There is an old Irish Blessing that begins "May the road rise to meet you...." We might add, may the road include a trip to lush, magical Ireland where you may or may not see a leprechaun but you're sure to feel lucky.

Go where the clover thrives, the crystal sparkles and the spoken word is like a song. Wander through Dublin and find a city that's been described to be "as intimate as a village and as friendly as a pub." Literature and music have thrived here for centuries and everywhere you feel the Irish spirit that inspired it all. Travel on to Belfast, the capital of the north, now a vibrant, energetic city built on the traditions of its rich past. Take in the Grand Opera House, the shipyard where the Titanic was built, and the splendid Victorian architecture. A city proud of its heritage and a treat to visit.

• Round-trip transatlantic air transportation to Dublin, Ireland via Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines, or similar
• Three nights first-class accommodations in Belfast and four nights in Dublin
• Four nights first-class accommodations in Dublin and three nights in Belfast
• Full Irish breakfast daily
• Sightseeing tour of Belfast
• Round-trip transfers between the airports and hotels
• Scenic transfer between Dublin and Belfast
• Deluxe motor coach transportation throughout the program with an experienced and knowledgeable Irish Driver/Guide
• Luggage handling and related tipping
• Local government and hotel taxes
• Experienced hospitality representative
• Complete pre-flight information

Photo: Belfast

FROM DUBLIN

Dublin City & Castles
See the most famous sights in the thousand-year-old city of Dublin. Founded by the Vikings, its history is evident everywhere you turn, its cosmopolitan presence a delight. Visit St. Patrick's Cathedral, the General Post Office (scene of the 1916 Easter uprising), Phoenix Park (Europe's largest enclosed park) and stately Dublin castle. Continue along Dublin Bay to the beautiful Malahide Castle for a guided tour.

Glendalough
Today we head south into the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains, on our way to the steep wooded slopes of Glendalough, which means the "valley of the two lakes." Here you'll see one of Ireland's most atmospheric monastic sights. Established in the 6th century this settlement flourished for some 600 years despite repeated sacking by the Vikings. Explore the ruins and enjoy this remarkable taste of history.

Boyne Valley
Visit one of Ireland's most ancient areas, its megalithic tombs dating back over five thousand years, older than the pyramids and Stonehenge! Hear about the mystery of Newgrange, one of Europe's most important Neolithic gravesites, and see the "Hill of Slane" where St. Patrick started his conversion to Christianity.

FROM BELFAST

Giant's Causeway
Magical. Inspiring. Primeval. And this only begins to describe the wild beauty and strangeness of Giant's Causeway. Its volcanic landscape and shrieking gulls add to its aura and the bizarre regularity of its basalt columns has made it a subject of many legends. Continue on to the small town of Bushmills, which prides itself on being home to the world's oldest distillery.

St. Patrick's Country
Travel past Stormont, the seat of the northern government, through Newtownards to Mount Stewart House where you'll enjoy a guided tour of this charming domicile, including its stunning gardens. Then it's south to the town of Downpatrick and the burial place of St. Patrick in 461. You'll have free time here to visit St. Patrick's Center for a detailed education on the life of this revered saint, as well as the opportunity to tour St. Patrick's Cathedral.

All local transportation and sightseeing are arranged by Global Destinations Management, Ltd. and operated by Terry Flynn Tours. Terry Flynn Tours may use other suppliers or providers to render the services.