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Day 01: Depart USA
Day 02: Dublin, Galway.
We begin our journey with a leisurely drive into County Clare where we
will stop to view the impressive Cliffs of Mohr and continue on to
Galway where we will enjoy an orientation tour of the city before
checking into our hotel. Dinner at the hotel. (D)
Day 03: Knock, Ballintubber Abbey.
Your first stop today is Knock,
Ireland’s national Marian Shrine. On August 21, 1879, Our Lady, St.
Joseph, and St. John the Evangelist appeared at the gable of Knock
Parish Church. Thousands visit each year including a visit by Pope John
Paul II and Mother Theresa. Continuing on, we visit Ballintubber Abbey,
known as the “Abbey that refused to die”. It was originally founded by
St. Patrick in 441 AD and was rebuilt in 1216 and has remained a place
of worship despite continuous attacks and repression. Dinner and
Overnight in the Hotel (B,D)
Day 04: Clonmacnoise, Dublin.
We continue on today to the ancient monastic site of Clonmacnoise, that
was founded by St. Kevin. The monastery attracted many scholars from
around Europe and has been the place of worship for over 3,000 monks, so
the monastery has played a fundamental role in Ireland’s Catholicism.
Continuing on to Dublin, Ireland’s vibrant capital city with dinner an
overnight in our hotel. (B,D)
Day 05: Dublin.
Today you will enjoy a tour of Dublin including entrance to St.
Patrick’s Cathedral and into Trinity College where you can admire the
exquisite Book of Kells. The remainder of the day is free to pursue your
own interests. Tonight we are treated to a traditional Irish meal in one
of Dublin’s unique Pubs. (B, D)
 Day
06: Glendalough, Waterford. Your first visit
today is the tower of Glendalough- “The Glen of the Two Lakes” which was
founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. Your tour continues through the
spectacular Wicklow Mountains, through picturesque villages and into
Waterford. The afternoon is dedicated to admiring the skills of the
craftsmen of the Waterford Crystal Factory, where the world famous
crystal is produced by hand. Tonight dinner is served in our hotel.
(B,D)
Day 07: Blarney Castle, Killarney.
Today we set off into the County Cork and to the 15th century Blarney
Castle where you may choose to kiss the famous Blarney Stone said to
bestow the “gift of gab” on anyone who dares! Here at the Woolen Mills,
there are traditional Irish goods to buy including Irish wool and tweed.
Onwards, then, through the dramatic countryside to Killarney, home for
the next two nights. Dinner in hotel. (B,D)
Day 08: Ring of Kerry.
 Cahirciveen, Sneem. This morning we set off for Killarney National Park
and the world famous “Ring of Kerry” which offers some of the most
magnificent scenery in Ireland. Your driver also takes you through the
remote villages of Cahirciveen and Sneem where there will be plenty of
opportunities to stop and enjoy the views. Tonight you will enjoy dinner
and traditional entertainment at famous Kate Kearney’s Cottage that is
surrounded by beautiful scenery. Overnight in Killarney. (B,D)
Day 09: Limerick, Bunratty Castle.
Your journey heads northward as you drive to Limerick, where the book
“Angela’s Ashes” is set and see St. Mary’s Cathedral and St. John’s
Castle. Onwards then to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park for a glimpse into
Ireland’s colorful history. This magnificent castle now stands on
delightfully peaceful grounds with little evidence of its turbulent
history. The folk park offers us a unique insight into Irish life around
the turn of the century. Dinner and overnight in our hotel. (B, D)
Day 10: Return to USA.
After a hearty Irish breakfast, it is sadly time to bid farewell as you
drive to the airport for your transatlantic flight home. |
