Shamrock Tour of Ireland - Chauffeur Driven Guided Tours

Sit back and enjoy luxurious Ireland accommodations while visiting Ireland with your own personal car and tour guide driver.

Hammond Tours is proud to offer this exciting tour of Ireland that takes you from Shannon to Dublin and back allows you to enjoy the beauty, romance and culture of Ireland every mile in between.

The Shamrock and other Signature Tours are suggested itineraries for you and your travel group. Have a specific destination in mind? Let John and Michele know what you want to do on your Ireland vacation and they will make it happen!

Shamrock Guided Tour of Ireland - Day 1

Depart from USA for overnight flight to Ireland.

Shamrock Guided Tour of Ireland - Day 2 – Shannon to Adare, Ireland

This is the first day of "The Shamrock" portion of our Tour. Like the three leaves of the Irish Shamrock, this portion of the tour offers you the three most important elements of the "Breath of Elegance" tour of Ireland—style, service and stunning scenery. Upon arrival at Shannon Airport, you will be welcomed by your professional staff and introduced to your Irish driver/guide. You tour make your way via Private Transfer to the town of Adare, which has been voted "The Prettiest Town in Ireland" primarily because of its authentic thatched roof cottages, which are still in use today. You tour then arrives at Adare Manor, a five-star property, dating back to 1464. It stands at the northern end of Adare town and boasts deluxe amenities with authentic charm. This evening you have an opportunity to experience the five-star dining at this one of the "Leading Hotels of the World". Retire to your luxuriously appointed room for overnight. Welcome dinner and overnight at Adare Manor.

Shamrock Guided Tour of Ireland - Day 3 – Adare to Killarney, Ireland

Enjoy a traditional Irish breakfast this morning before joining your luxury tour vehicle and guide to travel South to Killarney, in County Kerry. This town is a lively hub of activity with many restaurants and singing pubs. Upon arrival, enjoy a tour through Killarney National Park & Muckross House Estates. Muckross House is a magnificent Victorian mansion and one of Ireland's leading stately homes. A walk through the period-furnished rooms reveals the lifestyle of the landed gentry, while in other portions of the home, one can experience the working conditions of the servants employed on the estate. The gardens are enhanced by the natural setting of the mountains and lakes of Killarney. Rolling grasslands lead to an expanse of mature rhododendrons, punctuated by boles of Scots pine. After your visit your tour group will be dropped off at your hotel, the Killarney Park Hotel. This deluxe five-star property is situated in the heart of Killarney. Overnight at the Killarney Park Hotel.

Shamrock Guided Tour of Ireland - Day 4 – Dingle Peninsula, Ireland

After breakfast your tour group will depart Killarney for the Dingle Peninsula. The journey begins with some of the most magnificent scenery in all of Ireland. The little town of Dingle is straight out of a story book. The fishing boats in this Irish harbor and tiny brightly painted Irish pubs reflect a place where time has continued to stand still. The population of 1,500 people and only 52 pubs are ready to welcome you this afternoon. Worth the wait is the native seafood chowder served up at lunch time with freshly baked brown bread. Your tour group will continue on to Slea Head. Along the way, your tour group will will see bee hive style huts, originally inhabited by 12th century monks, which overlook Ireland's rugged Blasket Islands. The awe inspiring beauty of this particular area is unmatched. There is no other landscape in Western Europe with the density and variety of archaeological monuments as found on the Dingle Peninsula of Ireland. Overnight in Killarney at the Killarney Park Hotel.

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Shamrock Guided Tour of Ireland - Day 5 – Killarney, Blarney to Cork, Ireland

Breakfast is followed by a leisurely departure from Killarney where many new friends have been made. Your journey takes us east over the Kerry and Cork Mountains to Macroom where your tour group will pause for a short visit. This is the main market town for the Gaelic speaking region to the West of Ireland. Macroom Castle dates from the 13th century and was the seat of the McCarthys of Muskerry. Oliver Cromwell granted it to Admiral Sir William Penn whose namesake son spent much of his childhood here and later founded the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Your next stop, the picturesque town of Blarney, is the home of Blarney Castle and the Blarney stone, which legend has it bequeaths the "gift of eloquence" to all who kiss it. Time to shop at Ireland's historical woolen mills or stop in Christy's Pub for a Pint! Your tour group will depart Blarney and travel to Cork City. Driving into Cork City, you are treated to a panoramic tour before reaching your final destination, the five-star Hayfield Manor. A sanctuary in the city, the Hayfield Manor is set among two acres of park-like grounds. It offers a unique look at a bygone era of Ireland with its cozy well-appointed ambiance. Perhaps you will choose to explore town this evening before dinner. Otherwise, enjoy all of the amenities that the Manor has to offer or sit in front of a turf fire and enjoy a cocktail. Overnight at the Hayfield Manor.

Shamrock Guided Tour of Ireland - Day 6 – Cork, Cashel, Kildare to Dublin.

Your tour group will depart Cork after breakfast traveling northeast. You'll stop for a photo opportunity in County Tipperary at the historic Rock of Cashel. Ireland's Rock of Cashel is a stone fort poised 200 feet above the town. Built in the 5th century, it is said to be the site where St. Patrick illustrated the sacred trinity to the Kings of Munster using the modest shamrock. It is on through Kildare, home of the famous Irish National Stud, where horse breeding and racing is an art. Your final stop today is Dublin. Upon arrival into Dublin your tour group will enjoy a panoramic tour of this 1,000-year-old city. You will then check into the five-star Westbury Hotel, another of the "Leading Hotels of the World," located in the very heart of Dublin City, Ireland. Known for its gracious sophistication and style, the Westbury has long been at the hub of Dublin city life, with its rich and relaxed elegance. Step out the door and you are on pedistrianized Grafton Street with its many shops and restaurants. Overnight Dublin at the Westbury Hotel.

Shamrock Guided Tour of Ireland - Day 7 – Dublin, Ireland

This is the first day of "the Claddagh" portion of your Ireland tour. The Claddagh, representing friendship, loyalty and love, is symbolic of the way that you will feel after completing this portion of the tour where you will have an opportunity to create friendships to last a lifetime and will forge an eternal loyalty to and love of this country—beautiful Ireland. If this is your fist day of touring Ireland, after clearing customs new passengers will meet the driver/guide and enjoy a tour of Dublin en route to the elegant Westbury Hotel. Thereafter, all travelers are invited to explore your favorite parts of this 1,000 year old city on your own. Your driver/guide will provide you with a nice selection of historical and cultural attractions to see during your visit. Your options include but are not limited to: St. Patrick's' Cathedral (where Jonathan Swift was once Dean), Trinity College (where the famed Book of Kells is housed), the Stags Head Pub (a veritable "shrine to the art of drink") or even the Temple Bar district (Dublin's cultural quarter brimming with arts, culture, restaurants and entertainment). Many of Dublin's premier night spots can be found right outside the door of your hotel, which is the most centrally located property in all of Dublin. Optional dinner and traditional Irish entertainment this evening at the famed "Taylor's Three Rock." Here your tour group will enjoy the songs, dances and humor for which the Irish are famous. Otherwise, dinner is on your own. Suggestions will be provided by your driver/guide. Overnight Dublin at the Westbury Hotel.

Shamrock Guided Tour of Ireland - Day 8 – Dublin, Monasterboice to Belfast, Ireland

After a hearty breakfast, passengers who are returning home will be transferred to Dublin Airport. Your group will then continue on The Claddagh portion of the tour and travel north via Drogheda to Monasterboice. This former monastic settlement dates back to 923AD and is the home of the largest collection of carved stone high crosses in all of Europe. Your tour group will then travel through Dundalk and on to Belfast. This Victorian city was built around its linen and shipbuilding industry. Enjoy a panoramic tour, with a stop at the Renaissance Revival City Hall, and on to your home for the next two nights, the magnificent Hastings's Culloden Hotel. Situated on twelve secluded garden acres overlooking Belfast Lough and the spectacular Antrim Coast of Irleand. This five-star 19th century "Scottish Baronial Estate" which offers all modern amenities, including an indoor pool, leisure center and beauty salon. Overnight at The Culloden Hotel.

Shamrock Guided Tour of Ireland - Day 9 - Belfast. Glens of Antrim, Giant's Causeway, Bushmills to Belfast, Ireland

Today your tour group will experience one of Ireland's magnificent scenic routes. The Coast Road takes us through the Nine Glens of Antrim, which offers wonderful views of mountains, valleys and the coastline. Your first stop is the oldest licensed distillery in the world, Bushmills, where you'll savor a sample of this renowned amber liquid. Your tour group will then travel the coast to visit the Giant's Causeway. This impressive area of hexagonal columns was formed over 60 million years ago by cooling lava. Legend also has it that the Giant's Causeway was built by the ancient giant, Fionn Mac Cumhail. Your tour group will then return to Belfast via Ballymena. Overnight at The Culloden Hotel.

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Shamrock Guided Tour of Ireland - Day 10 – Belfast, Armagh, Enniskillen to Rossnowlagh, Irleland

After a hearty Irish breakfast we depart for Armagh, the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland where St. Patrick founded a church and the town has remained a religious center. Continue your Ireland journey West through Enniskillen, the capital of County Fermanagh, where the town center sits on an island between the upper and lower Lough Erne. Next, on to the famous Belleek Pottery, which has been in existence since 1857. Belleek produces Irish Fine Parian china, sold worldwide for generations. An Irish tradition is to give a newlywed couple a piece of this china so they will be blessed with lasting happiness. Your guided tour then continues on to Rossnowlagh and the Sandhouse Hotel and Marine Spa. Set on Donegal Bay, this property boasts award winning cuisine and a full service spa. Have a drink on the veranda with breathtaking views of Rossnowlagh beach and St. John's Point. Enjoy your first class overnight accommodations at Sandhouse Hotel and Marine Spa.

Shamrock Guided Tour of Ireland - Day 11 – Rossnowlagh, Sligo to Cong, Ireland

After breakfast today the tour continues on to visit Drumcliffe, the burial site of William Butler Yeats. Your journey continues through the northern end of Lough Corrib to the tiny town of Cong, where much of the John Houston classic The Quiet Man was filmed. We arrive at Ashford Castle, a five-star hotel and one of the Leading Hotels of the World. This 13th-century fairy-tale castle overlooks a picturesque lake and is considered to be one of the most luxurious castle hotels in all of Ireland. Once on the grounds of the estate, you will feel transported back in time to a different era of Ireland. Ashford was once home to the world-famous Guinness family, renowned for their brewing expertise. You may choose to walk among the 3 million species of shrubs, trees and flowers that the spectacular gardens have to offer. Ashford Castle also offers an equestrian center, a spa and a 9-hole golf course. Tonight we enjoy a gourmet dinner in the George V dining room. Enjoy dinner and sleep like a royalty in your luxurious overnight accommodations at Ashford Castle.

Day 12 - Cong-Connemara-Galway-Newmarket-On-Fergus.

After enjoying a gourmet breakfast, your guided tour will depart from Ashford Castle and begin your journey on the northern edge of Lough Corrib and on to the Connemara region, one of the most scenic and unspoiled areas in the country. Words cannot begin to express the unique splendor of the west coast of Ireland, where Gaelic is still spoken. We travel through Spiddal to Galway town, where your driver/guide takes us on a city tour. In the middle ages, Galway was a principal port of trade for Spain and France. Galway continues to be a thriving town noted for its cultural scene and its traditional Irish music sessions. Wander the winding pedestrian walkways and browse in the shops, which are the home of the famous Claddagh ring. Continuing south, we pass through Ennis and Gort. We continue your drive to Bunratty. The 13th-century Bunratty Castle overlooks the Shannon River and traces its origins to the Vikings in the late 900s, when it was used as a trading post. This Ireland castle is one of the most photographed landmarks in Ireland. Adjacent to this Irish castle is Durty Nellie's pub, which dates back to 1620. This Irish pub is worth an inside visit, with its low-hanging ceilings and cozy nooks. A great spot to enjoy a "jar" and dream of times gone by before continuing on to your final destination, Dromoland Castle. Built in the 16th century, Dromoland Castle is the ancestral seat of the O'Briens who are one of the few native Gaelic families of Irish royal blood. Time today to enjoy this Five Star Deluxe property and its entire splendor. This evening, we partake in a marvelous "Farewell Dinner" with your new friends and toast a magnificent time had by all! Dinner and then overnight accommodations in one of the 75 deluxe guest rooms at this historic Ireland Castle.

Shamrock Guided Tour of Ireland - Day 13 – Dromoland to Shannon, Ireland

After a delicious breakfast, we are transferred to nearby Shannon Airport. On the off-chance that you missed shopping opportunities, Shannon has a large duty-free shop that you can visit once you are checked in for your flight home from beautiful Ireland. In the traditional Irish way, we wish you Safe Home!

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Visit Ireland and enjoy the best this Ireland Tour has to offer!

Ireland chauffeur-driving, custom tours are prepared with great attention to detail, including special touches to make your trip to Ireland one you'll remember fondly for a lifetime.

These tours of Ireland offer the ultimate in personal service at very competitive rates. Your irish driver will be highly experienced and exceptionally accommodating, offering their expertise to guide you through a once-in-a-lifetime Irish experience.

All guided tours are designed to maximize sightseeing and use of your personal guide…who will be at your beckon call!

Ireland Chauffeur-Driven Guided Tours Typically Include:

• Chauffeured Vehicle with your own private driver / tour guide for approximately 8 hours / 100 miles per day from Day 3 until departure in Shannon on Day 7
• Accommodations for Six (6) nights as per itinerary.
• Full Irish Breakfast Daily.
• Fully escorted sightseeing as per itinerary
• Porterage of one suitcase per person (plus one carry-on bag)
• Hotel tips and taxes (Except to Driver/Guide)

Your trip to Ireland can be as extravagant and luxurious or simple and modest as you desire. John and Michele Hammond know Ireland well and will plan your personal Ireland travel itinerary from arrival to departure to suit your personal interests, budget and desires.

Several chauffer-driven guided Ireland tour itineraries are provided to serve as possible itineraries, however Hammond Tours specializes in CUSTOM Ireland vacations, so go ahead and dream! Michele and John will make it happen!

The Shamrock Tour Dates & Rates

Michele and John Hammond have built their sterling reputation and business on excellence of service, personal attention and their intimate knowledge of all things Ireland.

Other Ireland Signature Tours include:

• Breath of Elegance Tour
• Ireland Castle Tour
• Classically Ireland Tour
• Ireland Hideaways and Back Roads Tours
• The Wild West of Ireland Tour
• Irish Band Tours
• Shannon Ireland Tour
• Custom Ireland Tours

Plan your Ireland vacation trip today!