TRANS WORLD TRAVEL, INC.

Monday, June 10, 2024 - Chicago / Dublin: Depart from Chicago’s O’Hare airport for our flight to Ireland.  Meals and beverages will be served during the overnight flight.

 

Tuesday, June 11 - Dublin / Rock of Cashel / Cork: Upon arrival in Dublin we will meet the tour manager and driver who will accompany us until our departure from Ireland.  We immediately begin our exploration of the stunning scenery and fascinating history of the Emerald Isle as we travel to the Rock of Cashel.  Considered to be a cradle of Irish Christianity, where St. Patrick drove out the devil and baptized the King of Munster, it dominates the landscape now, as it once dominated both political and religious life in the early Middle Ages.  This afternoon we continue to our hotel in Cork for dinner and overnight. (D) 

 

Wednesday, June 12 - Cork / Cobh / Blarney / Killarney: A full day of sightseeing highlights the landmarks of Cork, which include St. Finmarre’s Cathedral, the English Market and Cork Gaol.  Then we will drive the short distance to the seaport town of Cobh, the departure point for millions of Irish emigrants traveling to the New World.  Cobh was the last port of call for the Titanic, as she stopped here to pick up mail and passengers on her ill-fated voyage to the USA in 1912.  After our visit to Cobh we will continue to Blarney for a visit of the castle and woolen mills, before driving to our hotel in Killarney for dinner and overnight. (B, D) 

 

Thursday, June 13 - Killarney (Ring of Kerry Excursion): Today begins with a visit to Muckross House and Gardens, followed by a full-day tour of the spectacular Ring of Kerry. Known throughout the world for its beautiful cliffs, harbors, valleys and rugged coastline, the Ring of Kerry is one of Ireland’s most visited areas. Rest stops, picture stops and a lunch stop will take place along the route. We will then return to Killarney for an evening at leisure. Be sure to visit some of the local establishments featuring the live music and friendly atmosphere for which Ireland is famous! (B) 

 

Friday, June 14 - Killarney / Adare / Bunratty Castle / Cliffs of Moher / Galway: This morning we depart Killarney and travel first to Adare, considered to be one of Ireland’s prettiest villages. We will have some free time to explore the village before continuing on to the Limerick area, to visit Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.  We will enjoy a tour of the Castle and experience a window on Ireland’s past in the reconstructed village street and rural buildings, which give an insight into the traditional way of life a hundred years ago.  Later this afternoon, we will drive through the lunar-like landscape of the Burren en route to the magnificent Cliffs of Moher.  Carved by time, ocean and weather into spectacular formations, they are one of the most breath-taking of Ireland’s natural wonders.  After a busy but varied day of sightseeing we will arrive at our hotel in Galway for dinner and overnight.  (B, D) 

 

Saturday, June 15 - Galway (Connemara and Kylemore Abbey Excursion): This morning we will enjoy a panoramic tour of Galway and its cathedral, with its floors of Connemara marble.  This afternoon’s excursion takes us through breathtaking Connemara countryside to visit Kylemore Abbey, with free time to explore the Abbey and its Victorian Walled Garden.  We will return to Galway in the early evening for our overnight. (B) 

 

Sunday, June 16 - Galway / Knock / Derry: Today’s journey brings us first to Knock, site of a more recent witness to Irish Christianity when an Apparition of the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, St. John the Evangelist and a Lamb and Cross appeared to the villagers in 1879.  There will be time to explore the Shrine and celebrate Mass, before we continue north through the countryside of W B Yeats, passing by his burial place and Ben Bulben - the mountain that gave him so much inspiration. We continue to the border with Northern Ireland and on to Derry for dinner and overnight. (B, D) 

 

Monday, June 17 - Derry: Our day begins with a walking tour along the historic city walls of Derry.  Traditionally founded as a monastery in the 6th century by St. Columba, before he left Ireland to found the monastic settlement on Iona in Scotland, Derry is now the second largest city and port of Northern Ireland.  After our tour we have the remainder of the day and evening free to explore Derry at leisure.  Overnight in Derry. (B) 

 

Tuesday, June 18 - Derry / Bushmills / Giant’s Causeway / Belfast: This morning we’ll drive to Bushmills to enjoy a tour of Ireland’s oldest whiskey distillery. Later we enjoy the unique experience of walking some of the famous Giant’s Causeway.  Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, this coastal area of 40,000 unique basalt columns has become one of Ireland’s most popular attractions. This afternoon we continue to Belfast, where we’ll visit the Titanic Museum before proceeding to our hotel for check-in and dinner in the Belfast area. (B, D) 

 

Wednesday, June 19 - Downpatrick / Armagh / Dublin: Today begins with a visit to Downpatrick, a city closely associated with St. Patrick. Here we will have time for visits to the St. Patrick Centre, Down Cathedral and St. Patrick’s grave. After leaving Downpatrick we continue to Armagh, a city unique because of its two cathedrals - both built on hills and both named after St. Patrick. Our guide will provide some insight about how the people have fared in the valley between the two churches. Late this afternoon we will arrive in Dublin for dinner and overnight. (B, D) 

 

Thursday, June 20 - Dublin: After breakfast we will embark on our tour of Dublin - the capital of Ireland and also its largest city.  Highlights include St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Trinity College and the Book of Kells, St. Mary’s Pro Cathedral and the Papal cross in the Phoenix Park.  The remainder of the afternoon is free for individual sightseeing and shopping.  This evening we will enjoy dinner and traditional Irish entertainment at the Merry Ploughboys Pub. Overnight Dublin. (B, SD) 

 

Friday, June 21 - Dublin / Chicago: This morning we transfer to the Dublin Airport for our flight back to Chicago. We arrive at O’Hare Airport later today. Welcome Home! 

 

B - Breakfast, D - Dinner, SD - Special Dinner