On this vacation, enjoy the scenic vistas and fascinating history of Ireland. Your trip starts in Dublin with a welcome dinner and an orientation tour featuring visits to St. Patrick's Cathedral and Oscar Wilde's Trinity College. Travel through dairy-farm country in the center of the "Emerald Isle" to Knock, where the Virgin Mary appeared to the townsfolk in 1879 and today attracts pilgrims from around the world. Visit Knock Shrine, the Church of the Apparition, the basilica, and the Folk Museum, and maybe join the evening rosary processions. On the way to Galway, stop to visit the Croagh Patrick Visitor Centre in Murrisk and Kylemore Abbey, a massive yet graceful castle acquired by Benedictine nuns as a precious heirloom for Ireland. From Galway, enjoy an excursion to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands. Many Catholics fled to this island during Oliver Cromwell's conquest of Ireland in the 17th century. Enjoy a tour of the island and visit clifftop Dun Aengus, one of the most spectacular and dramatic prehistoric stone forts in Europe.Next, drive across the desolate limestone plateau known as The Burren and visit The Burren Centre at Kilfenora on your way to Killarney for your 2-night stay. Join the famed "Ring of Kerry" for a 100-mile panoramic drive around the island's southwestern tip and enjoy a horse-drawn jaunting car ride through the National Park. Travel into County Cork and stop in Blarney, renowned for its castle and magical Kissing Stone, before arriving in Kilkenny. On your way back to Dublin, stop at Glendalough, the early Christian monastic site founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. At the Glendalough Visitor Center, see its fascinating audiovisual show Ireland of the Monasteries. Return to Dublin for an overnight and the end of your wonderful Irish vacation.