Live Auction Preview

Item Description

Escape the run of the mill and become enchanted with a captivating journey through Ireland, where you will explore pre-historic forts, navigate pristine lakes and discover hidden gems on this guided adventure through Gaelic culture. This amazing package includes overnight stays in Dublin, Ennis and Killarney, including one night in an historic castle, plus rental car, Guinness Storehouse VIP tickets, Gap of Dunloe and Aran Islands Excursions, and airfare for two, and complete booking and concierge services.

Day 1: After you arrive in Dublin, your afternoon is open to explore the city. There is plenty to see and do with visitor attractions such as the Jameson Distillery, Trinity College, Dublin Castle, Kilmainham Goal, and St. Patrick Cathedral. Stay overnight at the Mont Clare Hotel (3-star).

Day 2: Start with a full Irish breakfast included at the hotel. The morning is free time to visit all the above attractions that you couldn't fit in the previous day. Included is two VIP tickets to the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin's top visitor attraction. Rental car provided for the drive to the lively town of Ennis, Co. Clare (approximately 3 hours from Dublin), and stay overnight at The Old Ground Hotel (4-star). The evening is free to explore the town.

Day 3: Enjoy a full Irish breakfast at The Old Ground Hotel. Depart Ennis for a day tour on the Aran Islands. The Aran Islands are rich in the language, culture and heritage of Ireland; unique in its geology and archaeology and its long tradition of gentle hospitality.

Drive to Doolin (approximately 45 minutes) to board your boat to the Aran Islands at 10:00am. Arrive at Inishmore (“Inis Mór”), the largest of the three Aran Islands. You will have time to walk around at your leisure before making your way to the Fisherman Pub at 12:00pm to hop on board the Aran Island bus tour where you will learn the history of the island while stopping at attractions such as Dun Aengus and the Seven Churches.

Dun Aengus is the most famous of several prehistoric forts on the Aran Islands, located at the edge of a high cliff. A popular tourist attraction, Dun Aengus is an important archaeological site that also offers a spectacular view. It has been called "the most magnificent barbaric monument in Europe." Continue your journey to the "Seven Churches" which dates back to the 8th century. Only two of these churches remain intact; the rest lie in ruins. Return on the afternoon ferry to Doolin and drive back to Ennis. Stay overnight at The Old Ground Hotel.

Day 4: Enjoy a full Irish breakfast at The Old Ground Hotel. Depart Ennis for the Shannon Region and take your car on the ferry crossing at Tarbert. Drive along the picturesque coastal route to the Cliffs of Moher and continue North through the scenic Burren to the Ailwee Caves. Continue the drive to Killarney (approximately 2 hours from Ennis) and stay overnight in the Randles Court Hotel (4-star). Your evening is open to wander around this vibrant little town.

Day 5: Enjoy a full Irish breakfast at the Randles Court Hotel. Enjoy a day tour on the Gap of Dunloe including "jaunting cart" with local "jarvey" (driver) and boat trip on the Lakes of Killarney. The Gap of Dunloe is a beautiful glacial valley in the Macgillycuddy's Reeks mountain range, which dominate the skyline of Killarney. The three main lakes of Killarney and the mountains that surround them are all within the Killarney National Park. The Lower Lake is nearest to the town; it is studded with islands and has Muckross Abbey and Ross Castle on its eastern shore.

Take a jaunting cart (pony & carriage) for a 10km journey through the Gap, in the heart in the Macgillycuddy's Reeks. You will experience some of Ireland's most breath-taking scenery.

Take a 20km boat trip through the Upper Lake, the most beautiful of the Three Lakes, through the Long Range Rover and past Eagle's Nest Mountain, the last home of the Golden Eagle in Ireland. The boat ride continues passing under high mountains, arched bridges and to Inisfallen Island, home to ruins of Inisfallen Abbey which dates back to 600 AD. Your boat journey will continue on to Ross Castle in the heart of Killarney National Park. Return to Killarney in the late afternoon and stay overnight at the Randles Court Hotel.

Day 6: Enjoy a full Irish breakfast at the Randles Court Hotel. Depart Killarney for your drive to back to Dublin (approximately four hours) where you will enjoy a 3-course dinner (excluding beverages) and an overnight stay in the beautiful Clontarf Castle Hotel (4-star).

Originally built in 1172 as part of an inner circle of defense sites protecting Dublin during battles, the Castle was opened in 1998 as a 4-star hotel and has undergone a 10 million Euro upgrade and renovation. Located just 10 minutes from the heart of Dublin's city center and 5 miles from Dublin Airport, the Clontarf Castle Hotel is an oasis, tucked away in a tranquil setting, surrounded by fabulous golf courses and the sounds of lapping waters from the Irish Sea.

Day 7: Enjoy a full Irish breakfast at Clontarf Castle. Check out of the hotel and drive to nearby Dublin Airport where you will return the rental car and say farewell to Ireland.

Item Special Note

This item is excluded from Best of the Best.

This package includes round-trip coach class service for two from any major metropolitan airport in the 48 contiguous United States to Dublin, Ireland, subject to availability. Airfare must be booked within one year from the date of purchase. Airfare taxes and a $25 per person processing fee are the responsibility of the purchaser.

Blackout dates: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s weeks.

Business and First Class upgrades are available at the time of booking for an additional fee. Use of frequent flyer miles for upgrades is dependent on specific ticket restrictions as determined by the airline’s frequent flyer program.

Winspire travel professionals handle all travel related details and reservations and can assist with extra hotel nights, airfare upgrades, and additional guests. This service also provides you with an established network of onsite contacts who can help you book additional experiences, activities and tours.