Fr. Zenon Boczek, SDS, Verona, New Jersey
Ireland Tour October 3 – 11, 2014
call 9738201153 or email: veronasds@gmail.com
Day 1 – Friday, Oct. 3, 2014
Departure for Ireland, boarding your intercontinental flight to Dublin!
Day 2 – Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014 – Welcome to Ireland
Arrive at Dublin Airport and meet with you driver and English speaking guide. Transfer to the city centre
and enjoy a Panoramic Tour of Dublin. A panoramic tour is the ideal introduction to “Dublin’s Fair City”.
The tour will introduce you to the principal sites, which you may then revisit at your leisure. You will visit
the elegant Georgian squares, famous for its architecture and of course its famous –doors. Pass by
Trinity College, with the 8th century Book of Kells and the long room with its 200,000 books. Continue to
St Patrick’s Cathedral. Built in 1192, it is one of Ireland’s largest Cathedrals made famous by its former
dean Jonathan Swift, author of “Gulliver’s Travels.” You will see also Christchurch, built by the AngloNorman’s in 1172 to replace an earlier Church built by the Vikings in 1038, on your way to the Phoenix
Park with its many monuments including the Papal cross. Return to the city centre via the Quays,
passing by the Guinness brewery, and Collins Barrack, now part of the national museum, before arriving
back into O’Connell Street and the city centre. Visit Trinity College Thomas Burgh built the Old Library
building in the 18th century. Today it houses one of Ireland’s most illustrious books, the 9th century
“Book of Kells”. Before viewing the famous book visitors pass through an excellent exhibition based on
the book of Kells and other important books written in monasteries around Ireland from the 9th
century. After viewing the book of Kells visitors are invited to visit the long room built in 1745. Once the
principal library of the University, it now contains over twenty thousand books and manuscripts of the
Trinity’s oldest volumes. Brian Boru’s harp said to be the “ oldest harp in Ireland” and a copy
of the 1916 proclamation, one of the most important documents relating to Irish history are
also on display in the long room.Check into your hotel where you will enjoy a welcome dinner tonight.
Overnight, dinner, bed and full Irish breakfast at your hotel in Dublin or area.
Day 3 – Sunday, October 5, 2014 – Dublin to Knock
Depart in north eastern direction for Knock and on the way visit Clonmacnoise.
A wonderful early Christian site founded by St. Ciaran 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. Thereare also exhibitions that deal with the flora, fauna and landscape of the region.
Continue on to Knock and visit Knock Shrine on arrival. This little town is an important pilgrimage centre
and has been famous for over a century as the site of visions,
apparitions, and miraculous cures. The story of Knock began on
the 21st August 1879 when Our Lady, St. Joseph and St. John the
Evangelist appeared at the south gable of Knock Parish Church.
Fifteen people, young and old witnessed the apparition. From
this miraculous occurrence Knock has grown to the status of an
internationally recognizedMarian Shrine. The personal
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pilgrimage of Pope John Paul II in 1979, commemorating the centenary of the apparition, inspired
an even greater devotion to the Shrine and endorsed the indelible seal of Vatican approval. Mother
Teresa of Calcutta visited the Shrine in June of 1993. One and a half million pilgrims visit the Shrine
annually. In the evening celebrate Mass in Knock. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in the area.
Day 4 – Monday, Oct. 6, 2014 – Knock to Galway
Enjoy touring through Connemara. 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.
Visit Kylemore Abbey
Kylemore Abbey is located in the Kylemore Pass in Connemara. 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 established a private school for young girls, which was
the renowned Kylemore Abbey International School. The school eventually closed in 2010. 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. The Gothic church is
available to visit and as a venue for choir groups to sing in. If time allows guests can also visit the
Kylemore Abbey Victorian Walled Garden was laid out in 1867 and took three years to complete. A bus
service provided from the front door of the Abbey directly to the garden and is the only permitted
means of access. Continue to Galway and spend the balance of your afternoon at leisure.
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 KingsHear. 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 merchant’s 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 ~ a boat which is
unique to Galway Dunguaire Castle Banquet, Kinvara, Co. Galway 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.
Day 5 – Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2014 – Galway to Tralee
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After your full Irish breakfast celebrate mass at 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. Afterwards start your full day
journey with a distinct number of highlights.Travel through 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
criss-crossed 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 youcan 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. Experience a Cliffs of Moher Cruise
which is a unique experience providing a bird’s eye view of the dramatic Cliffs of Moher. The Cliffs of
Moher cruise is a spectacular journey below these world famous cliffs which tower up to 200m (700ft)
above the Atlantic Ocean. This trip departs from Doolin Pier north of the Cliffs and lasts about 1 hour. It
gives the visitor a unique perspective on the Cliffs of Moher that stretch for 8km. The tour includes
English language commentaries on the fauna, the geology and history of the region. Continue via the
Shannon car ferry to the busy market town of Tralee. Overnight, bed and full Irish breakfast at
your hotel in Tralee or area.
Day 6 – Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2014 – Dingle Peninsula OR Ring of
Kerry
This morning celebrate mass at a local church in Tralee. Today
travel the 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, pre-Christian 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 savoring 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.
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Day 7 – Thursday, Oct. 9, 2014 – Tralee to DublinReturn to Dublin, stopping in medieval Kilkenny
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. Enjoy a hearty pub lunch in the award winning Langton’s Bar.
Spend the balance of your day at leisure in Dublin before you will enjoy dinner and entertainment at
Merry Ploughboys Pub tonight. This is a state-of-the-art music venue open seven nights a week, all year
round. Their lively show features contemporary Irish dancing and well-known guest artists. Fine food is a
very important element. At Merry Ploughboy’s Pub, youthful vibrancy has successfully combined with
traditional craftsmanship to provide an excellent evening entertainment Overnight, bed and full Irish
breakfast at your Dublin hotel or area.
Day 8 – Friday, Oct. 10, 2014 (breakfast & dinner only)
Free day on your own in Dublin – no services (lunch, dinner, guide, bus,) HB at the hotel!
Day 9 – Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014
Transfer to Dublin airport for your departure flight home.
Fri, Oct 3rd, 2014
United #023 Depart EWR 19:15 Arrive DUB 06:55 on Sat
Sat, Oct 11th, 2014
United #022 Depart DUB 09:00 Arrive EWR 11:40
INCLUSIVE:
– Dublin, Tax Included – subject to change until ticketed
two nights in Dublin
;
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: Trinity College, Clonmacnoise, Knock Shrine, Kylemore Abbey, Galway Cathedral,
,Moher cruise on day 5,
,
-coach with driver x 7 full days
NOT INCLUDED:
– strongly recommended
Rates – one free of charge per group – Flight on United from EWR:
Min 20 – US$ 2700.00
Single room supplement: - US$ 350.00
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