Ireland and Northern Ireland

Transcription

1 Dr. Wheeler Style Tour with Robert Byrd to Ireland and Northern Ireland Saturday, June 23, 2018, to Saturday, July 7, 2018 The Isle of Ireland, located on the Western rim of Europe, is perhaps the most popular European destination for American tourists. This is due in part to the large number of Americans who are descended from Irish ancestors, the amazing hospitality of the local Irish and the fact that the Irish people have been able to preserve and now exhibit a unique blend of social and geological history. This tour will offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy all that Ireland has to offer, as well as introduce you to the wonders of Irish culture. We have included overnight stops in Kilkenny, Killarney, Bunratty, Carrick-on-Shannon, Belfast and Malahide, in County Dublin. We will also visit and enjoy amazing and beautiful sites such as, a Mediaeval Banquet in Bunratty Castle, the Giant's Causeway and its Visitors Center, the imposing Carrickfergus Castle, dinner at Belfast Castle, St. Patrick s Cathedral, Trinity College, the majestic Cliff s of Moher, the Ulster American Folk Park, Titanic Belfast center, and much more. We hope that you will join us to experience this unique and magical place called Ireland. Day 1, Saturday, June 23, 2018: Travel to Dublin Today we begin our tour of Ireland with a flight from Jackson, Mississippi. We will then connect with an overnight flight to Dublin, the capital of the Republic of Ireland. As always, I will be happy to arrange flights from alternative departure cities. Trans-Atlantic Flight Day 2, Sunday, June 24, 2018: Hill of Tara & Trim After arriving in Dublin and meeting our driver, we travel to the village of Navan to visit the Hill of Tara. Though best known as the seat of the High Kings of Ireland, the Hill of Tara has been an important site since the late Stone Age when a passage-tomb was constructed here. From Tara we continue to the town of Trim, where we will visit Trim Castle, the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland. The castle was built over thirty years by Hugh de Lacy and his son, Walter. After our tour of Trim we journey to the picturesque village of Malahide, where we will enjoy dinner in our hotel before a well deserved rest. (Dinner) Day 3, Monday, June 25, 2018: Powerscourt & Glendalough This morning we travel south to Kilkenny, arguably Ireland s loveliest inland city. Along our way to Kilkenny, we will visit Powerscourt House & Gardens, where you will enjoy strolling through the ornate formal gardens and walks of this beautiful estate. Unique features include the Japanese Garden which offers a maze of walkways and hidden grottos. From Powerscourt we continue to Glendalough Visitors Centre. The early Christian Monastery of Glendalough was founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century and is set in a beautiful valley along two picturesque lakes. From Glendalough we continue through the beautiful Wicklow mountains to Kilkenny, again one of Ireland s most spectacular towns. Kilkenny River Court Hotel, Kilkenny

2 Day 4, Tuesday, June 26, 2018: Kilkenny This morning we will visit Kilkenny Castle, which is located just across the scenic River Nore from our hotel. Kilkenny s Castle dates from the 12th century, being constructed shortly after the Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland. It was the principal seat of the Butler family, Marquesses and Dukes of Ormonde, for several centuries. In the 19th century it was remodeled into a stately home and is now set in extensive parklands. Due to these major restoration works the central block now includes a library, drawing room and bedrooms decorated in 1830 s splendor, as well as an incredibly beautiful Long Gallery. Kilkenny is justly proud of its castle. The city also contains an absolute treasury of other well-preserved medieval buildings which you will have time to visit after our tour of the Castle, as you will have the remainder of the day free to enjoy Kilkenny. Kilkenny River Court Hotel, Kilkenny Day 5, Wednesday, June 27, 2018: Rock of Cashel and Blarney Castle After breakfast we depart Kilkenny to travel to the enchanting town of Killarney, and the beautiful lake district surrounding the town. On the way we will visit the Rock of Cashel, a spectacular group of medieval buildings set atop an outcrop of limestone in the Golden Vale, including the 12th century Round Tower, the High Cross, a Romanesque Chapel and the 13th century Gothic Cathedral. From Cashel we continue our journey onwards to the village of Blarney, in County Cork, where we visit Blarney Castle. This historic castle is most famous for one of it s building blocks, the renowned Blarney Stone, which has the mythical power of conferring eloquence on all who kiss it. After touring the Castle and allowing some time to visit and shop at the famous Blarney Wollen Mills next door, we continue on to Killarney. Randles Hotel, Killarney Day 6, Thursday, June 28, 2018: Killarney and Dingle After breakfast we set out on an excursion to discover the glorious Dingle Peninsula, where the heathery mountains and sandy beaches form a beautifully unique landscape. We will travel along the Slieve Mish Mountains, stopping to visit the Blasket Centre, which celebrates the history of the native residents of the Blasket Islands, located in sight of our stop just off the Irish Coast. The Center will introduce us to the Islanders native language, culture and traditions. After our visit we will stop in the fishing village of Dingle to allow you time to explore this typical Irish port village before returning to Killarney for another night. Randles Hotel, Killarney Day 7, Friday, June 29, 2018: Bunratty This morning before leaving Killarney, we visit Muckross House, a magnificent Victorian Mansion which is one of Ireland s best known stately homes. After our visit we depart for the tiny village of Bunratty, along the way we pass through the towns of Castleisland, Abbeyfeale and Newcastle West before we stop in Adare, one of the most picturesque villages in Ireland. We will have time to stroll the streets, lined with thatched cottages, as well as the Adare Heritage Centre before we continue on to Bunratty. This evening we will walk the short distance from our fabulous hotel to Bunratty Castle, where we will experience an incredible evening at a medieval banquet inside the great hall of the 15th century Bunratty Castle. Bunratty Castle Hotel, Bunratty

3 Day 8, Saturday, June 30, 2018: Cliffs of Moher & The Burren You are in for a special treat this morning as we depart Bunratty and travel northwards to visit the majestic Cliffs of Moher in County Clare. The Cliffs rise an incredible 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean and stretch for almost 5 miles along the western Coast of Ireland. From Moher we drive across the Burren, the most enigmatic region in Ireland with its rich diversity of flora, fauna and the history of man in this landscape. After crossing over the Burren we drive inland to the town of Carrick-on-Shannon, our home for the next two nights. Bush Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon Day 9, Sunday, July 1, 2018: Strokestown Park. Today we set out for County Roscommon and visit Strokestown Park House, an 18 th century mansion which has been faithfully restored. It is unique in that it retains its original furnishings. Professionally guided tours allow visitors to experience Georgian Ireland in its purist form. Part of the estate now houses The Irish National Famine Museum. Next we have the opportunity to visit Arigna Mining Experience, we will walk underground through what was Ireland s last working coal mine. The exhibition traces 400 years of mining history in Arigna, up until the closure of the mine in The tour fascinates people regardless of prior knowledge or interest in mining. It is a true account of what working life in a coal mine was like. After a busy day exploring the region we return to Carrick-on-Shannon. Bush Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon Day 10, Monday, July 2, 2018: Ulster American Folk Park. Today we travel into Northern Ireland, where we will first visit the Ulster-American Folk Park. This fascinating park shows the history of the Old World and New World through the exhibition of original structures which have been relocated from various locations. The unique layout illustrates the various aspects of emigrant life on both sides of the Atlantic and tells the story of emigration from Ireland to the United States in the 18th and 19th centuries. Experience the adventure that takes you from the cobbled streets and thatched cottages of Ulster on board a full scale emigrant sailing ship, to the log cabins of the American Frontier. After touring the Park we continue to the capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast, for the first of three nights. Day 11, Tuesday, July 3, 2018: Antrim Coast Road Our journey today will encompass stops along the magnificent Antrim Coast Road. Our first visit will be at Bushmills Distillery, home of the famous Irish Whiskey distillers. Our tour will give us the opportunity to see at first-hand how the craft of whiskey making has been carried out in the Bushmills area for over 400 years. This afternoon, we tour the Giant s Causeway, a geological wonder steeped in legend & folklore. It is no surprise this amazing place is a World Heritage Site. The Giant s Causeway is the result of intense volcanic and geological activity and it s beauty is beyond description. Afterwards we continue along the Antrim Coast Road back to Belfast.

4 Day 12, Wednesday, July 4, 2018: Belfast & Carrickfergus This morning we travel to the town of Carrickfergus located in County Antrim along Belfast Lough. Here we will visit Carrickfergus Castle. This Norman Castle sits on the northern shore of Belfast Lough and is one of the most significant sites in Anglo-Irish history. We then return to Belfast this afternoon where we will visit Titanic Belfast, the world s largest Titanic Exhibit. This evening we will have a special treat, dinner at the Cellar Restaurant in Belfast Castle. Day 13, Thursday, July 5, 2018: Brú na Bóinne & Malahide This morning we depart Belfast and travel back South across the border to the Republic of Ireland. After returning to the Republic we will stop to visit Brú na Bóinne, a World Heritage Site made up of several ancient monuments in the River Boyne valley including several passage tombs. We will explore the visitor s center and then visit Knowth, the largest tomb within the Brú na Bóinne complex and which dates from approximately 3200 BC. Knowth contains more than a third of all examples of megalithic art in Western Europe. After our visit to Brú na Bóinne we will continue south to Malahide. On arrival in Malahide, we will visit the 12th century Malahide Castle and Gardens. This evening you will be free for dinner on your own, so you can sample one of the many local restaurants or pubs in the village. Day 14, Friday, July 6, 2018: (Breakfast) Dublin This morning we venture into Dublin, Ireland s Capital City. We will be met by a local guide and commence our sightseeing tour, during which we will see some of the more notable sights, including: the General Post Office, located in O Connell Street; the Old Parliament House; the Georgian Squares of Merrion and Fitzwilliam; Phoenix Park, where the President of Ireland & the American Ambassador reside; and, many other sites. We will also stop to tour St. Patrick s Cathedral and Trinity College, where we will visit its Old Library and the incredible Book of Kells. You will then have free time to explore and shop in Dublin before we return to Malahide for dinner at our hotel. Day 15, Saturday, July 7, 2018: Departure Unfortunately, today our itinerary is at an end. We must depart for the United States this morning. However, I am sure you will be returning home with many wonderful memories of the incredible places you have seen on this amazing island. (Breakfast) Included: Airfare: Meals: Lodging: Porterage: Transport: Admittance: Fees/Taxes: Jackson to Dublin and return to Jackson. (Other cities can be arranged.) Breakfast each morning, and all but 1 Dinner as listed above. (Beverages not included.) Superior Hotel accommodations for 13 nights. Porterage for one piece of luggage per person at each hotel. Luxury touring motorcoach and driver. Entrance fees to the sites listed to be visited in the itinerary. All Airline, Hotel and City Taxes, Service Charges and Government Fees. (Airline taxes may increase prior to departure.)

5 Base Price Per Person: $4, All prices are per person based on Double occupancy. Also conditioned upon sufficient participation to obtain quoted group rate. Payment Terms: Initial Deposit, due upon making reservation: $1, Second Deposit, due on or before January 15, 2018: $1, Final Payment, due no later than March 15, 2018: Balance Owed Optional Expenses: Single Room Supplement: $ Alternate Airport Supplement: Travel Insurance: Available Upon Request I recommend purchasing your own Travel Insurance policy. One reliable site is If you would like me to assist in procuring your individual policy I will be happy to do so. Send payments to: Robert Byrd Global, Inc. PO Box 1227 McComb, MS Cell: (601) rwbyrd2@yahoo.com or travel@msda14.us If you have not previously sent me a copy of the photo page of your passport for one of our earlier tours, please include a copy with your deposit or it to me at either of the above addresses. Other Upcoming Tours: April 14-29, 2018: Northern Italy & The Dalmatian Coast August, 2018: Scandinavia Facebook: For updated tour information, like and follow us at Dr. Wheeler Style Tours with Robert Byrd.