Ireland s West Country

Transcription

1 Small group, relaxed-pace ramble Ireland s West Country September The Wild Atlantic Way that s the name of the driving / exploration route along Ireland s west coast, facing out into the North Atlantic. It s a route of rugged natural beauty, fishing villages, and Irish heritage. Join us, as we explore Ireland s central west coast, including the counties of Clare, Galway, Mayo, and Sligo. Our good times will be characterized by culinary treats including tea time and local foods; warm local hospitality; stories shared among friends; and outstanding country house accommodations.

2 Trip features: small group travel at its best: a leisurely pace; the flexibility to enjoy down time when you choose; a warm and intimate group ambiance visits to some of Ireland s most beautiful villages enjoy local hospitality: artisans and their crafts, musicians, and friendly locals accommodations in lovely country inns... and castles visits to national and regional heritage sites, including estate homes and gardens in bloom visits to some of Ireland s most beautiful natural areas: Connemara, Achill Island, Yeats Country sublime drives through an inspiring countryside sea, to forest, to mountain the Clifden Arts Festival

3 itinerary: September 18 Depart the US for our overnight flight to Shannon Airport, Ireland. September 19 We arrive at Shannon Airport, transfer to our 9-passenger van, and drive to County Clare. We ll stop in Ennis for a proper lunch or refreshment; then continue on to our country house hotel. Relax and unwind. Enjoy an afternoon tea. We ll offer an early dinner for those who are interested. Then off to bed for a good night s sleep. Overnight in County Clare. September 20 This morning we ll explore the area, with visits to the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren Heritage Centre, and the characteristic countryside of County Clare. We ll return to our inn for an afternoon rest. Dinner in the area; overnight, County Clare.

4 September 21 Our drive this morning will take us to Galway gateway to the West Country, that many casual visitors never experience. We ll settle into our lodgings and begin to explore the area, including a scenic drive into the mountainous Connemara region. Dinner and overnight in Connemara.

5 September 22 Today, we ll drive into the village of Clifden home of the 39 th annual Clifden Arts Festival. Enjoy an array of activities: opportunities to talk to musicians and artisans, shopping, etc. We ll make a special visit to a local garden this afternoon for tea time. Dinner and overnight in Connemara. September 23 Today, we ll drive to Kylemore Abbey in the heart of the Connemara. Enjoy the gardens and a house tour. We ll continue through the fishing port of Westport, to our seaside accommodations in Mallaranny. Dinner and overnight, Mallaranny. September 24 Enjoy breakfast with a view this morning. A bit later, we ll drive onto the largest of the western islands Achill. Stunning scenery will dominate. We ll look forward to talking to locals about life on this gorgeous natural piece of the West Country. We ll return to Mallaranny for dinner this evening. Those who wish can join Chumley to hear authentic Irish music tonight. Overnight, Mallaranny.

6 September 25 We ll depart Mallaranny after breakfast today, driving north into the Ballycroy region. We ll continue our drive to County Sligo, where we ll check into the lovely Markree Castle. Dinner and overnight in County Sligo. September 26 Today, we ll wake up in William Butler Yeats country. After a good breakfast in the hotel, we ll visit nearby Lough Gill, where we ll embark on a comfortable and informative hour-long cruise of the lake. We ll depart the area in the afternoon, making a stop at the Irish National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park estate house. We ll arrive at our hotel near the Dublin Airport in the late afternoon. September 27 Today, we ll make the short drive to the Dublin Airport to catch our return flight home. [Those who wish may extend their adventure in Dublin (or connect to another airport).]

7 Trip Price: $3499 / person (double occupancy; single supplement, $750). Price includes ground transportation in Ireland via chauffeured van; all entrances / admissions / guide services described in the itinerary; concierge service throughout the trip; accommodations for 8 nights in well-appointed hotels of 3-star and 4-star ratings; full Irish breakfasts, daily; 2 lunches and 3 dinners. Price does not include international airfare; trip/travelers insurance (available; see below); some meals; alcohol; optional activities (including optional down time transportation, such as taxis); personal expenditures. *Explore Up Close, LLC, reserves the right to alter the itinerary if necessary, but guarantees the spirit, theme, and travel style described here. **Price is based on a minimum number of travelers. If the trip does not acquire the minimum, all monies will be refunded. [See additional refund information below.]

8 Additional trip information: Registration / payment: Register by mailing the registration form that follows, accompanied by a deposit payment of $750 / person. Final payment is due by July 17. Refunds can be granted prior to July 17, minus a $100 processing fee (to Explore Up Close, LLC), and other non-refundable monies paid as deposits to vendors (hotels, coach company, etc.). Fitness level of participants / liability: Participants will be expected to have a fitness level and a health standard that allows them to walk moderate distances, climb stairs in buildings, and negotiate uneven terrain in urban and rural settings. By signing up for this trip, participants acknowledge that they meet this basic fitness level, and assume all the risks associated with international travel. Air tickets and trip insurance: For assistance purchasing air tickets and / or trip insurance, contact Jane Calhoun at Gateway Tours and Cruises ( ) in Spartanburg.

9 Trip Registration Form Please mail / return this registration form, along with deposit check (payable to Explore Up Close), to: Explore Up Close, LLC 613 Poplar St. Spartanburg, SC Ireland s West Country, September Name: 2. Mailing Address: 3. Home Telephone Number: 4. Address: 5. Will a spouse / friend / guest accompany you on this trip? Yes No Name of person(s) traveling with you: ; How to contact this person: Telephone:

10 6. Lodging specifics (requests will be honored to the degree possible): room with two (2) beds room with one (1) bed 7. Deposit / Refund information: Refunds (minus a $100 service fee for international trips) can be granted before bookings are made, but not less than 60 days prior to trip departure. The purchase of trip insurance can insure your trip investment in the event of illness and a number of other emergency contingencies. See your travel agent or call Chumley Cope for more information. 8. Payment information: Full payment is due 60 days prior to the trip start date. * * * * * Enclosed is my check, payable to Explore Up Close, in the amount of. This payment covers the deposit(s) / full payment(s) [circle one] for the following travelers: a. b. * * * * * Additional information / questions about the trip: Contact Chumley Cope at Explore / Up Close, LLC. You may reach Chumley by telephone at (864) or by at chumley@exploreupclose.com. Look for information about other trips at