Itinerary for IABS COnvention 2013
Wed.: UNITED STATES TO DUBLIN
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.
Thu.: DUBLIN TO WATERFORD
After landing at Dublin Airport, complete customs and immigration formalities. Then your tour driver/guide will welcome you to Ireland and escort you and your luggage to the coach. Leaving Dublin travel to Naas and through Kildare, which is prime horse-breeding country. Drive south through pleasant farmland to the marketing town of Carlow and on to medieval Kilkenny. Then continue to Waterford, home of the famous hand-cut crystal. Upon arrival visit the House of Waterford Crystal to see how skilled craftspeople create masterpieces of glass. Watch all stages of production from the blowing of molten crystal to the final polishing. In the showrooms you can see a wide range of tableware and special trophies and you will have an opportunity to buy. Then check into your hotel and enjoy rest of the day free for independent sightseeing, activities and dining.
OVERNIGHT: TOWER HOTEL, WATERFORD
Fri.: IABS CONVENTION, WATERFORD
After breakfast, Register for the IABS Convention. Competitions begins on Friday afternoon, and ends with the Entertainment Contest in the evening.
BREAKFAST, OVERNIGHT: TOWER HOTEL, WATERFORD
Sat.: IABS CONVENTION, WATERFORD
After breakfast, there are morning, afternoon, and evening events with an Afterglow to follow into the "wee hours".
BREAKFAST, OVERNIGHT: OVERNIGHT: TOWER HOTEL, WATERFORD
Sun.: ROCK OF CASHEL & CORK
This morning depart Waterford and travel to Cashel. Stop at the Rock of Cashel which was the seat of the early Kings of Munster. Visit many of the impressive ecclesiastical buildings including Cormac's Chapel, built around 1130, and view the surrounding countryside from the high outcrop on which the buildings are gathered. 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 drive south past the gentle slopes of the Galtee Mountains and rich dairying country to Cork on the south coast. Upon arrival, check into your hotel where you will have some time to freshen up. In the evening join your fellow passengers for dinner and a barbershop night in the hotel.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT: IMPERIAL HOTEL, CORK
Mon.: COBH HERITAGE CENTRE & BLARNEY
This morning 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. Then travel to Blarney to 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 continue through rugged countryside to Killarney, widely celebrated for its setting overlooking lakes and mountains. After checking into your hotel, you may like to browse around this busy little town before dinner.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT: KILLARNEY TOWERS HOTEL, KILLARNEY
Tues.: RING OF KERRY TOUR
This morning, 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. Our first stop is St. Mary's Cathedral. When we are finished seeing this beautiful cathedral, we will have permission to sing a song or two to experience the fabulous acoustics. Enjoy plenty of stops to view the scenery and take photos. Travel through Glenbeigh and Cahirciveen and on to Waterville and the colorful village of Sneem. Stop to visit 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. Continue on to Moll's Gap for a view of the three lakes of Killarney with the mountains and the town in the background. Return to Killarney for some free time to look around the town before dining in your hotel.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT: KILLARNEY TOWERS HOTEL, KILLARNEY
Wed.: CLIFFS OF MOHER & BUNRATTY
Leaving Killarney travel via Tralee and Listowel to Tarbert where you take the ferry across the wide mouth of the River Shannon. Drive via Lahinch to view 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. See part of the Burren Country, a region of limestone hills containing a wealth of rare flowers and prehistoric stone monuments on the way to Bunratty. Upon arrival 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 and enjoy some time to relax and settle in before dinner.
This evening join in the fun and feasting at Bunratty 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. The chorus and Old School will each be invited to sing a song as part of the evening festivities.
OVERNIGHT: BUNRATTY CASTLE HOTEL, BUNRATTY
Thu.: ‘QUIET MAN’ WALKING TOUR & SLIGO
This morning depart Bunratty and travel to the attractive village of Cong. Upon arrival embark on a walking tour of the places made famous by the 1952 movie “The Quiet Man” featuring John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara. See some of the movie memorabilia in the Quiet Man Heritage Cottage. After your visit travel on to Sligo a county of gentle mountains, lakes, and coastline and the area most associated with the great poet, W. B. Yeats. After checking into your hotel the balance of the day is at leisure. This evening joining your fellow travelers for dinner and a performance with the IABS groups from Sligo.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT: GLASS HOUSE HOTEL, SLIGO
Fri.: BELLEEK CHINA & DUBLIN
Leaving Sligo drive around the shores of Donegal Bay to Belleek. Stop to tour the Belleek China Factory. Here you can watch skilled craftspeople mold and decorate the clay to form delicate and highly decorative pieces. See the full range in the showrooms and also a historic exhibit with pieces from when the factory first opened. Travel along the beautiful shores of Lower Lough Erne to Enniskillen. Drive through the midlands of Ireland where you can see how many Irish people make their living from agriculture. Continue on to Carrick-on-Shannon where you will enjoy a Moon River Cruise on the River Shannon including coffee or tea and scones. Travel into Dublin, Ireland's lively capital. Check into your hotel and enjoy some time to relax before joining your group for dinner.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT: CAMDEN COURT HOTEL, DUBLIN
Sat. DUBLIN HIGHLIGHTS
After breakfast, we will visit 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. We will perform at this magnificent and historic Cathedral and then we will take a city tour which ends at Trinity College to view the famous "Book of Kells", an illuminated manuscript of the gospels. This evening enjoy a Barbershop Night with our IABS friends from the Dublin area.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT: CAMDEN COURT HOTEL, DUBLIN
Sun.: RETURN TO THE UNITED STATES
Sadly, today our 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 returning to the United States.
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.
Thu.: DUBLIN TO WATERFORD
After landing at Dublin Airport, complete customs and immigration formalities. Then your tour driver/guide will welcome you to Ireland and escort you and your luggage to the coach. Leaving Dublin travel to Naas and through Kildare, which is prime horse-breeding country. Drive south through pleasant farmland to the marketing town of Carlow and on to medieval Kilkenny. Then continue to Waterford, home of the famous hand-cut crystal. Upon arrival visit the House of Waterford Crystal to see how skilled craftspeople create masterpieces of glass. Watch all stages of production from the blowing of molten crystal to the final polishing. In the showrooms you can see a wide range of tableware and special trophies and you will have an opportunity to buy. Then check into your hotel and enjoy rest of the day free for independent sightseeing, activities and dining.
OVERNIGHT: TOWER HOTEL, WATERFORD
Fri.: IABS CONVENTION, WATERFORD
After breakfast, Register for the IABS Convention. Competitions begins on Friday afternoon, and ends with the Entertainment Contest in the evening.
BREAKFAST, OVERNIGHT: TOWER HOTEL, WATERFORD
Sat.: IABS CONVENTION, WATERFORD
After breakfast, there are morning, afternoon, and evening events with an Afterglow to follow into the "wee hours".
BREAKFAST, OVERNIGHT: OVERNIGHT: TOWER HOTEL, WATERFORD
Sun.: ROCK OF CASHEL & CORK
This morning depart Waterford and travel to Cashel. Stop at the Rock of Cashel which was the seat of the early Kings of Munster. Visit many of the impressive ecclesiastical buildings including Cormac's Chapel, built around 1130, and view the surrounding countryside from the high outcrop on which the buildings are gathered. 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 drive south past the gentle slopes of the Galtee Mountains and rich dairying country to Cork on the south coast. Upon arrival, check into your hotel where you will have some time to freshen up. In the evening join your fellow passengers for dinner and a barbershop night in the hotel.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT: IMPERIAL HOTEL, CORK
Mon.: COBH HERITAGE CENTRE & BLARNEY
This morning 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. Then travel to Blarney to 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 continue through rugged countryside to Killarney, widely celebrated for its setting overlooking lakes and mountains. After checking into your hotel, you may like to browse around this busy little town before dinner.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT: KILLARNEY TOWERS HOTEL, KILLARNEY
Tues.: RING OF KERRY TOUR
This morning, 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. Our first stop is St. Mary's Cathedral. When we are finished seeing this beautiful cathedral, we will have permission to sing a song or two to experience the fabulous acoustics. Enjoy plenty of stops to view the scenery and take photos. Travel through Glenbeigh and Cahirciveen and on to Waterville and the colorful village of Sneem. Stop to visit 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. Continue on to Moll's Gap for a view of the three lakes of Killarney with the mountains and the town in the background. Return to Killarney for some free time to look around the town before dining in your hotel.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT: KILLARNEY TOWERS HOTEL, KILLARNEY
Wed.: CLIFFS OF MOHER & BUNRATTY
Leaving Killarney travel via Tralee and Listowel to Tarbert where you take the ferry across the wide mouth of the River Shannon. Drive via Lahinch to view 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. See part of the Burren Country, a region of limestone hills containing a wealth of rare flowers and prehistoric stone monuments on the way to Bunratty. Upon arrival 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 and enjoy some time to relax and settle in before dinner.
This evening join in the fun and feasting at Bunratty 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. The chorus and Old School will each be invited to sing a song as part of the evening festivities.
OVERNIGHT: BUNRATTY CASTLE HOTEL, BUNRATTY
Thu.: ‘QUIET MAN’ WALKING TOUR & SLIGO
This morning depart Bunratty and travel to the attractive village of Cong. Upon arrival embark on a walking tour of the places made famous by the 1952 movie “The Quiet Man” featuring John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara. See some of the movie memorabilia in the Quiet Man Heritage Cottage. After your visit travel on to Sligo a county of gentle mountains, lakes, and coastline and the area most associated with the great poet, W. B. Yeats. After checking into your hotel the balance of the day is at leisure. This evening joining your fellow travelers for dinner and a performance with the IABS groups from Sligo.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT: GLASS HOUSE HOTEL, SLIGO
Fri.: BELLEEK CHINA & DUBLIN
Leaving Sligo drive around the shores of Donegal Bay to Belleek. Stop to tour the Belleek China Factory. Here you can watch skilled craftspeople mold and decorate the clay to form delicate and highly decorative pieces. See the full range in the showrooms and also a historic exhibit with pieces from when the factory first opened. Travel along the beautiful shores of Lower Lough Erne to Enniskillen. Drive through the midlands of Ireland where you can see how many Irish people make their living from agriculture. Continue on to Carrick-on-Shannon where you will enjoy a Moon River Cruise on the River Shannon including coffee or tea and scones. Travel into Dublin, Ireland's lively capital. Check into your hotel and enjoy some time to relax before joining your group for dinner.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT: CAMDEN COURT HOTEL, DUBLIN
Sat. DUBLIN HIGHLIGHTS
After breakfast, we will visit 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. We will perform at this magnificent and historic Cathedral and then we will take a city tour which ends at Trinity College to view the famous "Book of Kells", an illuminated manuscript of the gospels. This evening enjoy a Barbershop Night with our IABS friends from the Dublin area.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT: CAMDEN COURT HOTEL, DUBLIN
Sun.: RETURN TO THE UNITED STATES
Sadly, today our 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 returning to the United States.
HOTELS
Waterford Towers Hotel, Waterford 3 nights
Imperial Hotel, CORK 1 night Killarney Towers Hotel, KILLARNEY 2 nights Bunratty Castle Hotel, Bunratty 1 night Glass House Hotel, SLIGO 1 night Camden Court Hotel, DUBLIN 2 nights |
tour includeDExclusive transport by luxury motorcoach with a driver/guide (one man) for 11 days.
Meet and greet service with one group transfer upon arrival and departure at the airport. Hotel accommodation based on twin bedded rooms with private bath as listed opposite for (10) nights Full breakfasts (9) Dinners (7): Table d'hôte dinners (5) Local Restaurant dinner in Skerries (1) tbd Passage on the Tarbert Ferry Visits and admission fees to: "Quiet Man‟ Walking tour in Cong Moon River Cruise Medieval Banquet at an Irish Castle (1) Guided tour of Dublin House of Waterford Crystal Rock of Cashel Cobh Heritage Center Blarney Castle and Woollen Mills Kissane Sheep Farm Cliffs of Moher Bunratty Folk Park Belleek Pottery Factory St. Patrick‟s Cathedral Trinity College (Book of Kells) Hotel porterage, service chgs and gov't taxes. Flight bags, ticket wallets, tags and ID strap. |
