NOV 2  **(Depart US - overnight flight)

NOV 3

Arrive Shannon and enjoy a leisurely drive to Galway, stopping en route to enjoy breakfast. Afterward, we'll pay a visit to Galway Crystal, where you can purchase some of their lovely (and less expensive) creations! Upon arrival in Galway City, we'll be dropped off to explore the local area and perhaps have lunch prior to check-in at our hotel for the next 4 nights...After checking in, the remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to rest or continue to explore on one's own.  We enjoy a Welcome Dinner at our hotel this Evening. (B,D)

NOV 4

This morning, after a hearty Irish breakfast, we travel to visit Aillwee Cave and the gorgeous scenery of the Burren and its national park. Dinner is on your own this evening, to sample the area cuisine as you wish! (B)

NOV 5

Following breakfast, we travel north to the Connemara region, stopping at the Connemara Marble Factory to see how this 600 million year old stone is carved into exquisite and increasingly rare jewelry and other items. From there, we'll visit and explore a bit of Clifden Town and then on to Kylemore Abbey - one of the most photographed spots in the country. From Kylemore, we'll briefly visit Cong, where the famous 1952 John Wayne film "The Quiet Man" was shot and then it's back to Galway City via Lough Corrib and its spectacular landscape. This will be the longest excursion of the trip, but with plenty of stops along the way...Dinner tonite is at the hotel. (B,D)

NOV 6

Today you have a choice: Spend the day at lesiure exploring Galway City, take an optional (additional $50pp) tour by ferry and van to Inishmore, largest of the Aran Islands (NOT recommended for handicapped individuals), or take a coach tour loop (included) to Galway Cathedral, the grounds of Athenry Castle and the remains Athenry's town walls and the village of Tuam with it's 13th century church ruins and graveyard. We'll be back by early afternoon so you can spend the rest of the day exploring our base city, with dinner tonite at the hotel. CLICK here for a detailed history of Athenry! (B,D)

NOV 7

After breakfast this morning we bid goodbye to Galway as we head south via the Cliffs of Moher, with its new Visitors Center, toward our final night in Ennis. We'll arrive in plenty of time to explore the town before dinner and the various Music Fest venues both at the hotel and nearby. (B,D)

NOV 8

After our last Irish breakfast, we depart for Shannon Airport.  With a bit of time for last minute duty-free shopping before boarding our flight home, we'll be taking with us treasured memories of our trip to the Emerald Isle. (B)