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Day 12
First, ferry across the River Shannon and drive along the coast of County Clare to visit the majestic Cliffs of Moher. These precipitous rock formations - towering more than 700 feet above the crashing ocean surf at their highest point - offer breathtaking panoramic views of Ireland's Atlantic coast, and provide nesting sites for tens of thousands of seabirds. If the wind is strong, the sea foam and spray flies up and over the cliffs along with the rain; while on clear sunny days, fantastic views can be seen from every angle. Over the centuries, people have also made their mark, with towers, quarries, and well-worn paths, but they're almost lost in the scale and grandeur of the sea cliffs. One that does stand out is O'Brien's Tower, a huge structure built to house the guests of Cornelius O'Brien, County Clare's legendary Member of Parliament from the 1830s until he died in 1857. Then travel along a scenic coastal road to discover another natural Irish wonder, the Burren. Its name is derived from a Gaelic word meaning "stony place," and it is like no other place in Ireland. Instead of peat bogs and pastures, you'll find a surreal moonscape full of huge limestone crags. Despite this seemingly inhospitable setting, a diverse array of plant life - including wild orchids and rock rose - thrives here. Alpine plants nestle in crevices beside temperate species. The white, deeply crevassed limestone conceals "micro-environments" rich in potholes and hollows. The ample rainfall and strange topography have resulted in a paradoxical profusion of arctic and semi-tropical vegetation growing side by side. Finally, you'll arrive in Galway later today, where, after checking into your hotel, you may choose to join your Program Director on an optional orientation walk and sightseeing tour around the city. This evening, join your fellow travelers for an included dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner |
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8/12/19 |
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Killarney
After breakfast, bid farewell to Killarney and begin your transfer to Galway, stopping along the way to discover a few more treasures of the Emerald Isle.