Optional Tours

Optional Shannon/Ireland Extension

Royal Jordanian Airlines
(Based on a minimum group of 20/25 passengers)

DAY 11 – AMMAN / SHANNON
Arrive Shannon. Transfer to Bunratty Castle & Folk Park. Bunratty is the most complete and authentic medieval castle in Ireland; built in 1425 and plundered on many occasions, it was authentically restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendor, with furnishings and tapestries capturing the mood and style of the times. Within its grounds is Bunratty Folk where the 19th century village life is recreated. Traditional crafts are carried out in their natural setting. Characters/animators depicting 19th century life. Continue to Limerick for a panoramic tour. Dinner and overnight.

DAY 12 – SHANNON
Drive north to the lively town of Enis, then outwards to the resorts of Kilrush and Kilkee. Head north to Lahinch and around Liscannor Bay to the rugged Cliffs of Moher reaching up to 200 metres. Enjoy the spectacular views – on a clear day you can see across the South Sound to the Aran Islands. On to the spa resort of Lisdoonvarna and enjoy the remarkable Burren Country, The Burren, its name derived from the Irish meaning "a stony place", is a limestone plateau in County Clare. For centuries now it has been a source of inspiration for and many cases an adoptive home to artist of all genres. Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

DAY 13 – SHANNON / LIMERICK / KILLARNEY
Travel southwards through the picturesque village of Adare in County Limerick (once voted Ireland's prettiest village) to Newcastlewest, a fine market town, and on to Killarney, one of the foremost towns in the Kingdom of Kerry. You will discover this quaint town and visit the Killarney National Park. Within the National Park is Muckross House, a magnificent Victorian mansion and one of Ireland's leading stately homes. The elegantly furnished rooms portray the lifestyles of the landed gentry, whilst downstairs in the basement one can experience the working conditions of the servants employed in the House. The Gardens at Muckross House are renowned worldwide for their beauty. In particular they are noted for their fine collection of azaleas and rhododendrons, an extensive water garden, and an outstanding rock garden hewn out of natural limestone. Muckross House is also home to a number of skilled craft workers who can be viewed using traditional skills in the crafts of weaving, bookbinding and pottery. Return to Limerick for dinner and overnight.

DAY 14 – LIMERICK SURROUNDING AREA
Head inland to discover the county of Tipperary. First stop is at Cahir; the name in Irish, Chathair, means a "Stone Fort" and Connor O'Brien, the Lord of Thomond, built a strong and imposing castle on a stony outcrop island in the River suir in the 12th century. It is likely that some of this original castle has been incorporated in the later Anglo Norman Castle built in the 15th/16th century. The castle represent the pinnacle of medieval masonry skills and craftsmanship. Then on to Cashel which was once the seat of the Kings of Munster and capital of this southern province. The Rock, which rears above the plain, dominated the land routes southwards. Kings of Ireland as well as Munster came to this spot and St. Patrick is known to have preached here. King Cormac built his superb Royal Chapel in the 12th century and it is now one of the many remarkable building to be seen on the Rock. Nearby were Cistercian, Dominican and Franciscan Abbeys, of which all but the latter may be viewed. Return to Limerick for dinner and overnight.

DAY 15 – LIMERICK / SHANNON / USA
Morning transfer to the airport for our flight homeward.

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