Sample Itinerary for IABS Convention held in Killarney
Wednesday – DEPART USA TO SHANNON
Depart your hometown and take an overnight flight across the Atlantic. Enjoy in-flight entertainment and meal service as you travel to start your vacation.
Thursday – ARRIVE SHANNON - CLIFFS OF MOHER
After customs and immigration formalities at Shannon Airport, your driver/guide will welcome you to Ireland and escort you to your waiting motor coach. Enjoy breakfast upon arrival at Inn at Dromoland, before we drive to the coast of Clare to view the mighty Cliffs of Moher. This impressive wall of rock rises to almost 700 feet above the foaming Atlantic breakers. Then we take a 20-minute ferry ride across the River Shannon estuary and head south to Killarney. We check into our hotel and enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure. You may like to visit the Franciscan Friary with superb stained-glass windows or the Transport Museum containing a fine collection of vintage cars. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for dinner in the hotel restaurant.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT - GLENEAGLE HOTEL, KILLARNEY
Friday - IABS CONVENTION
Today, after breakfast at your hotel, join your group for the IABS Convention. Today, it’s the National Men’s Quartets and the National Ladies Quartets competing for the National Championship of Ireland. This evening, after dinner, is the “entertainment” competition (open to all quartets and choruses) which is adjudicated by a celebrity panel. An Afterglow will follow the show.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT - GLENEAGLE HOTEL, KILLARNEY
Saturday - IABS CONVENTION
Today, after breakfast at your hotel, rejoin the IABS Convention. Today, we will have National and International Chorus competition as well as International Male and Females Quartets, as well as Mixed Quartets. After dinner in the hotel is a Gala Winner’s Show followed by a late-night Afterglow.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT - GLENEAGLE HOTEL, KILLARNEY
Sunday - RING OF KERRY
Today, after breakfast, we explore the Ring of Kerry - 100 miles of marvelous scenery consisting of the highest peaks in Ireland on one side and a coastline scattered with golden beaches and rocky headlands on the other. You will enjoy plenty of stops to admire the incredible views. But first, we will visit St. Mary’s Catholic Cathedral with its soaring spire where we will hope to sing at a Mass and experience the fantastic acoustics. Next, we travel through Caherdaniel and Waterville at the western end of the peninsula and enjoy the bracing Atlantic breezes. Continue your drive through the colorful village of Sneem and onto Kenmare for a visit to the Kissane Sheep Farm, a traditional working sheep farm run by John and Anne Kissane. Learn about sheep farming practices and see how the farmer herds his flocks. Return to Killarney where you may like to take a walk to Ross Castle on the shores of Lough Leane or take a jaunting car ride to Muckross House in time to freshen up before dinner with your group.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT - GLENEAGLE HOTEL, KILLARNEY
Monday - BLARNEY CASTLE & COBH
Depart Killarney this morning, after breakfast at your hotel, and travel east to Blarney. Climb to the battlements of Blarney Castle to kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence.” Also visit the Blarney Woollen Mills, which has an excellent range of Irish products of all types. You will also have time to browse around the village, charmingly set around a large village green. Then drive a short distance to the east of Cork to Cobh, the harbor town for large ships. Visit the Cobh Heritage Centre, which depicts the varied history of emigration from Ireland and many European countries to the United States over the past 150 years. Cobh was the last port of call for the “Titanic” and many liners that carried emigrants to the New World. This informative display is housed in the rail station through which all of the Irish emigrants had to pass. After your visit, drive a short distance to Cork and check into your hotel. Join your fellow travelers for dinner in the hotel restaurant tonight.
IMPERIAL HOTEL, CORK
Tuesday - ROCK OF CASHEL - DUBLIN
Depart Cork and drive north towards Dublin, today. Travel through the rich dairy country of Cork and Tipperary, past the gentle slopes of the Galtee Mountains and stop at the Rock of Cashel for a guided tour of these majestic church ruins which are clustered high on a limestone outcrop overlooking the surrounding countryside. Of particular note are the highly decorated Cormac’s Chapel which was built during the 12th century, the large cruciform cathedral from the 13th century and a round tower. Continue your journey though the midland region where you will see many farms and marketing towns. Your route will take you past the towns of Portlaoise and Kildare and into the metropolitan area of Dublin. Upon arrival check into your hotel and freshen up before joining your group for dinner. This evening, drive to the town of Rathfarnham to Taylors Three Rock for dinner followed by a lively show of traditional Irish songs, dancing and music.
CAMDEN COURT HOTEL, DUBLIN
Wednesday - DUBLIN
Set off with a local guide who will show you around the prominent historic buildings and monuments of Dublin. Dublin is an ancient settlement, founded by the Vikings in the 9th century. The city has been molded through the centuries with many architectural styles, reflecting the economic, political and artistic influences. Stop to tour St. Patrick’s Cathedral, which is almost as old as the city itself and famous for its connections with the brilliantly eccentric Dean Jonathan Swift where the chorus will sing. Next, visit the Old Jameson Distillery where you can learn about distillation processes for this “water of life”. Displays explain how barley and water are combined, distilled, aged and bottled. At the end of the tour enjoy a sample of the famous drink. We also hope to sing for the Lord Mayor of Dublin at Mansion House. After your visit return to your hotel, where the afternoon is free for sightseeing, and shopping. Tonight, we journey to the fishing village of Skerries where we will have dinner at the local Golf Club followed by a “sing-song”.
CAMDEN COURT HOTEL, DUBLIN
Thursday - MEDIEVAL BANQUET
This morning, after breakfast at your hotel, depart Dublin and motor through the fertile midland region, which has many farms and marketing towns. All along the way you can see how Irish people make a living from agriculture, one of the most important sources of revenue for Ireland. Drive through the city of Limerick, strategically situated on the River Shannon and on to the village of Bunratty. Visit the Bunratty Folk Park, which comprises a collection of farmhouses from different regions of Ireland and a 19th-century village street with a pub, school, general store and many other buildings where traditional lifestyles and crafts are demonstrated. Then check into your hotel where you will have some free time in the afternoon. You may choose to relax or explore some of the other attractions near your hotel. This evening join in the fun and feasting at an Irish Castle. Your medieval-style banquet is served in the Great Hall of the 15th-century castle during which the lords and ladies of the castle transport you in spirit to the Middle Ages with their songs and stories.
Don't forget to sample the Guinness at the "Durty Nelly's" famous pub located next door to Bunratty Castle.
BUNRATTY CASTLE HOTEL, BUNRATTY
Friday - RETURN TO THE USA
Sadly, today your Irish vacation has come to its final day. Transfer to Shannon Airport in good time to check in for your flight. You may do some last-minute shopping at the duty-free stores before boarding your aircraft and flying across the Atlantic Ocean back to the United States
Proposed Inclusions
• Exclusive transport by luxury motor coach with a driver/guide (one) for nine days.
• Hotel accommodation based on twin bedded rooms with private bath for eight nights.
• Full breakfasts (9) including the day of arrival.
• Complete Dinners (8).
• Table d’hôte dinners (6).
• Taylors Three Rock - Dinner and Entertainment
• Dinner in Skerries at local Restaurant (1)
• Medieval banquet at an Irish castle (with dinner) (1)
• Passage on the Tarbert Ferry
• Guided tour of Dublin
ADMISSIONS/VISITS
Cliffs of Moher
Ring of Kerry
Sheep Demonstration on Ring of Kerry
Blarney Castle & Woollen Mills
Cobh Heritage Center
Rock of Cashel
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Trinity College (Book of Kells)/Guinness Storehouse/ or Old Jameson Distillery
Lord Mayor of Dublin at Mansion House (if available)
• Hotel porterage, service charges, and government taxes
• Flight bags, ticket wallets, baggage tags, and identifying strap
PROPOSED HOTELS
Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney 4 nights
Imperial Hotel, Cork 1 night
Camden Court Hotel, Dublin 2 nights
Bunratty Castle Hotel, Bunratty 1 night
NOT NORMALLY INCLUDED
• IABS Convention Registration
• IABS Competition Entrance Fees
Call Leo at (508) 533-6255 for customized pricing for your chorus.
Wednesday – DEPART USA TO SHANNON
Depart your hometown and take an overnight flight across the Atlantic. Enjoy in-flight entertainment and meal service as you travel to start your vacation.
Thursday – ARRIVE SHANNON - CLIFFS OF MOHER
After customs and immigration formalities at Shannon Airport, your driver/guide will welcome you to Ireland and escort you to your waiting motor coach. Enjoy breakfast upon arrival at Inn at Dromoland, before we drive to the coast of Clare to view the mighty Cliffs of Moher. This impressive wall of rock rises to almost 700 feet above the foaming Atlantic breakers. Then we take a 20-minute ferry ride across the River Shannon estuary and head south to Killarney. We check into our hotel and enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure. You may like to visit the Franciscan Friary with superb stained-glass windows or the Transport Museum containing a fine collection of vintage cars. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for dinner in the hotel restaurant.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT - GLENEAGLE HOTEL, KILLARNEY
Friday - IABS CONVENTION
Today, after breakfast at your hotel, join your group for the IABS Convention. Today, it’s the National Men’s Quartets and the National Ladies Quartets competing for the National Championship of Ireland. This evening, after dinner, is the “entertainment” competition (open to all quartets and choruses) which is adjudicated by a celebrity panel. An Afterglow will follow the show.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT - GLENEAGLE HOTEL, KILLARNEY
Saturday - IABS CONVENTION
Today, after breakfast at your hotel, rejoin the IABS Convention. Today, we will have National and International Chorus competition as well as International Male and Females Quartets, as well as Mixed Quartets. After dinner in the hotel is a Gala Winner’s Show followed by a late-night Afterglow.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT - GLENEAGLE HOTEL, KILLARNEY
Sunday - RING OF KERRY
Today, after breakfast, we explore the Ring of Kerry - 100 miles of marvelous scenery consisting of the highest peaks in Ireland on one side and a coastline scattered with golden beaches and rocky headlands on the other. You will enjoy plenty of stops to admire the incredible views. But first, we will visit St. Mary’s Catholic Cathedral with its soaring spire where we will hope to sing at a Mass and experience the fantastic acoustics. Next, we travel through Caherdaniel and Waterville at the western end of the peninsula and enjoy the bracing Atlantic breezes. Continue your drive through the colorful village of Sneem and onto Kenmare for a visit to the Kissane Sheep Farm, a traditional working sheep farm run by John and Anne Kissane. Learn about sheep farming practices and see how the farmer herds his flocks. Return to Killarney where you may like to take a walk to Ross Castle on the shores of Lough Leane or take a jaunting car ride to Muckross House in time to freshen up before dinner with your group.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT - GLENEAGLE HOTEL, KILLARNEY
Monday - BLARNEY CASTLE & COBH
Depart Killarney this morning, after breakfast at your hotel, and travel east to Blarney. Climb to the battlements of Blarney Castle to kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence.” Also visit the Blarney Woollen Mills, which has an excellent range of Irish products of all types. You will also have time to browse around the village, charmingly set around a large village green. Then drive a short distance to the east of Cork to Cobh, the harbor town for large ships. Visit the Cobh Heritage Centre, which depicts the varied history of emigration from Ireland and many European countries to the United States over the past 150 years. Cobh was the last port of call for the “Titanic” and many liners that carried emigrants to the New World. This informative display is housed in the rail station through which all of the Irish emigrants had to pass. After your visit, drive a short distance to Cork and check into your hotel. Join your fellow travelers for dinner in the hotel restaurant tonight.
IMPERIAL HOTEL, CORK
Tuesday - ROCK OF CASHEL - DUBLIN
Depart Cork and drive north towards Dublin, today. Travel through the rich dairy country of Cork and Tipperary, past the gentle slopes of the Galtee Mountains and stop at the Rock of Cashel for a guided tour of these majestic church ruins which are clustered high on a limestone outcrop overlooking the surrounding countryside. Of particular note are the highly decorated Cormac’s Chapel which was built during the 12th century, the large cruciform cathedral from the 13th century and a round tower. Continue your journey though the midland region where you will see many farms and marketing towns. Your route will take you past the towns of Portlaoise and Kildare and into the metropolitan area of Dublin. Upon arrival check into your hotel and freshen up before joining your group for dinner. This evening, drive to the town of Rathfarnham to Taylors Three Rock for dinner followed by a lively show of traditional Irish songs, dancing and music.
CAMDEN COURT HOTEL, DUBLIN
Wednesday - DUBLIN
Set off with a local guide who will show you around the prominent historic buildings and monuments of Dublin. Dublin is an ancient settlement, founded by the Vikings in the 9th century. The city has been molded through the centuries with many architectural styles, reflecting the economic, political and artistic influences. Stop to tour St. Patrick’s Cathedral, which is almost as old as the city itself and famous for its connections with the brilliantly eccentric Dean Jonathan Swift where the chorus will sing. Next, visit the Old Jameson Distillery where you can learn about distillation processes for this “water of life”. Displays explain how barley and water are combined, distilled, aged and bottled. At the end of the tour enjoy a sample of the famous drink. We also hope to sing for the Lord Mayor of Dublin at Mansion House. After your visit return to your hotel, where the afternoon is free for sightseeing, and shopping. Tonight, we journey to the fishing village of Skerries where we will have dinner at the local Golf Club followed by a “sing-song”.
CAMDEN COURT HOTEL, DUBLIN
Thursday - MEDIEVAL BANQUET
This morning, after breakfast at your hotel, depart Dublin and motor through the fertile midland region, which has many farms and marketing towns. All along the way you can see how Irish people make a living from agriculture, one of the most important sources of revenue for Ireland. Drive through the city of Limerick, strategically situated on the River Shannon and on to the village of Bunratty. Visit the Bunratty Folk Park, which comprises a collection of farmhouses from different regions of Ireland and a 19th-century village street with a pub, school, general store and many other buildings where traditional lifestyles and crafts are demonstrated. Then check into your hotel where you will have some free time in the afternoon. You may choose to relax or explore some of the other attractions near your hotel. This evening join in the fun and feasting at an Irish Castle. Your medieval-style banquet is served in the Great Hall of the 15th-century castle during which the lords and ladies of the castle transport you in spirit to the Middle Ages with their songs and stories.
Don't forget to sample the Guinness at the "Durty Nelly's" famous pub located next door to Bunratty Castle.
BUNRATTY CASTLE HOTEL, BUNRATTY
Friday - RETURN TO THE USA
Sadly, today your Irish vacation has come to its final day. Transfer to Shannon Airport in good time to check in for your flight. You may do some last-minute shopping at the duty-free stores before boarding your aircraft and flying across the Atlantic Ocean back to the United States
Proposed Inclusions
• Exclusive transport by luxury motor coach with a driver/guide (one) for nine days.
• Hotel accommodation based on twin bedded rooms with private bath for eight nights.
• Full breakfasts (9) including the day of arrival.
• Complete Dinners (8).
• Table d’hôte dinners (6).
• Taylors Three Rock - Dinner and Entertainment
• Dinner in Skerries at local Restaurant (1)
• Medieval banquet at an Irish castle (with dinner) (1)
• Passage on the Tarbert Ferry
• Guided tour of Dublin
ADMISSIONS/VISITS
Cliffs of Moher
Ring of Kerry
Sheep Demonstration on Ring of Kerry
Blarney Castle & Woollen Mills
Cobh Heritage Center
Rock of Cashel
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Trinity College (Book of Kells)/Guinness Storehouse/ or Old Jameson Distillery
Lord Mayor of Dublin at Mansion House (if available)
• Hotel porterage, service charges, and government taxes
• Flight bags, ticket wallets, baggage tags, and identifying strap
PROPOSED HOTELS
Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney 4 nights
Imperial Hotel, Cork 1 night
Camden Court Hotel, Dublin 2 nights
Bunratty Castle Hotel, Bunratty 1 night
NOT NORMALLY INCLUDED
• IABS Convention Registration
• IABS Competition Entrance Fees
Call Leo at (508) 533-6255 for customized pricing for your chorus.