IRELAND PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR
PROPOSED ITINERARY
Day 1: May 2015 – Welcome to Ireland!
Arrive at Dublin airport, meet with your driver /guide and transfer to Dublin City Centre
Upon arrival meet your local English speaking guide for a Panoramic Dublin City Tour
The south side appears more sophisticated with its vast Georgian squares, such as Merrion Square,
where Oscar Wilde’s House can still be found (today owned by an American College), its colourful
doors, along with Grafton Street and its quality shops. Not so far from St. Stephen’s Green, in Kildare
St., you will see the house of Bram Stoker, the author of Dracula. This part of the city is also
dominated by the students of Trinity College, where the famous book of Kells is permanently exhibited
in its library. The university is facing the medieval district where Dublin Castle and the two Anglican
Cathedrals can be found.
Visit Phoenix Park and the possibility for Wildlife & Nature Photography
Phoenix Park is one of the largest city parks in Europe; in fact, it is 5 times bigger than Hyde Park in
London city and twice the size of Central Park in New York city – two of the most famous city parks in
the world. It can be found 3km North West of Dublin city centre with the main entrance to the park on
Parkgate Street (opposite Hueston Railway Station). Phoenix Park was at one time a Royal Hunting
park with pheasants and deer so a wall was built around it to keep in the animals and in 1745 it was
finally opened to the public. There have been deer in the park since its days as a hunting ground, and
still the most celebrated animals there are the herd of fallow deer, between 400 and 500 of them, who
can most often be seen grazing the areas around the central Fifteen Acres (by the Papal Cross) or in
the woods surrounding that area. In spring you will see dozens of young fawns, later you may be lucky
enough to come across some shed antlers, most often found in Old town Wood, on the opposite end of
the acres to the cross. The south western corner of the park is a wildlife sanctuary, the Furry Glen
where a small lake teams with wild birds and the surrounding hills are a nice place to walk.
Spend the balance of your day exploring Dublin City at your own leisure
Check into your hotel for a welcome dinner
Overnight, dinner, bed & breakfast at your hotel in Dublin or area
Day 2: May 2015 – Wicklow
This morning depart south of Dublin for Wicklow – Known as the Garden of Ireland
Arrive at Dublin Airport meet with coach driver and depart for County Wicklow “The Garden of
Ireland”
home to Powerscourt, Mount Usher and Russborough, to name a few of its many houses and gardens.
This region features all the various types of scenery that makes Ireland so beautiful. The coastline is
bordered by charming sea resorts such as Bray or Greystones. In the heart of its gentle and rounded
hills are nestled Enniskerry and Avoca, both very picturesque villages. Discover its romantic and quiet
beauty, the deserted mounts where nothing but heather grows, the small forests and the lush prairies
illuminated by yellow gorse in spring. Glendalough, a 6th century monastic site and Powerscourt house
and gardens are a must for any visit to Wicklow.
Visit Glendalough Monastic Site (Site only)
The English name Glendalough originated from the Irish “Gleann Dá Locha”, which translates as "The
valley of the two lakes". It was here that St. Kevin ~ son of the king of Leinster founded a monastery in
the 6th century. From a simple beginning the site grew to become famous as a centre of learning
throughout Europe. Standing for 600 years it was destroyed in 1398. Much of what is to be seen today
dates from the 10 to 12th century. One of the most attractive features is the fine 34m high round tower.
A cathedral, stone churches and decorated crosses also survived albeit as ruins. Glendalough has an
excellent visitor's centre and display area, which is located at the entrance to the Valley. It houses a
very comprehensive exhibition on Glendalough detailing the history, archaeology and wildlife of this
area of Wicklow.
Return to Dublin this afternoon for a possible visit to Patrick Donald Photo Gallery
Patrick Donald was born in Dublin and began his photography career in 1996. Today he is the proud
owner of a successful photo gallery in the heart of Dublin City Centre. His gallery showcases an array
of his images from around breathtaking locations around Ireland. He also displays images take around
the world notably his works from Mongolia & Cuba. Patrick is an award winning photographer picking
up the Royal Bank of Scotland (Ireland) and Irish Arts review Portrait Award at the RHA, one of his
images of children on a fairground ride in Cuba, was selected for the front cover of the Irish Arts
Review. The Gallery is now celebrating their 3rd year displaying stunning black & white imagery.
*Subject to availability at the time of booking.
Tonight dinner is under own arrangements in Dublin
Overnight, bed & breakfast at your hotel in Dublin or area
Day 3: May 2015 – Dublin to Cork
Today you will depart Dublin for the Scenic coastal town of Kinsale in West Co. Cork
En route enjoy some photography opportunities in the medieval Kilkenny town – Known as the
marble city
Capital of County Kilkenny, the town of Kilkenny is often referred to as “the Marble City”. It is the most
interesting and best preserved of the medieval Irish cities. It owes its immense charm to the various
impressive historical monuments. A medieval city of 24,000 people it is characterized by many beautifully
restored buildings and winding slipways ~ it is small and compact enough to explore on foot, yet full of
fascinating historical buildings and contemporary shops, design galleries and restaurants. The ancient city
of Kilkenny was named after a 6th century monk St Canice. A native of the area, St Canice built a
monastic enclave on the site where today we find the beautifully restored 13th St Canices Cathedral. The
town is dominated by 12th century Kilkenny Castle, built by the Normans on their arrival in this part of
Ireland. There are a number of other interesting visits to be made while in Kilkenny. No visit of Kilkenny
can be considered complete without a visit to the following venues, the Black and Grey Abbeys, Rothe
House, the Smithwicks Brewery and the Shee Alms house ~ which today is used as the local tourist office.
Continue to Kinsale and spend the balance of your day at leisure
Kinsale is a lovely picturesque little town, considered the gourmet capital of Ireland and famous for its
gourmet festival. The town was the site of one of the most important battles in Irish history when in
1601 the Spain and Irish joined forces against a common enemy the English. Despite a defeat the
Spanish influences can still be seen in the winding streets and architecture of the town’s buildings
today.
Tonight enjoy dinner under own arrangements in this wonderful coastal town
Overnight, bed & breakfast at your hotel in Kinsale or area
Day 4: May 2015 – Mizen Head
This morning the group will travel to Mizen Head, which is the most southern tip of Ireland
Visit Mizen Head and enjoy a visit to the Visitor Centre
The Mizen Peninsula, at Ireland's most South-westerly point, is world-wide renown for the beauty of its
rugged landscape and ancient heritage. A tour of the Mizen Ring gives you the chance to immerse
yourself in the various strands that make the Mizen unique. From geology, flora, birds and fauna to the
influence of man and his history on the landscape Mizen Head Visitor Centre has been developed by a
local tourism co-operative at Ireland’s most south-westerly point. They have a lease on the Irish Light
Signal Station, which was built in 1905 to protect shipping from the cliffs in fog. It is a spectacular
location with its folded rocks and high cliffs. The Signal Station is on an island joined to the mainland
with a fine example of an Arched bridge. If you have plenty of puff you can go up the 99 Steps but there
is a path for the less energetic! At the top of the cliffs near the car park a new building has been added.
Here you may buy a ticket, visit the Shop or the Café, experience the exciting exhibits about modern
technology and Safety at Sea, the Fastnet Rock Lighthouse, Marconi in Crookhaven and the Automatic
Weather Station. Another gem of the Mizen Peninsula is Three Castle Head where the Three Castles,
which are three Tower Houses with, curtain walling. Built in the 15th. Century on the site of a Bronze
Age Promontory Fort, the Castles stand sentinel beside a cliff top lake. Access is restricted at the
moment because of the unstable state of the castles, but it is worth asking if it is possible to visit.
Abundance photo opportunities in this rugged landscape.
Return to Kinsale this afternoon for a possible visit to Giles Norman Photo Gallery
Giles was born to English & Belgian Parents and located to Kinsale in West Cork in 1976, where his
photography career began. His is renowned for his love of black & white photography and his pictures
are available for sale in various craft shops around Ireland. Giles has enjoyed 25 years in business in
Ireland and enjoys taking images of West & North West of Ireland including the Beara Peninsula,
Donegal, Aran Islands and more recently New York City in the USA. To celebrate his 25 years in
business he launched a book of his images titled ‘Ireland… timeless images” The Gallery is located in
the heart of Kinsale over four floors of a stunning Georgian Building. His wife Catherine plays an active
role in the gallery.
Tonight dinner is under own arrangements
Overnight, dinner, bed & breakfast at your hotel in Kinsale or area
Day 5: May 2015 – Beara Peninsula
This morning you will depart Kinsale along the Beara Pensinsula to Glengarriff and take a short ferry
ride to Garnish Island.
The Beara Peninsula is the wildest and most romantic of the peninsulas in the south west of Ireland.
The
Peninsula stretches for a distance of 48km from Glengarriff to Dursey Island and back to Kenmare. It
presents an unspoilt and magnificent landscape, which sweeps from the spine of the Caha hills down to
the shores of Bantry Bay and Kenmare Bay. Beara has unique distinctions as the northern part of the
peninsula straddles South Kerry and the southern part is firmly rooted in West Cork. The appeal of the
Beara Peninsula lies in its startling natural beauty. The Beara is desolate, a harsh and rocky
landscape. This area enjoys a tropical climate due to the close proximity of the Gulf Stream and the
local flora is lush and sometimes exotic. From Glengarriff, there is the possibility of taking the short
boat trip across the bay to Garnish Island ~ a small island was turned into an Itallianate garden in the
early 20th century. The designed imported exotic plants, never before seen in Ireland, continue to
flourish.
Visit to Garnish Island
The Harbour Queen Ferries provides a regular service to the Gardens of Ilnacullin on Garnish Island.
Ferries depart from Glengarriff Pier every 30 minutes during the season (April 1 – October 31). The
ferries are purpose built enclosed waterbuses which will whisk you to the island in safety and comfort.
Garinish is a unique Island that plays host to a multitude of plant variations, and the blanket of Summer
colouring which covers the Island creates a rainbow of colour. The Island has a wonderful history and
its unusual micro climate allows a range of exotic subtropical plant species to flourish. There are a
number of walks and interesting buildings on the Island. On route to the Island you will enjoy the
magnificent views of the bay and also pass Seal Island with its colony of harbour seals. The seals are
very photogenic and are happy to pose for photos!
Continue to Bantry
Visit to Bantry House & Gardens
Bantry House is the ancestral home of the Earls of Bantry. The title lapsed in 1891 but the House is still
owned and lived in by the direct descendant of the 1st Earl of Bantry, Egerton Shelswell-White and his
family. It has been open to the public since 1946. The House has an important collection of art
treasures mainly collected by the 2nd Earl of Bantry on his Grand Tour. The treasures include a unique
collection of French and Flemish tapestries, furniture, and carpets and objects of art. The Garden is laid
out in the Italian style over seven terraces, with the house sitting on the third terrace. A Parterre was
created facing south surrounding a wisteria circle which again surrounds a fountain. From there rise the
famous Hundred Steps, a monumental staircase built of local stone, set amidst azaleas and
rhododendron. From the top garden at the top of the stairs, stunning views over Bantry Bay await the
visitor. Bantry House hosts a number of events including classical and traditional music festivals, food
festivals, outdoor theatre, and is a popular location for filming. A small cafe is open in the house during
the season.
Return to Kinsale for dinner at your hotel
Overnight, dinner, bed & breakfast at your hotel in Kinsale or area.
Day 6: May 2015 – Kinsale to Killarney
This morning depart Kinsale for Killarney via Kenmare, located in Kenmare Bay
Visit Star Outdoors for the Kenmare Bay Experience
Cruise on Kenmare Bay - See seals, castles and get history of salmon from hatching on Kenmare River
to Ocean & back. (Duration approx. 45 minutes) Salmon Smokery Tour – Demonstration & including
tasting (Duration max 30 minutes) Lunch - Buffet of local Kenmare Bay fish products from mussels to
white fish options, local meat products such as corned beef, black pudding etc, local cheeses, honey,
brown bread. Alcoholic and soft drinks, Tea / Coffee can be added at a supplement per person.
(Duration 1 hour) Total time for full experience can be from 2 to 2.5 hours.
Continue to the lake lands of Killarney and spend the balance of your day at leisure
Tonight dinner is under own arrangements
Overnight, bed & breakfast at your hotel in Killarney or area
Day 7: May 2015 – Ring of Kerry
Today you will depart along the Iveragh Peninsula to explore the Ring of Kerry
The Ring of Kerry (166km) is the most famous and panoramic route in Ireland. The astonishing beauty
of this large peninsula, Iveragh, comes from the great diversity of its scenery, which offers incessant
contrasts. En route around the Ring, take in spectacular scenery - mountains, peat bogs, lakes and
magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean as one travels along the coast road. Leaving Killarney pass
through Killorglin, famous for its Puck Fair, then to Glenbeigh where the cliff road affords panoramic
views of the Dingle Peninsula and Dingle Bay. Continuing to Cahirciveen, you’ll pass the birthplace of
our National hero, Daniel O’Connell. Next, continue on through peat bogs to the town of Waterville.
Continue to Sneem Village, famous for its brightly coloured houses. The road then continues through
the mountains to Molls Gap and Ladies View with superb views of the famous Lakes of Killarney. Molls’
Gap is a spectacular photographic viewing point on the famous Ring of Kerry Tour. The visitor is
presented with a magnificent view of Death Valley. Close by is the famous Ladies View viewing point
with gives a different perspective of this magnificent countryside, with the 3 Lakes of Killarney all
surrounded by the Kerry Mountains. Ladies View received its name from Queen Victoria, who was so
impressed with the view that she insisted that her ladies-in-waiting should also visit here.
Lunch under own arrangements
This afternoon an option enjoy a Jaunting Car Ride in Killarney National Park
Enjoy transportation of a different kind! A pony and trap (also known as a jaunting car) brings you from
the main road, along by the lakes to Muckross House, one of Ireland’s leading stately homes. Spend
some time viewing the property and strolling around spectacular gardens. Step aboard a jaunting car
and discover areas of the National Park that you might not otherwise visit. Relax aboard a jaunting car
as your Jarvey (driver) takes you through the magnificent scenery of Killarney National Park. The
scenery is stunning and the trap will stop as often as you wish to facilitate your taking photographs.
*Supplement of $15 per person applies for this optional visit
Return to your hotel in Killarney or area
Dinner under own arrangements
Overnight, bed & breakfast at your hotel in Killarney or area
Day 8: May 2015 – Dingle Peninsula
Today you will explore the stunning Dingle Peninsula
Some of the finest coastal scenery to be seen in Ireland can be found in West Kerry, on the Dingle
Peninsula, the most northern of the Kerry Peninsulas. This peninsula is famous for its Celtic, preChristian monuments and Christian churches. It is also a ‘Gaeltacht' (Irish speaking) area, where the
Irish language and traditional ways of life are preserved. Dingle town itself is a thriving fishing town and
offers plenty of opportunity for shopping or simply savouring the atmosphere of a typical country Irish
town with its plentiful pubs, narrow streets and busy harbour.
The road around the Peninsula is truly spectacular. It passes through a chain of Mountains, called
Slieve Mish. From Inch, a long beach bordered by dunes and made famous by David Lean’s movie
“Ryan’s daughter,” admire the Iveragh Peninsula and Rossbeigh Beach. From Dingle, drive around the
coast to Slea Head. Here the blue of the marine landscape surrounds the Blaskets Islands, deserted
since 1953. In the distance are the two rocky Skellig islands, where the ruins of an early Christian
Monastery can be found. The Dingle Peninsula will charm you with its villages painted in bright colours
and will bewitch you with the dramatic beauty of its landscapes.
This afternoon return to Killarney for a possibility to visit Peter Cox’s Landscape Gallery
Peter Cox opened his first gallery in Killarney in 2011. Within two years he had outgrown the space and
moved to a larger premises on the same main street of Killarney. Peter is an award winning
photographer and boasts awards such as Fellowship from the Irish Professional Photographers’
Association (IPPA), ‘Landscape Photographer of the Year’ in both the single image and portfolio
categories at the National Photographic Awards in 2007. He is also a Qualified European
Photographer award from the Federation of European Photographers. Although a professional
landscape photographer, Peter also enjoy taking on some commercial work, specializing in Architecture
& Golf Photography. Peter has recently launched his first book titled “The Irish Light – A Collection of
Landscape Photographs”
Tonight dinner is under own arrangements in the bustling town of Killarney
Overnight, bed & breakfast at your hotel in Killarney or area
Day 9: May 2015 – Cliffs of Moher & The Burren
This morning you will depart Killarney for Galway via County Clare
Board the Shannon Car Ferry at Tarbert and cross the river Shannon to Killimer in County Clare
The main tourist routes of the West of Ireland's Shannon Region are linked via the Killimer-Tarbert car
ferry. This pleasant, 20 minute journey travels across the Shannon Estuary which is almost 100km in
length and 13km wide at its widest point. Ecologically, the Shannon estuary has a unique value with a
group of bottle nosed dolphins resident in the estuary. As well as this, the estuary is an important
habitat for migrating birds and wild fowl. The ferry can take car and coach vehicles. The ferry trip will
save 85 miles (137 km) from ferry terminal to ferry terminal providing a staging point for the many
attractions of Clare, Kerry and adjoining counties.
Travel along the coast and visit Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre
Situated on the Atlantic Ocean and bordering the Burren Area, the Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland's
most spectacular sights. Standing 230 metres above the ground at their highest point and 8km long, the
Cliffs boast one of the most amazing views in Ireland. On a clear day, the Aran Islands are visible in
Galway Bay as well as the valleys and hills of Connemara. To the south of the cliffs is Hag's Head and
was once the site of a castle. The cliffs reach their highest point just north of O' Brien's Tower.
Cornelius O’ Brien, a descendant of Brian Boru (he who defeated the Vikings in battle), built a Tower at
the cliffs in order to enjoy some tea with his lady friends. The Tower is adjacent to the seastack,
Breanan Mór, which stands over 70 metres above the foaming waves and is home to some of the
Burren’s wildlife.
This afternoon continue on to explore the Burren Region
The Burren, part of which forms the 100 square km Burren National Park, is a unique place. It is a Karst
limestone region of approximately 300 sq. km, which lies in the north west corner of Co Clare. It is
composed of limestone pavements, which have been eroded to a distinctive pattern. This pavement is
crisscrossed by cracks known as grykes in which grow a myriad of wild flora and under which are huge
caves and rivers which suddenly flood when it rains. The Burren contains dozens of megalithic tombs
and Celtic crosses as well as a ruined Cistercian Abbey dating back to the 12th century. You will
discover small villages abandoned during the famine period and green roads on which you can walk for
miles without ever seeing a car. The flora on the Burren is a mixture Arctic and Mediterranean and rare
flowers such as gentian, orchids and bloody cranesbill are the rule rather than the exception. The
Burren is truly an exceptional part of Ireland.
Tonight enjoy dinner & entertainment at Dunguaire Medieval Banquet* Subject to availability
An evening of superb music, song and storytelling awaits you at Dunguaire Banquet on the majestic
shores of Galway Bay, one of Ireland’s most picturesque locations. Mirroring the tradition of medieval
‘King Guaire’, guests are welcomed with a goblet of Mead, a traditional honey wine, in an inner
chamber by the butler and ladies of the castle. After a short history of the castle and musical
introduction guests climb the stairs to the Banquet Hall. A delicious four course dinner with wine is
followed by a 40 minute entertainment program of music, song and dance including excerpts from
famous literary writers associated with the Galway region, such as Yeats, Synge, Gogarty and Shaw.
The castle’s superb artists inspire you with selected stories and excerpts to lighten the heart in this truly
intimate setting. Dunguaire Castle Banquet operates from Monday through Saturday at 5.30pm,
(admission from 5.15pm and ends at 7.45pm approx) and at 8.45pm, (admission from 8.30pm and
ends at 11pm approx). The banquet season operates from mid April to mid October.
Overnight, bed & breakfast at your hotel in Galway or area
Day 10: Galway City Tour
This morning meet your local guide for a Walking Tour of Galway City
Galway City is a delight with its narrow streets, old stone and wooden shop fronts, good restaurants
and busy pubs. The city has attracted a bohemian crown of musicians and artists, which add so much
to the character of the city. A visit can start at Galway’s modern Cathedral, which was built in 1965.
The visit can then continue across the Salmon Weir Bridge and along the trout stream to the Collegiate
of St Nicholas of Myra, which was built in 1320. The Collegiate is close to Nora Barnacle’s house (Mrs
James Joyce) and to the famous Lynch window from which the English language receive the word to
Lynch (hang). The visit can then continue along Shop Street to the Kings Hear. It is worth a visit to this
pub in order to get the true version as to how the pub got its name. Along Shop Street there is
evidence of the splendour of the rich merchants houses during the time that they controlled the
commercial life of the City ~ Lynch’s house being an excellent example. The visitor will conclude on
Eyre square the accepted centre of Galway City. On the western side of the square is Browne’s
doorway which is all that remains of a mid 17th century merchants house. The square also has a statue
to Padraig O’Conaire a noted Irish writer and a curious rusted metal sculpture representing the famous
Galway hooker
Visit to Galway Cathedral
The Cathedral is one of the largest and most impressive buildings in Galway City. Built between 1958
and 1965, it stands on the site of the old city jail. The architecture of the Cathedral draws on many
influences. The dome and pillars reflect a Renaissance style. Other features, including the rose
windows and mosaics, echo the broad tradition of Christian art. The Cathedral dome, at a height of 145
ft, is a prominent landmark on the city skyline. Cardinal Richard Cushing of Boston dedicated the
cathedral in 1965. The exterior design may not be to everybody’s taste, while the interior, with its high
curved arches and central dome, has a simple but solid elegance.
This afternoon an optional scenic and cruise aboard the Princess Corrib Cruise
The Corrib Princess sails from Woodquay in the heart of Galway city, along the famous Steamers Line,
which is the lakes traditional trade route. The journey takes passengers along the majestic River Corrib
and onto the lake providing visitors with a guided commentary in a number of languages on the historic
monuments and natural amenities on this waterway that leads to the largest lake in the Republic of
Ireland. There is an abundance of wild life and the Corrib has a peace and tranquillity all of its own. The
normal sightseeing tour is 90 minutes in duration with indoor seating for guests and tea/coffee plus
traditional scones are included during the cruise.
*Supplement of $14 per person for this optional activity
Tonight dinner is under own arrangements in Galway City
Overnight, bed & breakfast at your hotel in Galway or area
Day 11: May 2015 – Connemara
Today you will explore the stunning Connemara Region – often noted as Irelands most romantic
region
Connemara, is a land of lakes and rivers, bogs and mountains. A land of small villages where Gaelic is
still the spoken language and where little has changed little since the beginning of time. It is without a
doubt the wildest and the most romantic part of Ireland. Connemara is a vast peninsula bordered by the
arid and rocky coastline of Galway Bay in the south ~ a land characteristic for its stone walls and
thatched cottages. On its northern shore the land is harsher and more secret, with spectacular views of
the Ocean and the beautiful fjord of Killary Harbour, as well as the steep mountains overlooking
numerous lakes and large bog areas. Connemara is a real paradise for Nature lovers and those in
search of strong emotions.
Enjoy some time at leisure in Connemara National Park
Connemara National Park encompasses some 2,957 hectares of rugged quartzite and schist terrain of
north Connemara, stretching from sea level at Letterfrack to some of the peaks of the Twelve Bens
mountains (Benbaun, Bencullagh, Benbrack and Muckanacht). The landscape is mantled by blanket
bog and wet heath vegetation with characteristic and varied wildlife. Built by the State to preserve this
unique corner of Ireland, the park offers its visitors a choice of 3 walks through the glen and over the
surrounding mountains. Opened in 1980, the Park Visitor Centre includes an exhibition on the boglands
of the West of Ireland and an audio-visual introduction to the Park and its nature trails
This afternoon visit Kylemore Abbey
Kylemore Abbey is located in the Kylemore Pass in Connemara. A Mitchell Henry built the House in
1868, after having spent his honeymoon in the area. The architecture is best described as neo-gothic
and the house still displays all the characteristics of that period. One of Kylemore Abbey's most famous
features is its miniature cathedral, built in 1870 and known locally as the Gothic church. Today, the
abbey is home to the Irish order of Benedictine nuns. They bought the house in 1920, having fled their
convent in war-torn Belgium in 1914. They established a private school for young girls, which today is
the renowned Kylemore Abbey International School for young girls. Facilities at Kylemore include a
visitor centre, an exhibition housed in the main reception rooms of the house and a video which takes
the visitor through the history of the house and its occupants.
Return to your hotel in Galway or area
Dinner under own arrangements
Overnight, bed & breakfast at your hotel in Galway or area
Day 12: May 2015 – Galway to Dublin
This morning depart Galway for Dublin via the midlands of Ireland
En route visit Clonmacnoise
A wonderful early Christian site founded by St. Ciarán in the mid-6th century on the eastern bank of the
River Shannon. In a stunning setting, the site includes the ruins of a cathedral, seven churches (10th 13th century), two round towers, three high crosses and the largest collection of early Christian grave
slabs in Western Europe. The original high crosses and a selection of grave slabs are on display in the
visitor centre. In 1979 Pope John Paul II celebrated mass at this site. Guided tours are provided and
the long and varied history of Clonmacnoise is recounted in an audio visual presentation shown in the
visitor centre. There are also exhibitions that deal with the flora, fauna and landscape of the region. The
centre includes a Café and ample coach and car parking is available.
Upon arrival in Dublin spend the balance of your day at leisure
Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner with entertainment at Taylor’s Three Rock – Irish Night
Taylors Irish Night is a rip roaring night of traditional Irish song and dance, accompanied by a great
selection of quality Irish food to delight your pallet. The resident band and professional Irish dancers
provide breath-taking performances for their audience and never fail to entertain. The night will begin
with a delicious traditional four course Irish dinner, including an Irish coffee, followed by the traditional
Irish band accompanied by a cast of professional Irish dancers. Entertained by the likes of The Mighty
Ghosts of Erin, Coscan or Doc Savage, you are truly in for a good night.
Overnight, bed & breakfast at your hotel in Dublin or area
Day 13: May 2015 – Farewell
After a final Irish breakfast transfer to Dublin Airport for your return flight home.
NOTES
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We have not checked availability of any services or hotels at this time – all services and prices will
be subject to availability at time of definite booking.
Tips for driver and guide when required are not included in the quote and need to be considered by
the client
Check-in to hotels will not be possible much before 15h00 on the day of arrival
All prices quoted for options apply only where options are pre-booked before group's arrival by
Abbey Tours. Abbey Tours will invoice you for same. Prices apply with minimum 15 participants
per option. No free places apply on optional extras.
Two evening return transfers are included in the package price. If any additional evening return
transfers are required, a supplement of $605 per coach per evening will apply.
Price for evening return transfer as given is valid for evening movements pre-booked before the
group’s arrival in Ireland through Abbey Tours. In the case of evening movements that are not prebooked prior to the group’s arrival in Ireland, the quoted price will not be valid and the price is
subject to individual agreement between the tour leader of the group/ coach driver. Abbey Tours
cannot bear any responsibility for such individual agreements made.
Prices are based on a minimum of 10 pax travelling. If numbers fall below 10, rates quoted will no
longer be valid and will need to be revised.
PRICING
Min. 15 passengers $2770 per person/double occupancy
Min. 20 passengers $2470 per person/double occupancy
Min. 25 passengers $2232 per person/double occupancy
Single Supplement $707
PRICES INCLUDE
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12 nights at 3 star hotels, all rooms with private bath or shower
Full Irish breakfast at hotel on days 2 - 13 inclusive
Dinner at your hotel on days 1 & 5 inclusive (3 courses, including tea / coffee)
Buffet Lunch at Star Outdoors Kenmare Bay on day 6
Dinner at Dunguaire Medieval Banquet or similar on day 9
Farewell dinner with entertainment at Taylor’s Three Rock or Similar on day 12
VISITS
Glendalough
Mizen Head Visitor Centre
Bantry House & Gardens
Star Outdoors
Cliffs of Moher & Atlantic Edge VC
Galway Cathedral
Kylemore Abbey
Clonmacnoise
Harbour Queen Ferry Garnish Island on day 5
Kenmare Bay Cruise on day 6
Shannon Car Ferry, Tarbert to Killimer on day 9
Modern motor-coach with driver/guide x 12 Full Days (09h00-17h30)
Evening return transfer coach x 2 on days 9 & 12 inclusive
Airport transfer on day 13
Step on English speaking guide for Dublin City Tour on day 1
 Service charges and taxes at existing rates
 Porterage included – 1 piece of luggage in/out of hotel
 No free place included
SUGGESTED HOTELS
Academy Plaza Hotel
Actons Hotel
Killarney Court Hotel
Connacht Hotel
Ashling Hotel
Dublin
Kinsale – Cork
Killarney – Kerry
Galway
Dublin
2 nights
3 nights
3 nights
3 nights
1 nights
3 star
3 star
3 star
3 star
3 star
OR SIMILAR; we have not checked availability of services or hotels at this time. All services and prices
will need to be reconfirmed at the definite time of booking.
*Please note accommodation in Dublin city centre is very limited at weekends, if dates fall in
Dublin on a Saturday night, supplement of $50 p.p.p.n. applies.