TROPICAL HARMONY TOUR
Ireland Tour: JUNE 17-26, 2017
Proposed Itinerary
Sat, Jun 17
UNITED STATES 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.
UNITED STATES 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.
The Mighty Cliffs of Moher
Sun, Jun 18
SHANNON ARRIVAL & KILLARNEY
After customs and immigration formalities at Shannon Airport, your driver/guide will welcome you to Ireland and escort you to the motor coach. Enjoy breakfast at the Inn at Dromoland before departing Shannon. Drive to the coast of Clare to view the Cliffs of Moher. This impressive wall of rock rises to almost 700 feet above the foaming Atlantic breakers. Next take a short ferry ride across the River Shannon Estuary to the mountainous countryside of Kerry. Then travel to the village of Listowel to visit the Kerry Literary & Cultural Centre. Located in a 19th century Georgian residence in Listowel’s magnificent Square, the Centre features primarily five of the County Kerry’s most esteemed writers; they are John B. Keane, Bryan MacMahon, George Fitzmaurice, Brendan Kennelly and Maurice Walsh. From Listowel, travel south through Tralee to Killarney and check into your hotel. You will have the afternoon free to relax or stroll around town on your own. In the evening join your fellow travelers for dinner in the hotel restaurant.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT: KILLARNEY TOWERS HOTEL, KILLARNEY
SHANNON ARRIVAL & KILLARNEY
After customs and immigration formalities at Shannon Airport, your driver/guide will welcome you to Ireland and escort you to the motor coach. Enjoy breakfast at the Inn at Dromoland before departing Shannon. Drive to the coast of Clare to view the Cliffs of Moher. This impressive wall of rock rises to almost 700 feet above the foaming Atlantic breakers. Next take a short ferry ride across the River Shannon Estuary to the mountainous countryside of Kerry. Then travel to the village of Listowel to visit the Kerry Literary & Cultural Centre. Located in a 19th century Georgian residence in Listowel’s magnificent Square, the Centre features primarily five of the County Kerry’s most esteemed writers; they are John B. Keane, Bryan MacMahon, George Fitzmaurice, Brendan Kennelly and Maurice Walsh. From Listowel, travel south through Tralee to Killarney and check into your hotel. You will have the afternoon free to relax or stroll around town on your own. In the evening join your fellow travelers for dinner in the hotel restaurant.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT: KILLARNEY TOWERS HOTEL, KILLARNEY
Mon, Jun 19
RING OF KERRY TOUR
This morning enjoy singing at St. Mary’s Cathedral. Designed by the famous neo-Gothic designer, Pugin, the foundation stone was laid in 1842. Building was suspended during the worst period of the Great Famine, when the partially completed building was used as a shelter & hospital for the sick and dying. It was not completed until 1855. Killarney's Cathedral is reputed to have been one of Pugin's favourite buildings. Then set off to 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. 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 at Lady’s View 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
RING OF KERRY TOUR
This morning enjoy singing at St. Mary’s Cathedral. Designed by the famous neo-Gothic designer, Pugin, the foundation stone was laid in 1842. Building was suspended during the worst period of the Great Famine, when the partially completed building was used as a shelter & hospital for the sick and dying. It was not completed until 1855. Killarney's Cathedral is reputed to have been one of Pugin's favourite buildings. Then set off to 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. 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 at Lady’s View 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
Joe Krones (Bass of OLD SCHOOL) getting ready to Kiss the Blarney Stone
Tue, Jun 20
BLARNEY CASTLE & COBH HERITAGE CENTRE
Leaving Killarney, drive into the rich farming country of Cork. At Blarney, stop to climb to the battlements of Blarney Castle; here, you may 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. Then motor a short distance to Cork to check into your hotel for dinner and your overnight stay.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT: KINGSLEY HOTEL, CORK
BLARNEY CASTLE & COBH HERITAGE CENTRE
Leaving Killarney, drive into the rich farming country of Cork. At Blarney, stop to climb to the battlements of Blarney Castle; here, you may 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. Then motor a short distance to Cork to check into your hotel for dinner and your overnight stay.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT: KINGSLEY HOTEL, CORK
Wed, Jun 21
KINSALE
This morning drive south to Kinsale and embark on a brief walking tour with a local guide to learn the history of the town. Kinsale traces its origins back to 1177 when the Anglo-Normans founded a town in a small walled area close to the water. It grew as a port town during the 18th century and today the harbor is
favored by yacht owners. The town has steep, narrow streets with many fine Georgian houses. Spend the remainder of the morning and afternoon at leisure in Kinsale. In the evening, return to Cork in time for dinner. Tonight we meet with our IABS friends from Cork.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT: KINGSLEY HOTEL, CORK
KINSALE
This morning drive south to Kinsale and embark on a brief walking tour with a local guide to learn the history of the town. Kinsale traces its origins back to 1177 when the Anglo-Normans founded a town in a small walled area close to the water. It grew as a port town during the 18th century and today the harbor is
favored by yacht owners. The town has steep, narrow streets with many fine Georgian houses. Spend the remainder of the morning and afternoon at leisure in Kinsale. In the evening, return to Cork in time for dinner. Tonight we meet with our IABS friends from Cork.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT: KINGSLEY HOTEL, CORK
Thu, Jun 22
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. Drive through 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 take an orientation drive around Dublin city center. Dublin is one of the liveliest capitals in Europe but there are plenty of historical places also. See the main thoroughfares of O’Connell Street and Nassau Street, the shopping streets and some lovely public parks. Next, enjoy an IABS Performance as arranged by your group leader. Then drive to your hotel and check in. After you settle into your room you may like to rest or explore some of the city on your own before dinner. Tonight we will mmet up with IABS friends from the Dublin Area.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT: CAMDEN COURT HOTEL, DUBLIN
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. Drive through 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 take an orientation drive around Dublin city center. Dublin is one of the liveliest capitals in Europe but there are plenty of historical places also. See the main thoroughfares of O’Connell Street and Nassau Street, the shopping streets and some lovely public parks. Next, enjoy an IABS Performance as arranged by your group leader. Then drive to your hotel and check in. After you settle into your room you may like to rest or explore some of the city on your own before dinner. Tonight we will mmet up with IABS friends from the Dublin Area.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT: CAMDEN COURT HOTEL, DUBLIN
Fri, Jun 23
DUBLIN HIGHLIGHTS
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 perform. Next, we go to the Mansion House for a performance for Lord Mayor Dublin (pending availability). After the performance, you may wish to relax or freshen up before tonight’s festivities. 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.
OVERNIGHT: CAMDEN COURT HOTEL, DUBLIN
DUBLIN HIGHLIGHTS
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 perform. Next, we go to the Mansion House for a performance for Lord Mayor Dublin (pending availability). After the performance, you may wish to relax or freshen up before tonight’s festivities. 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.
OVERNIGHT: CAMDEN COURT HOTEL, DUBLIN
Sat, Jun 24
MOON RIVER CRUISE & SLIGO
Leaving Dublin, travel northwest to Carrick–on-Shannon and take a Moon River Cruise, while enjoying the breathtaking scenery of the River Shannon. From Carrick-on-Shannon continue on to Sligo where we will check into our hotel for dinner and your overnight stay. This evening we will have an evening of song with our IABS friends from Sligo.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT: GLASS HOUSE HOTEL, SLIGO
MOON RIVER CRUISE & SLIGO
Leaving Dublin, travel northwest to Carrick–on-Shannon and take a Moon River Cruise, while enjoying the breathtaking scenery of the River Shannon. From Carrick-on-Shannon continue on to Sligo where we will check into our hotel for dinner and your overnight stay. This evening we will have an evening of song with our IABS friends from Sligo.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT: GLASS HOUSE HOTEL, SLIGO
Sun, Jun 25
'QUIET MAN' TOUR & GALWAY PANORAMIC
After breakfast board the coach and travel through Kilkelly to the attractive village of Cong. Upon arrival take a short walking tour through the village to discover places that appeared in the movie “The Quiet Man” which was filmed with John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara in 1952. Finish your walk at the Quiet Man Heritage Cottage, filled with memorabilia of the movie. From Cong drive south via Headford to Galway for a panoramic tour to see the principal sights of the city. A drive around will take you to the large modern cathedral set on an island on the River Corrib. See the Spanish Arch in the Claddagh area, formerly a fishing village, the City Museum, National University of Galway and the Cathedral of Our Lady, which is built on the site of the former county jail. Then continue to Bunratty, where you will check into your hotel. You may wish to relax or freshen up 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.
OVERNIGHT: BUNRATTY CASTLE HOTEL, BUNRATTY
'QUIET MAN' TOUR & GALWAY PANORAMIC
After breakfast board the coach and travel through Kilkelly to the attractive village of Cong. Upon arrival take a short walking tour through the village to discover places that appeared in the movie “The Quiet Man” which was filmed with John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara in 1952. Finish your walk at the Quiet Man Heritage Cottage, filled with memorabilia of the movie. From Cong drive south via Headford to Galway for a panoramic tour to see the principal sights of the city. A drive around will take you to the large modern cathedral set on an island on the River Corrib. See the Spanish Arch in the Claddagh area, formerly a fishing village, the City Museum, National University of Galway and the Cathedral of Our Lady, which is built on the site of the former county jail. Then continue to Bunratty, where you will check into your hotel. You may wish to relax or freshen up 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.
OVERNIGHT: BUNRATTY CASTLE HOTEL, BUNRATTY
Mon, Jun 26
RETURN TO THE UNITED STATES
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.
RETURN TO THE UNITED STATES
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 HOTELS
Killarney Towers Hotel, Killarney ........... 2 nights
Kingsley Hotel, Cork ................................. 2 nights
Camden Court Hotel, Dublin ................... 2 nights
Glasshouse Hotel, Sligo ............................ 1 night
Bunratty Castle Hotel, Bunratty...............1 night
Kingsley Hotel, Cork ................................. 2 nights
Camden Court Hotel, Dublin ................... 2 nights
Glasshouse Hotel, Sligo ............................ 1 night
Bunratty Castle Hotel, Bunratty...............1 night
TRAVEL INSURANCE
ESTIMATED TRAVEL PROTECTION PLAN
Premium per person .................. $209.00
Plan can only be purchased at the time of deposit.
Plan Details are also available at www.tripmate.com/wpF429G
Premium per person .................. $209.00
Plan can only be purchased at the time of deposit.
Plan Details are also available at www.tripmate.com/wpF429G
PLEASE NOTE
The exchange rate is estimated for 2017.
The exchange rate is estimated for 2017.
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
Exclusive transport by luxury motor coach with driver/guide
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 for 8 nights
Full breakfasts (9)
includes breakfast on arrival at the Inn at Dromoland
Dinners (8):
Table d’hôte dinners (6)
Taylor's Three Rock traditional Irish show
Medieval Banquet at Bunratty Castle
Visits and admission fees to:
Cliffs of Moher
Passage on the Tarbert Ferry
Kerry Literary & Cultural Centre (Listowel)
Ring of Kerry
Sheep Trials
Guided Walking Tour of Kinsale
Blarney Castle & Woollen Mills
Cobh Heritage Centre
Rock of Cashel
Tour of Dublin with a local guide
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Trinity College (Book of Kells)
Guinness Storehouse
Moon River Cruise on the River Shannon
'The 'Quiet Man' walking tour of Cong
Panorama Tour of Galway
Hotel porterage, service charges and government taxes
Flight bags, ticket wallets,
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 for 8 nights
Full breakfasts (9)
includes breakfast on arrival at the Inn at Dromoland
Dinners (8):
Table d’hôte dinners (6)
Taylor's Three Rock traditional Irish show
Medieval Banquet at Bunratty Castle
Visits and admission fees to:
Cliffs of Moher
Passage on the Tarbert Ferry
Kerry Literary & Cultural Centre (Listowel)
Ring of Kerry
Sheep Trials
Guided Walking Tour of Kinsale
Blarney Castle & Woollen Mills
Cobh Heritage Centre
Rock of Cashel
Tour of Dublin with a local guide
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Trinity College (Book of Kells)
Guinness Storehouse
Moon River Cruise on the River Shannon
'The 'Quiet Man' walking tour of Cong
Panorama Tour of Galway
Hotel porterage, service charges and government taxes
Flight bags, ticket wallets,