700s until 1924, when it was renamed in honour of Daniel O'Connell, a nationalist leader of the early 19th century, whose statue stands at the lower end of the street, facing O'Connell Bridge.

O’Connell Bridge: A road bridge spanning the River Liffey in Dublin, and joining O'Connell Street to D'Olier Street, Westmoreland Street and the south quays. The original bridge (named Carlisle Bridge for the then Lord Lieutenant of Ireland - Frederick Howard, 5th Earl of Carlisle) was designed by James Gandon, and built between 1791 and 1794. Originally humped and narrower, Carlisle bridge was a symmetrical, three semicircular arch structure constructed in granite with a Portland stone balustrade and obelisks on each of the four corners. A keystone head at the apex of the central span symbolizes the River Liffey, corresponding to the heads on the Custom House (also designed by James Gandon) which personify the other great rivers of Ireland.

General Post Office (GPO): The General Post Office in Dublin is the headquarters of A Post, the Irish Post Office, and Dublin's principal post office. Sited in the centre of O'Connell Street, the city's main thoroughfare, it is one of Ireland's most famous buildings, and was the last of the great Georgian public buildings erected in the capital.

Spire of Dublin: Alternatively titled the Monument of Light is a large, stainless steel, pin-like monument 120 metres (390 ft.) in height. The spire was designed by Ian Ritchie Architects who sought an "Elegant and dynamic simplicity bridging art and technology". The contract was awarded to SIAC-Radley JV and it was manufactured by Radley Engineering of Dungarvan, County Waterford, and erected by SIAC Construction Ltd & GDW Engineering Ltd. The first section was installed on 18 December 2002. Construction of the sculpture was delayed because of difficulty in obtaining planning permission and environmental regulations. The Spire consists of eight hollow stainless steel cone sections, the longest being 20 m (66 ft), which were installed on 21 January 2003. It is an elongated cone of diameter 3 m (9.8 ft) at the base, narrowing to 15 cm (5.9 in) at the top. It features two tuned mass dampers, designed by engineers Arup, to counteract sway. At dusk, the base of the monument is lit and the top 10 m (33 ft) is illuminated through 11,884 holes through which light-emitting diodes shine.

Customs House: was a building housing the offices for the government officials who processed the paperwork associated with importing and exporting goods into and out of a country. Customs officials also collected customs duty on imported goods. The custom house was typically located in a seaport or in a city on a major river, with access to the ocean. These cities acted as a port of entry into a country. The government stationed officials at such locations to collect taxes and regulate commerce. Due to advances in electronic information systems, the increased volume of international trade, and the introduction of air travel, the term "custom house" is now often an historical anachronism. There are many examples of buildings around the world that were formerly used as custom houses but have since been converted for other uses, such as museums or civic buildings.

Halfpenny Bridge: Known later for a time as the Penny Ha'penny Bridge, and officially the Liffey Bridge, is a pedestrian bridge built in May 1816 over the River Liffey in Dublin, Ireland. Made of cast iron, the bridge was cast in Shropshire, England. Originally called the Wellington Bridge (after the Dublin-born Duke of Wellington), the name of the bridge changed to Liffey Bridge. The Liffey Bridge (Irish: Droichead na Life) remains the bridge's official name to this day, although it is most commonly referred to as the Ha'penny Bridge. Before the Ha'penny Bridge was built there were seven ferries, operated by a William Walsh, across the Liffey. The ferries were in a bad condition and Walsh was informed that he had to either fix them or build a bridge. Walsh chose the latter option and was granted the right to extract a ha'penny toll from anyone crossing it for 100 years.

Merrion Square: is a Georgian garden square on the south side of Dublin city centre. The square was laid out after 1762 and was largely complete by the beginning of the 19th century. The demand for such Georgian townhouse residences south of the River Liffey had been fuelled by the decision of the then Earl of Kildare (later the Duke of Leinster) to build his Dublin home on the then undeveloped south side. He constructed the largest aristocratic residence in Dublin, Leinster House, second only to Dublin Castle. As a result of this construction, three new residential squares appeared on the Southside: Merrion Square (facing the garden front of Leinster House), St Stephen's Green, and the smallest and last to be built, Fitzwilliam Square. Aristocrats, bishops and the wealthy sold their north side townhouses and migrated to the new south side developments.

Also visit the Leinster House, St. Stephens Green, College Green, Trinity College Christchurch Cathedral and the Four Courts.

In the afternoon visit the Guinness Storehouse, Located in the heart of the St. James's Gate Brewery, the Guinness Storehouse is Ireland's most popular tourist attraction. It's the home of the Black Stuff, the heart of Dublin and an unforgettable start to your Irish adventure. The journey begins at the bottom of the world's largest pint glass and continues up through seven floors filled with interactive experiences that fuse our long brewing heritage with Ireland's rich history. At the top, you'll be rewarded with a pint of perfection in our world-famous rooftop Gravity Bar. Now that's our kind of higher education.

Lunch will be at Guinness Storehouse (own expense).

After lunch, visit Dublin’s Trinity College Library has 5 million printed volumes with extensive collections of journals, manuscripts, maps and music reflecting more than 400 years of academic development. The Book of Kells is the centrepiece of an exhibition which attracts over 500,000 visitors to Trinity College in Dublin City each year. Written around the year 800 AD, the Book of Kells contains a richly decorated copy of the four gospels in a latin text, based on the Vulgate edition (completed by St. Jerome in 384 AD).

Dinner is included tonight.

Overnight: North Star Hotel

The newly refurbished 4 star North Star Hotel is superbly located in the heart of Dublin’s City Centre and boasts 160 exceptionally appointed guest rooms and suites offering every amenity to ensure a comfortable and luxurious stay for each guest. This Dublin City Centre Hotel is located near to the 3 Arena and a host of venues in Dublin City such as the Dublin Convention Centre, Bord Gais Energy Theatre, Aviva Stadium and Croke Park Stadium.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel.

8:30 am check out and meet your driver in the hotel lobby and drive to the Dublin coast via Killiney and Dalkey into Bray Seaside Resort.

Stroll along the Bray Promenade is a coastal town in north County Wicklow, Ireland. Bray was a resort town, and its proximity to Dublin makes it a destination for tourists and day-trippers from the capital. Bray is home to Ardmore Studios, and some light industry is located in the town, with some business and retail parks on its southern periphery.

Stop at the Poppies Café in Enniskerry for Coffee and Scones. Opened in Enniskerry county Wicklow in 1982 and since then it has become a favourite destination of those who love tasty and wholesome country cooking.

11:45 am depart and take a Wicklow Mountains Driving Tour via Sally Gap: On the road to Sally Gap, there are spectacular views of the surrounding blanket bog and the Wicklow Mountains. Sally Gap is one of two east-to-west passes across the Wicklow Mountains. Sally Gaps is a cross-road that leads you north to Dublin, West to Blessington, and South to Glendalough or East to Roundwood. The Sally Gap got its road after the Irish rebellion of 1798. It was built by British Army forces looking to flush rebels from the hills, and to this day is known as the Military Road.

4:00 pm arrive at the Blarney Woolen Mills: No trip to Ireland is complete without a visit to the legendary Blarney Woolen Mills. With five locations across Ireland, including the successful Blarney location just outside Cork City, Blarney Woolen Mills offers an essential Irish shopping experience. It was built in 1823 and was used mainly for spinning and weaving wool. The mill briefly closed for two years between 1973 and 1975, after which it was re-opened as an Irish heritage shop. It is located in the village of Blarney, County Cork, Ireland. At Blarney Woolen Mills take in everything the Woolen Mills and the surrounding area has to offer. Visit “The largest Irish store in the world” where you will find a wide selection of sweaters and woolens, crystal and china, gifts and souvenirs for all the family, this famous store has something for everyone. You can also visit our Meadows and Byrne home furnishing store and find the best of Irish contemporary design for the home, from cookware to Irish crystal, located on the 2nd floor. After your shopping experience, take a moment to relax and refuel at one of the many dining options at Blarney Woolen Mills.

Visit the Blarney Castle: built nearly six hundred years ago by one of Ireland's greatest chieftans, Cormac MacCarthy, and has been attracting attention ever since. Over the last few hundred years, millions have flocked to Blarney making it a world landmark and one of Ireland's greatest treasures.Now that might have something to do with the Blarney Stone, the legendary Stone of Eloquence, found at the top of our tower. Kiss it and you'll never again be lost for words.

After the sightseeing you will be transferred to the hotel where dinner will be served.

Overnight: Clayton Silver Springs

Stylish, spacious rooms, landscaped gardens, and an à la carte restaurant are offered at this 4-star hotel. With elegant, modern décor, the rooms at Clayton Hotel Silver Springs include fluffy duvets and hypo-allergenic pillows. Guests can enjoy wide-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms boast views of the River Lee or the gardens. The restaurant serves an à la carte and a fixed price special menu, along with carvery lunches and specialty coffees. With a central feature fireplace, The Lobby Bar provides a bar menu, Irish whiskeys, and occasional live music. There is free parking on site and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, which is entirely non-smoking.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel.

9:30 am meet your driver and depart to visit the Cork City Gaol:

Cork is a city with a very rich historical and archaeological heritage much of it still in evidence today. Part of this heritage, Cork City Gaol, is a magnificent castle-like building which once housed 19th century prisoners. Take a trip back in time and wander through the wings of the Gaol, accompanied by the shuffling feet of inmates and the jingle of the warders’ keys. The cells are furnished with amazingly life-like wax figures and Graffiti on the cell walls reveals the innermost feelings of some inmates. The audio-visual show will help you learn about the social history and contrasting lifestyles of 19th century Cork. The Radio Museum, an ode to the Broadcasting Station which was once located in the Gaol, houses a small collection of radios, exhibits on communication, Marconi and a reconstruction of the original Cork 6CK Studio. This exhibition fascinates visitors of all ages and nationalities and the tour is available in up to 13 languages.

After the visit, drive to Kinsale Town. En route stop for lunch (at own cost).

Kinsale Town: originally a medieval fishing port, historic Kinsale (from the Irish, Ceann tSaile – ‘Head of the Sea’) is one of the most picturesque, popular and historic towns on the south west coast of Ireland.

Visit the Charles Fort: a classic example of a late 17th century star-shaped fort. William Robinson, architect of the Royal Hospital in Kilmainham, Dublin, and Superintendent of Fortifications, is credited with designing the fort. As one of the largest military installations in the country, Charles Fort has been associated with some of the most momentous events in Irish history. The most significant of these are the Williamite War 1689-91 and the Civil War 1922-23. Charles Fort was declared a National Monument in 1973. Across the estuary is James Fort designed by Paul Ive in 1602.

After the visit you will be transferred to your hotel.

Dinner will be served at the hotel.

Overnight: Imperial Hotel Cork City

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel.

8:15 am check out and meet your driver in the hotel lobby and you will be taken to Mallow (1 hr) by road, to visit the Equine Rescue Centre. This visit typically lasts 90 minutes.

As part of our Enriching Lives project , today we will visit the The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA), which is Ireland’s largest national animal welfare charity. Their centers aim to rescue, rehabilitate and responsibly rehome animals that are subjected to cruelty or neglect. They also believe that all animals have an intrinsic value entirely independent of their value or use to man and should be respected and protected accordingly. We will visit The ISPCA Equine Rescue Centre based in Dromsligo, Mallow, Co Cork, which was opened as a direct result of the urgent requirement for such a facility to accommodate cruelly treated and neglected equines in the south of the country. The Centre provide veterinary care & rehabilitation to an increased number of horses, old barren mares, broken down racehorses, laminitic ponies & badly abused trotting horses. Their aim is to return them to a state that enables them to be responsibly re-homed in a suitable environment. All our tours visit an exclusive “Enriching Lives” project which enables our guest to interact with a heart-warming experience of “purpose-driven tourism. You will also have an opportunity to donate directly to the ISPCA and see the immediate results of giving back. Tourcan Vacations donates $10 per booking towards all our Enriching Lives projects. Further details on how you can help can be found by visiting www.enrichinglivesinternational.com

You will continue on to Kerry, after the visit & will arrive at a local restaurant for lunch, at own expense, before checking into your hotel.

Kerry, is a county in Ireland. It is located in the South-West Region and is also part of the province of Munster. It is named after the Ciarraige who lived in part of the present county. Kerry County Council is the local authority for the county and Tralee serves as the county town.

Dinner will be served at the hotel.

Overnight: Holiday Inn Killarney

Take a well earned break and enjoy all that this Killarney Hotel has to offer. The Holiday Inn Killarney is one of the best known and popular family hotels in Killarney. We are famed for our warm welcome and traditional Irish hospitality. The Holiday Inn Killarney is in a tranquill and central location just outside Killarney town centre, a few minutes stroll from the INEC Killarney Co Kerry, Irelands National Event Centre. It is ideally situated on the doorstep of Killarney National Park with plenty of easily accessible attractions such as Muckross House and Gardens, the famous Lakes of Killarney and Killarney town itself.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel.

9:00 am check out and meet your driver in the hotel lobby and depart for Clare. En route visit the Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.

Bunratty Castle, built in 1425, is the most complete and authentic medieval fortress in Ireland and contains furnishings, tapestries and works of art from that period. The castle is famous for the night time medieval banquets which operate there throughout the year. Bunratty Folk Park, set on 26 acres, is a stunning recreation of 19th Century Ireland and features various types of farmhouses, a church, a magical walled garden and village street complete with pub, post office and various shops. A traditional Irish Night operates in the Folk Park on evenings from April to October. The Bunratty Collection features over 450 items of medieval furniture and artefacts housed at Bunratty Castle.

Stop for lunch at a local restaurant in Bunratty (at own cost).

After lunch, visit the Cliffs of Moher .

Step on to the edge of the world and into an awe-inspiring view that dreams are made of – at the Cliffs of Moher you will encounter nature in its wildest, purest form – see the rugged cliffs facing the mighty ocean, taste the salt air, hear the birds cry, feel the ancient rocks beneath your feet, smell the wind. Decide today to grant your highest wish to visit Ireland’s most spectacular natural wonder at the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way – the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience.

Continue on your journey to Clare. Check in and dinner will be served at the hotel.

Overnight: Bellbridge House Hotel

The Bellbridge House Hotel in Clare is truly a place for all seasons. And really, the perfect time to visit the Bellbridge House Hotel is anytime! Just step outside our front door and you are mere steps away from the great Atlantic Ocean. The Bellbridge House Hotel is a family run hotel, perfectly situated in the highly desired West Clare Coast, close to all the major attractions and activities that County Clare has to offer. Ideal for a casual holiday or a corporate stay, combining quality accommodation with a high level of service, at the Bellbridge House Hotel you can have the perfect time at any time of the year!

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel.

9:00 am check out and meet your driver in the lobby and depart by road to Galway city.

Wander Galway City's cobble-stoned streets and feel yourself stepping back in time to Medieval Ireland. Known the world over for its friendly people, charming streets, shopping and nightlife, Galway will refresh flagging spirits like no other place.

Visit the famous Galway Farmers Market in Church Lane for lots of great Irish delicacies and enjoy the wonderful atmosphere. Have a break to remember in Galway.

Stop for lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch enjoy the Connemara Driving Tour and visit Connemara National Park.

Situated in the West of Ireland in County Galway, Connemara National Park covers some 2,957 hectares of scenic mountains, expanses of bogs, heaths, grasslands and woodlands. Some of the Park's mountains, namely Benbaun, Bencullagh, Benbrack and Muckanaght, are part of the famous Twelve Bens or Beanna Beola range. Connemara National Park was established and opened to the public in 1980. Much of the present Park lands formed part of the Kylemore Abbey Estate and the Letterfrack Industrial School, the remainder having been owned by private individuals. The southern part of the Park was at one time owned by Richard (Humanity Dick) Martin who helped to form the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals during the early 19th century. The Park lands are now wholly owned by the State and managed solely for National Park purpose.

After the visit you will be tranferred to the hotel for check in. Dinner will be served at the hotel.

Overnight: Leenane Hotel

Leenane Hotel is located in the village of Leenane in Co Galway, Ireland – part of the Connemara region of Ireland. Overlooking Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord, the Hotel enjoys what is perhaps one of the most scenic locations in Ireland. The Leenane Hotel has played host to Kings and Mortals for the last three centuries and like all good things, has improved with age! Originally established as a Coaching Inn, the earliest records show that there has been an establishment in existence here since the 1790’s. As you would expect, standards have come a long way since then but you will still find that the essential character of the Hotel and the surrounding area remains.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel.

Check out and meet your driver in the hotel lobby and depart to visit the Titanic Quarter.

Titanic Quarter in Belfast, Northern Ireland is large-scale waterfront regeneration, comprising historic maritime landmarks, film studios, education facilities, apartments, a riverside entertainment district, and the world's largest Titanic-themed attraction centred on land in Belfast Harbour, known until 1995 as Queen's Island. The 185-acre (75 ha) site, previously occupied by part of the Harland and Wolff shipyard, is named after the company's, and the city's, most famous product RMS Titanic. Titanic Quarter is part of the Dublin-based group, Harcourt Developments, which has held the development rights since 2003.Titanic Belfast extends over nine interactive galleries, with multiple dimensions to the exhibition, drawing together special effects, dark rides, full-scale reconstructions and innovative interactive features. Explore the shipyard, travel to the depths of the ocean and uncover the true legend of Titanic, in the city where it all began.

Stop for lunch at a local restaurant (at own cost)

After lunch, experience the Belfast Black Cab Tour and See the World Famous Catholic & Protestant Murals that paint a picture of Belfast colourful history while your personal tour guide gives you the inside info. This is a personal tour of what life was like as a teenager living in Belfast during the troubled past and how it has turned a corner and looking to a brighter future. Along the way there will be plenty of opportunities for taking photos and a chance to sign your name on the world famous peace wall that has divided our communities for over 45 years.

Later arrive and check in at your hotel in Dublin.

Dinner will be served at the hotel.

Overnight: Camden Court Hotel

Camden Court Hotel boasts a leisure centre with a pool and hot tub, sauna and steam room. The brightly decorated rooms at Camden Court Hotel have free Wi-Fi and TVs. They also include a ironing facilities, hairdryer and tea/coffee-making facilities. The elegant Iveagh Restaurant serves modern cuisine, whilst the modern C Central bar has a relaxed atmosphere, light snacks and large flat-screen TVs showing news and sports. Guests can relax in the sauna or enjoy a swim in the 16 m swimming pool.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure until check out. Check out and you will be transferred to the airport to board your homebound flight.