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Andrew and I have talked about doing a tour of Ireland for years. Next year, we will make it happen. How? We're organizing a vacation tour of Ireland. And we want you to join us.
We put this tour together with the Irish and Renaissance festival fan in mind. We've never been to Ireland. So we wanted an overview of some of the coolest places to go for your first trip. We'll take you through the Republic of Ireland, starting in Dublin then heading south to Boyne Valley, Newgrange, the Rock of Cashel, Killarney, out to the Dingle Peninsula, Tralee, Cliffs of Moher, Lisdoonvarna, Galway, Poulnabrone Dolman, and finish up with a Medieval banquet in the 15th century Bunratty Castle. Plus, you'll have live music throughout the event courtesy of yours truly, the Brobdingnagian Bards.
The base cost for the land trip is just $1658. This is based on double occupancy. It includes all the transportation around the island, entry to the historic sites, and breakfast and dinner every day of the trip. This does not include air travel since air travel may fluctuate or you may choose to use frequent flyer miles. There is an additional $850 if you choose to
fly with us roundtrip from NYC/JFK on Aer Lingus to Dublin (and back through Shannon).
Airfare and hotel need to be booked as soon as possible and limited space is available. So please pay your deposit as soon as possible to reserve your space on the trip.
Itinerary - June 2007
Thu, June 7 - UNITED STATES TO DUBLIN
Depart your hometown and take an overnight flight across the Atlantic. Enjoy in-flight entertainment and meal service as you travel to start your vacation.
Fri, June 8 - DUBLIN ARRIVAL & BOYNE VALLEY VISITOR CENTER
After landing at Dublin Airport, complete customs and immigration formalities. Then your CIE Tours driver/guide will welcome you to Ireland and escort you and your luggage to the coach. Journey north to Slane to visit the Boyne Valley Visitor Centre where you can learn about the nearby underground burial sights, exhibits and audio-visual presentations. Walk through a full-size replica of the largest tumulus, Knowth, before visiting the actual site. The Megalithic Passage Tomb at Knowth was built about 3200 BC. The kidney shaped mound covers an area of over one acre and is surrounded by 97 kerbstones, some of which are richly decorated with megalithic art. It is estimated that the construction of the Passage Tomb at Knowth would have taken a work force of 300 at least 20 years. Return to Dublin and visit the Guinness Storehouse to see exhibits on how this world famous stout was first created and why it is so popular today. Finish your visit in the roof-top bar, Gravity, overlooking the city center where you can sample a draft Guinness and enjoy the view of the city. After your visit enjoy some time to relax and settle in before joining your group for dinner.
This evening drive to the town of Rathfarnham to Taylor’s Three Rock for dinner followed by a lively show of traditional Irish songs and music.
OVERNIGHT: TRINITY CAPITAL HOTEL, DUBLIN
Sat, June 9 - DUBLIN HIGHLIGHTS
This morning visit Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin’s oldest building, which was founded in 1038 by King Sitric, later rebuilt in 1169 by Strongbow, and restored in Gothic style in 1871. The crypt dates from 1172 and both cathedral and crypt contain remarkable monuments and sculptures. Next cross the Gothic-style pedestrian bridge to visit Dublinia, a medieval heritage center where history comes to life through life-sized figures and many artifacts from the nearby Viking excavations. You can climb the 17th century tower for a view of Dublin and check out the punishment stocks and suits of armor. Continue on to Trinity College to view the 8th century Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript of the gospels. Then drive to your hotel and check in. The remainder of the afternoon is free for independent activities. In the evening you are free to choose from the many restaurants, theaters and pubs that Dublin can offer.
OVERNIGHT: TRINITY CAPITAL HOTEL, DUBLIN
Sun, June 10 - ROCK OF CASHEL & KILLARNEY
Depart Dublin and drive through the prosperous farming country and marketing towns of the midland region of Ireland. Stop to visit the Rock of Cashel, the seat of the high kings of Munster before its transfer to the church in the 12th century. Visit the impressive grouping of ecclesiastical ruins, especially Cormac’s Chapel which is an excellent example of 12th century Hiberno-Romanesque architecture. Then travel through County Cork and into the rugged countryside of County Kerry where the town of Killarney is charmingly located with a backdrop of mountains and lakes. Upon arrival in Killarney check into your hotel and enjoy some time to relax and settle in before joining your group for dinner.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT: KILLARNEY TOWERS HOTEL, KILLARNEY
Mon, June 11 - DINGLE PENINSULA TOUR
Depart Killarney and drive via Killorglin and out along the Dingle Peninsula. Journey along the scenic road which winds along portions of the shoreline and through hilly country, enjoying spectacular views of mountains and coast, with new vistas opening up at every turn in the road. You can also see the Iveragh Peninsula to the south. Stop in the town of Dingle before driving to the very tip of the peninsula to see the primitive stone "beehive" huts of the early monks and the Gallarus Oratory, built in the 6th century of unmortared stone and watertight after 14 centuries. Return along the peninsula to the town of Tralee. Then travel south back to Killarney and enjoy some time to relax and freshen up before dinner.
This evening enjoy dinner and entertainment at Kate Kearney’s Cottage, which is picturesquely situated at the entrance to what must be the most beautiful glaciated valley in Ireland, the Gap of Dunloe. The Irish night consists of a superb meal and traditional entertainment, which includes songs and musicians playing a wide array of instruments along with costumed dancers doing the jig and other traditional sets.
OVERNIGHT: KILLARNEY TOWERS HOTEL, KILLARNEY
Tue, June 12 - CLIFFS OF MOHER & LISDOONVARNA
Leaving Killarney travel via Tralee and Listowel to Tarbert where you take the ferry across the wide mouth of the River Shannon. Drive via Lahinch to view the Cliffs of Moher. The impressive wall of rock rises to a height of almost 700 feet above the churning Atlantic Ocean and stretches for five miles along the coast. Then drive a short distance north to the town of Lisdoonvarna and check into your hotel. Enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure before joining your group for dinner in the hotel restaurant.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT: WHITES HOTEL, LISDOONVARNA
Wed, June 13 - GALWAY CITY SIGHTSEEING
This morning travel north through the Burren and around the shores of Galway Bay to reach the city of Galway. Upon arrival embark on a panoramic your to see the principal sights of the city. A drive around will take you to the large modern cathedral set on an island on the River Corrib. See the Spanish Arch in the Claddagh area, formerly a fishing village, the City Museum, National University of Galway and the Cathedral of Our Lady, which is built on the site of the former county jail. After your tour spend some time around Eyre Square, the hub of the city. Most of the shops are within easy reach and there are also many quaint pubs where Irish traditional music is played. Return to Lisdoonvarna in time for dinner in the hotel restaurant. After dinner board the coach and drive to the town of Doolin where you and your fellow travelers will have an opportunity to do some pub hopping. Return to your hotel in Lisdoonvarna for your overnight stay.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT: WHITES HOTEL, LISDOONVARNA
Thu, June 14 - POULNABRONE DOLMEN & BUNRATTY
Depart Galway this morning and travel through the Burren Country, a region of limestone hills containing a wealth of rare flowers and prehistoric stone monuments and stop to visit Poulnabrone Dolman, one of the most dramatic stone grave markers built about 4000 years ago. Like a piece of sculpture, it is one of the most photographed in the world. Continue your drive to the village of Bunratty and check into your hotel where you will have some free time in the afternoon. You may choose to relax or explore some of the attractions near your hotel-choose from Bunratty Folk Park, Bunratty Village Mills and Durty Nelly’s Pub.
This evening join in the fun and feasting at Bunratty or Knappogue Castle. Your medieval-style banquet is served in the Great Hall of the 15th century castle during which the lords and ladies of the castle transport you in spirit to the Middle Ages with their songs and stories.
OVERNIGHT: BUNRATTY CASTLE HOTEL, BUNRATTY
Fri, June 15 - RETURN TO THE UNITED STATES
Sadly, today your Irish vacation has come to its final day. Transfer to Shannon Airport in good time to check in for your flight. You may do some last minute shopping at the duty free stores. Then clear U.S. Immigration before boarding your aircraft and flying across the Atlantic Ocean back to the United States.
Costs for the June 2007 Bus Tour
LAND FARES - $1658
- Single Room Supplement $295.00
HOTELS:
- Temple Bar Hotel, Dublin 2 nights
- Killarney Towers Hotel, Killarney 2 nights
- Whites Hotel, Lisdoonvarna 2 nights
- Bunratty Castle Hotel, Bunratty 1 night
LAND FARE INCLUDES
- Transport by luxury motorcoach with a driver/guide (one man) for 8 days.
- Hotel accommodation based on twin bedded rooms with private bath as listed opposite for 7 nights.
- Full breakfasts (7).
- Table d’hôte dinners (3).
- Dinner and evening entertainment at Taylor's Three Rock
- Traditional Irish ceili at Kate Kearney's Cottage
- Medieval banquet at an Irish castle
- Passage on the Tarbert Ferry
- Visits and admission fees to:
- Christchurch Cathedral
- Dublinia
- Trinity College (Book of Kells)
- Boyne Valley Visitor Centre & Newgrange
- Guinness Storehouse
- Rock of Cashel
- Gallarus Oratory
- Cliffs of Moher
- Poulnabrone Dolmen
- Hotel porterage, service charges and government taxes.
- Flight bags, ticket wallets, baggage tags and identifying strap.
ESTIMATED AIR FARES ABOARD AER LINGUS
- Round trip flights between JFK/DUB and SNN/JFK.
- Airfare $850 (this includes Airport departure taxes)
- To utilize these rates, the full airfare payment must be received by 65 days
prior to departure. Otherwise it may be subject to higher rate.
ESTIMATED TRAVEL PROTECTION PLAN
- Premium per person $119.00
- CIE Tours International offers this travel policy with Trip Mate (see attached information sheet). Protection Plan can only be purchased at the time of deposit.
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