Mid Island Irish American Club
Day 1: DEPART THE UNITED STATES
Depart your hometown and take an overnight flight across the Atlantic. Enjoy in-flight entertainment and meal service as you travel to start your vacation.
Day 2: DUBLIN ARRIVAL & BELFAST
Land at Dublin Airport complete customs and immigration formalities before meeting your CIE Tours driver/guide who will welcome you to Ireland. Have breakfast at the Man O War Restaurant and Pub which has been in existence since 1595. Then travel towards Dundalk and stop to visit Proleek Dolmen one of the most photographed portal tombs in Ireland. The capstone weighs at least 35 tons and is balanced on three legs the two front or portal stones are about 2 meters high. Local legend says that if you throw a small stone onto the capstone and it stays there you will be married within the year. Transfer to your Belfast hotel check in and settle into you room. In the evening join your fellow travelers for a welcome drink followed by dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Day 3: BELFAST WALK
Set off with a local guide on walking tour of Belfast. See the Albert Memorial Opera House Crown Liquor Saloon and many other buildings that are in the historic city center. Visit Crumlin Road Gaol to explore over 150 years of Northern Irelands dark history from political prisoners to everyday citizens imprisoned during the Troubles many of which still live in Belfast to this day. After your visit you will have some time on your own before dinner with your group.
Day 4: CAUSEWAY DISCOVERY CENTER & DONEGAL CASTLE
Leaving Belfast travel to Armoy and visit the Causeway Discovery Center. While here see a traditional turf-cutting demonstration with your group. Afterwards head to Donegal and visit Donegal Castle which incorporates the gabled tower of a 15th century house built by the ODonnell family. Partially restored the castle reflects a long and turbulent history. Then check into your hotel and have some time to relax before dinner.
Day 5: DOAGH FAMINE VILLAGE
Today head to Lagcurry so you can visit the Doagh Famine Village and Visitor Center. See a wide variety of attractions which showcases life in Ireland from the 1840s to the modern day. Return to Donegal where you may like to explore a bit more of Donegal before dinner in the fine hotel restaurant.
Day 6: BELLEEK POTTERY & WESTPORT
Departing Donegal travel to Belleek and Belleek Pottery Factory. During your visit see how skilled craftspeople form and decorate clay to produce delicate porcelain masterpieces. Continue to Atlantic Sheepdogs where you will get the opportunity to experience farm life and see some of the worlds smartest sheepdogs working in their natural environment. Then drive to the planned town of Westport so you can check in for dinner and your overnight stay.
Day 7: WESTPORT HOUSE
This morning take a leisurely cruise on Clew Bay. Next visit Westport House an 18th century mansion set in superb parkland. See stunning rooms with priceless furnishings paintings books and silver. After your visit the afternoon is free to sightsee and shop. In the evening join your fellow travelers for dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Day 8: KYLEMORE ABBEY
Leaving Westport travel via Ballinrobe to Kylemore. Stop to tour Kylemore Abbey an elegant mansion and church set beside a tranquil lake. Learn of the tales of tragedy romance and royal visits. Also walk through the magical Victorian walled garden. If time permits travel a section of Skye Road and travel through Clifden en route to Lisdoonvarna where you will check into your hotel. Then enjoy some free time before dinner at a restaurant in Doolin.
Day 9: AILLWEE CAVE
Today head to Just outside Ballyvaughan and visit Aillwee Cave one of the most ancient caves in the Burren Region. The cave was formed millions of years ago by the melted waters during the Prehistoric Ice Age. Continue to Ennis where you will have time to sightsee and shop. Ennis combines the very best of the old and new. Explore its narrow pedestrianized streets quaint shop fronts and traditional markets. Then transfer to your hotel in Shannon and check in. Once you settle in have afternoon tea at Dromoland Castle with your group. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is at leisure.
Day 10: RETURN TO THE UNITED STATES
Transfer to Shannon Airport and check in for your flight. You may do some last minute shopping at the duty free stores before boarding your aircraft and flying back to the United States.
CONFIRMED HOTELS
Europa Hotel, Belfast- 2 nights
Mill Park Hotel, Donegal- 2 nights
Castlecourt Hotel, Westport- 2 nights
Hydo Hotel, Lisdoonvarna- 1 night
Inn at Dromoland, Shannon- 1 night
TOUR INCLUDES
Exclusive transport by luxury motorcoach with a 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 as listed for 8 nights
Full breakfasts (9)
Dinners (7):
Table d'hôte dinners (6)
Restaurant dinner in Doolin
Welcome Get-Together Drink
Guided walking tour of Belfast
Turf cutting demo at Causeway Discovery Center
Sheepdog trials at Atlantic Sheepdog
Scenic cruise on Clew Bay
Afternoon Tea at Dromoland Castle
Visits and admission fees to:
Proleek Dolmen
Crumlin Road Gaol
Doagh Famine Village
Belleek Pottery
Westport House
Kylemore Abbey
Aillwee Cave
Hotel porterage, service charges and government taxes
Flight bags, ticket wallets, baggage tags and identifying strap