William Butler Yeats

-William Butler Yeats
2 Nights At The Stunning Mt.Falcon Hotel - Mayo
- The Wilds Of County Galway, Connemara History & Heritage
- Visit Most Photographed Spot In Ireland, Kylemore Abbey
- Explore Coast of Clare and Iconic Cliffs of Moher
3 Nights In County Donegal – Magical Harvey’s Point
- Stay Right On The Water At Harvey’s Point Hotel
- Explore Glenveagh Castle & National park
- Visit 4000 year old Carrowmore, Megalithic Cemetery
- Witness Slieve League, One of the highest cliffs in Europe
- Visit the Ardara and learn the about Irish Spinning
SningWeavingWeaving
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2 Nights In Northern Ireland - Belfast
- Stay right in the heart of Belfast
- See The World Famous Giant’s Causway
- Visit Oldest Distillery in Ireland, Bushmills
- Journey Along “Nine Glens of Antrim”
- Experience the new Titanic Belfast
2 Nights In Dublin, A Symbol Of Ireland
- Our Home the Lovely Merrion Hotel
- Tour 5000 year old Newgrange / Knowth
- Explore O’Connell Street & St. Stephens Green
- Visit Trinity College & Book Of Kells
- Musical Evening In Ireland’s Oldest Pub
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2 Nights In Beautiful Adare Manor Castle
- Visit King John’s Castle, History Brought To Life
- Dine In Historic & Beautiful Oakroom in Castle
- Visit The Rock Of Cashel In The Golden Vale
- A visit to Blarney Castle & its Famous Stone!
3 Nights In The Killarney Region
- Stay In The Beautiful Cahernane Manor Hotel
- Meet Local Farmer Brian Ferris for a taste of Farm Life
- Visit Lake Killarney, Moll’s Gap & Drive The Ring Of Kerry
- Explore stunning Muckross House, Gardens & Lake
Day By Day
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Day 1
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Day 8
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Day 16
Leave USA
Shannon - Killarney
Killarney
Killarney
Adare
Adare
Mayo
Mayo
Donegal
Donegal
Donegal
Belfast
Belfast
Dublin
Dublin
Dublin / Depart USA
Trip Highlights
15 Night Journey on the Magical Irish Isle
Stays in Both Northern and Southern Ireland
All Two and Three Night Stays In Each Region
22 Meals Included & All Irish Breakfasts
Luxury 5-Star Castle Stay & Dinner In Adare
All Touring With Local Guides & Irish Driver/Guide
Explore 7 Different Regions Of Ireland
Itinerary Not Planned Around Forced Shopping
4 & 5-Star Beautiful Hotels, Inns & Castle
Cultural Experiences From Farming to Bread Baking
Relaxing Free Time For Independent Exploration
Fully Escorted By Mark & Vicki Stewart
Included Meal
B=Breakfast / L=Lunch / D=Dinner
Day 1 – Aug 22 : Depart the USA
You depart the USA today for a 15 day journey on the Irish Isle.
Wonderful scenery, food and rich history await. Today’s overnight
flight with only one stop have you arriving the next morning in Ireland.
Day 2 – Aug 23 : Arrive Ireland, Shannon / Exploring Killarney
Upon arrival at Shannon Airport we will meet you right after luggage claim
with a grand Irish welcome. We celebrate your arrival in Ireland with a
stop in the lovely village of Adare for tea & scones and some time to
enjoy the atmosphere and take in the quaint thatch cottages that line the
main street. After we arrive in Killarney with time to relax before our
welcome dinner this evening in our hotelthe beautiful Cahernane Manor Hotel. (D)
Day 3 – Aug 24 : Exploring Killarney
Start the day with a good Irish breakfast and then we embark on one of
Ireland’s most scenic drives with the country’s highest mountains on one
side and varied Atlantic coastline on the other. Every turn will reveal new
vistas of mountains, cliffs and beaches. Meet a local farmer, Brendan
Ferris, for a taste of farm life as he demonstrates how dogs herd flocks
of sheep. Continue your trip around the peninsula with stops in the
attractive village of Sneem and at Moll’s Gap for views of the Lakes of
Killarney. We return to Killarney for our 2nd night in the Cahernane
Hotel. Enjoy dinner with the group this evening and maybe a wee
step out to explore the surroundings. (B, D)
Day 4 – Aug 25 : Continue Exploring Killarney
We are off for a half day or exploration and a visit to Muckross
House & Gardens. This nineteenth century Victorian mansion is set
against the stunning beauty of Killarney National Park. The house
stands close to the shores of Muckross Lake, one of Killarney's three
lakes, famed worldwide for their splendor and beauty. Stop for a
photo at Torc Waterfall before returning to Killarney. Enjoy the
afternoon at your leisure after we return to the Cahernane for
our third night in the region. Maybe enjoy a pub dinner tonight
in town, just a short 10 minute walk away. (B)
Day 5 - Aug 26 : Bound For Adare
After a leisurely breakfast we will set off for the fabled town of
Blarney and 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 do some
shopping at the Woolen Mills. This afternoon travel to the lovely
village of Adare and check into your hotel. The hotel occupies an
18th-century castle that was once the private home of the second
earl of Dunraven, an architectural masterpiece of towers, turrets
and stonework. Equally stunning are the natural surroundings,
including 840 acres of gardens and parkland. Some free time this
afternoon to explore the grounds, enjoy an Oakroom Dinner (B, D)
Day 6 – Aug 27 : Exploring Adare
– This morning after breakfast visit to King John’s Castle in Limerick
City. It’s a mighty fortress with a dramatic history and over 800 years
of stories within its walls, which is brought to life in a stunning new
exhibition. Touch-screen technology will connect you to tales of siege
and warfare. Watch out for a dazzling array of CGI animations and
ghostly projections. Next travel the short distance to Tipperary to visit
the Rock of Cashel, a spectacular group of Medieval buildings set on an
outcrop of limestone in the Golden Vale including the 12th century
round tower, High Cross and Romanesque Chapel, 13th century Gothic
cathedral, 15th century Castle and the restored Hall of the Vicars Choral.
This evening you may wish to try one of the many fine local restaurants
in the village of Adare. Overnight: Adare Manor, Adare (B)
Day 7 – Aug 28 : Bound for Mayo
After a leisurely breakfast travel to the coast of Clare to visit the
breathtaking Cliffs of Moher. One of the most iconic images of Ireland,
the Cliffs rise 700-ft above the crashing Atlantic Ocean. Continue on
through the beautiful Burren, from the Gaelic word Boireann is an
area of limestone rock covering imposing majestic mountains, and
tranquil valleys with gently meandering streams. With its innate sense
of spiritual peace, extraordinary array of flora and wildlife, the Burren
creates a tapestry of color and a seductively magical aura. Arrive at
your hotel in the late afternoon with time to settle in before dinner.
Mount Falcon Hotel sits on a scenic 100 acre Estate. Overnight:
Beautiful Mt. Falcon Hotel (B, D)
Day 8 – Aug 29 : Exploring Connemara
This morning we will travel southwest into County Galway and the wild
and wonderful area known as Connemara. Our first stop will be at
Kylemore Abbey, the most photographed spot in Ireland,. Visit the
exquisite chapel and the elaborate public rooms in the mansion and
take a stroll through the restored Victorian walled gardens. Some free
time for lunch in the lovely town of Clifden. Next stop at the
Connemara Heritage and History Center. Overlooked by the majestic
Twelve Ben Mountains this agri tourism and Heritage Center share the
history, heritage, culture & traditions of Connemara. The farm has
cattle, sheep and the world famous Connemara Ponies. Here we will
learn how to cut sod and enjoy a quick bread making demonstration.
Dinner on our own this evening. There are several dining options at
your hotel. Overnight: Mt. Falcon Hotel, Mayo (B)
Day 09 – Aug 30 : Donegal at Harveys Point
Today we will travel north into County Sligo to visit Carrowmore
Megalithic Cemetery. This is the site of a prehistoric ritual landscape
on the Knocknarea or Cúil Irra Peninsula. It is one of the four major
passage tomb cemeteries in Ireland. It is the largest cemetery of
megalithic tombs and is also among the country’s oldest. Over 60
tombs have been located by archaeologists, the oldest pre-date
Newgrange by some 700 years. Arrive in Donegal and explore
the beautiful area around Lough Eske and our hotel Harvey’s Point. (B,D)
Day 10– Aug 31 : Branching out in Donegal
A leisurely start this morning. Travel to north to Glenveagh National Park the site of Glenveagh Castle, a 19th century
castellated mansion and was built between 1867 and 1873 by Captain John Adair. Its construction in a remote mountain
setting was inspired by the Victorian idyll of a romantic highland retreat. Henry McIlhenny, the last owner of the castle,
served the Philadelphia Museum of Art as Curator of Decorative Arts and his expertise in this field is evident throughout
the castle. Few of the great houses of Ireland are preserved in this condition, with their original furnishings, and in
Glenveagh Castle one catches a glimpse of a lifestyle belonging to an earlier age. (B,D)
Day 11– Sep 01 : Traveling The Coast
After our first night staying at the stunning Harvey’s Point Hotel in
Donegal, we set out for another day of exploration in the county.
We will start the morning off by traveling west along the coast of County
Donegal to experience Slieve League. This is one of Europe's highest sea
cliffs rising almost 600 meters from the Atlantic, the view is breathtaking.
On our way back to the hotel we will stop at wonderful non-touristy family
owned tweed shop in Ardara to learn about the heritage of spinning and
weaving to which Southwest County Donegal is famous for. We enjoy
another night at Harvey’s Point, a great hotel with a reputation for good
Irish food! (B)
Day 12 – Sep 02 : Northern Ireland Bound / Belfast
This morning we will drive north to the Giant’s Causeway. After a short
audiovisual presentation, we will have an opportunity to walk along the
cliff tops to view the spectacular hexagonal rock columns formed by
nature 60 million years ago. Legends about giants abound, especially
Finn McCool, a hardy Ulster hero. Next a brief photo stop at the Carrick-aReede Rope Bridge, originally constructed as a fisherman’s crossing.
Onto Bushmills for a guided tour of the Distillery, the oldest licensed
distillery in Ireland. At the end of the tour we will be able to sample some
of their famous product. Journey along the spectacular “Nine Glens of
Antrim” with mountains on one side and coastline on the other. We stay
at the Fitzwilliam in Belfast, after an exhilarating day of exploration in
Northern Ireland. (B,D)
Day 13 – Sep 03 : Exploring Belfast
This morning we will meet a local guide for a tour of Belfast, the vibrant
capital of Northern Ireland, we will see Victorian buildings, the imposing
City Hall in Donegall Square and learn about the diverse history of this
ancient city. Next a visit to the newly opened Titanic Belfast. It is located
in the heart of Belfast, on the slipways where RMS Titanic was built.
Inside this iconic building, visitors will re-live the entire Titanic story from
her birth in Belfast to the fateful maiden voyage and her eventual
discovery on the seabed. Enjoy free time this afternoon for independent
exploration of the city and another night at the Fitzwilliam. (B)
Day 14 – Sep 04 : Dublin Bound
After a wonderful Irish breakfast, we set our compass south and venture
travel to visit the Boyne Valley Visitor Center to learn about the 5,000
year-old burial tombs of Newgrange and Knowth. Tour one of them to
see how primitive people managed to align huge boulders precisely with
the movements of the sun. Arrive in Ireland's vibrant city of Dublin- one
of Europe's liveliest capitals yet offering centuries of history. You will
have time to explore Dublin on our own and dine out in one of the city’s
many fine restaurants. We begin our stay at the beautiful Merrion Hotel,
one of the best hotels in the heart of Dublin. (B)
Day 15 – Sep 05 : In the Heart of Dublin
After breakfast board our coach for a tour of Dublin City. See the River
Liffey, O’Connell Street, tranquil St.Stephen’s Green, the seat of
government at Leinster House and other public buildings. See some of
Dublin’s famous Georgian houses and pause at the Famine Memorial, a
reminder of the mid-19th century disaster. Visit Trinity College’s campus
and the Old Library to view the priceless Book of Kells. The remainder of
the day will be free to explore Dublin independently. Travel a short
distance for our farewell dinner with traditional Irish entertainment at
the Brazen Head Pub, the oldest in Ireland. (B,D)
Day 16 – Sep 06 : Homeward Bound
The green rolling pastures, the beautiful castles, stunning vistas and the warmth of the people, all things you will
remember of Ireland. Today we depart Ireland, but like all who visit, a small part of this Emerald Isle will travel home
with us. We say “until next time” to new friends and old. (B)
THE HOTELS, INNS & CASTLE
Cahernane Manor
Adare Manor Castle Hotel
Mt.Falcon Hotel
adareadare
Harvey’s Point Hotel
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Fitzwilliam Hotel
Merrion Hotel
Simple & Straightforward
DEPOSIT $800 pp
SINGLE TRAVELER FARE ADD $1,695
- All Hotel Stays Included
- All Transportation & Transfers
- All Guides & Touring
- All Cultural Experiences / Admissions
- 21 Included Meals and All Breakfasts
- Fully Escorted By Mark & Vicki Stewart