Castles & Legends of Ireland 2024

DAY 1

Board your Wolf's motorcoach for transfer to Philadelphia International Airport where you will board your flight to Dublin, Ireland. While on board your overnight flight, you will have both dinner and breakfast included before touching down in Ireland.

DAY 2

Upon arrival in Dublin, you will be whisked away by your motorcoach driver/guide for brunch at your expense, followed by a panoramic sightseeing tour of Dublin including a visit to St. Patrick's Cathedral. The largest cathedral and one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Ireland, Saint Patrick's Cathedral, which has been at the heart of Dublin and Ireland's history and culture for over 800 years. The present building dates back to 1220-1259 and was constructed on the site wooden) structure. Next, you check-in to one of Ireland's top Castle Hotels, K Club Resort. Brimming over with stunning natural character, the K Club combines old world elegance with indulgent 5 Star luxury. Each guest room is uniquely designed and furnished with a selection of original paintings and antiques, as well as magnificent, hand-painted murals in the bathroom. Room amenities include a flat-screen television, coffee maker, in-room safe and aromatherapy toiletry products. After time to get settled and freshen up, you will gather for a get-acquainted dinner with fellow passengers. Dress while at the K Club for dinner is smart casual to include slacks and nice top. Following dinner, you may wish to have a nightcap at your leisure in the lounge, take a relaxing dip in the swimming pool, enjoy the jacuzzi & steam room or retire to your room for the night.

DAY 3

Your day begins with breakfast included at the K Club, followed by a day of touring including a visit to the Powerscourt Gardens. Among the finest in Ireland for both their design and their dramatic setting at the foot of the Great Sugar Loaf Mountain, Powerscourt Gardens stretches over 47 acres featuring a sublime blend of formal gardens, sweeping terraces, statues, ornamental lakes, secret hollows and rambling walks. Make sure that you have appropriate footwear to walk the grounds which include The Walled Gardens, The Italian Garden, The Dolphin Pond, The Japanese Gardens, Pet Cemetery, Pepperpot Tower, and more. Ranked #3 in the World's Top Ten Gardens by National Geographic, there is a wealth of natural beauty for visitors to experience. Next, you board the coach and travel to St Kevin's 6th-Century Monastic Site, Glendalough. St Kevin is reputed to have founded Glendalough as a place to retreat from the world. It was one of the main pilgrimage attractions of medieval Ireland, and according to the life of St Kevin to be buried here was as good as being buried in Rome. People have been drawn to this picturesque valley that was carved out by glaciers during the Ice Age. The two lakes which inspired the name of Glendalough (Gleann Da Loch - valley of the two lakes) is the backdrop to the remains of this early Irish Christian monastic settlement dating from the 6th century onward. Witness the remains that include a superb round tower, stone churches and decorated crosses. Lunch will be on your own during your travels. Late afternoon you return to the K Club for a little down time before dinner and the rest of the night to enjoy your surroundings.

DAY 4

Wake to breakfast included at the K Club before you check out and depart for a stop at Old Midleton Distillery for an Irish whiskey tasting. While here, you will learn about the history of Irish whiskey dating back to the 19th century when this distillery was founded by the Murphy Brothers, as well as learn what distinguishes Irish whiskey from Scottish whiskey and Bourbon, and of course finish with a tasting. Following your experience, you depart for lunch on your own followed by visit at the Blarney Woollen Mills. Housed in one of Ireland's oldest and most authentic Irish woolen mills, the retail shop features a fine collection of clothing, Celtic jewelry, housewares, and gifts. For those who like to knit, here is your chance to buy some fine yarn to create your next special gift for someone or a keepsake memory of your trip to Ireland. Afterwards, a short distance from the mill store is Blarney Castle where you will enjoy a tour and even time to "kiss the Blarney Stone". The Blarney Castle that you visit today is actually the third one to be erected on this site. The first building in the 10th century was a wooden structure and was replaced by a stone structure around 1210 A.D. It too was demolished and replaced in 1446 by what is still standing today. For those who are physically able to scale the steps of the castle, you will follow in the footsteps of millions before you who wish to obtain the gift of "eloquence" by kissing the Blarney Stone. Take time to stroll through the castle's diverse surroundings from tranquil to serene, to mystical and magical. Your travels continue over the glorious Cork/Kerry Mountains via the Irish speaking villages of Ballymakeery & Ballyvourney through the oldest market town of Macroom where you catch a glimpse of Macroom Castle. William Penn, founder of Pennsylvania called Macroom Castle his boyhood home and is said to have been constructed in 1199-1209. Although some parts of the castle could not withstand the War of Independence in 1916-22 and a demolition in 1960, some parts that were spared can still be seen in the grounds of the castle which is a public park with beautiful riverway walks situated in the heart of the town. Next, you continue on to check in at Great Southern Castle Hotel in Killarney for a wonderful two-night stay. A Victorian Landmark, the Great Southern Castle Hotel boasts distinctive architecture and genuine hospitality surrounded by 6 acres of lovely gardens that magnificently heighten the beauty of the property. Hotel amenities include an indoor pool and fitness center, a business center and complimentary Wi-Fi, as well as a restaurant and cocktail lounge. Your delightfully decorated guest room features a tea/coffee maker, TV with satellite channels and a hairdryer. Dinner this evening is included before you unwind and retire for the night.

DAY 5

Breakfast is included this morning before you board your bus for a tour of the "Ring of Kerry" to soak in the majestic views and an entertaining and educational sheep dog demonstration. The Ring, lassoed by a winding coastal road through a mountainous, lake-spattered region, is undeniably scenic and has brought visitors since Victorian times to this reminiscent chunk of the Emerald Isle where mysterious ancient ring forts stand sentinel on mossy hillsides. As mentioned, you will experience a demonstration like no other, as you watch a sheepdog trainer and his Border Collies move their herd of sheep anywhere on the mountainside with the slightest whistle or gesture. Witness the true mastery in skill and watch the trainer and his sheepdogs in action in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You will have lunch included today while on your tour of the Ring, and afterwards you return to Great Southern Castle Hotel with exciting memories of a fascinating day's adventure. Dinner this evening is at your leisure and at your own expense.

DAY 6

Rise and shine to a delightful breakfast before you check out and depart for Connemara with a stop along the Wild Atlantic Way through the Burren to the famous Cliffs of Moher. This awe-inspiring natural attraction features a magical vista that will capture your heart and make everyone jealous when you share your photographic memories, don't forget to take plenty of pictures. Towering heights of over 700 feet high that have been shaped by wind and weather for millions of years, coupled with the sound of the crashing waves along the cliff walls that stretch nearly 5 miles, and along with endless flurrying birds and wildlife make the Cliffs of Moher a spectacular natural masterpiece. On a clear day you may be able to see the Aran Islands and Galway Bay. Your journey concludes at Ballynahinch Castle Hotel where you stay for the next two nights. This authentic and unpretentious Castle Hotel stands proudly overlooking its famous salmon fishery with a backdrop of the picturesque 12 Bens Mountain Range. Voted #1 in Ireland by readers of Conde Nast magazine, Ballynahinch offers luxurious surroundings with modern comforts in their room including a coffee/tea maker, flat screen TV, Wi-Fi accessibility and hairdryer. Dinner this evening is included at Ballynahinch with the remainder of the evening to enjoy the castle's classic surroundings.

DAY 7

Wake up to breakfast included at Ballynahinch before a day of optional leisure-time activities or an optional sightseeing excursion. Set in a private 700-acre estate of woodland, rivers and walks, Ballynahinch offers visitors a variety of activities to tempt your outdoorsy desires. Perhaps you would like to walk/hike on The Connemara Greenway with an on-site guide and gather insight into the rich history of property. Maybe try your hand at salmon and sea trout fishing in the waters located on property which have a world-renowned reputation. Another choice may be Clay Shooting and Tutorial, from the novice to the experienced, all abilities are accommodated. (NOTE: Advanced reservations and additional fees may apply to participate in these and other activities available to guests at the hotel. Please contact Wolf's well in advance for more information.) For those who would like to venture out for a sightseeing tour, you will leave late morning for South Connemara. From the bogs and lakes of the Gaelic speaking region to the mountain vistas, its wild beauty is due to its remote location and is largely unspoiled. A stop is included at "Celtic Crystal" which has been creating Celtic Designs and Gaelic Motifs into its ornate Irish Crystal since 1972. This family-run business continues its tradition with its talented and creative young Irish crafts people who reproduce the culture and history of Ireland by masterfully cutting the unique and intricate designs that are synonymous with Ireland's Celtic heritage on their exquisite crystal pieces. A lead crystal cutting demonstration is also included in the visit. You will have some free time in Galway City before returning to Ballynahinch to catch up with the remainder of the group and share stories of your day's adventure with fellow travelers over dinner included tonight.

DAY 8

Breakfast is once again included before you check out and depart for Donegal with a few stops along the way. Your first stop will be at the to the enchanting Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden, home of the Benedictine nuns since 1920. Stroll the hallways of Kylemore, visit the restored rooms and learn about the history of tragedy, romance, education, innovation and spirituality that make up its storied past. Explore the Victorian Walled Garden with its delightfully restored garden buildings set amid this lovely 1,000-acre estate. Lunch is on your own today. Next, you visit the quaint little town of Westport where you will witness the summit of the mountain that Saint Patrick fasted for forty days in 441 A.D. Westport is a charming town with its brick-lined streets and scores of colorful shop fronts that bring the character of the town to life. Your travels end today with check in for a two-night stay at the 5-star Lough Eske Castle Hotel. Tastefully adorned guest rooms offer a refreshment station, flat screen television, and Wi-Fi connectivity. Dinner is included tonight with the remainder of the evening to explore the hotel and perhaps enjoy a cocktail in the bar/lobby lounge or relax and unwind after a day's travel.

DAY 9

Breakfast is included this morning along with the opportunity to enjoy the castle's beautiful surroundings. Lough Eske Castle is nestled amid Donegal's dramatic landscapes, rugged coastlines and vast seascapes, the same dramatic scenery that earned itself the title of "Coolest Place on the Planet" by National Geographic Traveler in 2017. Today, visit the Triona store in Town Center of Donegal for an old, hand loom demonstration of weaving tweed. For centuries Donegal has been producing tweed from local materials in the making of caps, suits and vests. Afterwards, enjoy some time browsing the shop, as well as the downtown with time for lunch on your own. This afternoon, relax and enjoy a narrated sightseeing cruise on Donegal Bay coupled with fascinating narration about the points of interest along the way. Late afternoon, return to Lough Eske Castle for dinner included and the remainder of the night to yourself.

DAY 10

Following breakfast included at Lough Eske, you will depart for Dublin. Lunch will be on our own during your journey through Ireland's enchanting countryside. You will take time for a visit at Belleek Pottery. Established in 1857 and home to Ireland's oldest working fine china pottery, Belleek Pottery holds a very special place in Ireland's cultural and commercial heritage producing more than 100,000 pieces annually, passing through 16 pairs of hands. Here's your chance to purchase a piece of beautifully crafted pottery to take home with you as a reminder of your visit. Upon arrival in Dublin, you check in for your last two-night stay is at The Green Hotel brimming with contemporary boutique décor. Guestroom amenities include a Smart TV and complimentary WiFi. The hotel features a 24-hour fitness center and a lobby bar/lounge. Dinner tonight is included with the remainder of the night to relax and unwind.

DAY 11

A delightful breakfast is included at the hotel before you board the coach for your narrated Dublin City tour. While on the tour, your tour Irish Driver/Guide will highlight points of interest along with notable stops, the first one being at Trinity College Dublin. Located in the heart of Dublin's city centre, Trinity is Ireland's highest ranked university and has produced some of the world's finest, most original minds including the writers Oscar Wilde and Samuel Beckett. Then, visit Christ Church Cathedral Dublin (founded c. 1028) which is one of the top visitor attractions in Dublin, and you will see why when you step inside and marvel at the cathedral's magnificent interior. The choir of Christ Church has an enviable reputation as one of Ireland's finest choirs dating back to 1493 with the founding of the choir school. Interestingly enough, the Christ Church choir, together with the choir of St. Patrick's cathedral, sang in the world premiere of Handel's Messiah in Dublin in 1742. No trip to Dublin is complete without a visit to the Guinness Storehouse where you will savor the flavor of a pint of Guinness. The experience begins at the bottom of the world's largest pint glass and continues through 7 floors filled with interactive experiences that combine their long brewing heritage with Ireland's rich history. At the conclusion, your reward is a pint of perfection in their world-famous rooftop Gravity Bar. That's what they call "higher education". Your awe-inspiring, sightseeing adventure is topped off with a farewell dinner along with festive Irish music and dance, followed by your return to the Green Hotel for the remainder of the night to begin packing for your return to the states.

DAY 12

Unfortunately, it is time to return home after what we hope has been the most enchanting, entertaining and awe-inspiring trip of a lifetime. Breakfast is provided before you depart for the airport and board your flight back to the states. Late lunch/early dinner is included on the flight.

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*** ALL WOLF'S TOURS - TIMES AND ITINERARY SUBJECT TO CHANGE ***

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner