Tuesday,
October 2, 2007 : Depart USA
Depart
the U. S. tonight aboard your wide-bodied jet bound for the Emerald
Isle. Cocktails and dinner will be served shortly after takeoff. Watch
a movie, or just sit back and relax as you approach the dawn of an
Irish morning.
Wednesday,
October
3, 2007:
Cliffs of Moher - Killarney
Upon arrival, our Tour Director will
meet us at Shanon Airport. All of our Directors are friendly and well-versed
guides who are waiting to share the sights and traditions that make
Ireland such a special place. Our journey begins with the awesome Cliffs
of Moher, one of the most outstanding features of County Clare. Rising
sheer above the sea to nearly 700 feet and extending along the coast
for nearly five miles; they are an awesome natural wonder. The Cliffs
offer sweeping views of the Atlantic, the Aran Islands, and Galway Bay.
From there, we continue on to Tarbert where we cross the Shannon River
to Killimer and head south through Listowel to Tralee and on to Killarney
Town where we check into our hotel. After dinner, we are free to experience
the lively little town of Killarney.
Dinner and Overnight: Killarney Towers Hotel
Thursday,
October
4, 2007:
Ring of Kerry
After a hearty Irish breakfast, we depart on one
of Ireland's most popular and beautiful drives, the Ring of Kerry. Traveling
north, we come to the town of Killorglin, famous for "Puck Fair,"
and it is from here we commence the "ring tour." Our 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. As one looks around, it is easy to agree with
the Old Irish saying, "Even if a man has only a small bit of earth
here, he has a lot of the heavens." From Sneem, we continue via
"Ladies View," back to Killarney for dinner at the hotel.
Tonight, we are free to sample the music (and the Guinness) at some
of Killarney's famous pubs.
Dinner and Overnight: Killarney Towers Hotel
Friday, October
5, 2007:
Blarney - Cork
After a hearty Irish breakfast, we depart
for the Irish Association of Barbershop Singers (IABS) Convention in
Cork. We will make our way to the village of Blarney, where we visit
the Castle and kiss the famous stone that is said to bestow the gift
of eloquence on all those who participate in this ancient custom. We
will have time to shop for some Irish hand-knits at the famous Blarney
Woolen Mills before traveling on to the IABS Convention. Convention
activities begin today, with a Mayoral Reception.
Overnight: Jury's Cork Hotel
Saturday, October
6, 2007:
IABS Convention
Our activities today will revolve around
the various competitions of the IABS Convention. There will be various
competitions and a show, as well as a late-night Afterglow.
Overnight: Jury's Cork Hotel
Sunday,
October
7, 2007:
IABS Farewell - Limerick - Medieval Banquet
After
breakfast this morning, we bid farewell to IABS and head north to Limerick.
After checking into our hotel and freshening up a bit, we will visit
Bunratty Castle! The castle itself, built in 1425, is a very fine restoration,
with plenty of fine tapestries and furniture, some dating back as far
as the building. In the Folk Park, the 19th century is recreated with
costumed guides and artisan demonstrating traditional skills and crafts.
Tonight, we'll dine in the Great Hall of the Castle and enjoy a medieval
banquet complete with entertainment. Turn the lore and music of Ireland,
performed by the enchanting Ladies of the Castle, to the strains of
the harp and violin.
Dinner (Banquet) and Overnight: Bunratty Castle Hotel
Monday: Depart Shannon for USA
After breakfast, we will board the motor
coach for Shannon Airport, where we will have time to shop in the Duty
Free Store for last-minute gifts for family and friends. As you board
your flight for home, we hope you will take with you wonderful memories
of your time in our beautiful country. Come back soon.
What's
Included?