Destinations Ireland & Beyond Suggested Itinerary
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Enchanced Ireland Escape
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Day 1: Shannon \ Cork
Arrive in Shannon, Ireland and pick up your Hertz rental car. Drive to Cork for
a 3-night stay at Hayfield Manor.
Ease yourself into Irish daily life on your first day – enjoy a walking tour of
University College with options for scheduled tours from the visitor center combined
with a tour of St. Finbarr's Cathedral available. Lewis Glucksman Gallery is on
the grounds of the University and has a wonderful café!
Shopping is good in Cork city, it might be a good idea to stretch the legs on the
first day and get to know the city.
Set within two acres of mature gardens, Hayfield Manor is a calm sanctuary within
the vibrant city of Cork. Allow Hayfield Manor, Cork City's premier 5 Star hotel,
to become your home away from home. Enjoy 20% off discounts on all spa treatments
at Hayfield Manor.
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Day 2: Blarney \ Cork City
Visit Blarney Castle and the famous Woollen Mills in the morning. We recommend a
tour of Cork City. Highlights include the Crawford Art Gallery, the old Cork City
Gaol and the English Market, a gourmet's delight.
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Day 3: Cobh \ Middleton
Visit Fota House and Gardens. Exploring the gardens is free. Visit Cobh, last port
of call for the Titanic and departure point for over 2 million immigrants, memorialized
at the Cobh Heritage Center. Visit the cathedral in Cobh overlooking the harbor.
Time permitting you will enjoy a visit to Middleton Distillery, about 20 minutes
east of Cobh, with an excellent whiskey tasting on offer. For dining we recommend
the Farm Gate, a good traditional Irish restaurant.
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Day 4: Travel Day: Cork to Glaslough, County Monaghan
After breakfast head north through Ireland's heartland to the Castle Leslie Estate
in County Monaghan for a 3-night stay. Enroute you will have many options including
the Rock of Cashel in Tipperary or the fascinating medieval city of Kilkenny. Unwind
at Castle Leslie with a complimentary Irish Coffee upon arrival.
Price includes a choice of activity per person on Castle Leslie's 1,000 acre estate
-- Horseback riding through ancient woodlands for one hour, fly-fishing for pike
for two hours, boating for two hours on the estate’s lake or a 30 minute facial,
manicure or back massage in their Victorian Treatment Rooms (activity must be pre-booked).
Within an hour's drive walkers can enjoy a ramble in the Mourne Mountains and golfers
will delight in world class golf at Royal County Down.
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Day 5: Giant's Causeway
An hour drive north-east of Castle Leslie you reach the provincial capital of Ulster,
Belfast. Head for Carrickfergus and then on to Larne, leave the beaten track and
follow the spectacular, uncongested coastal route through villages where time has
stood still. Enjoy the breath-taking Nine Glens of Antrim . . . cross the Carrick-a-Rede
Rope Bridge and marvel at Dunluce Castle, perched dramatically on towering cliffs
high above the North Channel. Visit the oldest distillery in the world at Bushmills
and end the day at the amazing Giant's Causeway.
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Day 6: Armagh
Only 20 minutes from Castle Leslie is Armagh, the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland
where you can visit the Palace Stables and St. Patrick's Trian. Visit the Royal
School and County Museum on the green lined by attractive Georgian houses. A short
drive west of Armagh is Navan Fort, the ancient capital of the Kings of Ulster,
one of the most important archaeological sites in Ireland.
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Day 7: Dublin Airport
Drive to Dublin for your return flight home. Enjoy some duty free shopping before
you go. Slán abhaile!
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Add-on Tour Options
You may wish to extend your stay by adding an additional night to one or all of
the castles above.
Where will Ireland take you? Other attractive add-on offers are available
for Killarney, Offaly, Galway, Waterford & Dublin.
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