Charms of Ireland - Manor Houses (Southwest)- Customizable Itinerary

Dublin - Statue

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1.- Choose: "With Int'l (International) Flight" if you want a trouble-free-complete package with matching flights. or "Without Int'l (International) Flight" if you already have purchased and confirmed flight.

2.- Select: Your deoarture airport/city option in the US by typing or picking your airpot on the menu.

3.- Select: Arrival date (please remember most flights to Europe are overnight, so your hotel check-in is on the next day).

4.- Pick: The number of nights you would like to stay in each city - FLEXIBLE from 1 to 14 nights!

5.- Enter: Number of travelers including Adults and Childrens.

6.- Click: On the "Price It" buttom and you will see our prices and flexibility to customize your vacation packages.

Itinerary Includes:

• International round-trip airfare
• Rent a car for 8 days
• 3 nights in Dublin - Harrington Hall or similar
• 2 nights in Clare - Woodstock House Hotel or similar
• 2 nights in Waterville - Butler Arms Hotel or similar
• Breakfast Daily
• Hotel taxes and service charges
• Heritage Island Touring Guide and discount card

Day 1: Dublin City (14 kms)

Welcome to Dublin, after you pick up your car at the Hertz desk. Spend the remainder of the day soaking up the atmosphere of this exciting city or visit some of its many attractions such as the Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College or Old Jameson Distillery. Suggested Hotel: Harrington Hall, 70 Harcourt Street, Dublin 2.

Day 2: Dublin
Continue your exploring of Dublin city, or perhaps take a short bus tour of the city and its surroundings. Why not visit Malahide Castle or the Newgrange Burial Chambers, which predate the Pyramids in Egypt. Suggested Hotel: Harrington Hall, 70 Harcourt Street, Dublin 2.

Day 3: Galway and Ennis, Co. Clare (285 kms)
Leaving Dublin this morning, we travel across the rich midland pastures. Why not visit Belvedere House, Gardens and Park/ The magnificent early 18th century stately home of Robert Rochfort, Earl of Belvedere, stands in 160 acres of parkland on the shores of Lough Ennell. Belvedere is one of the finest of Ireland's historic houses, and together with gardens and park has been exquisitely restored. Before you cross the River Shannon, Ireland's longest river you can visit Clonmacnoise a 6th century Christian site. Arrive into Galway, which has long traded with Spain and the Spanish influences are many in the city. Of note is Spanish Arch, a gateway in the old city walls and the Spanish Parade, where wealthy merchants and their families enjoyed a stroll along the promenade. Continue into Clare and on to your overnight hotel in Ennis. Suggested Hotel: Woodstock House Hotel, Ennis, Co. Clare.

Day 4: Clare Region (180 kms)
Today you can travel around Clare. Why not visit Rathbaun Farm and see the animals being tended, or enjoy a traditional tea and scones break. Travel through the strange lunar landscape of the Burren region or visit the Cliffs of Moher a spectacular 5-mile long cliff, which rises almost 700 feet above sea level. You can also visit the 15th century Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, where replicas of traditional thatched cottages are arranged in a village setting, complete with village shops including the printers, the confectioners, the post office, the pub and hotel, the doctor's house, the bakers etc. Stop at some of the many small towns and villages that Ireland is famous for. Overnight in Ennis. Suggested Hotel: Woodstock House Hotel, Ennis, Co. Clare.

Day 5: Limerick and Waterville (230 kms)
Today leave Ennis and travel south through the medieval city of Limerick. In Limerick, why not visit King John's Castle and the Hunt Museum which houses a unique internationally renowned private collection of over 2,000 original works of art and antiquity collected by John and Gertrude Hunt over their lifetimes. The wide ranging and fascinating collection is a treasure trove which not only reflects the Celtic past but includes objects such as the Leonardo da Vinci horse, the Mary Queen of Scotts Cross and one of the original ?30 pieces of silver?. Paintings include works by Renoir, Picasso and Yeats. Continue on to Waterville, passing through the pretty village of Adare. Your final stop is in Waterville. Suggested Hotel: Butler Arms Hotel, Waterville, Co. Kerry.

Day 6: The Ring of Kerry Tour (140 kms)
Today tour one of Ireland's loveliest districts, the Ring of Kerry. Poets, painters, writers and musicians have all tried to convey the beauty of this area. Mountains, valleys and lakes blend into a palette of scenic splendor. A delightful day includes a drive along the broad, dramatic coastline of the Iveragh Peninsula and through the charming villages and towns of Killorglin, Cahirciveen, Waterville and Irish-speaking Sneem. Why not visit Muckross House in Killarney, a magnificent Victorian mansion and one of Ireland's leading stately homes. The gardens at Muckross House are renowned worldwide for their beauty; in particular they are noted for their fine collections of azaleas and rhododendrons. Suggested Hotel: Butler Arms Hotel, Waterville, Co. Kerry.

Day 7: Dublin (310 kms)
Return to the east coast, perhaps visiting the Rock of Cashel, one of Ireland?s most important ecclesiastical sites, which rise dramatically from the flat countryside. Continue on through Kildare, where you can visit the National Stud and Japanese Gardens. Suggested Hotel: Harrington Hall, 70 Harcourt Street, Dublin 2.

Day 8: Return Home
Departure from Dublin Airport (14 kms)

Important Note:
Please be advised that you need to check-in to your hotel accommodation no later than 6 pm. If you are going to be later that 6 pm, you need to call your accommodation and advise them of your approximate check in time. Failure to do this could result in your reservation being cancelled and rooms released.

We reserve the right to vary the itinerary should the need arise, but will ensure where feasible that location and standard are maintained.

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HOTELS USED IN PACKAGE

Harrington Hall (4 stars)
70 Harcourt Street
Dublin 2, Ireland
The hotel has a great location, nestled beside St Stephens Green and less than a 10 minute walk to the shops, restaurants and pubs of Grafton Street. The hotel offers own private and secure car park. Recently received some new awards - Irish Tourist Board 4 Star, AA 4 Star, RAC 5 Diamond and RAC Sparkling Diamond (for excellence in hygiene and housekeeping standards). The Harrington Hall has undergone complete refurbishment to restore the beauty of its Georgian architecture. The original style and architecture has been retained and coupled with all the amenities of a modern hotel in a discreet and assuring manner.

All of the rooms in the hotel are equipped with fan-assisted air conditioning and double glazed soundproofing, ensuring you don't have to sacrifice modern comforts for traditional Georgian surroundings. Facilities include ensuite bathroom, soundproofing, direct dial telephone, internet connection, TV, radio, tea/coffee making facilities, hairdryer and a trouser press.

Woodstock House Hotel (4 star)
Ennis
Clare, Ireland
The Woodstock Hotel is ideally located in the tranquil surrounds of Ennis, County Clare - a short drive from Shannon International Airport. The area is shrouded in historical legend and has a rich history and the hotel itself is set in beautiful woodlands with lakes and a river close by. The hotel also has its own 18 hole golf course and a range of activities for non-golfers including a well equipped Health and Fitness Center. Nearby, the Cliffs of Moher and the breathtaking beauty of the Burren are a must for any visitor to the area.

With 67 rooms spread across 2 floors, the Woodstock Hotel offers sumptious luxury accommodation. Guests have a choice of standard room, superior room or junior suite and in-room facilities include 24 hour room service, Butler service, cable TV, data points, trouser press and iron, tea and coffee making facilities and hairdryer. Superior rooms and Suites have views over the golf course and jacuzzis and hot tubs are also available.

Butler Arms Hotel (4 star)
Waterville
Kerry, Ireland
The Butler Arms, one of Ireland's best known family-run hotels, is treasured for its air of luxury combined with a homely, intimate atmosphere. Overlooking the Atlantic and surrounded by some of the most spectacular scenery in Ireland, the hotel is within easy reach of a host of activities and attractions. From the moment you arrive, you will bask in the warmest of Irish welcomes from the Huggard family, who have run the Butler Arms for 4 generations. Winners of many awards for excellent cuisine. The restaurant offers a varied menu, specialising in a variety of fresh seafood and local meats complemented by an excellent wine list. All of the seafood on the menu is caught daily by local fishermen in the bountiful waters of the upolluted south-west coast.

The rooms, which include 12 recently-built luxury suites, are impeccably furnished to be your comfortable home from home, and the stunning views from your window will provide an ever-changing vista of ocean, land and sky bathed in subtly-shifting light.