Join Ellie Leinaweaver On A Celtic Dream! As Focus Travel Club Presents:
Sneak Peek The Best of Ireland – 17 days September 7 th -22nd , 2022
The Very Best of Ireland including: 
Belfast, Donegal, Connemara, Killarney, Kilkenny and Dublin
Estimated: $6999.00 Per person (based on double occupancy) 
Including air taxes and fuel surcharges, and gratuities. 
Comprehensive 17 day inclusive tour of Ireland 
No rush itinerary designed to enjoy the very best Ireland has to offer 
Experienced Irish Driver Guide 
2 nights in the exclusive Ballyhinch Castle 
The delicious FTC meals with hand picked menus that always delight. 
Unmatched Quality and totally customized program to the FTC standards 
All gratuities to guides, and porter​
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Day 1 Tuesday, September 06, 2022 Denver/Depart for Dublin, Ireland We depart Denver on our overnight flight to Dublin.
Day 2 Wednesday, September 07, 2022 Belfast (D) After clearing Customs and Immigration, we will depart with our guide for the transfer to Belfast for check-in at our hotel. Your afternoon is free in Belfast. Join us this evening for a special Welcome Dinner.
Overnight in Belfast Historically, Belfast has been a center for the Irish linen industry (earning the nickname "Linenopolis"), tobacco production, ropemaking and shipbuilding: the city's main shipbuilders, Harland and Wolff, which built the well-known RMS Titanic, propelled Belfast on to the global stage in the early 20th century as the biggest and most productive shipyard in the world. Belfast played a key role in the Industrial Revolution, establishing its place as a global industrial center until the latter half of the 20th century. Industrialization and the inward migration it brought made Belfast, if briefly, the biggest city in Ireland at the turn of the 20th century. Today, Belfast remains a center for industry, as well as the arts, higher education and business, a legal center, and is the economic engine of Northern Ireland. The city suffered greatly during the period of conflict called the Troubles, but latterly has undergone a sustained period of calm, free from the intense political violence of former years, and substantial economic and commercial growth. Belfast city center has undergone considerable expansion and regeneration in recent years, notably around Victoria Square.
Day 3 Thursday, September 08, 2022 Belfast (B/D) After breakfast, we will depart the hotel with our local guide for a sightseeing tour of Belfast, including the Loyalist and Republican suburbs of Belfast and hearing a local’s account of Belfast’s recent history; see Stormont, the Northern Ireland Parliament. Lunch is on your own today, but your guide will stop at Crown Bar – if not the most famous bar in Ireland, it certainly is the most beautiful. Linger here for an hour or so and like a local, select your own food and beverage. Today’s day ends with a tour of the Titanic Belfast - One minute you’re being whisked through the busy Belfast shipyard where the Titanic is being built. The next you’re contemplating, amid a chilly piped-in breeze and lights mimicking darkened waters, the horror of freezing to death in the North Atlantic. In between, Belfast’s impressive new tourist attraction — the $160 million Titanic Belfast visitor center — offers a loving portrait of the excitement, ambition and opulence surrounding the doomed trans-Atlantic liner
Overnight in Belfast
Day 4 Friday, September 09, 2022 Belfast/Coastal Excursion (B/L) After breakfast, we will depart the hotel to enjoy a tour of the awe-inspiring Northern Ireland Coastline including a visit to the majestic Giant’s Causeway. Giant’s Causeway is Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site. This sprawling lunar landscape is dotted with soaring cliffs, inaccessible bays, fishermen’s cottages and isolated ruins. This wonderful Giant's Causeway tour also includes a visit to the Dunluce Castle, the opportunity to cross the swinging Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and whiskey tasting at Bushmills; the world’s oldest distillery. Lunch is included today at Bushmill’s Inn. Overnight in Belfast
Day 5 Saturday, September 10, 2022 Belfast/Derry/Donegal (B/D) After breakfast, we will depart the hotel for the transfer to Donegal, via Londonderry, where we will enjoy some free time and a walking tour. Derry is the only remaining completely intact walled city in Ireland and one of the finest examples of a walled city in Europe. The walls constitute the largest monument in State care in Northern Ireland and, as the last walled city to be built in Europe, stands as the most complete and spectacular. The Walls were built during the period 1613-1619 by The Honorable Irish Society as defenses for early 17th century settlers from England and Scotland. The Walls, which are approximately 1 mile in circumference and which vary in height and width between 12 and 35 feet, are completely intact and form a walkway around the inner city. They provide a unique promenade to view the layout of the original town which still preserves its Renaissance style street plan. The four original gates to the Walled City are Bishop’s Gate, Ferryquay Gate, Butcher Gate and Shipquay Gate. Three further gates were added later, Magazine Gate, Castle Gate and New Gate, making seven gates in total. Historic buildings within the walls include the 1633 Gothic cathedral of St Columb, the Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall and the courthouse. It is one of the few cities in Europe that never saw its fortifications breached, withstanding several sieges including one in 1689 which lasted 105 days, hence the city's nickname, The Maiden City.
Overnight in Donegal
Day 6 Sunday, September 11, 2022 Donegal/Coastal Excursion (B) After breakfast, we will depart the hotel for an excursion along the coast and the highlands of Donegal. Today, enjoy the beautiful scenery of County Donegal. Visit Drumcliffe to see the grave of W.B. Yeats in the churchyard of St Columba’s. See the fishing village of Mullaghmore where Lord Mountbatten once lived and visit Donegal for views of the 15th century castle. Overnight in Donegal 5 Did you know? The Cliffs of Slieve League are said to be the highest sea cliffs in Europe and plunge a whopping 300 meters into the roaring ocean below.
Day 7 Monday, September 12, 2022 Donegal/Connemara (B/D) After breakfast, we will depart the hotel for the transfer to Connemara. Connemara is one of the most scenic regions in Ireland. Its craggy mountain peaks, expansive sandy beaches and laced network of lakes exemplify the peaceful solitude and rugged beauty of The West of Ireland. Many visitors come to Ireland to visit the beauty of this area, but are surprised to discover that they may not find it on a map. This is because Connemara is a not an administrative entity like a town or county. Connemara is the name given to the western portion of County Galway, which lies between Lough Corrib and the Atlantic. The name Connemara name was originally Conmaicnemara, or "the tribe of Cormac by the sea", given by the ancient Gaelic tribes. It was shortened in the 18th century, to Connemara. Dominated by the majestic Twelve Bens mountain range, (Na Beanna Beola) dotted with lakes, and fringed by the deeply indented Atlantic coastline. It is broken into innumerable creeks, bays and little harbors and is one of Ireland’s most popular and memorable touring areas. Connemara's unique landscape, varying settlement patterns, and dramatic contrasts of sea, sky, land and bog, have inspired many famous paintings and literary figures over the years. A large part of the area, sometimes described as lar-Connachta, and stretching along the southern coastal area from Bearna as far as Carna, is Irish-speaking. Many of the ancient Irish traditions and customs are preserved, and the rich linguistic, musical and folklore heritage attracts the attention of scholars throughout the world. Ballynahinch Castle is steeped in a wealth of tradition and has been intertwined in the history of Connemara and its people for many centuries. From the days of the O'Flaherty Chieftains, to Grace O'Malley, the Pirate Queen of Connemara, to Humanity Dick Martin, founder of the society for the prevention of cruelty to animals and to H.R.H. the Maharajah Ranjitsinji, also known as the 'Ranji', Prince of Cricketeers. The name comes from the Irish Baile na hInse meaning settlement of the island. Ballynahinch Castle is located at the heart of the Ballynahinch Estate between Recess and Roundstone in Connemara. Comprising of 450 acres of beautiful woodlands, gardens, lakes and rivers. This sporting country estate offers a secluded retreat of peace for any visitor. 6  The history of Ballynahinch Castle goes back over 700 years. It was the home of 'The Ferocious O'Flahertys" and one of its most famous residents was Grace O'Malley from Mayo who married Donal O'Flaherty in 1546. The lands of the O'Flaherty clan stretched to within 15 miles of Galway City on the east and into County Mayo to the north-west. The clan leaders were the Lords of Connaught and Masters of the castles of Ballynahinch, Aughanure, Doon, Moycullen, Bunowen and Renvyle. Grace O'Malley-O'Flaherty is well known for her meeting with another famous queen - Elizabeth I - in 1593. Grace was 63 years old at the time and an awesome and formidable lady. She certainly stood proud and erect next to the English Monarch. Although Irish was her native tongue, Grace conversed comfortably with her equal in Latin. The English court of the day wrote: "In the wild grandeur of her mien erect and high before an English Queen she dauntless stood" Grace was unconventional to say the least, allowing neither social nor political convention to stand in the way of her ambitions. Her exploits as a pirate are well documented in history. It was on one of her voyages that she took a lover, divorced her husband and gave birth to a son at sea. She took over the role of head of the O'Flaherty family when her husband was murdered by a rival clan and it is said that she was 'a better man than her husband'. She died in 1603 at the age of 70 years, the same year as the death of Elizabeth I. A suite of music was composed in her honor in the 1980's called the 'Granuaile Suite' and historian Anne Chambers has received two films offers for the rights of her book on 'The Pirate Queen'. Ballynahinch Castle has changed hands many times since and its decline as the noble home of the O'Flahertys began towards the end of the 16th. century. One other famous resident was 'Humanity Dick', founder of The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA). His ancestors took over the house in 1590. The present house was built by Richard Martin's father in the early 1700's as an inn and so history repeats itself. The house is now one of the finest hotels in Galway renowned for its warm hospitality, good food, lovely ambiance and spectacular surroundings. Dinner and overnight in Connemara, or similar. 
Day 8 Tuesday, September 13, 2022 Connemara (B/D) After breakfast, we will depart the hotel for a sightseeing tour of Connemara, including Kylemore Abbey and Gardens as well as a visit and tasting at Connemara Smokehouse and a cruise on Killary Harbor. Kylemore Abbey, located in the Kylemore Pass in Connemara, County Galway, has been home to the Irish Benedictine nuns since 1920. The Benedictine nuns bought the house in 1920, having fled their convent in war-torn Belgium in 1914, where they ran a boarding school for girls for over 300 years. They reestablished the school here and it is still very much alive today. The Abbey was originally built in 1868 by Mitchell Henry, in memory of his late wife Margaret. Its architecture is best described as neo-gothic and the house still displays all the characteristics of that period. Kylemore Abbey's most famous feature is its miniature cathedral, known locally as the Gothic church. Welcome to the unspoiled splendor of the Killary, Ireland's only fjord.No visit to Connemara would be complete without a visit to Killary Fjord. The nine mile long inlet boasts some of the finest scenery in the West of Ireland, and because of its sheltered nature, its waters are always calm. Overnight in Connemara
Day 9 Wednesday, September 14, 2022 Connemara/Killarney (B/L) After breakfast, we will depart the hotel for the transfer to Killarney via Galway. Travel via the magnificent Clare Coastline stopping at the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren. From Galway, travel via the village of Ballyvaughan, where the winding coast road turns seaward again passing Black Head lighthouse. Out beyond in the blue Atlantic are the three Aran Islands of Inishmor, Inish Mean and Inisheer and the outline of the Connemara coast. Travel through the village of Doolin, a wellspring of all that is best in Irish traditional music and song. Stop at the awesome Cliffs of Moher, rising a sheer 210 meters from the ocean below. After a trip at the Cliffs of Moher, the road winds down to Lisdoonvarna. Continue via the Shannon Ferry from Kilimer to Tarbert to arrive in Co. Kerry; travel via Tralee down to Killarney. Overnight in Killarney
Day 10 Thursday, September 15, 2022 Killarney (B/L) - Ring of Kerry Excursion After breakfast, you will explore the world renowned Ring of Kerry. Our Ring of Kerry tour takes you through spectacular coastal and mountainous scenery along the base of the highest mountain range in Ireland, The MacGillycuddy Reeks. The journey takes you through villages and towns depicting typical rural life in Ireland. Lunch today is at O’Neills The Point Pub at Renard Point – the best seafood restaurant on the water! After lunch, head back to Killarney via Molls Gap, and Ladies View. Visit Muckross House, a 19th century manor house, majestically situated on the shores of Muckross Lake in Killarney National Park. Later travel by jaunting cart (horse-drawn) in the National Park.
Overnight in Killarney
Day 11 Friday, September 16, 2022 Killarney/Kinsale (B/D) After breakfast, we will depart the hotel for the transfer to Kinsale with a visit to Blarney Castle en route. Blarney Castle was built nearly six hundred years ago by one of Ireland's greatest chieftains, Cormac MacCarthy, and has been attracting attention beyond Munster ever since. Over the last few hundred years, millions have flocked to Blarney, making it a world landmark and one of Ireland's greatest treasures. Now that might have something to do with the Blarney Stone, the legendary Stone of Eloquence, found at Originally a medieval fishing port, historic Kinsale is one of the most picturesque, popular and historic towns on the south west coast of Ireland. It has been hailed as the Gourmet Capital of Ireland, with no shortage of cafes, pubs and restaurants to suit every taste and budget. Only 18 miles from Cork, Kinsale marks the beginning of scenic West Cork and is ideally placed as a yachting and deep-sea angling center and in recent years a world-class golf destination. Overnight in Kinsale
Day 12 Saturday, September 17, 2022 Kinsale (B/L) After breakfast, we will depart the hotel for a visit the Old English market in Cork w here you can and one of Queen Elizabeth’s favorite spots to visit! Upon return to Kinsale, we will have a walking the Irish at the Battle of Kinsale in 1601 and ruled Today also includes a visit to St. Multose 12th church has remained in continuous use to the sightseeing tour to Cork. We will pick up lunch – very local and artisan history tour. English armies defeated Ireland for the next four centuries. Century Church. Built in 1190, this present day. Overnight in Kinsale the top of the Tower. Kiss it and you'll never again be lost for words. Just prior to arriving in Kinsale, visit Charlesfort for a guided tour. Walk to the Bullman Pub, an ideal spot for lunch on your own. The rest of your day is to enjoy as you wish in Kinsale.
Day 13 Sunday, September 18, 2022 Kinsale/Kilkenny (B/D) This morning, after a hearty Irish breakfast, we will depart the hotel with our guide for the transfer to Kilkenny, including the following special visits: an artisan goat cheese producer, Waterford Glass and Kilkenny Castle. One of the most instantly recognized buildings in Ireland, Kilkenny Castle has been an important site since Strongbow constructed the first castle, probably a wooden structure, in the 12th century. William the Earl Marshall built the first stone castle on the site, which was completed in 1213. This was a square-shaped castle with towers at each corner; three of these original four towers survive to this day The Butler family bought the Castle in 1391 and lived there until 1935. They were Earls, Marquesses and Dukes of Ormonde and lived in the castle for over five hundred years. They were a remarkable family, resilient, politically astute and faithful to the crown and to Ireland as dictated by the politics of the times. These loyalties determined their fortunes and career, and so too the fortunes of their seat. Overnight in Kilkenny
Day 14 Monday, September 19, 2022 Kilkenny/Dublin (B/L) After breakfast, we will depart the hotel for the transfer to Dublin. Upon arrival to Dublin, we will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Dublin, including Trinity College and the Book of Kells, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Kilmainham Jail. regarded as Ireland's finest national treasure. Overnight in Dublin The Book of Kells (Irish: Leabhar Cheanannais), (sometimes known as the Book of Columba) is an illuminated manuscript Gospel book in Latin, containing the four Gospels of the New Testament together with various prefatory texts and tables. It was created by Celtic monks ca. 800 or slightly earlier. The text of the Gospels is largely drawn from the Vulgate, although it also includes several passages drawn from the earlier versions of the Bible known as the Vetus Latina. It is a masterwork of Western calligraphy and represents the pinnacle of Insular illumination.
Day 15 Tuesday, September 20, 2022 Dublin (B/L) After breakfast, enjoy the most beautiful countryside in Ireland on our tour to Wicklow. Journey to the mystical site of Glendalough, home to the most breathtaking scenery in Ireland before continuing to the pretty Wicklow village of Avoca for lunch in Ireland’s oldest handweaver mill. Glendalough or Glendaloch (Irish: Gleann Dá Loch, meaning "glen of two lakes") is a glacial valley in County Wicklow. It is renowned for its early medieval monastic settlement founded in the 6th century by St Kevin, a hermit priest, and partly destroyed in 1398 by English troops. Powerscourt Gardens in County Wicklow is one of the most beautiful gardens in Ireland! The gardens at Powerscourt were laid out over two main periods. Many of the people involved in their creation and development never saw the gardens completed in their lifetime. When the house was rebuilt in the decade after 1731, the surrounding grounds were also remodelled. The design reflected the desire to create a garden which was part of the wider landscape. And what a view it is! To the north formal tree plantations framed the vista from the house, while a walled garden, fish pond, cascades, grottos and terraces lay to the south. Walks wound through the wooded grounds and a fine tree lined avenue was created. When you arrive at the tree lined avenue today, hundreds of beech trees will guide your visit.  Included today is lunch at a local pub in the countryside. With stunning views of the Wicklow Mountains, the valleys at Glendalough and the breathtaking Blessington Lakes this promises to be an all-around beautiful day! Overnight in Dublin
Day 16 Wednesday, September 21, 2022 Dublin (B/D) Today is yours to spend at leisure in this great city. Our guide will help up with suggestions for the many things we can do on our own in Dublin! Join us for a special Farewell Dinner at the Merry Ploughboys Traditional Irish Night! Overnight at Trinity Capitol Hotel, or similar.
Day 17 Thursday, September 22, 2022 Dublin/Home (B) After breakfast, we will depart the hotel for the transfer to the airport and our return flight home​