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Highlights of Ireland2009
Enjoy touring Ireland while our experienced driver takes you on a leisurely journey through beautiful towns, villages, and other dramatic scenery. Ireland truly is a magical country. Prepare to be amazed by her breathtaking scenery and the many interesting attractions you will encounter, including Trinity College, Kilkenny Castle, Rock of Cashel, Ireland's only fjord, and the Guinness Storehouse. This is our most requested escorted tour for over 10 years.
This tour is limited to 26 participants.
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Included:
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Tour Dates 2009
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| Depart USA |
Arrive Dublin |
Depart Shannon |
Land only*
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- Eight nights first class hotels
- Full Irish breakfast daily(B)
- Six table d'hote dinners(D)
- Special dinner with entertainment in Dublin at Dublin's oldest pub(D)
- Services of an experienced Irish driver/guide
- Admissions as highlighted on the itinerary
- Porterage of one suitcase
- All service charges & local government taxes
- Isle Inn Tours flight bag & luggage tag
- Deluxe document holder with informational booklet
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| April 16 |
April 17 |
April 25
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$1699 |
| May 21 |
May 22 |
May 30
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$1895 |
| June 4 |
June 5 |
June 13
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$1945 |
| July 2 |
July 3 |
July 11
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$1965
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| Sept 3 |
Sept 4 |
Sept 12
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$1965 |
| Oct 15 |
Oct 16 |
Oct 24
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$1699 |
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Single Supplement $469
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* Land only based on double occupancy
SHAMROCK SPECIAL: Book by St. Patrick's day 2009 (March 17th) and receive a discount of $100 per person.
Legend: B = Breakfast D = Dinner
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ITINERARY
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Day 1
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Depart the United States on your overnight flight to Dublin, Ireland. Our travel planners are available to assist with your flight arrangements.
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Day 2
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 Cead mile failte! Meet your Irish driver/guide in the arrivals hall and start your journey. Your early arrival should have you ready for traditional tea and scones at Malahide Castle. Following a leisurely visit, enjoy a scenic drive along the coast before arriving at your city center hotel. The evening is free to explore this vibrant city and dine in one of the many traditional pubs or restaurants. Overnight: Camden Court Hotel, Dublin (B)
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Day 3
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After breakfast, enjoy a sightseeing tour around Dublin City. You will see elegant Georgian squares and houses, colorful parks, and bustling shopping areas. Take a guided tour of Trinity College, one of the oldest centers of learning, dating to the 16th century. The library is home to the world-renowned 9th century Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript with meticulous artwork around the borders. The city tour will end at the Guinness Storehouse where you can explore exhibits with over 250 years of creative history. Your tour ends in the Gravity Bar with a pint of Guinness and a great view of Dublin. Remainder of afternoon is free. Tonight enjoy a candle-lit dinner in Ireland's oldest pub, The Brazen Head, including storytelling and an insightful look into Irish folklore. Overnight: Camden Court Hotel, Dublin (B, D)
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Day 4
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As you journey to Galway, you will stop by the Japanese Gardens and National Stud. Learn about Ireland's exciting horse breeding industry and enjoy a stroll through the Japanese Gardens. Before arriving in Galway City for a brief city tour, you will visit the Monastic site of Clonmacnoise. A guided tour of this site will show you some of the best examples of high crosses and round towers in Ireland. Overnight: Galway Bay Hotel, Galway (B, D)
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Day 5
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Today will be filled with spectacular scenery from land and sea. A scenic drive through the wild and wonderful Connemara region, where colorful wildflowers bloom, leads you to the highlight of your day, a cruise along Killary Harbor, Ireland's only fjord. Enjoy complimentary tea and scones as you take in some of Ireland's finest scenery from the comfort of this luxurious purpose-built catamaran. Back on land, you will continue to Kylemore Abbey, one of the most photographed locations in Ireland and home to the Benedictine nuns. Overnight: Galway Bay Hotel, Galway (B, D)
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Day 6
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Traveling along the coast of Clare and the lunar landscapes of the Burren, today's tour features the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher that stand 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. Continue to the medieval city of Kilkenny with plenty of free time to explore the city before dinner. Set in the heart of the city, your hotel is steps from countless pubs and shops. Overnight: Hibernian Hotel, Kilkenny (B, D)
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Day 7
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Start the day with a guided tour of the 12th century Kilkenny Castle, home to the Butler family for centuries and now restored to its original splendor. Board your motorcoach for a trip to the world renowned Waterford Crystal Factory where you can observe skilled craftsmen blow, cut, and polish this Irish keepsake. Peruse the exquisite showrooms and shop for the perfect piece to bring home. Return to Kilkenny in the late afternoon. Overnight: Hibernian Hotel, Kilkenny (B, D)
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Day 8
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Today includes two legendary highlights of Ireland. Your first visit is the Rock of Cashel, an enormous limestone mound bristling with ancient fortifications. These include a cathedral, chapel, and castle, some of which date back to the 12th century. A brief audio/visual presentation of this mighty structure helps explain its historical significance. As you continue your drive to Killarney, your next stop will be Blarney Castle, where those energetic enough will have an opportunity to climb the 104 steps to kiss the stone located in the battlements and gain "the gift of the gab." Others may wish to spend their time shopping at the Woolen Mills. Arrive Killarney in the early evening for hotel check-in and time to relax before dinner in your hotel. Overnight: Killarney Avenue Hotel, Killarney (B, D)
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Day 9
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Today your driver/guide will take you on a tour with such beautiful scenery, the memories will last a lifetime. The Ring of Kerry is one of the most spectacular scenic drives in all of Ireland. It is 110 miles of dramatic coastal and mountain scenery, enveloping the towns of Killorglin, Glenbeigh, Cahirsiveen, Waterville, Sneem, Kenmare, and Killarney. Return to Killarney with time to explore the town or enjoy a pint in the hotel pub before dinner with your group. Overnight: Killarney Avenue Hotel, Killarney (B, D)
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Day 10
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Arrive Shannon Airport with plenty of time for last minute duty-free shopping and airport check-in. (B)
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