Father O Connor Trip to Ireland June 17 26, 2017 Day by Day Itinerary

Transcription

1 Father O Connor Trip to Ireland June 17 26, 2017 Day by Day Itinerary Sat June 17: Heading for the Emerald Isle Today we start our journey by flying across the United States and taking an overnight flight across the Atlantic sea to Ireland. Sun June 18: Welcome to Ireland This morning, we land in Dublin International Airport. Once you go through passport control and collect your bags, head out into the arrivals area where your very friendly Irish Tour Director will meet and transfer you to your first destination, Co. Kilkenny. On route to Co. Kilkenny, we will stop in Dublin City at Glasnevin Cemetery Museum. Glasnevin is Ireland's largest cemetery where over 1.5 million people are buried including icons such as Daniel O'Connell, Michael Collins, Charles Stewart Parnell, Maud Gonne, and Eamon DeValera. Established by Daniel O Connell as a place where people of all religions and none could bury their dead with dignity; the cemetery has grown to become a national monument and is a vital part of the Irish Heritage story. We will tour the world's first cemetery museum where since 1828, more than 1.5 million people have been interred - rich and famous, paupers and politicians, artists, warriors and heroes, all resting side by side in this renowned Victorian Garden Cemetery. After filling up on breakfast at The Tower Cage in the museum, we will take a panoramic tour of landmarks in Dublin that were important to the 1916 Easter Rising. Following an excellent lesson in Irish History, we will head south bound for Co. Kilkenny, Ireland s medieval capital, stepped in heritage, culture and home to master crafts and brewing. Once we check into our hotel, we will enjoy dinner together to mark our first night in Ireland. Overnight and Dinner: Lyrath Estate Hotel, Kilkenny Mon June 19: Stepping Back in Time in Kilkenny Once breakfast is finished up this morning, we will take a walking tour, leaving the 21st century behind and stepping through time to Medieval Kilkenny, meeting the characters and visiting the important locations which hold the key to Kilkenny historical past. Next, we visit Kilkenny Castle once seat of the Butler family for a tour of this magnificent estate. After being fully restored 1

2 to its original grandeur, the ornamental gardens and ornate interior has made Kilkenny Castle one of the most visited tourist sites in all of Ireland. With the rest of the day to yourself, now you can see Kilkenny the way you would like to see it. Trace the Town Walls which once provided sole protection and defense to the city. Wander the narrow walks that open up to the New Canal Square. Pass time watching the River Nore peak out from beneath Green s Bridge and John s Bridge. Art galleries, historic buildings, craft and design workshops, theatre, comedy, public gardens and museums all await you in this enchanting city. Enjoy the vibrant music scene deeply rooted in traditional Irish Music and fantastic cuisine, and live the Irish life in Kilkenny. Afterwards, we will meet back at the hotel to share dinner together and enjoy the remainder of your evening in this historic city. Overnight and Dinner: Lyrath Estate Hotel, Kilkenny Tue June 20: Day Tripping to Waterford This morning, refuel on breakfast and prepare to depart Co. Kilkenny as we embark on the historic port and fishing town of Kinsale in Co. Cork. On route, we will stop in Co. Waterford, Ireland s oldest city which dates back to the 9 th century. Waterford derives its name as being a safe haven for Viking Ships sheltering from a windy Irish sea. Of course, Waterford is also famous for its centuries old tradition of crystal making and here, we will visit the new home of the House of Waterford Crystal, where we feel the heat of the furnace and marvel at the skills of the craftsmen. Waterford Crystal continues to provide some of the most prestigious trophies to the world s great sporting events made at the facility. Some of these events include, the Irish Open Golf Trophy, Solheim Cup (Ladies Ryder Trophy) and The People Choice Awards, to name but a few. Following this, we will return to the coach and head for Kinsale in Co. Cork. The picturesque yachting harbor of Kinsale is one of many colorful gems strung along the coastline of Co. Cork. Narrow, winding streets lined with galleries and gift shops, lively bars and superb restaurants, and a handsome natural harbor filled with yachts and guarded by a huge 17th-century fortress make it an 2

3 engrossing place to spend the next three nights. We will check into our hotel and enjoy our first evening in Kinsale together with dinner. Overnight and Dinner: Macdonald Kinsale Hotel, Kinsale Wed June 21: Unique Experiences in Cork Fill up on breakfast this morning as we get ready for a day of sightseeing around Co. Cork, the county where everything good about Ireland can be found according to Lonely Planet. Our first stop will take us to Cobh, we will visit the historic port town of Cobh. It is from this town that over 2.5 million Irish people emigrated. Many would have attended mass at the beautiful Cathedral overlooking the port prior to their departure. Cobh was also the last port from which the Titanic left on April 11th, We will visit the Cobh Heritage Museum, a beautiful, informative and sometimes emotive cultural Centre which exhibits the story of the emigrants who passed through this port town in the post and the hardships many endured doing so. Next, we will visit The Jameson Experience Midleton and tour the Old Midleton Distillery. In 1975, Jameson Irish Whiskey moved its entire whiskey making operation to the green surroundings of Midleton, Co Cork from its city home in Dublin. The original buildings at the Midleton Distillery date back as far as the 1800s, and were used to mature Cork Distillery Whiskey (now known as Paddy Whiskey). Visitors come face to face with original kilns and pot stills from that time and explore warehouses that have matured whiskey for more than 2 centuries. Later, we will come back to Kinsale which you are welcome to explore all this compact town has to offer. Return to the hotel later to join the rest of the group for our last dinner in Kinsale. Overnight and Dinner: Macdonald Kinsale Hotel, Kinsale Thu June 22: The Gift of the Gab in Blarney Finish up your breakfast as we prepare to leave Kinsale and head west for Killarney in Co. Kerry. Before we reach Killarney, we will make a stop which takes us to the famous Blarney Castle, home to the Blarney Stone which was built nearly six hundred years ago by one of Ireland's greatest chieftain, Cormac MacCarthy, King of Munster. 3

4 For over 200 years, world statesmen, literary giants, and legends of the silver screen have joined the millions of pilgrims climbing the steps to kiss the Blarney Stone and gain the gift of eloquence. The legendary Blarney Stone is said to have the power to bestow people with the gift of the gab the ability to speak with wit, charm and persuasion. You will also find The Blarney Castle Gardens, where there is something to see all year round in what is a constantly changing and evolving environment. From the top of the Castle you can take in the wonderful views of over 60 acres of sprawling parklands which include gardens, avenues, arboretums and waterways. After that visit, we will set out for Killarney, famous for its mountains and lakes, hospitality, fantastic nightlife, traditional Irish music and entertainment which you will enjoy over the next two nights. Overnight and Dinner: Killarney Plaza, Killarney Fri June 23: Famous Sites & Sounds in Co. Kerry Enjoy a hearty Irish breakfast this morning as we will set out for a scenic day of beautiful beaches and mountains of the Dingle peninsula. National Geographic once called it the most beautiful place on earth. It suffered the Vikings, welcomed Hollywood and has its own famous Dolphin called Fungie. The Dingle Peninsula is one of Ireland s most rugged Peninsulas with breathtaking views and mysterious huts called clochans that line the road built by 7 th century monks. We will stop in the small fishing town of Dingle. With its eclectic little fashion and jewelry shops on Green Street and the intimate cozy pubs such as Ashes and Foxy Johns, there is something for everyone to enjoy. A very special place, with a great atmosphere where you can hear Irish Gaelic being used fluently. Later on, we will return to Killarney where you are free to enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants and take in some of the pubs in town full of music and singing. Overnight: Killarney Plaza, Killarney Sat June 24: Visiting Home in Limerick After breakfast, we will get set to leave Co. Kerry as we head northwards for Co. Limerick, the hometown of Fr. O Connor. We will travel to the south of Limerick, passing through Adare Ireland s prettiest little village dotted with thatched cottages, to Newcastle West Father O Connor home town. We will enjoy lunch here and will have Mass in Father O Connor s home church. Our next stop will be in the town of Foynes where we will visit the Flying Boat & Maritime Museum. The Museum is house in the original terminal building and recalls the nostalgic era when 4

5 Foynes become the center of the aviation world from 1937 to Hear the story of the brave world of transatlantic air travel using a comprehensive range of exhibits and graphic illustrations including a viewing of the award winning film Atlantic Conquest in an authentic 1940's cinema, marvel at the only Boeing B314 replica in the world and witness the original terminal building, radio and weather room, compete with transmitters, receivers and Morse code equipment. Thereafter, we will check into our hotel and this evening, we turn back the clock and recapture the lifestyle of medieval Ireland in a local Castle, as we attend a medieval banquet. Enjoy quality food and entertainment, once the preserve of the nobility who resided in these fortresses. Overnight: Radisson Blu Hotel, Limerick Sun June 25: County Kildare and The Manor Born Once breakfast is finished up, we will bid farewell to Limerick and head to County Kildare where we will visit one of Ireland s true treasures, the Irish National Stud & Gardens in Co. Kildare. The Stud Farm is the home of equine royalty, immaculatelybred stallions who can be seen and admired alongside protective mares, frolicking foals and athletic yearlings. See retired equine stars like Vintage Crop, Moscow Flyer, Kicking King and Beef or Salmon on the stud s 'Living Legend's' team. In the world-famous Japanese Gardens, you can follow the path called the 'Life of Man' which traces the passage of a soul from birth to death and beyond, at the same time providing a meeting place for the cultures of East and West whereas St Fiachra's Garden symbolizes the power of the Irish landscape while the Horse Museum includes the skeleton of the legendary Arkle. We then continue to Carton House Estate This Estate has a history that dates back to 1170.Queen Victoria stayed in the famous Chinese Room on her visits (1849 & 1897), along with Grace Kelly who stayed while on holidays with Prince Rainier and her young family. Peter Sellars lived in one of the wings of the house for many years in the 1970s.Carton House has also been the location of 5

6 many movies including Scarlet, the sequel to Gone with the Wind, other movies include Barry Lydon, Aristocrats and The Treaty. Once we arrive at the luxurious Carton House, enjoy your surroundings, whether it is a tea on the terrace or a round of golf on the famous O Meara Parkland course, before enjoying a special farewell dinner together this evening. Dinner & Overnight: The Carton House Hotel, Kildare Mon June 26: Homeward Bound Pack your bags as we head for Dublin Airport where you will board your flight for home. Carry on your photos and memories and bring a bit of the Emerald Isle home with you. The Land of One Hundred Thousand Welcomes will be expecting you again soon! 6