If you’ve got a long list of dream destinations, it can be hardto know which one should be at the top. An Ireland tour has longbeen considered a favorite by seasoned travelers, and makes astrong case for position one. The amount of sites, history, cultureand natural beauty packed into this small island make it one of themost popular destinations in the world. Once you’ve set your sightson the Emerald Isle, consider an Ireland tour to get the most outof your trip.

Here are some highlights that you won’t want to miss — makesure they’re on any itinerary that you consider as you shop aroundfor an Ireland tour:

* Dublin: The vibrant capital is awash in historic sites andhandsome architecture, but you’ll find the lively energy here is anattraction in itself. Make sure your stay includes some traditionalIrish music and dancing. Avid readers can also revel in the city’srich literary tradition — see the Book of Kells at TrinityCollege, or seek out the history of writers like James Joyce, W.B.Yeats and Samuel Beckett. And be sure to take the opportunity tohave a pint of Guinness in one of the city’s atmospheric pubs.

* Connemara: This region in western Ireland has some of the mostdramatically varied scenery in the country, so it’s a must-see onany Ireland tour. Visit Kylemore Abbey, a Gothic-Revival castle, aswell as the Cliffs of Moher and the rocky landscape of the Burren.Tour operators like Tauck give you the opportunity to visit thebest of the region before returning for the night to stay inlegendary Ashford Castle on Loch Corrib, one of the finest hotelsin the world.

* Blarney to Killarney: No trip to Ireland is complete withoutgiving the Blarney Stone a kiss — just go to the 15th-centuryBlarney Castle and pucker up. Take a journey from there to thehistoric town of Kenmare where you can stroll around and get aglimpse of a classic Irish town. Next, in Killarney, visit thebeautiful Muckross House, a prime example of an Elizabeth-stylemanor.

* Giant’s Causeway: Located in Northern Ireland, this naturalwonder is an unforgettable sight. The sharply defined basaltcolumns that line the coast — some 40,000 of them — are anotherworldly vision that has been called an 8th wonder of theworld. Legend has it that they were paving stones laid by amythical giant.

The sheer number of sights and things to do in Ireland can makeplanning a trip on your own overwhelming. Companies like Tauckspecialize in finding not just the best activities for travelers,but also in streamlining their journey, taking care oftransportation, entertainment, hotels and other travelessentials.

To find out more about touring Ireland’s best sights, explore anE-Brochure and more, visit Tauck’s website at www.Tauck.com.