Ray Coleman's "50 Sheds of Hay" Tour of Ireland

Friday - Aug 2                    DEPART HOMETOWN

Depart your hometown and take an overnight flight. Enjoy in-flight entertainment and meal service as you travel to start you vacation.

Saturday - Aug 3               DUBLIN ARRIVAL

After landing at Dublin Airport, complete customs and immigration formalities. Your CIE Torus driver/guide will welcome you to Ireland and escort you and your luggage to the coach. Next, stop to have breakfast with your group at a local restaurant or pub. Then, drive south of Dublin to see the delightful scenery of the Wicklow Mountains. This mountain range runs north to south across County Wicklow with its highest peak, Lugnaquilla, at 3039 feet. The entire mountain region is frequented, especially on weekends, by Dubliners, for its scenery and outdoor recreation. Continue your journey into Kilkenny, check into your hotel and settle into your room. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome drink followed by dinner in the hotel restaurant.

DINNER & OVERNIGHT: PEMBROKE HOTEL, KILKENNY

Sunday – Aug 4                 DUALLA HOUSE

This morning, travel to the Dualla House Farm, which is located just outside of Cashel. While here, enjoy tea and freshly baked scones with your group. Also, see working sheepdogs hearding many sheep, which graze on pastures around the grand Georgian Farmhouse. You will also have an opportunity to chat with the owners and learn how Irish farms are run. Then, continue on to visit the Rock of Cashel to see the majestic church ruins that are clustered high on a limestone outcrop overlooking the surrounding countryside. Return to your hotel in Kilkkenny and enjoy the balance of the day free to sightsee and dine on your own.

OVERNIGHT: PEMBROKE HOTEL, KILKENNY

Monday – Aug 5               KILKENNY TO KINSALE

Leaving Kilkenny, journey into Dungarven and stop at Marine Bar to enjoy an Irish coffee with your group. Continue your drive through Ireland's rolling hills into Kinsale, check into your hotel and settle into your room. This evening, meet your fellow travelers in the hotel restaurant for a delicious meal.

DINNER & OVERNIGHT: ACTONS HOTEL, KINSALE

Tuesday – Aug 6                              KINSALE AT LEISURE        

                                  Spend the day completely at leisure to enjoy the charming seaside town of Kinsale. Originally a Georgian garrison
                                  town and harbour, it is a popular yachting center today. Roam around the steep streets with brightly
                                  painted houses and flowers. In the town center, you may like to view the old Courthouse, now a regional museum.
                                  Kinsale is dubbed "the Gourmet Capital" of Ireland so there are many wonderful places to
                                  choose from to dine this evening.

DINNER & OVERNIGHT: ACTONS HOTEL, KINSALE

Wednesday – Aug 7         KINSALE TO KILLARNEY

Departing Kinsale, drive into Kilgarvan and stop at Top of Coom, Ireland's highest pub, located 1045 feet above sea level. While here, enjoy a traditional Irish brunch with your fellow travellers. Continue your journey into Killarney, check into your hotel and settle into your room. Tonight, have dinner in the hotel restaurant with your group.

DINNER & OVERNIGHT: BREHON HOTEL, KILLARNEY

 Thursday – Aug 8             DINGLE PENINSULA DRIVE

After breakfast, discover the beauties of the Dingle Peninsula, once described by the National Geographic Traveler as “the most beautiful place on earth.” Drive along the south shore of the peninsula for plenty of vistas of heathery mountains, sandy stretches of beach, stunning green landscapes and rocky headlands. Pause at strategic locations to admire the views and take photos. Continue on to Slea Head at the western tip of the peninsula. This excursion will give you excellent views of mountains and coastline and looking over to the Iveragh Peninsula. Then, journey into Dingle town and stop to enjoy some free time to explore the area on your own. Head back to your hotel in Killarney, where the rest of the day is free for independdent activities and dining. 

OVERNIGHT: BREHON HOTEL, KILLARNEY

Friday – Aug 9                   SEAN'S BAR

Today, travel into Athlone and stop at Sean's Bar, Ireland's oldest Pub, to enjoy a drink with your fellow travellers. Continue your drive through Ireland's green pastures into Dublin, check into your hotel and enjoy some time at leisure before tonight’s farewell festivities.

This evening, enjoy a dinner of Irish specialties followed by a lively show of traditional Irish music, songs and displays of step-dancing.

OVERNIGHT: TRINITY CITY HOTEL, DUBLIN

Saturday – Aug 10            DUBLIN DEPARTURE

All too soon, your vacation has come to its final day. Transfer to Dublin Airport in good time to check in for your flight. You may do some last minute shopping at the duty free stores before boarding your aircraft and flying back to your hometown.