HOME     ABOUT US      RESERVATIONS      MAILING LIST      FAQ      PHOTO ALBUM      PAYPAL      BLOG     REFERENCES
~

 

 

A Taste of Ireland
Sunday Nov. 8-Sunday Nov. 15th
ONLY $1015 PERSON + Air

                   
The Cliffs of Moher                                             Blarney Castle             

Join us for a unique tour of the Emerald Isle of Ireland.

We will visit the attractions of Dublin, the pubs of Galway, the dramatic Cliffs of Moher and the scenic drive that is the famed Ring of Kerry.

Included meals:   B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner -

Day 1-  Sunday Nov. 8th -   Arrive Dublin & City Sightseeing Welcome to Dublin.

Arrive in Dublin on your own flight arrangement.  You will be picked up at the airport and transferred to our hotel in Dublin.  
Today you may use your included independent open-top hop on hop off bus tour voucher to see all the major sights in the city center at your own pace.  You may stay on the bus or get off and on at various attractions. Also included is a visit to your choice of the Guinness Beer factory or Jameson Whisky factory for a tour and tasting – these features are valid for 48 hours. Evening free for dining.

 

Day 2: Monday Nov. 9th - Dublin & Merry Ploughboy Pub

Enjoy a free morning in Dublin for further sightseeing with the included vouchers. At 2:00 pm from your hotel join a local guide for a tour of ancient and modern Dublin. Drive through the main streets to see historic buildings such as Trinity College, where the Book of Kells is housed; the evocative figures of the Famine Memorial; and rows of Georgian houses with gaily-painted doorways. Take a guided tour through parts of Dublin Castle, which was the seat of power and government for many centuries and today plays a leading role in European Union activities. Return to your hotel for a get-together with your tour group and a welcome drink. In the evening head to the Merry Ploughboy Pub for a great dinner of Irish specialties and a lively show with popular Irish songs and intricate step-dancing. (B, D)

Dublin’s Merry Ploughboy Pub Dinner/Show - Enjoy the very best of fresh Irish food followed by entertainment with one of Ireland’s leading traditional Irish music groups, The Merry Ploughboys, and Irish dancing. From start to finish, this is a show based on fantastic interaction between the performers and the audience.

 

Day 3: Tuesday Nov. 10th - Blarney Castle & Killarney

Depart Dublin and travel through the midlands of Ireland, which has many mixed farms. Stop for photos of the stately ruins on the Rock of Cashel, rising high above the surrounding plain. Continue your drive south and, just a few miles outside Cork, visit Blarney Castle to kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence.”

Kiss The Blarney Stone Built nearly 600 years ago by one of Ireland’s greatest chieftains, Cormac MacCarthy, this stronghold has been attracting attention ever since. Millions have flocked to Blarney to kiss the legendary Stone of Eloquence, found at the top of the tower, making it one of Ireland’s greatest treasures.

 
Blarney Castle

Also visit the Blarney Woollen Mills where you can find quality Irish made goods of all types, conveniently displayed under one roof. Drive through Macroom, built around a fine castle, and into County Kerry where the scenery becomes more mountainous. Arrive in Killarney, picturesquely set beside lakes with Ireland’s highest mountains, the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks, forming a backdrop. Check in to your hotel and relax before dinner. (B, D)

Description: Killarney Lakes and Jaunting Cars.
View  You can see the three Lakes of Killarney, Derrycunnihny Oak Woods, the Eagles Nest, Torc Mountain either side of the lakes. To the left the Gap od Dunloe, Purple Mountain and the MacGillycuddy Reeks.

 

Day 4: Wed. Nov. 11th - Ring of Kerry & Skellig Experience

Today embark on Ireland’s most popular scenic drive of 100 miles – the Ring of Kerry. This winding route reveals breathtaking sights of the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks as well as coastal views of beaches and cliffs. As you travel along, there will be plenty of stops for photos at the best vantage points.

The Ring of Kerry Tour - One of Ireland’s most popular circular drives around the Iveragh Peninsula, starting and ending in Killarney. The 100-mile route of ever-changing scenery of mountains and shoreline combined with varying weather conditions ensures splendid views.

Description: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2f/Ring_of_Kerry-Scenic_view_southwest.jpg/220px-Ring_of_Kerry-Scenic_view_southwest.jpg 
scenic view along the Ring of Kerry

 

Stop at Kells to meet a local farmer, Brendan Ferris, for a taste of farm life with a sheepdog demonstration of herding flocks and see different breeds of sheep. Drive through the village of Cahirciveen and cross to Valentia Island by bridge where you’ll visit the Skellig Experience to learn about the nearby rocky islands where early Christian monks lived in austere conditions. Sit down to a casual lunch in a cozy restaurant. Stop to walk around Sneem, where brightly-painted houses are grouped around a central green. Pause at Moll’s Gap for panoramic views of Ireland’s highest mountains and deep valleys. Return to Killarney and enjoy a free evening for independent dining or exploring the many pubs in the town. (B, L)

Day 5: Thursday Nov. 12th - Cliffs of Moher & Bunratty Castle

Leave Killarney and drive north to Tarbert for a 20-minute ferry ride across the wide River Shannon Estuary. Your tour continues along the Clare coast to the Cliffs of Moher, a spectacular wall of sandstone that reaches to almost 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean.

The Cliffs of Moher are One of Ireland’s top visitor attractions, the cliffs are 700 feet high and extend for 5 miles over the Atlantic Ocean on the western seaboard of County Clare. O’Brien’s Tower stands proudly on a headland and one can see the Aran Islands, Galway Bay and Connemara. The cliffs are home to major colonies of cliff nesting seabirds

       
The Cliffs of Moher                             Puffins along the Cliffs of Moher

Drive past Lahinch Golf Course, one of Ireland’s most famous, and through the marketing town of Ennis to Bunratty. Check in to Bunratty Castle Hotel, which is located close to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. In the evening head to Bunratty Castle for a memorable experience in a wonderful setting with good food and entertainment. Take your place in the Great Hall for a medieval-style feast of excellent dishes and plenty of wine. During and after the meal the lords and ladies will serenade you with song and harp music, evocative of the Middle Ages. (B, D)

Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet - The evening begins with a mead reception in the Great Hall of the 15th century castle, followed by a four-course meal with wines. Entertainment is provided by the world renowned Bunratty Castle Entertainers accompanied by harp and violin.

Description: Bunrattybig.jpg
Bunratty Castle

Day 6: Friday Nov. 13th - Dublin via Galway

Drive north to Galway city for a panoramic tour and take some time to look around the city before traveling out along the famous Galway Bay to Spiddal where the locals still speak the Irish language. Then drive across the rugged boglands of Connemara to Moycullen to visit the Connemara Marble Factory. See how locally-quarried marble is made into attractive products and enjoy tea and scones. Travel across the country to Dublin and check in to a different hotel. This evening you are free to spend the final night of your tour exploring the pubs in the lively Temple Bar area or experience one of Dublin’s fine restaurants. (B)

Day 7: Saturday Nov. 14th - Depart from Dublin.  Your program ends after breakfast today and then an included transfer to the Dublin airport. (B)

Do wish to stay one more night in Dublin.  One optional post tour night in Dublin is available upon request for only $88 with a roommate or $132 single occupancy (not including transfer to the airport. Transfer to the airport on this day is available for an additional $30 per person.  )

Highlights:

Enjoy the very best of fresh Irish food followed by entertainment with one of Ireland’s leading traditional Irish music groups, The Merry Ploughboys, and Irish dancing. From start to finish, this is a show based on fantastic interaction between the performers and the audience.

The evening begins with a mead reception in the Great Hall of the 15th century castle, followed by a four-course meal with wines. Entertainment is provided by the world renowned Bunratty Castle Entertainers accompanied by harp and violin.

Sheep farming is an important part of country life and watch a farmer with his working dogs control a flock of sheep. See how agile dogs obey various commands to round up sheep, especially useful in mountainous regions.

Built nearly 600 years ago by one of Ireland’s greatest chieftains, Cormac MacCarthy, this stronghold has been attracting attention ever since. Millions have flocked to Blarney to kiss the legendary Stone of Eloquence, found at the top of the tower, making it one of Ireland’s greatest treasures.

One of Ireland’s most popular circular drives around the Iveragh Peninsula, starting and ending in Killarney. The 100-mile route of ever-changing scenery of mountains and shoreline combined with varying weather conditions ensures splendid views.

One of Ireland’s top visitor attractions, the cliffs are 700 feet high and extend for 5 miles over the Atlantic Ocean on the western seaboard of County Clare. O’Brien’s Tower stands proudly on a headland and one can see the Aran Islands, Galway Bay and Connemara. The cliffs are home to major colonies of cliff nesting seabirds.
Hotels:
Superior & First Class

This hotel was once a Masonic School and still retains many striking original features to give it a unique charm. Standard rooms are tastefully decorated and boast a fresh and warm feeling. The Brasserie Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with fresh, seasonal and sustainable produce. Tom’s Bar is a great place to relax with a drink or a snack.

Location: Set in Ballsbridge, close to the Royal Dublin Society and Aviva Stadium. A short distance to the city center with good bus service close by.

Dublin (2 nights)

This modern hotel provides guests with 182 rooms that are comfortable and include satellite TV and video facilities. An excellent restaurant serves great Irish breakfasts and carvery dinners while the choice of bars offer live music most nights. Enjoy a strenuous workout or leisurely dip in the pool in the extensive leisure center. Located in the center of Killarney town within easy walking distance of shops, restaurants, pubs and the Killarney National Park. Hotel parking.

Killarney (2 nights)

This hotel is named for the famous Bunratty Castle, just across the road. Originally a Georgian mansion, the hotel offers the perfect place to relax in a traditional atmosphere and decor. All guest rooms are spacious and equipped with everything for a comfortable stay. The traditional pub is a great place for a drink or casual food. Only 8 miles from Shannon Airport, the hotel is within easy walking distance of Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Durty Nelly's Pub and shops at the Bunratty Village Mills. Hotel parking.

Bunratty (1 night)

This modern and centrally-located hotel offers 285 rooms of several types. All public areas are spacious and comfortable, including the large reception and lobby area, Sir Harry's Bar & Bistro, Oscar's Restaurant and Abacus Asian Restaurant. Complimentary WiFi throughout hotel. Located on Cathal Brugha Street, just off O'Connell Street, one of Dublin’s main thoroughfares. Within easy walking distance of Trinity College, St. Stephen's Green, Temple Bar, shops, galleries and pubs. Parking nearby.

Dublin (1 night)
Tour Includes:

  • Sightseeing by luxury coach
  • Professional driver/guide
  • 6 nights in hotels listed
  • Full breakfast daily (B) except on day 1
  • 3 dinners (D) including
    -  Merry Ploughboy Pub dinner and traditional show
    -  Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet
    -  1 table d’hote dinner in Killarney
  • 1 lunch (L) on Ring of Kerry
  • Welcome get-together drink
  • Tour of Dublin with a local guide
  • Sheepdog trials on Ring of Kerry
  • Ferry ride across the River Shannon
  • Tea and scones at Connemara Marble Factory
  • Dublin open-top bus tour with a visit and drink at Guinness Storehouse or Old Jameson Distillery
  • Visits and admissions to Dublin Castle, Blarney Castle, Blarney Woollen Mills, Skellig Experience and Cliffs of Moher
  • Headsets for walking tours
  • Deluxe carry-on backpack, ticket wallet, luggage tags & strap
  • All local taxes, hotel service charges & porterage for one suitcase per person
  • Free Wi-Fi on coaches and in hotel lobbies

 

Trip cost : $1015 per person with a roommate of the same gender assigned

Optional single room supplement: Only $295.

A $250 deposit is due within 7 days of Booking.  This is refundable if cancelled by July 30th and non refundable if cancelled after July 30th. Balance payment is due August 14th and is non-refundable.

Travel insurance is available upon request.

Passengers should book their own air arriving Dublin November 8th and returning from Dublin November 14th

When booking your air, please note the following for your included transfers:

Transfers to the hotel in Dublin  operate on the arrival day Nov. 8th between 7 am -12 noon.

The departure transfers from the hotel arrive at the airport on Nov. 14th at either 6 am 10 am or 12 noon. (so book your flight not any earlier than say 8:30am)



FINAL PAYMENTS ARE NON REFUNDABLE AT THE DATE FINAL PAYMENT IS RECEIVED. PASSENGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO PURCHASE TRAVEL INSURANCE WHICH WILL PROVIDE REIMBURSEMENT FOR ALL NON REFUNDABLE PAYMENTS FOR CANCELATIONS DUE TO MEDICAL, OR OTHER COVERED REASONS. PLEASE CONTACT US FOR DETAILS ON PURCHASING TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR YOUR TRIP.

Trip Reservation Form




HOME     ABOUT US      RESERVATIONS      MAILING LIST      FAQ      PHOTO ALBUM      PAYPAL     BLOG      REFERENCES
~
Copyright ©2014 Travel Services Worldwide, Inc. All rights reserved.
Site by Shop-N-Tech