Carolee's
Ireland In Bloom!

July 2007 Itinerary

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July 21, 2007 - Depart USA
Depart the U.S. tonight aboard your wide bodied jet bound for the Emerald Isle. Dinner will be served shortly after take off, relax then, or watch a movie, as you approach the dawn of an Irish morning.

July 22, 2007 – Cliffs of Moher and the Burren
On arrival at Shannon Airport, you are met by your friendly Irish driver/guide and escorted to your waiting luxury motorcoach, which will transfer you in style to Galway. Our route to Galway is via the old market town of Ennis and westward to the mighty Cliffs of Moher, rising sheer above the coast for almost five miles. We then continue on into the mysterious Burren. This mass of limestone rock covers the surrounding countryside like a jigsaw puzzle and is abundant Irish wild life and fauna. Here we will make a stop at the Burren Perfumery where we will have some free time in the Herb Gardens and be able to sample some of the fragrances, creams and balms that the perfumery offers. We continue along the coast by way of Kinvara on Galway Bay and arrive at our hotel in the early afternoon. The remainder of the afternoon is free to relax after your flight.
Dinner and Overnight: Connemara Coast Hotel

July 23, 2007 – Ardcarrig Gardens and Connemara
This morning, after a hearty Irish breakfast, our first visit will be to Ardcarrig Gardens, we continue on to explore the rugged yet serene Connemara area which John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara made famous in the classic, “A Quiet Man”. This rocky land of broad-backed mountains and pearl-like lakes is the largest Irish speaking section of the country and the old traditions and way of life are as much a part of Connemara’s attractions as is the scenery. We drive along the shores of Lough Corrib and return to Galway via the coastal route, stopping at Spiddal, a coastal market town to explore Staunton’s Shoppe, which offers a wide selection of Irish hand knits and other local products this region is known for.
Dinner: Dunguaire Banquet
Overnight: Connemara Coast Hotel

July 24, 2007 –Glin Castle and Muckross Gardens
This morning after breakfast we will travel south to Killarney. Our route this morning will bring us south to Limerick where we find the family owned Glin Castle. Here we will have a guided tour of the formal pleasure gardens that surround the castle. We continue on via Adare to Killarney where we shall stop at the National Park to visit the Muckross Walled Garden Center. Here you will find Victoria Glass houses, a walled formal garden, weaving and pottery, craft shops and much more. In the late day you will have time to wander Killarney House Gardens with its cherry tree drive and summer flower beds. We will arrive at our hotel with time to freshen up before we have dinner at the hotel. After dinner you will be on your own to explore the many wonderful options that Killarney has to offer for nightly entertainment.
Dinner and Overnight: Killarney Towers Hotel

July 25, 2007 – Ring of Kerry
After a hearty Irish breakfast, we depart on one of Irelands most popular and beautiful drives the Ring of Kerry. Our day brings us northwards from Killarney, you come to the town of Killorglin, famous for “Puck Fair”. Here we will visit Dunloe Castle Gardens where you will have some free time to explore the gardens. From here, you will commence on the “ring tour”. Your drive is along the coastline of the broad Iveragh peninsula, through the towns of Glenbeigh, Cahirciveen, Waterville and Sneem. The Scenery is spectacular as wind-swept cliffs, still lakes, lost valleys and rocky mountains blend in awesome beauty. From Sneem, you continue via “Ladies View” back to Killarney. There will be some interesting events to look forward to on the Ring!
Dinner and Overnight: Killarney Towers Hotel

July 26, 2007 – West Cork and Kinsale
After our delicious Irish breakfast we depart for Cork. Our journey brings us south along the coastline of West Cork. We will stop in Macroom for a photo stop at the old church and cemetery before we continue on to the charming sea-farming village of Kinsale situated right on the Atlantic Ocean, which means travelers have been bringing their recipes to their shores for hundreds of years. Kinsale is not only pleasant to the palate but also to the eye. The coastline is dotted with cute houses, shops and restaurants. We continue onto Cork city for another adventure, Blarney Castle. We will visit the village of Blarney where you’ll have the opportunity to kiss the famous stone and get the gift of the gab! Queen Elizabeth I coined the phrase due to her exasperation with Lord Blarney’s ability to talk endlessly without ever agreeing to her demands. Climb the spiral staircases, see the druidic circle made of stones, explore the witches stove, or enter Blarney’s dungeon! We will have time some shopping at the Blarney Woolen Mills, where a wide selection of Irish handmade goods awaits you. We return to our hotel for dinner
Dinner and Overnight: Kingsley Hotel, Cork

July 27, 2007 – Ballymaloe Gardens and Kilquade National Exhibit Center
This morning after breakfast we will be visiting the gardens of the famous Irish Cooking School, Ballymaloe. There are several gardens to be explore including a water garden, herb garden and a fruit garden. You will also find herbaceous borders and a celtic maze. Our drive continues north to the Kilquade National Exhibit Center. With over 20 gardens by leading designers there is something here that will delight everyone. Many of the gardens include water features, mirrors or unusual furniture, or even sculptures to capture your imagination. Where you choose a garden to sit and relax or choose to wander all, we are sure that these peaceful and scented gardens will leave you in a peaceful frame of mind.
Dinner and Overnight: Burlington Hotel, Dublin

July 28, 2007 – Dillon Gardens, Dublin City and Powerscourt
After breakfast this morning, we board our coach for a sightseeing tour of Dublin's fair city, which though modern and cosmopolitan, still retains the grace and atmosphere of the eighteenth century through its Georgian squares and terraces. Our first stop this morning is Dillon Gardens, where there will be a book signing with Helen Dillon and we will have the opportunity to wander her garden which has evolved over 25 years. We continue on and pass Trinity College and its library, home to the Book of Kells, the Book of Durrow and one of the finest collections of manuscripts and early printed books in Ireland. We also visit St. Patrick's Cathedral, founded in 1190, with its memories of Jonathon Swift, Handle, King William and many more. As we continue we see Christchurch Cathedral and O'Connell Street, reputed to be one of the widest main streets in Europe and the Bank of Ireland, formerly the Irish House of Parliament. This afternoon we will visit the gardens of Powerscourt Estate. Spread over 45 acres these formal gardens were created in the 1740's. They consist of an impressive collection of walled gardens, ornamental lakes, rambling walks as well as a Japanese Garden. Five kilometers from the gardens is Ireland's highest waterfall, falling almost 400 feet into the Dargle Valley. The area is a natural home for many birds and a favourite summer picnic spot.
Overnight: Burlington Hotel, Dublin

July 29, 2007 – Glasnevin Botanical Gardens and Malahide Castle Cardens
This morning after breakfast we will visit Malahide, which means “on the brow of the sea”. It is a village nine miles north of Dublin, where the castle is close to the village and is built on a small rise which commands a view of the bay. There are many magnificent oaks, chestnuts and sycamores dating to the days of the Tudors. Here we will have a guided tour of the gardens of Malahide Castle. We continue on to the botanical gardens in Dublin at Glasnevin where we will have some time to wander the gardens and glasshouses that have stood since 1795. We return to Dublin where there will be stops for Trinity College, shopping, or the hotel for those that just want to relax. Tonight will be a free evening and there will be plenty to choose from whether is it an Irish show or a pub dinner.
Overnight: Burlington Hotel, Dublin

July 30, 2007 – Depart Ireland
After breakfast, we bid farewell to Dublin as we board our coach for transfer to Dublin Airport. There will ample time to browse and shop in the Duty Free Store before boarding your return flight. Then, it's on board leaving behind the "land of a thousand welcomes", sparkling in a setting of silver coastline and a patchwork of emeralds.