Dublin and the scenic best of the Irish Republic await you on this beautiful 8-day journey. In Dublin, enjoy a visit to Oscar Wilde’s Trinity College as part of an orientation drive around this vibrant city. A scenic ride through horse-racing country leads you to the National Stud and then to Limerick. Next, savor the breathtaking views of the Cliffs of Moher and the Clare Coast, and enjoy Irish hospitality at Rathbaun Farm. After taking a ferry across the Shannon, a panoramic drive takes you around the stunning Ring of Kerry. The world-famous Waterford Crystal factory, Ireland’s oldest hand-weaving mill at Avoca, Glendalough, and the scenic Wicklow Mountains conclude your Irish journey. This vacation is ideal for first-time visitors to Ireland who have limited time to spare.

Saturday, July 11
Today we depart for Philadelphia International Airport where we’ll board our overnight trans-atlantic flight to Dublin.

Sunday, July 12
After checking into your hotel, you’ll meet your Tour Director for an afternoon orientation drive through statue-lined O’Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares, and past St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Visit Oscar Wilde’s Trinity College, famous for the 1,200-year-old Book of Kells and the magnificent Old Library. Before dinner join your Tour Director for a toast to happy touring with a congenial group. D

Monday, July 13
This morning we’ll experience horse-racing country as we drive across the Currah to visit the Irish National Stud at Kildare. These fine thoroughbreds command respect on the racecourses of the world. Afterward, there’s still a lot more to see: The Rock of Cashel where St. Patrick preached; Tipperary, made famous in a wartime marching song; and finally Limerick, where an orientation drive acquaints you with St. Mary’s Cathedral, King John’s Castle, and the Stone where the Treaty of Limerick was signed in 1691. B

Tuesday, July 14
Your excursion along Ireland’s spectacular Atlantic coastline begins with a drive to the 668-foot Cliffs of Moher, where you savor the breathtaking panorama of the Clare coast. A scenic route across the limestone plateau of The Burren takes you to Galway, a vibrant city with a great seafaring tradition where you hear about the infamous Lynch Stone, commemorating the day Mayor James Lynch Fitzstephen hanged his son for murder. Drive into the unspoiled region of Connemara and at Moycullen visit a Marble Factory. This afternoon your special treat at Rathbaun Farm will be to watch the farmer shear a sheep and maneuver a flock with the help of a sheep dog. Then, you’ll enjoy a traditional tea in the 150-year-old thatched farmhouse. B

Wednesday, July 15
After a short drive via Clonderlaw Bay to Killmer, you’ll cross the Shannon estuary by ferry. Continue on to Killorglin on Dingle Bay, the setting for Ryan’s Daughter, to join the spectacular “Ring of Kerry” for a 100-mile panoramic drive around the islands southwestern tip. Take your photos of the Lakes of Killarney from Ladies View, and then spend the night in the popular resort of Killarney. B, D

Thursday, July 16
Travel across the Kerry Mountains and through County Cork to Blarney, renowned for its magical Stone of Eloquence. Enjoy free time for lunch, to walk up to the castle, and shop for traditional Irish handicrafts. In the afternoon, you’ll proceed via Cork to Waterford, a stronghold founded by the Danish Vikings, and look forward to a visit to the world-famous Waterford Crystal Factory. B, D

Friday, July 17
An exciting agenda is in store for you today! You’ll start at Enniscorthy, site of the final battle of the Great Rebellion of 1798; Ireland’s oldest Handweaving Mill at Avoca; the Wicklow Mountains; the Glendalough Visitor Center with its fascinating audiovisual show Ireland of the Monasteries, and its ruins of a center of Irish Christianity founded by St. Kevin. Tonight you’ll have time on your own for a fitting farewell to Ireland. B

Saturday, July 18
Today you leave Ireland for your flight home. A Perkiomen Tours motorcoach will meet you at the airport and take you home to Pennsburg. B

We recommend optional Travel Insurance for this tour. Please ask for a brochure.