Volvo OceanRace Galway
West Ireland
Golf 4 day Stay 2008/09 |
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20 Shades of Ireland - Heritage Tour 2008 - 2009
Day 1 - Depart U.S. for Shannon - Welcome aboard your overnight flight to Shannon. Relax with inflight entertainment and meal service. (for optional flights from your home city - Call 1-800-633-0505 for rates). Day 2 - Shannonside & Medieval Feast - Land at Shannon Airport, pass through immigration and pick up your luggage. Locate the our Tours desk in the Arrivals Hall where our staff will arrange a group transfer to your nearby hotel. Complimentary transfers will be offered from Shannon Airport between 7:00 am and 12:00 noon. If your flight arrives later than 12:00 noon, you must transfer to the hotel at your own expense. This afternoon you are at leisure to rest after your journey or take a stroll on your own through Bunratty Folk Park, which is located close to your hotel. Join your fellow travelers for a welcome drink before heading to the 15th century Bunratty or Knappogue Castle for a medieval-style meal and entertainment. (D) Day 3 - Cliffs of Moher & Killarney - Drive west through Ennis and Lahinch to see the Cliffs of Moher, which rise almost 700 feet above the pounding Atlantic surf. Then cross the wide River Shannon Estuary on a short ferry ride to Tarbert and travel through Listowel and Castleisland to Killarney. This little town is world-famous due to its exquisite location beside lakes and mountains. After checking into your hotel, head out to view some of the scenery. Drive to the Killarney National Park to Muckross House and Gardens, set on the idyllic shores of Muckross Lake. Tour the house with a local guide to learn about the history and lifestyles of previous owners and perhaps stroll through the gardens on the shores of Muckross Lake. (B, D) Day 4 - Ring of Kerry - Embark on Ireland's most popular scenic drive - the Ring of Kerry. This circular tour will reveal constantly-changing vistas of mountains, open Atlantic Ocean, beaches and cliffs. Stop at the Gap of Dunloe to view the "Essence of Kerry," an audio visual show to highlight the region. As you travel, enjoy plenty of breaks to admire the natural beauty all along the way. Drive through the remote towns of Cahirciveen and Waterville, where Charlie Chaplin loved to vacation. Return through the colorful village of Sneem and stop at Moll's Gap to view the three lakes with the mountains and town in the background. Back in Killarney enjoy free time to look around the town before dinner. (B, D) Day 5 - Blarney Castle & Cobh Heritage Centre - Depart Killarney and drive through Macroom to Blarney. Stop at the Blarney Woollen Mills for quality Irish-made goods. If you feel energetic you may climb the steps of Blarney Castle to kiss the fabled "Stone of Eloquence" on your own. Bypass Cork city as you drive to the port town of Cobh. Visit the Cobh Heritage Centre, which traces the history of emigration from Ireland to the United States. Learn about travel conditions for the many Irish emigrants on early sailing ships and steam vessels. Follow the coastal route via the town of Youghal to Waterford for dinner and an overnight stay. This evening a local historian will give you a talk on Waterford's Viking and medieval past. (B, D) Day 6 - Waterford Crystal & Merry Ploughboy Pub - Visit the Waterford Crystal Factory to see the cutting and polishing of this fine product and also the excellent display of trophies and stemware in the showrooms. Head north to Kilkenny with its intriguing medieval streets and buildings. Stop for a stroll through the narrow streets and view the massive castle from its rose gardens. Continue to Dun Laoghaire, on the south side of Dublin, and check into your hotel. In the evening drive to the Merry Ploughboy Pub for a great dinner of Irish specialties, which is followed by a lively show of traditional Irish songs and intricate step-dancing. (B, D) Day 7 - Dublin Tour & the Book of Kells - Relax on a half-day guided tour of Dublin, founded by Vikings over 1,000 years ago. See elegant Georgian squares with townhouses and their famous colorful doors, pass the lush vegetation of St. Stephen's Green, cross the River Liffey to drive along the wide thoroughfare of O'Connell Street and pass the General Post Office where the 1916 Rebellion started. Visit Trinity College's Old Library to view the early illuminated manuscript of the Book of Kells and learn about its creation. The afternoon and evening are free for you to browse, shop, sightsee and dine on your own. (B) Day 8 - Depart for Home - Complimentary group transfers are provided to Dublin Airport. After check-in, you'll have time to shop at the duty-free stores before your flight for the journey home. (B) |
• Sightseeing by luxury coach throughout the tour with an
Come and Experience the Warmth and Charm of Ireland!
Irish American International Tours
3525 West Chester Pike * Newtown Square, PA 19073
Tel: 610-543-0785 / Fax: 610-359-0504
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Rates effective as of 09 September 2008