Day Trips and Short Breaks 2015 - Commuter Home

Day Trips and Short Breaks 2015
okings See inside for details
o
B
y
l
r
a
E
n
o
t
n
u
5% Disco
“
Thank you for
our wonderful
day’s outing in
Belfast.
Beverly & I, were
very happy to
have Joe as our
tour guide.
The Titanic centre
is a great place to
spend time and
soak up some
history.
As an
experienced
tour guide, Joe
gave us very
interesting and
knowledgeable
insight, to Belfast
today.
“
“
John & Beverly Matthews
I just wanted to
say how much
my sister and
I enjoyed our
recent trip to the
Titanic Centre.
We found the
coach extremely
comfortable. The
driver had all the
timings perfectly
worked out and
he was extremely
helpful and
informative.
Many thanks for
a great day out
“
Rosemary Davis
Welcome
Matthews.ie are Ireland’s fastest-growing tour specialists with a rapidly expanding short breaks and
day tours programme.
The Matthews tour brochure is always keenly anticipated by the company’s many regular travellers,
and Paddy and Mary Matthews welcome you to the 2015 edition as we celebrate the 20th
anniversary of our company.
Our luxury short breaks are generally four days in duration and this year we have an everexpanding year-round programme covering destinations like Historic Wexford and County Mayo,
themes such as The Taste of Ireland and the Northern Adventure and race meetings at Aintree and
Cheltenham.
We offer a full programme of guided day tours within Ireland, which makes us extremely popular
with groups who get to see the country’s beauty spots and return to base on the same day. Our
destinations this year include Mount Stewart House Garden and Craft Fair, Giants Causeway,
Tullamore Show, and Wicklow and Powerscourt House.
Why not join us on a Belfast or Dublin City Tour, or follow the trail of St Patrick through the
Mourne Mountains to Armagh. The company runs regular trips to the new Titanic Centre in
Belfast and we will be visiting the Tall Ships Festival in Belfast on July 4th 2015.
If you are a golf fan, put yourself in the hands of the professionals and let Matthews Coach Hire
make your golfing holiday one to remember. We provide a full service from your door to the 18th
hole - and the low-down on the best way to play the best courses in Ireland.
Our uniformed drivers are friendly, knowledgeable, professional and fully-trained in every aspect
of their job. They know Ireland intimately and are there at all times to provide the best advice on
where to dine, shop and visit.
Matthews’ commuter, corporate hire, and tour services have been built on the highest standards
of customer safety and comfort. We offer a wide selection of specifically designed tours and can
meet any requirements you may have.
We are experts at dealing with social groups and would be delighted to talk to your club or
association about our special group rates.
Matthews travel vouchers are incredibly popular and can be purchased by contacting the company
on 042 9378188. We do all the work, all you have to do is enjoy the trip. We look forward to
welcoming you on board.
Paddy & Mary Matthews
Day Trips 2015
April
May
4th
23rd
€35
€30
Antrim Castle Gardens &
Junction One Shopping
PP
Enjoy a day out in historic Antrim town. First off we
visit Antrim Castle Gardens which are an absolute
historical gem. You will find it hard to find gardens
like these 400-year-old treasures anywhere else
in Northern Ireland. Visit the Garden Heritage
Exhibition where you can read about the history
of the Gardens and the story of the Massereene
Family. After a guided tour we break for lunch and
then head to Junction One for some light retail
therapy. Every coach passenger is greeted personally
and given a site map and their exclusive passenger
discount vouchers, which give you an extra discount
in 40 stores including Marks & Spencer, Clark’s,
Denby, We Make, Thornton’s and many, many more.
A great day out!
May
31st
€35
Mount Stewart House
Garden & Craft Fair
PP
Back by popular demand is a visit to the new
renovated period style house at Mount Stewart. As
well as a tour of this magnificent property enjoy
the Sunday afternoon jazz session in the fabulous
surrounds of Mount Stewart’s fantastic gardens.
Take a picnic with you and relax and enjoy a
different day out along Strangford Lough!
PP
Dublin Adventure
We start our day out at the Historic Malahide Castle with a
guided tour and time for morning tea at Avoca Handweavers.
We then take the coastal route to Dublin City and take a tour
around the ever-changing Capital City. We finish the day off
with a visit to Glasnevin Cemetery and hear about the many
famous characters associated with this national institution.
June
6th
Carlingford &
Irish Whiskey Tour
€30
PP
We start our journey off with a trip through the Cooley Mountains
and this beautiful historical area. Visit the shores of Carlingford
Lough and see the Leprechaun Whisperer. Later we stop for lunch in
Carlingford followed by a guided walking tour of this medieval village.
On our way home we will stop off at Martin’s bar to learn about the
local whiskey and enjoy a ‘wee one’ before we arrive back to base
early evening.
June
13th
Oct
4th
€35
Belfast City Tour &
Crumlin Road Jail
PP
An excellent day out to the capital of Northern Ireland which starts
with a visit to the top new visitor attraction in Belfast, the Crumlin
Road Jail, which is a truly fascinating experience. Later we give
you the option of a fully-guided city tour taking you around all the
major sights of this wonderful city or allow free time to do a little
shopping before heading home in the early evening after a full day
in the North’s Capital.
Day Trips 2015
June
Aug
20th
9th
Aug
22nd
€25
PP
€35
PP
Giant’s Causeway
Enjoy a day out on the Antrim coast and experience
one of Ireland’s most visited heritage sites, the Giant’s
Causeway. A short tour of the coastline is included with
a morning tea/coffee stop with a History of the Glens of
Antrim presentation before our visit to the Causeway.
Tullamore Agricultural Show
€20
child
We spend a day at the Tullamore Agricultural Show and view
many aspects of farming life and much more. A big day out for
all the family. COACH ONLY
Sept
19th
July
4th
€40
PP
€30
PP
Belfast Tall Ships Festival
The magnificent Tall Ships return again to Belfast
for the start of the 2015 Tall Ships Race. Spend the
day at this Maritime Festival event in Belfast’s Titanic
Quarter. A great family day out with lots for everyone
to see and do.
Wicklow & Powerscourt House
Our first stop is at Powerscourt House for a short visit. Later we
travel south through the beautiful countryside to the picturesque
village of Avoca where we visit and see a weaver at work at
Avoca Woollen mills. Afterwards we travel through the Vales
of Avoca and Clara with a stop at Thomas Moore’s Meeting of
the Waters then on to Glendalough where time is allocated to
visit the famous site of St Kevin in its wonderful surroundings. A
great day out in the Garden of Ireland.
July
17th
Oct
23rd
Sept
18th
€40
€40
PP
Mystery Night Out
Our mystery night is not too far from home, but
something you will not experience unless you travel
with Matthews. Enjoy a delicious traditional Irish
dish, before the fun really begins with an Irish music
session, along with story-telling and a drink or two.
An evening of ‘craic agus ceoil’ in a warm and inviting
atmosphere.
PP
Halloween in the Dungeons
Join us on a tour at one of Ireland’s most haunted jail
houses, the Crumlin Road Jail. This tour will take you to
the various hotspots of the jail where Paranormal Activity
has been reported. Our guide will tell you of the harrowing
stories associated with these areas. Your visit will include the
condemned man’s cell, execution chamber, the tunnel and the
flogging room and lots more. Paranormal Gaol Tours are strictly
for over 18s and not for the faint hearted!
March
10 -14
th
Extended Breaks 2015
OUT
SOLD KING
TA
6
NOW FOR 201
S
G
N
I
BOOK
th
April
9th-12th
SOLD
NOW OUT
T
BOO
KING AKING
S FOR
2016
Cheltenham Race Festival
Aintree Grand National Festival
Once again we travel to the world famous race festival
at Cheltenham, where we will sample the hospitality that
welcomes thousands of Irish race fans each year.
After last year’s success we again travel to the home of the Grand
National at Aintree to enjoy this wonderful festival of racing. Enjoy
our full hospitality package and a great festival of racing.
Hotel | Menzies Stourport Manor Hotel
Enjoy 3 days racing at this wonderful race festival that attracts
thousands each year. Package includes transport, tickets, hotel
accommodation and services of driver/guide throughout. One of
our top tours every year!
Hotel | Hampton by Hilton Liverpool City Centre
Enjoy 2 days of Fantastic racing at the Grand National festival.
Package includes transport, tickets, hotel accommodation on
bed and breakfast basis and services of driver/guide throughout.
A big favourite every year.
Price
Per Person Sharing €610.00
Single Supplement €80.00
Price
Per Person Sharing €500.00
Single Supplement €40.00
Book Early to receive 5% Discount on
Standard Prices
If you book one of our Extended breaks early you will be able to avail of a 5%
Discount. Just look out for the golden ticket on relevant tours.
Terms and conditions apply.
Extended Break
Stnd Price
Book Before
Discounted Price
Northern Adventure
€275
13/03/2015 €261
Wexford Party House
€455
04/05/2015 €432
Taste of Ireland €435
19/07/2015 €413
Party in the West
€350
09/08/2015
€333
Christmas Markets Chester and Liverpool
€270
02/10/2015 €257
Short Break
4 Star City
Centre Hotel
Northern Adventure
May
8th-10th
Enjoy a fantastic trip exploring some of Northern Ireland’s hidden jewels. We explore the beauty of the Mourne Mountains, the
captivating Ards Peninsula and historic Belfast on this 3 day mini-break.
Day 1
This morning after our pickups we head for a lovely
drive through the Mourne
Mountains to Downpatrick
and visit the St Patrick’s
Centre. We later take the ferry
across Strangford Lough to
visit the magnificent Mount
Stewart Estate and the
newly-renovated house before
heading to Belfast and our
base for the next two nights
at the famous Europa Hotel.
Dinner in Hotel tonight.
Day 2
This morning we explore the
famous Antrim coast and
have a brief morning stop in
Carnlough at the edge of the
famous 9 Glens of Antrim.
We later travel to the Giants
Causeway and explore one
of Ireland’s natural wonders
before making our way back
to Belfast for our second night
where you are free to explore
the surroundings.
Day 3
We take a City tour this
morning after a late breakfast
and checkout. Included is a
visit to Titanic and the famous
Crumlin Road Jail, one of
Belfast’s most iconic visitor
attractions. After some free
time we leave Belfast and
arrive home early evening.
Jail and St Patrick’s Centre.
Belfast and Antrim Coast tour.
Services of Professional Driver/
guide, luxury coach travel
throughout
Included in price:
2 Nights Bed and Breakfast,
dinner on first night, entrance
fee to Giants Causeway,
Titanic Belfast, Crumlin Road
Price
Per Person Sharing €275.00
Single Supplement €60.00
SEE PAGE 4
FOR DETAILS
Short Break
Free bar
each night
Enjoy a wonderful four-night
break to the Sunny South East
with this wonderful fullyinclusive break that will have
you in party mood from the
moment you arrive with a free
bar for a limited time every
night. We also take in some
of the amazing attractions
Ireland’s South East coast has to
offer. A great value-for-money
holiday.
Day 1
This morning we head
southwards to County Wicklow
where we visit the beautiful
monastic site of St Kevin at
Glendalough. We then travel
through the beautiful Vale of
Avoca where we make a stop
at Avoca Handweavers and
enjoy some home cooking in
their fabulous restaurant. We
then travel south to our base
for the next 4 nights in Historic
Enniscorthy at Treacy’s Hotel
and Leisure Complex.
Day 2
morning
June 29 This
- July
3rd after a late
breakfast we travel to the
Viking City of Waterford. Here
we pay a visit to the House of
Waterford Crystal. We then
allow you free time to explore
the many other attractions in
this historic city. We then return
in time for dinner and tonight’s
entertainment.
th
Wexford House Party
Day 3
This morning we leave time free
to explore the many interesting
aspects of Enniscorthy. Visit
the Anglo-Norman Castle or
the 1798 Rebellion centre or
just browse the many shops of
this quaint Irish Town. In the
afternoon we take the short
drive to Wexford town and
spend a few hours discovering
the many interesting attractions
in this medieval town. We
return in time for dinner and
more fine entertainment this
evening.
June 29th - July 3rd
Day 4
Today we travel west to the
town of New Ross and learn
about life during famine times
with a visit to the Dunbrody
Famine ship. Later enjoy a
trip to Duncannon Fort which
has stories associated with it
since 1588 through to WWII.
We then travel back for
our final night’s dinner and
entertainment.
Included in price
4 night’s dinner, bed and breakfast,
porterage, tea/coffee on arrival,
entertainment each night, free
bar each night 6.30pm to 9pm
(selected beer, wine, soft drinks)
packed lunch each day, visits to
Glendalough/Avoca/ Waterford
Crystal/Dunbrody Famine Ship/
Duncannon Fort. Guided tours and
services of Professional driver/guide
throughout.
Day 5
After a late breakfast we check
out and head back towards
Dublin but make a stop at
Powerscourt House for lunch
(at own cost). We should arrive
home early evening after our
fantastic few days away.
Price
Per Person Sharing €455.00
Single supplement €75.00
A golfing option can be arranged
on all our extended breaks for
societies or clubs. For details
contact
[email protected]
SEE PAGE 4
FOR DETAILS
Whiskey Tasting
Short Break
Irish Whiskey Adventure and Irish Experience
Day 1
This morning we visit the
Midlands and have our first
taste of Irish whiskey at
Kilbeggan Distillery. This
is one of Ireland’s oldest
Distilleries and an amazing
experience. We then travel to
Tullamore and the Tullamore
Dew experience. This time
we taste a whiskey liqueur,
a smoother whiskey. In the
afternoon we travel back
to Dublin and pay a visit
to Ireland’s first Whiskey
Museum. We stay overnight at
the City North Hotel.
Day 2
After breakfast we travel the
short journey to the Jameson
Distillery for a tour of this
famous distillery. Later we
travel to Slane Castle for a
visit and to taste their own
specially distilled Whiskey.
Learn about the plans to
open their own distillery at
the Castle. After lunch (at
own cost) we travel to the
Cooley Peninsula and a visit to
Martin’s Bar. Here learn about
local distilling methods and
of course a taste of the local
whiskey. Tonight we will spend
the night in Carlingford B&B
Day 3
After breakfast we visit the
Leprechaun Cavern and hear
about Ireland’s little people
and then have a trip through
the mountains to our next
Whiskey tasting visit at a
Traditional Irish bar. After
lunch (at own cost) we travel
to see traditional Irish home
baking and handmade crafts
at a local country cottage and
then travel to our overnight
stay and traditional Irish night
in Crossmaglen at Cross
Square Hotel.
Aug
10th-14th
Day 4
This morning we travel to the
North Irish coast and County
Antrim. We visit the famous
Giants Causeway World
Heritage site. We also have a
visit to a traditional Irish horse
farm and Heritage Centre in
the Glens of Antrim. Tonight
we stay in our hotel on the
Antrim coast.
Day 5:
This morning we visit the
World famous Bushmills
Distillery. Noted as the Oldest
Licenced Distillery in the
World, see and taste their
many whiskeys. We later
travel back to Belfast, capital
of Northern Ireland, for a city
tour. We allow time for lunch
(at own cost) and have a final
whiskey shot in the famous
Crown bar, one of Belfast’s
oldest pubs. We then travel
home with fond memories of
an Irish whiskey adventure.
Included in price
Transport and transfers,
Meals (Bed, Breakfast, and 3
x evening dinner), Attraction
admission fees, Kilbeggan /
Tullamore Distillery whiskey
tour and tasting. Jameson and
Slane Castle tasting and tour.
Leprechaun Cavern, Martin’s
Bar Irish Whiskey Experience
and tasting, Traditional Irish
Night with music, meal and
Guinness, Giants Causeway,
Irish Heritage Farm, and
Belfast City Tour. Services
of professional driver/
guide, luxury coach travel
throughout.
Per Person Sharing:€460.00
Single supplement:€60.00
Entertainment
nightly
Taste of Ireland Culinary Experience
Short Break
Sept
13th-18th
A totally new tour this year where we venture to the South East on a Cultural and Culinary
adventure. Experience the best in Irish traditional music and Irish cooking each night at specially
themed nights while during the day we experience the best the South East has to offer. A fantastic
value for money adventure.
Day 1
Today we travel south after
our morning pick-ups and
visit Powerscourt House and
Gardens in County Wicklow.
Afterwards we travel through
the Vale of Avoca with a lunch
stop at Avoca Handweavers
before arriving at our base
early afternoon in Enniscorthy
in time for an early evening
traditional sing song and story
telling before our first themed
dinner. We spend the duration
of the holiday in Treacy’s Hotel
Enniscorthy.
Day 2
This morning after a late
breakfast we travel to the
Viking City of Waterford. Here
we pay a visit to the House of
Waterford Crystal. We then
allow you free time to explore
the many other attractions
in this historic city. We then
return in time for tonight’s
themed dinner where one
course will be based on
Guinness and entertainment
by folk band Seanchai. There
is also a pull your own pint
experience!!
Day 3
This morning we leave
time free to explore the
many interesting aspects of
Enniscorthy. We later take
a drive out to the Father
Murphy cultural centre for
stories on the 1798 rebellion
and the Battle of Vinegar Hill.
Tonight’s themed dinner
is based on Jameson and
entertainment by Whiskey in
the Jar. There is also a demo
on how to bake traditional
soda bread!
Day 4
Today we travel west to the
town of New Ross and learn
about life during famine times
with a visit to the Dunbrody
Famine ship. In the afternoon
we take the short drive to
Wexford town and spend a
few hours discovering the
many interesting attractions
in this medieval town. We
return in time for tonight’s
themed dinner based on
Baileys Irish Cream and
entertainment by traditional
group Reeling in the Years!!
Day 5
After a late breakfast we
check out and head back
towards Dublin but make
a stop at Malahide Castle
for lunch (at own cost). We
should arrive home early
evening after our fantastic few
days away.
Included in price
4 nights themed dinners, bed
and breakfast, porterage, tea/
coffee on arrival, traditional
Irish nights each night, visits
to Powerscourt House / Avoca
Hand weavers/ Waterford
Crystal/Dunbrody Famine
Ship/ Father Murphy Centre.
Guided tours and services
of professional driver/guide
throughout.
Price
Per Person Sharing €435.00
Single supplement €75.00
SEE PAGE 4
FOR DETAILS
A golfing option can be
arranged on all our extended
breaks for societies or clubs. For
details contact
[email protected]
Drinks
Promotion
Each Night
Short Break
Oct
4th-9th
Party in the West
Join us for an Autumn break to the West of Ireland as we head to County Mayo for a fun-filled
few days. We explore the rugged West of Ireland and enjoy nightly entertainment on this fantastic
budget break to the West.
Day 1
After our morning pick-ups
we travel west through the
midlands with a stop en route
for lunch in Longford. We
travel through Carrick on
Shannon and arrive at the
Downhill Inn Hotel Ballina
early evening. Relax before our
evening meal with a drink in
the bar.
Day 2
Today we travel to nearby
Foxford for a visit to their
world-famous Woollen Mills
that have an age old tradition
for craft and design. After
lunch we pay a visit to the
Michael Davitt Museum.
The Museum contains an
extensive collection connected
with Davitt’s life. We then
return to our hotel in good
time for evening dinner and
entertainment.
Day 3
This morning we visit the
World famous Ceide Fields,
the most extensive Stone
Age monument in the world,
consisting of field systems,
dwelling areas and megalithic
tombs. After our visit we head
back to Ballina and allow you
some free time to explore the
town’s rich heritage and many
traditional shops before dinner
and our entertainment tonight.
Day 4
Today we take the short drive
to Swinford and visit the Irish
Museum of Country Life. The
Museum gives its visitors a
unique opportunity to see how
the people of Ireland lived in
the hundred years between
the Great Famine and the
end of the 1950s. We then
travel to the market town of
Castlebar before returning for
our final night’s dinner and
entertainment at our hotel.
Day 5
After breakfast and check
out we travel home via Sligo
with a stop en route for lunch
arriving back home early
evening.
Included in price
4 nights dinner, bed and
breakfast, porterage,
tea/coffee on arrival,
entertainment most nights,
glass of wine with dinner
each night, fun quiz night
for group, drinks promotion
from 6pm-9pm each night (2
for price of 1), visits to Ceide
Fields, Foxford Woollen Mills,
Michael Davitt centre, Irish
Museum of Country Life.
Guided tours and services
of Professional driver/guide
throughout.
SEE PAGE 4
FOR DETAILS
Price
Per Person Sharing €350.00
Single supplement No
supplement on first 10 singles,
€50 thereafter.
A golfing option can be arranged
on all our extended breaks for
societies or clubs. For details
contact
[email protected]
Nov
27th- 29th
Christmas Markets
Chester and Liverpool
Experience not one but two Christmas Markets on this
short yuletide break. A popular shopping trip to some of
the UK’s best Christmas markets.
Day 1
We travel on the early morning sailing from Dublin to
Holyhead and arrive in Chester mid- afternoon. This allows
late night shopping at the Chester Christmas Markets and
many shopping malls in the city centre. With your hotel
centrally based you can stay out that extra few hours and
enjoy the Christmas atmosphere !!
SEE PAGE 4
FOR DETAILS
Day 2
Today we travel to Liverpool to explore the many markets
and city centre shops the city has to offer. Shop till you drop
and experience that special Christmas atmosphere. A full day
in the city . Dinner is provided again this evening at hotel.
Day 3
We leave this morning and travel to North Wales and visit
Pringle’s Christmas Market before boarding the boat for our
afternoon sailing to Dublin. We arrive home early evening.
Hotel | Best Western Premier Queen Hotel Chester
Price
Per Person Sharing €270.00
Single supplement €45.00
Group Travel
Matthews Coach Hire can offer groups a selection of day trips and organised
visits to any part of Ireland. We can provide excellent value-for-money days out
incorporating admissions and refreshments, taking away the hassle for group
organisers. Our team of experienced staff will work with you to make sure you
get the best for your group on their day away. We can offer from a selection of
organised tours to tailor-made tours to suit any group’s requirements. For reliability,
value for money and excellent service from start to finish, choose the experts, choose
Matthews Coach Hire.
We also arrange group holidays for clubs, associations, Active Retirement
groups, schools and corporate clients. Contact our Group/Tour Manager for
competitive prices.
As a family company, we are aware of the huge choice of operators available to
you, but we feel passionately that we can offer that little bit extra and promise to
do everything we can to make your holiday experience memorable. If there is any
further information you require, please feel free to call us or visit our offices where
we will be more than happy to help.
Golf Travel
At Matthews we specialise in customized golf travel for
golf societies and corporate groups throughout Ireland.
We have a wide range of executive vehicles to suit all
golfing groups as well as the knowledge and expertise
in ensuring the success of your outing. As an Ireland
Golf Tour Operator Association (IGTOA) industry partner
with established links within the golf industry we ensure
everything is taken care of, which can include green fees,
hotels and meals leaving you time to relax and enjoy your
golfing experience. We are known for our on-time record,
the quality of our coaches and the quality of our service.
Contact our Golf Travel Coordinator, Damian with regard
to any enquiries.
Damian Keenan
[email protected]
Experience Ireland in Comfort and Luxury
Matthews Tours
Managed by Matthews Coach Hire
Callenberg Inniskeen
County Monaghan Ireland
CRN359209
Directors
Paddy & Mary Matthews
t+353 42 9378188
[email protected]
wwww.matthews.ie