2024 Ireland Reunion

Depart Canada - Sept 13, 2024

Day 1 – 14 Sept

Arrival & Medieval Kilkenny

You will be met on arrival at Dublin Airport by your Tour Manager and hit the road south into the county of Kilkenny. En route, we will enjoy a visit to The Irish National Stud, home of some of the world’s greatest racehorses! The stud also allows time to stroll on the beautiful Japanese Gardens. This evening in Kilkenny, we will enjoy a welcome dinner together at our hotel.

Dinner/Overnight – Hotel Kilkenny, Kilkenny

Day 2 – Sept 15th

Castles and Blarney

Today we travel south to County Kerry with a stop at the 12^th century Cahir Castle, the last bastion of the infamous Cromwell and a definite must see. Then we head towards the village of Blarney where there will be time to kiss the stone of eloquence (optional) should any of you wish to cling 127 steps! This evening is at your leisure to explore the town and maybe enjoy a pint or two with the locals.

Overnight—Scott’s Hotel, Killarney

Day 3 – Sept 16th

Ring of Kerry

This morning we enjoy a jaunting car ride with a local jarvey into Killarney’s National Park. We then take the short drive to the heritage town of Kenmare this morning. We will travel the Ring of Kerry Road back into Killarney through Moll’s Gap. En route, we will enjoy a sheep farm experience, where we will see sheepdogs hard at work.  This evening, we will enjoy a wonderful local supper with traditional music at Quills Farmhouse!

Overnight—Scott’s Hotel, Killarney

Day 4 – Sept 17th

Cliffs and Ceilis

After breakfast we will depart for Galway.  We will travel north along the Wild Atlantic Way, stopping to enjoy a visit at Foynes Flying Boats. Not only the location of the first transatlantic crossings to Canada, but also the home of the Irish Coffee (which we will enjoy whilst there). Then we take the ferry across the Shannon River into the banner county of Clare. Here we will embark on a cruise out into the Wild Atlantic to view the mighty Cliffs of Moher up close. This evening in Galway, we will enjoy a group dinner at our hotel followed by an evening of Irish Dancing at Trad on the Prom.

Dinner/Overnight – The Hyde Hotel, Galway

Day 5 – Sept 18th

Connemara and Kylemore Abbey

Today we enjoy a trip out into Connemara to visit the beautiful and romantic Kylemore Abbey, built as a folly for a lover before it was requisitioned as a safe haven for Belgian nuns after WW1. We then enjoy a traditional lunch at a local pub before heading back to Galway. This evening is at leisure in Galway, and we encourage you to venture out and dine as a local.  Dining recommendations include John Kehoe’s, Ard Bia’s, Brasserie on the Corner and Oscar’s Seafood Bistro. 

Overnight – The Hyde Hotel, Galway

Day 6 – Sept 19th

Sligo & Lough Eske

Today we will head north through Yeats Country and into the wild lands of Donegal. This afternoon, we make the short journey to Donegal town and Lough Eske castle, our luxury home for the night. We will arrive nice to and early so you have time to enjoy this beautiful property. This evening, we will enjoy dinner together at one of the most beautiful castle hotels in Ireland.

Dinner/Overnight – Lough Eske Castle, Donegal

Day 7 – Sept 20th

Giant’s Causeway and Belfast

After a leisurely breakfast we will start our journey into Northern Ireland. Our first visit will take us to the City of Derry, the only completely intact walled city in Ireland. We will enjoy a guided tour of the famous Murals in the Bogside and a walk atop the famous walls. Then we head along the Northern Coast to the famous UNESCO world heritage site of the Giant’s Causeway. This evening we will enjoy dinner together at our hotel.

Dinner/Overnight – Clayton Hotel, Belfast

Day 8 – Sept 21st

Liners and Lags!

Today is Belfast Day. We will enjoy a visit to the world-famous Titanic Centre, one of Europe’s best visitor attractions. It tells the story not only of the fateful maiden voyage, but also of the 14,000 locals who worked in the shipyards in Belfast for four years before its departure in April 1912. Following this, we will learn all about the Troubles, a very turbulent time in Northern Ireland with a visit to Crumlin Road Gaol. This evening will be at your leisure to enjoy all that this wonderful city has to offer.

Overnight – Clayton Hotel, Belfast

Day 9 – Sept 22^nd

Gin & Dublin

This morning we head south back into the Republic of Ireland stopping on the way to enjoy a tour & tasting at family-owned Listoke Gin School. On arrival into Dublin, enjoy a panoramic tour, and then your tour manager will present you with a Dublin Bus Hop ON/OFF ticket so that you can explore at leisure.

Overnight – Camden Court Hotel, Dublin

Day 10 – Sept 23^rd

Dublin’s Fair City!

Today is a free day so you can use your Hop ON/OFF ticket. RIT recommends visiting EPIC, the Emigration Story, Kilmainham Gaol and of course the world-famous Guinness Storehouse. This evening we will head up the mountains to Johnny Foxes Pub to enjoy a farewell Dinner & Hooley.

Overnight – Camden Court Hotel, Dublin

Day 11 – Sept 24^th

End of Program – your Tour Manager and driver will escort you back to the airport and bid you a reluctant goodbye – till next time!