If you’ve been following my social media feeds, you know that I recently returned from a two week tour of Ireland. This was my first trip to Ireland and I must say, I’ve fallen in love with the Emerald Isle. The folks at Serendipity Traveler have put together a women’s small group travel tour to Southern Ireland. Seeing my recent enthusiasm for all things green, Peggy Coonley of Serendipity Traveler asked if I would write a post about what to expect on a tour to Southern Ireland.
Ireland is a wonderful island to explore from a small group perspective; everyone speaks and understands English and the Irish are hospitality oriented. The people are very proud of their country and genuinely want visitors to have a good time. June is a good time to visit the island, but be warned, it will probably rain at some point during your trip. You’ll be rewarded with windswept coastlines, gardens, castles, pubs and wonderful memories on Serendipity Traveler’s 2017 Best of Southern Ireland tour. Pack your raincoat, good walking shoes and camera as you will be surrounded in the natural beauty that is Ireland. Your merry band of women travelers will arrive in Dublin to begin your private tour of Ireland and depart from Shannon Airport, both easily accessible.
Things to see and do in Dublin
After landing at the Dublin International Airport you’ll head to your luxury hotel, ideally situated within walking distance of Grafton Street, St. Stephens Green and the many highlights of Dublin. Time in Dublin includes a historical walking tour and guided tour of Trinity College and the eighth-century Book of Kells. You’ll sample Guinness and unique Irish Ales (but there’s lovely tea and scones for those like me who don’t care for beer.)
County Kerry
Leaving Dublin behind, your women only southern Ireland tour heads to County Kerry. This location is new to me, but I agree with Peggy that this southern region of Ireland offers magnificent landscapes on backroad journeys. Indeed, the “unnamed roads” on our GPS had us meeting up with sheep, rather than cars. You’ll have a full day of touring Powerscourt Gardens in the Wicklow Mountains before heading on to Cahir Castle and the Rock of Cashel ruins. From your historic small hotel you’ll explore the Ring of Kerry, Killarney National Park and the Beara Peninsula. Visit Muckross House, a Victorian mansion, and continue on to the Dingle Peninsula. Experience the drive from Slea Head, without having to keep your head in a map or worry that you’ll be driving on the wrong side of the road! Instead, take in the town of Dingle and stop for an ice cream at Murphy’s because you haven’t tasted anything until you’ve tasted cream from Irish cows – heaven!
County Clare
County Clare, south of Galway Bay will bring you to The Burren, a unique geology of limestone and green valleys that will whet your appetite for a return visit to this mystical place. You’ll visit The Poulnabrone Portal Dolmen, an ancient tomb made of stone, dating back between 2,000 and 2,500 B.C. From there it’s on to Ballyvaughan for authentic Irish pub food and a visit to the medieval village of Ennis. I am still having sweet dreams about the full Irish breakfast with its tasty brown bread and warm scones with clotted cream and locally made jam.
Fiddles, pubs and all things Irish
No trip to Ireland is complete without a visit to the hauntingly beautiful Cliffs of Moher. A brief stop in the village of Doolin will allow you a look into the woolen shops, enjoy a quick pint of Guinness at O’Connors Pub with the locals or simply admire the Aran islands in the distance. No matter how you decide to spend your time in Ireland, you’ll not regret this chance to capture a little pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
Need to know:
Tour dates June 15-22, 2017
Tour arrives at Dublin International Airport and departs from Shannon Airport
Cost of tour $5,195 per person. All breakfasts, two lunches and the traditional welcome and farewell dinners are included in the cost of the tour, including a local guide and Mercedes vehicle with driver. Admission to gardens, castles and parks are included in the package price. Traveling solo? There is no single supplement with Serendipity Traveler.
If You Go:
Serendipity Traveler (800) 975-2357
info@serendipitytraveler.com
P.O. Box 393
Rockport, Massachusetts 01966
This is a sponsored post on behalf of Serendipity Traveler written by Nancy D. Brown.