Leslie Hsu Besner and Family
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
LIMERICK
Start your Ireland adventure with a transfer to Limerick. You’ll check in to the Knappogue Castle – your 15th-century accommodation for the night!
The day in Limerick begins with a visit to King John’s Castle, on ‘King’s Island’ in the heart of medieval Limerick City. The stunning new exhibition at King John’s Castle brings to life over 800 years of dramatic local history. This 13th-century castle reopened in June 2013 following a multimillion-euro investment.
Then, take a guided walking tour of the Medieval Quarter in Limerick City. Highlights include the Richard Harris Statue, 1916 Memorial, The Treaty Stone, The Bishop’s Palace, The Bard of Thomond Statue, St Mary’s Cathedral, Anti-War Memorial, and the birthplace of Catherine Hayes.
After lunch, return to Knappogue Castle for downtime and a beautiful dinner this evening.
Overnight Knappogue Castle
Day 2
CRAGGAUNOWEN, BUNRATTY CASTLE & FOLK PARK
Travel to Craggaunowen to visit the re-creations of life in prehistoric Ireland, where you can immerse yourself in Celtic Ireland. See the Crannog – an ancient ringfort. Take in live demonstrations of Celtic life – cooking and pottery making (seasonal). Stop by the Brendan Boat – a leather hulled boat built by Tim Severin who sailed across the mid-Atlantic. Finally, visit the 16th-century Craggaunowen Castle.
The second leg of the day brings you to Bunratty Castle, the most complete and authentic medieval fortress in Ireland. Built in 1424 and restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendor, it now contains 15th- and 16th-century furnishings and tapestries. If the mood strikes, wrap up the excursion with some retail therapy.
After lunch and a few more stops on the return to Knappogue Castle, the afternoon is at your leisure for downtime and dinner.
Overnight Knappogue Castle
Day 3
KILLARNEY
Pick up after breakfast from Knappogue Castle. Transfer from Knappogue to County Kerry.
The first leg of today’s tour takes you to Killarney National Park. Killarney is one of the most popular and beautiful towns in Ireland with an abundance of attractions. The Lakes of Killarney are a scenic surprise. They consist of three lakes – Lough Leane, Muckross Lake and Upper Lake.
There are numerous low-level walks as well as some marked circular routes and nature trails in the Muckross area. In addition there is a mining trail in Ross Island. Horse drawn jaunting trails are also available in the National Park.
A highlight of the day is Muckross House. This 19th-century Victorian mansion is set against the stunning beauty of Killarney National Park. The house stands close to the shores of Muckross Lake. A focal point within Killarney National Park, Muckross House is the ideal base from which to explore this landscape.
Return to Killarney Royal Hotel for downtime and dinner.
Overnight Killarney Royal Hotel
Day 4
KILLARNEY
Today’s excursion takes you from Killarney to Caherdaniel through Molls Gap and Kenmare, famed for its lace and surrounded by hills and seascapes. Next stop is Sneem, which is Ireland’s most colorful village, on the edge of Kenmare Bay on the Iveragh Peninsula.
Near Caherdaniel is Staigue Fort, the largest pre-Christian, circular stone fort in Ireland overlooking the sea. Built for defensive purposes this fort is over 2,000 years old. Also nearby is the former home of Daniel O’Connel (1775-1847) who was the main force in the emancipation of Catholics in Ireland.
Enjoy lunch in Waterville, a short distance from Caherdaniel. Here you’ll find plenty of good food options to chose from. Waterville hosts the Charlie Chaplin film festival every year in memory of the great comedian who spent many family holidays here.
Return to Killarney Royal Hotel for a relaxing evening.
Overnight Killarney Royal Hotel
Day 5
VALENTIA
Pick up after breakfast from Killarney Royal Hotel. Drive from Killarney to Valentia passing through Kilorglin Glenbeigh and Cahersiven.
On Valentia Island you’ll be privy to the best view of Skellig Michael, a fascinating World Heritage Site with early Christian huts balanced precariously on the edge of a precipitous slope above the Atlantic.
The return journey brings you through Waterville to Glencar – probably the most magnificent scenery in Ireland.
Lunch today is a taste of local fare in a homey atmosphere. Afternoon and evening are at your leisure.
Day 6
KILBAHA & DOOLIN
Today, on the drive to Doolin, stop for a break in Listowel before departing for Tarbert Ferry to Killimer for the onward journey to Kilbaha. This is the very last village on the Loop Head Peninsula. Looking south, the village enjoys arresting views of Kerry Head and the Brandon Mountains. Kilbaha’s small picturesque pier was built in the early 19th century and was used by cargo vessels bringing suppliers to Loop Head lighthouse, four miles west of the village. Kilbaha is the home of the Little Ark, which you can visit at the Star of the Sea Church in the village. Stop once more in Kilkee to for lunch at Murphy’s Black.
This afternoon, check in at Sea View House in the village of Doolin. Sea View House was built as a boutique accommodation in Doolin Village. Built on the family farm, it’s perched on the side of a hill right in the middle of the village, and designed to take advantage of the fabulous views of Doolin, the Aille River, and the Atlantic Ocean.
Head to a special finale dinner at Fitz’s Eatery. It’s is known for its wholesome food and is popular with both residents and locals alike. Offering a calm and relaxed atmosphere, you can enjoy your meal by the crackling open fire whilst listening to some of the finest singers and musicians in the nightly traditional Irish music sessions.
Overnight Sea View House
Day 7
SHANNON AIRPORT
Take the shuttle to Shannon Airport for your return journey home.
