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Enchanting Ireland - R & J Broadcasting
Cliffs of Moher
Adare
Rathbaun Farm
Local Cuisine
Ring of Kerry
Bernie Birkemeyer
Bernie Birkemeyer
Bernadette (Bernie) Birkemeyer has been part of R & J Broadcasting, Inc. since its start. She continues to be the administrative assistant providing necessary information to customers and employees.
Jim Birkemeyer
Jim Birkemeyer
Jim Birkemeyer has been in Radio since 1981 and owner of R & J Broadcasting, Inc. since 1987. As R & J expanded, Jim’s voice, personality and involvement continues in daily broadcasts and community events. Jim’s focus for radio remains providing…
Experience the storied culture, ancient history, natural beauty, and warm hospitality of Ireland. Begin with a guided tour of Dublin, Ireland’s capital, then explore the ancient monastic site at Clonmacnoise and enjoy fresh scones with tea at Rathbaun Farm. In Connemara, visit the Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory and stroll the gorgeous, green riverside gardens of Kylemore Abbey. Marvel at the famous Cliffs of Moher before being immersed in Bunratty Folk Park’s 19th-century living village and stepping back in time at a medieval banquet in a castle. Spend a morning in the traditional Irish village of Adare and view the untamed landscapes of Killarney National Park on a jaunting cart ride, followed by a traditional Irish Night at Kate Kearney’s Cottage. Relax on a scenic drive around the Ring of Kerry and discover the renowned attractions of Blarney Castle, like its legendary stone. Prior to returning to Dublin for a celebratory Farewell Dinner, we also see the stunning Rock of Cashel and Kilkenny Castle on the River Nord.
Trip overview may vary by departure.
Highlights
Blarney Castle
Walk among 600 years of intriguing history as we ascend to the castle’s peak and reach the famed Blarney Stone. Drawing tourists in from all around the globe, legend has it that kissing the stone will give one the gift of gab, or the ability to speak with eloquence and persuasiveness. In addition to the fabled stone, the castle is also surrounded with lush gardens that boast everything from carnivorous plants and herbs to 300-year-old rare trees.
Experience Medieval Ireland
Bunratty Folk Park features over 30 buildings in a “living” village and rural setting, impressively capturing Irish country life in the early 1900s. Walk down the charming village street to admire the school, post office, doctor’s house, hardware shop, and pub. You may also explore the farmhouses, fairy village, and furnished 15th-century Bunratty Castle, Ireland’s most complete and authentic castle.
Kylemore Abbey
Discover the beauty, history, and romance of Ireland’s most intriguing estate in the heart of the Connemara countryside. Home to a community of Benedictine Nuns since World War I, learn about Kylemore’s rich history including a love story that started it all, engineering initiatives, model farms, royal visits, and a girl’s boarding school. Visit the Abbey, Gothic Church, restored Head Gardener’s house, and Ireland’s largest walled garden. Be sure to also try an award-winning chocolate, handmade by the Benedictine nuns.
Killarney
Embark on a jaunting car ride, the same mode of transportation used by locals in the mid-1860s, as we explore Killarney National Park. Our jarvey (driver) shares the folklore of the area while taking us beyond the reach of motor traffic for views of unspoiled landscapes. As evening falls, learn about the country’s Gaelic history during an Irish Evening at Kate Kearney’s Cottage. Delight in the authentic cuisine, music, and dancing that has entertained guests for over 150 years!
- Day 1: Fly to IrelandOur journey to the Emerald Isle begins with a pleasant overnight flight to Dublin.
- Day 2: DublinThis morning, we discover the capital city of Dublin on a tour featuring its top highlights, historic landmarks, Georgian-style buildings, and a visit to Christ Church Cathedral. This incredible day concludes with dinner at our beautiful hotel.
Meals Included: Dinner
- Day 3: ClonmacnoiseWe travel west this morning to Clonmacnoise, a ruined monastic site nestled along the banks of the River Shannon. This ancient site, featuring remains of nine churches, a round tower, and high Celtic Crosses, was previously a major center of religion and education that attracted scholars from all over Europe. Later, we experience authentic Irish hospitality at Rathbaun Farm, where sheep graze the fields as the fragrance of freshly baked goods and a peat fire fill the air. Our hosts invite us inside their charming, thatched cottage to enjoy homemade scones and a pot of Irish tea. Tonight, we settle into our accommodations for the next two evenings in Galway.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 4: Kylemore AbbeyOur day begins at the Connemara Celtic Crystal factory in Pollacappul, where Celtic motifs are expertly cut into colored crystal. Then, enjoy a scenic drive through the dramatic canvas of Connemara, dense with gleaming rivers and lakes, stunning coastal views, and rugged rock formations. We arrive at Kylemore Abbey, home to a community of Benedictine Nuns since World War I. Spend time exploring this expansive historic site including the castle, Victorian walled gardens, a neo-Gothic church, a shop with handmade Irish goods, and more. Back in Galway, experience local culture while stepping into the city’s lively entertainment scene during an evening at leisure.
Meals Included: Breakfast
- Day 5: Cliffs of MoherSoak up otherworldly beauty on our morning drive through the Burren in County Clare, famous for its archaeological sites, unique rock formations, and glacial-age limestone that has eroded over the years to form moonscape patterns. Next, we stop at the Cliffs of Moher, an iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site. This geological marvel, extending five miles along the coast and soaring up 700 feet from the sea, once assured World War II pilots that they had reached European shores. We then explore Ireland’s heritage at Bunratty Folk Park, a recreated 19th-century village. Later, life in old Ireland comes alive during this evening’s merrymaking at a medieval castle banquet! Tonight’s hotel is in Limerick.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 6: KillarneyThis morning, we admire thatched cottages and beautiful stone buildings in the traditional Irish village of Adare. Next, we travel to Killarney, a vibrant little town surrounded by gorgeous countryside and our home for the next two nights. After checking in to our hotel, we enjoy a traditional jaunting car ride through the unspoiled terrain of Killarney National Park, Ireland’s first national park. Tonight, our cultural experience continues with authentic Irish cuisine, folk music, and dancing at Kate Kearney’s Cottage, a 150-year-old family-run establishment.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 7: Ring of KerryWe spend today relaxing on one of Ireland’s most picturesque drives, the Ring of Kerry. Have your camera ready to capture the rugged mountains, shimmering lakes, emerald valleys, and dramatic seascapes. We return to Killarney with an evening at leisure exploring the city and its incredible live music.
Meals Included: Breakfast
- Day 8: Blarney CastleOur morning begins with a tour of Blarney Castle, including an opportunity to kiss the fabled stone and be rewarded with the gift of gab. We also enjoy time to shop for some treasured gifts among the array of Waterford crystal, Irish sweaters, and other locally made items at Blarney Woollen Mills Store. Later, we travel to the stunning Rock of Cashel to learn about the rise of this majestic fortress, once an assembly place for kings and then an important religious center. This evening, we check in to our accommodations in Kilkenny.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 9: KilkennyWe kick off our day with a tour of medieval Kilkenny Castle, built in the 12th century to guard against crossings of the River Nore. Admire the opulent halls, browse Period Rooms, and see three of its original four towers. This afternoon is yours to explore as you wish. Stroll the medieval city’s narrow winding streets, visit the National Design & Craft Center, or enjoy lunch at a local pub. Later, we return to Dublin for a special Farewell Dinner to celebrate our spectacular Irish journey and new friendships.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 10: Fly HomeWe fly home from Dublin with wonderful memories of the Emerald Isle.
What's Included
All Accommodations
- 1 night at Dunboyne Castle Hotel near Dublin
- 2 nights in Galway
- 1 night at The Savoy in Limerick
- 2 nights at the Muckross Park Hotel in Killarney
- 1 night at Lyrath Estate Hotel in Kilkenny
- 1 night at Dunboyne Castle Hotel near Dublin (before we return home)
Attractions & Highlights
- Christ Church Cathedral
- Dublin guided city tour
- Clonmacnoise monastic ruins
- Rathbaun Farm
- Connemara Crystal Factory
- Connemara region
- Kylemore Abbey
- Bunratty Folk Park
- Burren in County Clare
- Cliffs of Moher
- Adare, traditional Irish village
- Jaunting car ride in Killarney National Park
- Ring of Kerry scenic drive
- Blarney Castle
- Blarney Woollen Mills Store
- Rock of Cashel
- Kilkenny Castle
13 Excellent Meals
- Daily deluxe breakfast
- Irish Evening at Kate Kearney’s Cottage
- Farewell Dinner in Dublin
Learn more about what's included with the Holiday Advantage.
Fargo - Hector International Airport