Southern Ireland Tour with Michael Londra

Travel to Ireland in September and meet musician Michael Londra! Who better to guide you through the magic of Ireland than top PBS travel show host - and internationally acclaimed Irish tenor- Michael Londra. On this trip, tour the scenic west of Ireland along the Wild Atlantic Way, then visit Michael's hometown on the sunny south east coast. Let Michael bring you to his favorite places and retrace his steps from his hit travel and music show "Ireland with Michael" on Public Television. Enjoy some local insight as you explore wonders of the majestic Irish countryside, hear some great music, and meet surprise guests along the way on this week-long tour.

TRAVEL DATES: SEPTEMBER 8, 2024 - SEPTEMBER 17, 2024

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1:

September 9: Land in Dublin

After landing at Dublin Airport, complete customs and immigration formalities. Your tour driver/guide will welcome you to Ireland and escort you and your luggage to the coach. Get on the road and have a short pit-stop with the group for a quick meal at a local restaurant or pub. Then, journey to the Burren, an area of rocky limestone hills where several unique flowers thrive. This region also contains many dolmens, prehistoric monuments formed by large limestone slabs. Continue your drive along the coast of scenic County Clare to visit the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most beloved natural landmarks. See magical vistas overlooking the shimmering Atlantic Ocean, along with Ireland’s Western coastline. Arrive at your hotel in Ennis, check-in, 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: Old Ground Hotel, Ennis

Irish coffee making and tasting - Ireland with Michael

Day 2:

September 10: Bunratty Folk Park and Irish Coffee Tasting

Head to Bunratty to visit the Bunratty Folk Park, which comprises a collection of farmhouses from different regions of Ireland. See a 19th century village street with a pub, school, general store, and many other buildings where traditional lifestyles and crafts are demonstrated. Onto Foynes to visit the Flying Boat Museum, which recalls the early days of air travel, during the 1930’s and early 1940’s. Irish coffee was first created here to warm frozen, weary travelers and you will learn how to make a perfect one and then drink it. Continue into Killarney for the evening.

Dinner & Overnight: Muckross Park Hotel & Spa, Killarney

Day 3:

September 11: Dingle Peninsula

Today, discover the beauty 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. Visit Louis Mulcahy Pottery to view the very best Irish hand-made craft pottery in exquisite fine porcelain and robust stoneware. Next, visit Brian de Staic, a prestigious jewelry company exclusively dedicated to creating pieces with style. After, head to David Geaney Pub to enjoy a "pint of the dark stuff."

Overnight: Muckross Park Hotel & Spa, Killarney

Day 4:

September 12: Mount Congreve Gardens & Waterford

Departing Killarney, travel to visit the gardens of Mount Congreve, a magnificent estate that covers over 700 acres, approximately 100 of which comprise the most fantastic gardens imaginable. After, continue your journey into Waterford, home of the fine hand-cut crystal. Upon arrival, stop to tour the House of Waterford Crystal and learn about glass blowing and cutting, plus see one-of-a-kind masterpieces.

Dinner & Overnight: Ferrycarrig Hotel, Wexford

Johnstown Castle Estate - Ireland with Michael

Day 5:

September 13: Wexford and Johnstown Castle

Set off with a local guide on a gentle walking tour of Wexford. Travel the winding, narrow streets and see the town walls. View a famous bull ring, Selskar Abbey, and the Theater Royal. Visit the Hook Lighthouse, one of the oldest lighthouses in the world and the oldest operating lighthouse in Ireland. Then, continue on to Johnstown Castle Gardens, where you can find over two hundred different kinds of trees and shrubs. Enjoy a concert by your host before enjoying an evening on your own.

Overnight: Ferrycarrig Hotel, Wexford

Wexford Ireland at Leisure - Ireland with Michael

Day 6:

September 14: Wexford at Leisure

Spend the morning and afternoon at leisure - rest or explore around Wexford. You may like to view Westgate Heritage Centre, the bull ring, or even the market square in the center of town. You could also visit the Wexford Arts Centre, a showcase for art and events along with the Theater Royal, the current headquarters of the Wexford Festival Opera.

Dinner & Overnight: Ferrycarrig Hotel, Wexford

Powerscourt Distillery - Ireland with Michael

Day 7:

September 15: Enniskerry and Powerscourt House

Travel north along Ireland's East coast to the charming village of Enniskerry to visit Powerscourt House, the former home of Lord Powerscourt. While here, experience the delightful terraced Italian gardens and abundant floral displays from all around the world. After, visit the Powerscourt Distillery, known for its Fercullen Whiskey. Learn about the whiskey making process before enjoying a taste of the finished product, then onto the bustling city of Dublin. Enjoy some time at leisure to relax or freshen up before a festive evening with your group at Taylors Three Rock, know for a great Irish dinner accompanied by lively music and dance.

Overnight: Davenport Hotel, Dublin

Day 8:

September 16: Dublin at Leisure

Spend the day at leisure in Dublin. Choose from a wide variety of pursuits. Included is a hop-on, hop-off pass to visit a number of places around the city. Also included is an entrance voucher where you can choose between the EPIC Ireland, the General Post Office, the Guinness Storehouse, or the Teeling Distillery. If you choose to visit EPIC Ireland, learn about the celebratory dramatic story of the spread of Irish culture around the globe and how Ireland has changed throughout the years. If you decide to visit the General Post Office on O'Connell Street, learn about its role in the Easter Rising and how it was left in ruins. Finally, if you choose to visit the Guinness Storehouse or Teeling Distillery, enjoy a tour of the distillery and tasting of the finished product. This evening, you may like to dine in one of the many restaurants or pubs that Dublin has to offer. (NOTE: No coaching or guide services today)

Overnight: Davenport Hotel, Dublin

DUB Dublin Airport - Ireland with Michael

Day 9:

September 17: Return Home

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 flight back to the United States.

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