HIGHLIGHTS OF IRELAND TOUR
February 15th, 2010 | Published in Washington DC
DC/VA/MD Singles Events
HIGHLIGHTS OF IRELAND TOUR
DATES: May 7- 15, 2010
Singles Only
COST: $1850 (this includes a discount for meetup members only)
PRICE INCLUDES: 7 night accommodations, full Irish breakfast daily, Welcome Pub Dinner, Farewell Dinner & Show, Dublin City Pass for Hop on Hop Off Bus transportation, Blarney Castle Admission, Ferry Tickets (Roundtrip) from Doolin to Aran Islands, Limerick Walking Tour, Irish National Sud Farm & Japanese Garden Entrance, Transfers to and from Airport on Tour start and departure dates, Singles Travel Hostess, English speaking guides/driver per the itinerary, All transporation within Ireland.
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE: Air, airport fees nor insurance. These are extra but can be arranged so that you will be able to travel with the group and have group pricing if we have at least 10 going on this event. Tips of $10 per day are also not included. This is to be paid the 1st day of trip for the guides and drivers.
This price is per person for a double room. A free roommate matching is available, so there is no need to pay a "single supplement". If you do wish to room alone the cost will be an additional $650.00
ITINERARY:
Day 1: You will leave home and take your overnight flight to Dublin. Plan your arrival in the morning if possible so you will have more free time to relax and/explore Dublin.
Day 2: Get shuttle to hotel. The singles hostess will meet you in hotel lobby at 7pm for an optional dinner. Overnight in hotel in Dublin.
Day 3 : Full Irish breakfast at the hotel, get your Dublin Pass and bus tour tickets. You have available over 30 attractions included free with your Pass there is no need to carry extra cash. So keep your wallet in a safe place such as a hidden wallet and save money and discover Dublin!
Not only does the Dublin Pass entitle the group to free admission, we also benefit from Fast-Track entry, allowing us to skip the long lines at some of the busiest tourist attractions! So visit Trinity College and the Old Library to view the illuminated manuscript of the Book of Kells, The Guinness Storehouse, Dublin Castle, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Kilmainham Gaol and the Old Jameson Distillery or one of the many other stops along the route. Tonight enoy a welcome dinner in Ireland’s oldest Pub: The Brazen Head. Overnight again in Dublin.
Day 4: Dublin - Cork - Killarney What would a trip to Ireland be without the Blarney Stone. Leave Dublin as we are chauffeured by our driver/guide to County Cork, the home of Blarney Castle.
Blarney Castle was built nearly 600 years ago by one of Ireland’s greatest chieftains, Cormac MacCarthy. It’s fame might have something to do with the Blarney Stone, the legendary Stone of Eloquence, found at the top of the tower. To kiss it, one has to lean backwards holding on the railing of course. The prize is a real one as once kissed the stone bestows the gift of eloquence.
In the late afternoon arive in Killarney, Ireland’s most historic and compact medieval city with picturesque alleyways and array of historical buildings. Towering over the city is Kilkenny Castle, a 12th century castle, was the seat of the Marquesses and Dukes of Ormonds. Take a walk around the alleys or visits the owrkshops of local arts and craftsman or enjoy the bustle of the town square. Overnight in Killarney.
Day 5: Killarney Today explore the ‘RING OF KERRY’l, 105 miles of some of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery. The Ring of Kerry offers magnificent panoramas of the Atlantic Ocean and the ruggest coastline of southwest Ireland contrasting with the rich and varied vegetation nurtured by the Gulf Stream. The route takes you through many small villages such as Sneem, famous for its multicolored houses, and through the mountains to Molls Gap and Ladies View, which offer superb views of the famous lakes of Killarney.
On our return to Killarney your afternoon will be free. You can take a Jaunnting Cart ride to Killarney National Park and walk through the park and visit Mackross House and Gardens which is a very impressive 19th century manor or event take a boat ride through the world famouus Killarney Lakes. Overnight in Killarney.
Day 6: Killarney - Adare - Limerick Adare is regarded as Ireland’s prettiest and most pictureque villages. Step back in time and experience the architectural wealth and scenic beauty of Adare Village. The mix of centuries is blended into everyday life as some of the thatched cottages are home to arts and crafts shops.
Then travel to Limerick and discover the history of Ireland’s third largest city on our walking tour. Stroll by buildings ancient and historical, middle-aged and stately, modern and exciting on both sides of River Shannon. See the famous King John’s Castle, King’s Island, Irish Town, Georgian Limerick and Newtown Perry.
Tonight enjoy an optional Banquet at Bunratty Castle. Be entertained by medieval singles and have a sumptuous 4 course dinner, eaten in the style of the Medieval Ages. Overnight in Limerick
Day 7: Limerick - Aran islands Going on an adventure today to the small fishing village of Doolin and board a ferry to the mysterious Aran Islands. Remnants of stone age living are preserved on the three islands located at the mouth of Galway Bay. You will be free to explore the islands, take a bike ride, jaunting care of minibus tour of the islands.
On the islands you will find the ruins of early Christian monasteries and fortifications, the best known being Dun Aengus which dates back over 2000 years, and many churches. The ruins of the House of Saint Edna, the most Medieval religious settlement on Irishmore, can still be seen. Your driver will be waiting for you on the mainland. Overnight in Limerick.
Day 8 - Limerick - Dublin Travel through the Irish countryside too the world-renowned Irish National Stud Farm, home of some of Ireland’s finest thoroughbreds. This 1,000 acre farm has been in use as a stud farm since 1900 and has the fascinating state of the art Harse Museum. You can stroll through the Japanese Gardens situated on the farm. These gardens are considered to be the finest in Europe.
You can travel through the underground stone passage to experience the raw beauty of St. Flachra’s Garden. Designed as the Millennium project, it has 4 acres of woodland and lakeside walks and invokes the spirituality of the monastic movement in Ireland during the 6th & 7th centuries.
Time to relax at our Dublin Airport Hotel before our last dinner and show. You will enjoy the Merry Ploughboys live in concert, regaded as the best traditional music show in Dublin. It is very entertaining with Irish traditional music, Song and Irish Dancing. The very best fresh Irish food is served from our restaurant which offers a choice menu.
Depart Ireland After the group has it’s final breakfast at our hotel the shuttle bus will take everyone back to the Dublin Airport and you will bid farewell to the Emerald Isle. Be sure to discuss with Lynn so that your flights will coordinate well with the depart from the hotel and arrival time at the airport.
Dublin - Ireland
Friday, May 7 at 7:00 AM
Attending: 1
Details: http://www.meetup.com/dc-va-md-singles/calendar/12597690/