Majestic Ireland and the Wild Atlantic Way

Day 1 – Travel to Ireland

Today you’ll board your overnight flight en route to Dublin.

Day 2 – Arrive in Dublin

Arrive in Dublin today. A city that's as intimate as a village and as friendly as an Irish pub. Framed by mountains, centered on a river and edged by a beautiful bay, the city's streets and alleys are filled with vibrant art and historic buildings, hip cafés and traditional pubs. Meet your Meridian Guided Travel tour director and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a welcome dinner to get to know your fellow travelers. (Dinner)

Day 3 – Dublin

Today, you’ll enjoy a city tour of Dublin, Ireland’s capital city. You’ll see sights such as St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Phoenix Park, O’Connell Street, the General Post Office, Ha’Penny Bridge and much more. Next, you’ll make a stop at Trinity College, Ireland’s most revered university. There, you will see the famed Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript written by hand in the 9th century and will also visit the impressive old library at Trinity College. Visit EPIC the Irish Emigration Museum, a state-of-the-art interactive experience located in the beautiful vaults of the 1820 Custom House Quarter building in Dublin’s Docklands, the original departure point for so many of Ireland’s emigrants. Immerse yourself in the stories of some of the most remarkable tales of sacrifice, endurance, adventure, and discovery the world has ever known. Later visit the Jameson Distillery, located in the heart of Dublin. This old barley storehouse, once the center of distilling in Dublin, was renovated in 1998 and converted into a museum where all the secrets of Irish whiskey's distillation will be revealed. The visit culminates with an opportunity for all to taste the signature Jameson drink. Enjoy the evening at leisure in Dublin, perhaps visit a traditional Dublin pub to enjoy some Irish entertainment. (Breakfast)

Day 4 – Glendalough-Waterford

This morning, you'll leave Dublin and head for Glendalough, home to one of the most important monastic sites in Ireland. This early Christian monastic settlement was founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century and most of the buildings that survive today date from the 10th through 12th centuries. Stop in the charming town of Kilkenny and enjoy time for lunch at leisure. Later, travel to Waterford and visit the House of Waterford Crystal. The factory tour gives an up close insight into the centuries-old tradition of Waterford Crystal making. Feel the heat of the furnace and marvel at the skills of the craftsmen. After the tour you can browse the world’s most famous crystal in a lavish retail store, which houses the largest collection of Waterford Crystal found anywhere in the world. Enjoy dinner tonight in Waterford. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 5 – Blarney-Killarney

Today visit Blarney Castle, one of Ireland’s most legendary castles. An ancient strong hold of the McCarthy family, the castle was completed in 1446. It is home to the “Blarney Stone,” which if kissed, bestows the gift of eloquence. The castle also features several gardens, including a water garden, fern garden and poison garden. Afterwards, continue to Killarney and enjoy a Jaunting Car Ride, which features scenic views of the Irish countryside aboard a horse-drawn carriage. The driver of the jaunting car, known as a "jarvey" is both a guide and a storyteller. Later, relax and enjoy a lake cruise in Killarney National Park, in the comfort and safety of a modern, covered, and heated vessel. Next, check into your hotel in Killarney and enjoy an included dinner. (B,D)

Day 6 – Ring of Kerry

Today, embark on a tour of the Ring of Kerry, one of Ireland’s most scenic drives. Have your camera ready as you admire the beauty of the Iveragh Peninsula, taking in panoramic views of mountains, peat bogs, lakes and coastline while passing through many charming villages. You’ll make many stops along the way and experience spectacular viewpoints including the Dingle Peninsula, Moll’s Gap and Ladies View, a place given its name by Queen Victoria. Enjoy an evening at leisure in charming Killarney. Perhaps experience a night of Irish music and dance. (Breakfast)

Day 7 – Cliffs of Moher

After breakfast, travel to Foynes. From 1939 to 1945 Foynes was the center of the aviation world for air traffic between the United States and Europe. The Foynes Flying Boat Museum features the original Terminal Building including the authentic 1940's cinema; the Radio and Weather Rooms, complete with transmitters, receivers and Morse code equipment. Irish Coffee was invented in Foynes. Chef Joe Sheridan made the first in 1942 to warm up some damp and miserable passengers. Since then Irish Coffee has become one the most popular welcoming drinks in the world. Later visit to the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland's most spectacular sights. Towering over 700 feet above the Atlantic, the cliffs provide dramatic sea views and wildlife viewing opportunities. Walk along the scenic cliffs and enjoy the panoramic views, where the Aran Islands can be seen on a clear day. The sweeping view across the Atlantic has recently been ranked the best 'cliff-view' on the planet by Conde Nast Traveler. Next, travel through The Burren region, one of Ireland’s 6 National Parks and known for its known for its moonscape like rocky landscapes. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 8 – Kylemore Abbey

Today explore the Connemara Region, home to lakes and rivers, bogs and mountains. A land of small villages where Gaelic is still the spoken language and where little has changed since the beginning of time. It is without a doubt the wildest and the most romantic part of Ireland. Visit Kylemore Abbey, stunningly located in the Kylemore Pass. Built in 1868, the architecture is best described as neo-gothic and the house still displays all the characteristics of that period. One of Kylemore Abbey's most famous features is its miniature cathedral, built in 1870 and known locally as the Gothic church. Today, the abbey is home to the Irish order of Benedictine nuns. Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure. (Breakfast)

Day 9 – Galway-Donegal

As you travel toward the Donegal area, stop at a traditional Irish farm overlooking Streedagh beach to the west and shadowed by Benbulben Mountain to the east. Visitors are offered a chance to experience life on a sheep farm. See the owner's passion is his trusty sheepdogs as he spends time demonstrating the skill of sheep-herding with the sheepdogs. You’ll see the dogs at work herding sheep and learn about the long history of sheep farming in Ireland. Also, enjoy a chance to meet the dogs! Stop in Donegal Town and stroll the town square, enjoying its quaint craft and woolen shops. Later enjoy dinner with your group. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 10 – Giants Causeway

Today head towards the picturesque Antrim Coast. Visit the most famous natural site in Northern Ireland, Giant's Causeway. Formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago, the causeway resembles a cobble road leading into the sea. The visitor center explores the major themes of mythology, geology, landscape, ecology, culture and social history based on the UNESCO World Heritage site that consists of 40,000 basalt polygonal columns formed 60 million years ago after a volcanic eruption. Later arrive in Belfast for a two-night stay and enjoy an included dinner tonight. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 11 – Belfast & Titanic

You’ll enjoy a Belfast city tour, which will give you a better understanding of this city which was mired in the political turmoil of “the Troubles,” a period which ended with the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. You’ll see the famous murals, as well as Northern Ireland’s Parliament Building, the Opera House, Queens University and more. Belfast is also known for its legacy of shipbuilding and is home to the Harland and Wolfe Shipyards where the Titanic was built. You’ll visit Belfast’s Titanic Quarter and experience Titanic Belfast, an interactive museum that brings the story of the Titanic to life, from construction through its fateful maiden voyage. (Breakfast)

Day 12 – Belfast-Dublin

Today return to Dublin and enjoy a visit to the Guinness Storehouse. Opened in 1904, the Storehouse was an operational plant for fermenting and storing Guinness. Today it houses a very fine exhibition dedicated to the Guinness story. Discover what goes into the making a pint of Guinness – the ingredients, the brewing process, the time, the craft and the passion. Once the tour has finished, you're invited to the Gravity Bar to enjoy a pint of Guinness. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure before enjoying a farewell dinner tonight. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 13 – Return Home

Today transfer to the airport for your flight home. (Breakfast)