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 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 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.