Ireland
Enchanting Ireland: Town and Country
Program No. 21258RJ
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Enchanting Ireland: Town and Country
Enchanting Ireland: Town and Country
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Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date.
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While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
11 days
10 nights
What's Included
Included
21 meals (
9B, 5L, 7D
)
10 expert-led field trips
3 performances
An experienced Group Leader
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Ennistymon.
Enchanting Ireland: Town and Country
Apr 2 - Apr 12, 2027
Program Number
21258
Day
1
In Transit to Program
Location:
In Flight
Day
2
Arrive Shannon, To County Clare, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Ennistymon.
Meals:
L,D
Stay:
Falls Hotel
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.
Lunch:
At the hotel.
Afternoon:
Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions.
This program is staffed with a Group Leader who will accompany us throughout the program and deal with logistics, deliver informal talks, conduct some field trips, and serve as an information resource on program-related topics. At various points during the program, we will be joined by local experts, who will lecture and conduct field trips.
Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
This program is staffed with a Group Leader who will accompany us throughout the program and deal with logistics, deliver informal talks, conduct some field trips, and serve as an information resource on program-related topics. At various points during the program, we will be joined by local experts, who will lecture and conduct field trips.
Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
3
Galway
Location:
Ennistymon.
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Falls Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 90 miles, approximately 3 hours. Walking about 3 miles, periods of standing; paved streets, some cobbled areas, gravel and grass paths, some uneven terrain.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll board the motorcoach for a field trip to the port city of Galway, the cradle of Gaelic culture in the West. Galway is often referred to as the “city of tribes,” as it was once home to 14 famous merchant families. We’ll enjoy an expert-led walk around the city with a local historian, concluding at the Galway City Museum for some time to explore independently. Should you wish to explore the museum, entrance is free of charge and it houses a variety of permanent and temporary exhibitions dealing with archaeology, local history, arts and crafts.
Lunch:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.
Afternoon:
This afternoon will be at your own leisure to explore Galway. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
We’ll be joined at the hotel by members of a local family of musicians, who will regale us with a performance of traditional Irish music. Ennis is widely considered one of the most important heartlands of Irish folk music, and as we enjoy informal conversation with the performers, we’ll gain an understanding of its importance to community life.
Day
4
The Burren, The Cliffs of Moher
Location:
Ennistymon.
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Falls Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 65 miles, approximately 3 hours. Walking about 2.5 miles; periods of standing; tarmac and gravel paths, grassy areas, natural limestone pavement; uneven terrain at the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Today we will take field trips to two of Ireland’s most incredible natural phenomena. We will begin by traveling by motorcoach to the Burren, where we’ll meet a local expert who will lead us through one of the largest karst limestone landscapes in Europe. The Burren — meaning “rocky place” — is what remains of a tropical sea from 350 million years ago. The starkly beautiful karst limestone surface is almost moonlike in appearance. Geologists, botanists, and zoologists flock to this region to learn about its rare flora and fauna. We will take a gentle hike on this rugged terrain, which together with the Cliffs of Moher forms a UNESCO Global Geopark.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Our next field trip will take us to the spectacular and world-famous Cliffs of Moher, a few miles along the coast from Lahinch. The cliffs rise like a cathedral into the sky some 700 feet over the wild Atlantic Ocean, with views stretching as far as Galway Bay and the Aran Islands. Human activity here dates back at least 2,000 years. They are home to one of Ireland’s major colonies of cliff-nesting seabirds and lend their name to a popular fiddle jig performed at least as early as 1850. After an introduction by our Group Leader, we’ll have some time for self-directed exploration at the visitor center.
We will then return by motorcoach to the hotel.
We will then return by motorcoach to the hotel.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
5
Transfer to Kilkenny via Craggaunowen or Bunratty
Location:
Kilkenny
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
River Court Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 50 miles, approximately 1.5 hours. Walking about 3 miles; periods of standing; varied terrain including paved streets, grass with uneven rocky areas, gravel paths, wooden boardwalks; steps to some areas at Bunratty Castle, including stone spiral staircases.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel, we will board a motorcoach to begin our transfer to Kilkenny. En route, we'll stop for a field trip to Craggaunowen or Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. Craggaunowen is our preferred option, although this is subject to seasonal opening dates. We'll have some time to explore the site and discover more about Ireland's rich history and heritage. We’ll then continue our journey to Kilkenny, where we’ll check into our hotel and have lunch.
Lunch:
At the hotel
Afternoon:
After lunch we will head out on a walking tour of the city. Known for its rich medieval heritage, Kilkenny has a fascinating story to tell, with historic streets and buildings reflecting its past.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like in Kilkenny.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
6
Waterford: Gardens, Abbeys and Crystal Museum
Location:
Kilkenny
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
River Court Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 190 miles, approximately 6 hours. Walking about 2 miles; periods of standing; varied terrain including gravel paths, paved streets, uneven grassy areas; low doorways and steps down to enter beehive huts, uneven stone and gravel floors.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will take a motorcoach for a full-day excursion to Waterford City. Along the way, we'll stop at Jerpoint Abbey for a self-guided visit. This fascinating medieval site offers an opportunity to explore the remains of the abbey and discover more about its history. We'll then continue to Mount Congreve Gardens and Country Estate, where we'll have time to explore the beautiful gardens independently with the help of an audio guide. The estate is renowned for its extensive plant collections and tranquil surroundings.
Lunch:
At Mount Congreve
Afternoon:
In the afternoon, we'll visit Waterford Crystal for a guided experience, learning more about the craftsmanship and skills behind this world-famous crystal. We'll also have the opportunity to explore the Waterford Treasures Museum independently, discovering more about the city's history and heritage.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant .
Evening:
After returning to the hotel by motorcoach, the remainder of the evening is at leisure.
Day
7
Kilkenny Castle, Free Time
Location:
Kilkenny
Meals:
B
Stay:
River Court Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 90 miles, approximately 2.5 hours. Walking about 2 miles; periods of standing; varied terrain including gravel and earth paths, uneven grassy areas, concrete floors. Extent of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We'll begin the day with a guided visit to Kilkenny Castle, one of Ireland's most iconic historic landmarks. During our visit, we'll learn about the castle's fascinating history and the families who lived here over the centuries.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon:
The remainder of the afternoon has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. You may wish to wander through Kilkenny's medieval streets, browse the local shops, or simply relax and enjoy the atmosphere of this charming city. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
8
Transfer to Dublin: Hurling Experience, Irish National Stud
Location:
Dublin.
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Grand Canal Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 145 miles, approximately 3.5 hours. Walking about 2 miles; periods of standing; varied terrain including grass and gravel paths, uneven rocky areas, tarmac yards.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel, we’ll board a motorcoach to begin our transfer to Dublin, Ireland’s bustling capital city. Along the way, we'll stop for a hurling experience in Kilkenny, offering an introduction to one of Ireland's most celebrated traditional sports. We'll then visit the Irish National Stud in Kildare, a 1,000-acre holding where some of Ireland's best racehorses are conceived and cared for. After our visit, we'll continue our journey to Dublin.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon:
We’ll then complete our transfer to Dublin and check into the hotel upon arrival.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
9
Dublin Castle, Trinity College, Book of Kells, Free Time
Location:
Dublin.
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Grand Canal Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 3 miles; approximately 1/2 hour. Walking approximately 2 miles; periods of standing; paved streets, some cobbled areas, gravel paths. Extent of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll board a motorcoach and ride to Dublin Castle for a guided field trip, during which we’ll gain an understanding of the history and importance of this iconic landmark. It has been in continuous occupation for over 800 years and, until 1922, it was the seat of British government in Ireland. Today the castle is used by the Irish government for state functions, including the inauguration of the president every seven years.
We then continue with an exploration of Trinity College, sometimes referred to as the University of Dublin, which dates back to 1592 and is one of the seven ancient Universities of Britain and Ireland. While here, we will learn about the history and art of this monumental institution. It is also home to the Book of Kells, one of the finest examples of illuminated manuscript in the world. The artistry and attention to detail in its spellbinding calligraphy and illuminations truly is a sight to behold. The book, dating back to 800 CE, is considered Ireland’s finest national treasure. We’ll have some time to explore the Book of Kells exhibition independently at the end of our field trip.
We then continue with an exploration of Trinity College, sometimes referred to as the University of Dublin, which dates back to 1592 and is one of the seven ancient Universities of Britain and Ireland. While here, we will learn about the history and art of this monumental institution. It is also home to the Book of Kells, one of the finest examples of illuminated manuscript in the world. The artistry and attention to detail in its spellbinding calligraphy and illuminations truly is a sight to behold. The book, dating back to 800 CE, is considered Ireland’s finest national treasure. We’ll have some time to explore the Book of Kells exhibition independently at the end of our field trip.
Lunch:
Today our Group Leader will provide us with lunch vouchers.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
This evening, we’ll enjoy a storytelling session with an Irish storyteller, who will bring Irish tales and traditions to life.
Day
10
Free Time, Traditional Irish Dancers
Location:
Dublin.
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Grand Canal Hotel
Activity Note
Extent of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This morning we will visit Trinity College to experience Trinity Trails and discover the fascinating history of the Book of Kells.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon:
Free time to continue exploring Dublin. You may choose to visit one of Dublin’s many museums, take a walking tour of the city centre, hop on the sightseeing bus, or simply wander through its charming streets as you discover its endless hidden gems. Your Group Leader will be happy to help you decide how to maximise your time in this vibrant city.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
This evening, we’ll gather for a farewell dinner at a local Dublin restaurant, where we’ll enjoy a private dining space and entertainment by local musicians as we bid farewell to Ireland and our newfound friends. The rest of the evening is at leisure. Prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.
Day
11
Program Concludes
Location:
Dublin.
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program.
We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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Please Note:
This program has itinerary variations on certain dates.