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SOURCING
We visit Ireland to find most of our items, where our sources range from cottage crafters to brand name suppliers such as Belleek and Waterford. Also many of our Irish and Celtic themed items come from Scotland, Wales, England, Continental Europe, the United States and imported from Asia.
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Fall Itinerary
The adventure begins on your departure date, as our guest travelers
will fly from their home cities to the gateway airports of Chicago,
Boston, JFK, Newark and Los Angeles. Flights will be overnight across
the Atlantic on Aer Lingus and will include dinner and a continental
breakfast.
Thursday, September 24: United States to Dublin
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Depart your hometown and take an overnight flight across the Atlantic. Enjoy in-flight entertainment and meal service as you start your vacation.
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Friday, September 25: Dublin Highlights
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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 motorcoach. Take an orientation drive around Dublin city center. Dublin is one of the liveliest capitals in Europe but there are plenty of historical places also. See the main thoroughfares of O’Connell Street and Nassau Street, the shopping streets and some lovely public parks. Then drive to your hotel and check in. After you settle into your room you may like to rest or explore some of the city on your own before dinner.
This evening drive to the town of Rathfarnham to Merry Ploughboys Pub for dinner followed by a lively show of traditional Irish songs, dancing, and music. Overnight: Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire
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Saturday, September 26: Dublin Highlights
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Set off with a local guide who will show you around the prominent historic buildings and monuments of Dublin. Dublin is an ancient settlement, founded by the Vikings in the 9th century. The city has been molded through the centuries with many architectural styles, reflecting the economic, political, and artistic influences. Tour St. Patrick’s Cathedral, almost as old as the city itself and famous for its connections with the brilliantly eccentric Dean Jonathan Swift. The afternoon and evening are free for independent activities, sightseeing, shopping, pubs, dining and much more. Overnight: Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire
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Sunday, September 27: Glendalough & Kilkenny
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Drive south from Dublin through the mountains to visit the scenic valley where Glendalough is located. Glendalough was an important monastic settlement, founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century, which became one of the most important centers of learning in Europe. Today, the well-preserved round tower and church ruins are interesting to explore and the Visitor Center explains the history of the settlement. Drive across the mountains to Kilkenny, a historic town dominated by its large castle and with many narrow streets and ancient houses. Take a guided walking tour around Kilkenny where the narrow streets follow the medieval patterns. Visit Kilkenny Castle, home of the Butlers, Earls and Dukes of Ormonde. The castle was first built in 1192 and added onto over the centuries. Restored to 1830’s splendor, it houses wonderful paintings and furniture. After checking into your hotel the rest of day is free before dinner in the hotel restaurant. Dinner & Overnight: Ormonde Hotel, Kilkenny
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Monday, September 28: Blarney & Kinsale
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Head west from Kilkenny and travel through rich farming areas and bustling towns and south past the gentle slopes of the Galtee Mountains on the way to Blarney, which is just a few miles outside Cork city. Climb to the battlements of the castle to kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence” or take a walk through the grounds for a look at the castle, if you do not wish to climb. Also visit the Blarney Woollen Mills which offers an excellent selection of Irish products all under one roof. After your visit, continue into Kinsale and enjoy a walking tour of this picturesque seaport. The town traces its origins back to 1177 when the Anglo-Normans founded a town in a small walled area close to the water. It grew as a port town during the 18th century and today the harbor is favored by yacht owners. The town has steep, narrow streets with many fine Georgian houses. Today it is renowned as “the gourmet capital” of Ireland as there are many award-winning restaurants and pubs. Check into your hotel prior to dining with your fellow travelers. Dinner & Overnight: Trident Hotel, Kinsale
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Tuesday, September 29: Cobh Heritage Centre & Cruise of Kinsale Harbour
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Today drive through the center of Cork to visit the Cobh Heritage Centre, where many emigrants left Ireland to create a new life in the United States. Displays are housed in the former rail station through which all travelers had to pass and tell of the ships and luxury liners that sailed from here. Then drive a short distance to the east of Cork to Midleton to visit the Jameson Heritage Center. Walk through the old buildings and see the largest pot still in the world while your guide explains how whiskey is made. At the end of your tour, enjoy a sampling of the finished product. Return to Kinsale for an afternoon harbour cruise. Sail out of the harbour and enjoy some of the best scenery Kinsale has to offer before heading back to your hotel before dinner. Dinner & Overnight: Trident Hotel, Kinsale
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Wednesday, September 30: West Cork & Killarney
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After breakfast, depart Kinsale and travel along the heavily indented coastline popular for sports and vacations. Pass the charming town of Clonakilty on your way to Glengariff at the head of Bantry Bay. This is one of the mildest regions in Ireland due to the Gulf Stream and the sheltered bay where you can see many subtropical trees and bushes, especially palm trees. Continue across the Caha Mountains to Kenmare and on to Moll’s Gap for views of Killarney, its three lakes and mountains. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy some time to freshen up before dinner in the hotel restaurant. Dinner & Overnight: Killarney Plaza Hotel, Killarney
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Thursday, October 1: Dingle Peninsula & Blasket Centre
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Today discover the beauties of the Dingle Peninsula, made famous by David Lean’s movie, “Ryan’s Daughter.” Drive along the south shore of the peninsula for plenty of vistas of heathery mountains, sandy stretches of beach and rocky headlands. There will be frequent stops at strategic locations to admire the views and take photos. Stop in Dingle before continuing to the western tip of the peninsula. Visit the Blasket Centre in Dunquin to learn about the Blasket Islands, inhabited until 1953 by hardy families who eked out a living by farming and fishing. Return to Killarney before dinner with your group.
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 before dinner. Overnight: Killarney Plaza Hotel, Killarney
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Friday, October 2: Kenmare & Molls Gap
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Today explore part of the Ring of Kerry which is often considered one of the finest coastal tours in all of Europe as it is full of both captivating mountain and coastal scenery. Enjoy plenty of stops to view the scenery and take photos. Travel south to Moll’s Gap, a wonderful vantage point to view the three lakes of Killarney with the mountains and the town in the background. Stop in the market town of Kenmare where traditional buildings are brightly painted and enhanced with flowers. Continue to Ladies’ View for another spectacular view over Killarney’s lakes and mountains. Return to Killarney for some free time to look around the town before dinner. Dinner & Overnight: Killarney Plaza Hotel, Killarney
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Saturday, October 3: Cliffs Of Moher & Bunratty
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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. See part of the Burren Country, a region of limestone hills containing a wealth of rare flowers and prehistoric stone monuments on the way to Bunratty. 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, 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
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| Sunday, October 4: Return to the United States |
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. •
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How much will it cost per person?
$3,190 from Boston or JFK: Priced upon request from Chicago. Prices based on double
occupancy. Single room supplement: $499. Prices do not include airport
departure tax of $105. Insurance: $149.
What does this include?
- What does this include?
- Transport by luxury motorcoach with a driver/guide for 10 days.
- Hotel accommodation based on twin bedded rooms with private bath for 9 nights.
- Nine full breakfasts.
- Six table d'hote dinners.
- Dinner and evening entertainment at Merry Ploughboys Pub.
- Medieval banquet at an Irish Castle.
- Guided tour of Dublin.
- Guided walking tour of Derry & Westport.
- Visits and admission fees to: St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Glendalough, Kilkenny Castle, Blarney Castle & Woollen Mills, Cobh Heritage Centre, Jameson Heritage Centre, Blasket Centre, Cliffs of Moher.
- Hotel porterage, service charges, and government taxes.
- Flight bags, ticket wallets, baggage tags, and identifying strap.
For any other questions you may have:
Call: 1-800-453-6696 and ask for Kate Naples. Kate is our Travel
Specialist and she will answer any questions you may have and send
you an enrollment form if you wish to register for any of the tours.
Kate may also be reached by fax: 1-877-213-3600 or e-mail: katie@shopirish.com.
Creative Irish Gifts financially supports the efforts of The Irish
Children's Fund and Northern Ireland Children's Project.
These not-for-profit organizations foster understanding between
Protestant and Catholic youngsters in Belfast.
Click here to download a tour enrollment form!
Tour Home | Isle Tour I | Isle Tour II | Contact Katie@shopirish.com
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Isle
of Ireland Tour
