Beiger Family Trip Tour of Ireland Sat Jun 16 th to Mon Jun 25 th 2018 Jun Sat 16 th : 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. Pre-Night For those who departed the United States yesterday, you will arrive in Dublin Airport this morning to enjoy the day at leisure in Ireland s capital city of Dublin. You will be greeted in the airport by your driver who will transfer you to your hotel in the city and from here, you are free to explore the iconic city as you wish. Overnight: Hilton Garden Inn Custom House, Dublin Non-smoking Rooms Jun Sun 17 th : Group Arrival in Ireland This morning, many of the group will land in Dublin Airport and once you have proceeded through to the arrivals area, you will meet your driver who will direct you to the coach where you will join the rest of the family members who arrived the day before. With the group together, the tour kicks off and we will be transferred to our first destination, Galway, known as The City of Tribes after the 14 Family Tribes which founded it. Galway has a famously unique ambience found across the city and county, from its narrow streets alive with activity and Irish culture to it s amazing landscapes and seascapes, it truly has something for everyone to enjoy. On route to Galway, we will stop in Co. Offaly to visit Birr Castle Gardens & Science Centre which is famed for the beauty of its unusual landscapes. Tour the historic castle, once the private home to the 7th Earl of Rosse and which survived two sieges in the 17th century. Take to the peaceful Birr Castle Gardens to explore an impressive plant collection with rare species from around the world, including over forty champion www.caragrouptravel.com 1 617-639-0273
trees of the British Isles. The Science Centre at Birr Castle is an interactive center which reveals the wonders of early photography, engineering and astronomy with a special emphasis on the brilliant design and assembly of the world famous Great Telescope. In fact, it is here you will find the largest telescope in the world which was designed by the 3rd Earl of Rosse and built in the castle workshops in the early 1840 s. With The Great Telescope, now magnificently restored, the people of Birr discovered the spiral nature of some of the galaxies and much more as you can learn today. Thereafter, we will continue traveling until we reach Galway and upon arrival, we will take a sightseeing tour of the city. As we will see today, Galway is a vibrant place, full of life and character found through its famous streets, landmarks, pubs and restaurants. Following this, you will be dropped at the hotel for check-in and where you are now free to enjoy your first day in Ireland as you wish. Overnight: Jurys Inn Hotel, Galway Non-smoking Rooms Jun Mon 18 th : The Wildest of the West This morning, finish your breakfast and get ready to tour a unique part of Galway and Ireland. Today we will visit Connemara which is located in the north west corner of Co. Galway and is renowned as the real beauty of Ireland. Connemara is considered to be the land west of Lough Corrib. On the north side of Connemara is Killary Harbour, the south side Galway Bay and the west side the Atlantic Ocean. It is an area of desolate beauty, incredible scenery and some interesting attractions, which combine to make Connemara a really beautiful place and a place close to the hearts of Irish people and visitors alike. As the landscape here is much more open and the area so remote, it is one of few remaining places which Irish traditions have survived and the Irish language is spoken in the first tongue. While touring the region today, we will visit Kylemore Abbey, a Benedictine Monastery founded in 1920 on the grounds of Kylemore Castle. The dramatic landscape and iconic www.caragrouptravel.com 2 617-639-0273
image of a gothic castle reflected in a Connemara Lake has made Kylemore Abbey world famous and it is now the largest tourist attraction in the west of Ireland. Come to Kylemore and experience woodland and lake shore walks, magnificent buildings and Ireland s largest Walled Garden! We will travel along the stunning area to reach and visit the vibrant town of Clifden known as capital of Connemara and located on the very edge of Europe. Enjoy free time in this town, complete with its unique and picturesque setting between the foothills of the Twelve Bens Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean. Before leaving Connemara, we can stop among the natural beauty of Ballynahinch to visit the 17 th century Ballynahinch Castle where we can also enjoy lunch at The Fisherman s Pub; After an exciting day of sightseeing, we will return to the hotel where you are free to enjoy your night in Galway. Overnight: Jurys Inn Hotel, Galway Non-smoking Rooms Jun Tue 19 th : Next Stop Sligo Following breakfast this morning, prepare to bid farewell to Galway as we set out on new adventures in the coastal county of Sligo which is famous for its poetry, myth and folklore. We travel north of Galway to reach Sligo and upon arrival into Ballymote, we will visit the Eagles Flying to witness the spectacular bird shows with eagles, hawks, falcons, vultures and owls. The attraction, which also doubles as the Irish Raptor Research Centre, was established as an institute in 1999 for research on birds of prey and now, is the home to more than 450 birds and animals, it s highly entertaining, interactive and scientifically managed Bird Shows are proving unforgettable experiences for many. Afterwards, we will have the opportunity to go horse-riding along the beach in Sligo. Though to be a paradise for horse-riding, endless beaches and sweeping shores are surrounded by mountains and lakes making for stunning scenery on a beach ride experience for all ages and abilities. www.caragrouptravel.com 3 617-639-0273
Afterwards, we will proceed to the hotel in Sligo for check-in and to relax in your surroundings. Overnight: The Glasshouse Hotel, Sligo Non-smoking Rooms Jun Wed 20 th : On To Donegal Refuel on breakfast this morning as we depart Sligo for new adventures in Co. Donegal, known as the Wild Child of Ireland, thanks in part to its rugged interior and characterful pubs. Today on tour, we will take in some of the most famous sites that Donegal has to offer. Our first visit will take us to visit the Slieve League, spectacular sea cliffs which are among the highest in Europe plunging some 600M to the sea. Promising unforgettable views, look down to see two rocks nicknamed the 'giant's desk and chair' for reasons that are immediately obvious. We then continue exploring Donegal, traveling via the Glengesh Pass, a stunning setting with spectacular views with old cottages, farms and sheep dotted along the route. Our next stop will see us visit Ardara, a designated Heritage Town bursting with artistic and musical talent, for a demonstration of spinning, weaving and knitting at the Triona Design. Our final stop on your today will be to visit Glenveagh National Park, a remote and hauntingly beautiful wilderness of rugged mountains, pristine lakes, tumbling waterfalls and enchanted native oak woodlands in the heart of the Derryveagh Mountains. At the centre of the Park is Glenveagh Castle, a late 19 th century castellated mansion, built as a hunting lodge. Set in some 16,500 hectares of Donegal mountains, lakes, glens and woods, we will enjoy some time in the Park as well as a tour of the Castle. We then make our way to check-in at our hotel here and to enjoy the remainder of the evening as you please. Overnight: Lough Eske Castle, Donegal Non-smoking Rooms Jun Thu 21 st : A Day Well Spent in Antrim Once breakfast is finished up, we will depart Donegal as we go in search of a renewed understanding of our family heritage by spending the next two nights in the land of lakes and www.caragrouptravel.com 4 617-639-0273
legends in Co. Fermanagh. We will stay in the town of Enniskillen which is located between the loughs, Ireland s only island town of Enniskillen derives its name from a translation of the Irish Inis Ceithlean meaning Island of Kathleen. Before reaching Fermanagh, we will journey north of Donegal to visit Northern Ireland s iconic attraction and its only UNESCO World Heritage site, The Giants Causeway in Co. Antrim. From Belfast, we will journey via the Causeway Coastal Route, which is dubbed one of the best coastal drives in the world, to reach the world famous Giant s Causeway renowned historically and scientifically for its polygonal columns of layered basalt. Resulting from a volcanic eruption 60 million years ago, this is the focal point for a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which has attracted visitors for centuries as well as legendary giants. Enjoy tour the unique site and geological wonder which is home to a wealth of natural history and local legend. We will also visit Carrick-a-Rede, famous for its rope bridge, (unique in Ireland) which connects the mainland to Carrick-a-Rede Island. Offering an exhilarating coastal path and rope bridge experience from the cliffs to the rocky island, we enjoy stunning views of Rathlin and the Scottish Isles, as well as a noisy seabird colony. Following a busy day of sightseeing and stunning scenery, we then finish our journey to Co. Fermanagh and upon arrival, we will be dropped off at the hotel for check-in. For the rest of the day, enjoy the first night in this special place as you wish. Overnight: The Westville Hotel, Enniskillen Non-smoking Rooms Jun Fri 22 nd : Exploring Co. Fermanagh Following breakfast this morning, we will get collected by our driver who will take us to explore the unique beauty of Co. Fermanagh. Our first stop this morning will be at the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark to visit this UNESCO site which is home to the underground caves which are over 300 million years old and are the most spectacular underground passages in Western Europe. Today, we travel www.caragrouptravel.com 5 617-639-0273
beneath the surface of the ground to explore an underworld of winding passages, rivers, waterfalls and stalactites hanging from lofty chambers. Enjoy the spectacular landscapes here before we take off to explore more of our heritage in this county by visiting Kesh, the small, well-developed fishing village in North West Fermanagh. Beautifully located on the Kesh River just a couple of miles from Lower Lough Erne, we will enjoy time here to visit family and family sites. Afterwards, you will be returned you to the hotel where you can enjoy the remainder of your time in Fermanagh as you please. Overnight: The Westville Hotel, Enniskillen Nonsmoking Rooms Jun Sat 23 rd : Introducing Ireland s Capital Enjoy breakfast this morning as we prepare to depart Fermanagh to visit Ireland s small capital with a huge reputation, Dublin. We go south east of Enniskillen to reach Dublin and upon arrival, we can enjoy a visit together to: We then journey deep into the heart of Ireland s most famous brands, Guinness, which has called the legendary St. James's Gate Brewery home since 1759. Today we will visit Guinness Storehouse to hear the story of this iconic drink, touring the seven floors here which bring to life the heritage of Guinness from its early days to growth as a global brand, known and enjoyed all around the world. What better place to savor a pint of Guinness than sitting high above Dublin in the Guinness Storehouse Gravity Bar as you may just agree with at the end of today s tour. Later, we will check-in at our hotel in Dublin, a city renowned worldwide for its history, culture and traditions. Your driver will bid you farewell after dropping you off at the hotel. You may wish to use your 48 Hour Hop On Hop Off City Tour Pass to explore the city however you wish over the next 2 days. Later, we will meet for dinner at The Brazen Head, famed in equal parts for being established in 1198 making it the oldest pub in Ireland and its award winning restaurant and live Irish music sessions. Enjoy the last meal and night in Ireland together as a family - Enjoy! Overnight: The Alex Hotel, Dublin Non-smoking Rooms www.caragrouptravel.com 6 617-639-0273
Jun Sun 24 th : Relax and Recovery in Dublin This morning, four of our family will be picked up on a private transfer to be taken to Dublin Airport to make their flight home. The rest of us may enjoy a leisurely breakfast in Dublin, with its untouchable reputation for good times and good things, which is waiting to be explored using your 48 Hour Hop-on Hop-off City Tour Pass. One of the most walk-able cities in Europe, on these cobbled streets you will find an eccentric mix of the old and the new to enjoy on your last day and night in Ireland. Overnight: The Alex Hotel, Dublin Non-smoking Rooms Jun Mon 25 th : Homeward Bound With bags packed, enjoy your breakfast before you are collected by your driver to be taken to 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. www.caragrouptravel.com 7 617-639-0273