The Emerald Isle - Student Travel Tour

The Emerald Isle (2012)

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ITINERARY AT A GLANCE

DAY 1 - FLIGHT

Overnight flight

Overnight flight
Board your overnight flight, bound for Europe.

DAY 2 - DUBLIN

Arrive in Dublin

Arrive in Dublin
Welcome to Dublin, capital of Ireland! In the last decade or so, Dublin has become one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Europe. It’s the hometown of James Joyce, U2, and Guinness. After clearing customs, you’ll meet your full-time tour director and the rest of your group.

Guinness Storehouse

Guinness Storehouse
Witness the history and brewing process of the world’s most famous beer. The Guinness Brewery was founded in 1759. Go through the Guinness Hopstore, a converted 19th-century building where you can see how the famous stout is made. For many, the real highlight of the visit is the Gravity Bar, a glass-enclosed space about 200 feet up, where you can sample the brew as you enjoy 360-degree views of Dublin.

Free time in Dublin (night)

Free time in Dublin (night)
Top 5 nightlife suggestions:
1. Temple Bar – This lively area south of the Liffey is Dublin nightlife, according to some; locals and tourists alike gather to party here.
2. Ri Ra – Throngs of students and others come here for the good company and the two floors of great music.
3. O’Donoghue’s – This crowded pub has traditional Irish music every night of the week.
4. Mulligans – A popular after-work spot for young Dubliners, this classic pub boasts one of the finest Guinness pints in the city.
5. Vicar Street – Top-notch international acts perform at this crowd-pleasing concert venue.

For more ideas and details, see our Lonely Planet city guide for Dublin.

DAY 3 - DUBLIN

Sightseeing tour of Dublin (local guide)

Sightseeing tour of Dublin (local guide)
A local guide will show you the best of Dublin. Pass by the Irish President’s home as you head through Phoenix Park. Take in the views along the River Liffey and check out an ancient Viking site. Go inside Trinity College, where Bram Stoker and Samuel Beckett studied. In the library you’ll see the Book of Kells, an illustrated book written by Irish monks that was found buried in the ground in the year 1007.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Go inside the 800-year-old church named after the famous Irish saint. This is the biggest church in Ireland, and it stands on the exact spot where St. Patrick is said to have baptized converts.

Welcome dinner

Welcome dinner
Get to know the other travelers in your group over tonight's included dinner.

DAY 4 - CORK

Travel to Cork

Travel to Cork
Drive through the green countryside to Cork, Ireland’s second-biggest city.

Sightseeing tour of Cork (EFCB Tour Director)

Sightseeing tour of Cork (EFCB Tour Director)
Your tour director will show you around the city. Cork has an up-and-coming art, music and restaurant scene, and its scenic highlights include the River Lee and cool narrow 17th-century alleyways.

DAY 5 - BLARNEY • COUNTY KERRY

Blarney Castle

Blarney Castle
En route to County Kerry, stop for a visit to the famed Blarney Castle. To reach the legendary Blarney Stone and to receive the “gift of the gab,” you’ll have to climb the steps of the castle, lean backward under the parapet wall and kiss the stone upside-down.

Travel to County Kerry

Travel to County Kerry
Continue on to County Kerry, known for its scenic green landscapes—classic Ireland.

DAY 6 - COUNTY KERRY

Sightseeing tour of the Ring of Kerry (EFCB Tour Director)

Sightseeing tour of the Ring of Kerry (EFCB Tour Director)
Drive the 112 miles around the Iveragh Peninsula, better known as the Ring of Kerry. Catch amazing views all the way—see the beaches, the Atlantic Ocean, the Lakes of Killarney and Macgillycuddy’s Reeks (the tallest mountains in Ireland).

Bog Village

Bog Village
In Glenbeigh, visit the Bog Village. Walk through a re-creation of an Irish village from the early 1800s, as costumed guides demonstrate the 19th-century rural Irish way of life.

DAY 7 - GALWAY

Travel to Galway via Cliffs of Moher

Travel to Galway via Cliffs of Moher
On the way to Galway, stop at the Cliffs of Moher for amazing views of the coastline. The limestone walls of rock dominate the coast for five miles and rise to staggering heights of 700 feet.

Sightseeing tour of Galway (EFCB Tour Director)

Sightseeing tour of Galway (EFCB Tour Director)
Your tour director will show you around bohemian Galway. The city is famous for its entertainment options (live music, street performers, art shows) and for a population that’s twenty-five percent students. You’ll get the lay of the land, walk along the banks of the River Corrib, and get great views of Galway Bay.

Free time in Galway (night)

Free time in Galway (night)
Top 5 nightlife suggestions:
1. Taaffes – Come here for nightly traditional Irish music, and keep your ears open for spoken Gaelic.
2. Quay Street – This area by the river is the most action-packed in the city; perfect for a pub crawl.
3. Tigh Neachtains – This place on Quay Street brings in a trendy crowd with frequent live music.
4. The Living Room – This is the place to go if you're looking for a hip, modern vibe.
5. The GPO – One of Galway's most popular nightspots, it’s the longest-standing club in the city.

For more ideas and details, see our Lonely Planet city guide for Galway.

DAY 8 - GALWAY

Excursion to the Aran Islands

Excursion to the Aran Islands
Head out to the rugged islands, where old Irish traditions are hanging on. Gaelic is still the main language here, and you’ll still see traces of ancient Gaelic customs in the shops and cottages all over. It’s a mini-trip back in time and a chance to enjoy some great island nature and scenery. A highlight is Dún Aengus, a 2,000-year-old fort whose walls go right up to the side of a cliff high above the sea.

Farewell drink

Farewell drink
Share some last laughs (and maybe shed a few tears) over a farewell drink with the group.

DAY 9 - FLIGHT

Fly home

Fly home
It's time to say your goodbyes. Head to the Shannon airport for your flight back home.

9 DAYS STARTING AT $1,995

Restrictions Apply

Price is valid on specific departure date and standard (triple/quad) rooming. Change and cancellation fees of up to the total price may apply. Applicable airline baggage fees are not included and can be found at efcollegebreak.com/baggage.
Prices may be subject to change.

DEPARTURES

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Change and cancellation fees of up to the total price will apply. Applicable airline baggage fees are not included and can be found at efcollegebreak.com/baggage.

To view EF’s Booking Conditions, visit efcollegebreak.com/pdf/2012_booking_conditions.pdf.

Current departure fees include taxes and surcharges levied by governments and airlines and may be subject to change prior to final payment.

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