NACTA FAM
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 FAM trip.
Day 2: DUBLIN ARRIVAL
Land at Dublin Airport by 10 a.m. complete customs and immigration formalities before meeting your CIE Tours driver/guide. Have breakfast at Man O War Restaurant and Pub which has been in existence since 1595. Next board your luxury motorcoach and motor a short distance to Balbriggan to visit Celtic Tweeds which many of its products are inspired by the countrys rich and vibrant history. Afterwards drive through the fertile Midland Region which has many farms and marketing towns. All along the way you can see how Irish people make a living from agriculture one of the most important sources of revenue for Ireland. Travel through the towns of Moate and Ballinasloe to Galway where you will join a local guide for a gentle walking tour. See the medieval city walls Lynchs Castle and the narrow streets. Transfer to your nearby 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: CLIFFS OF MOHER & KILLARNEY
Today drive along the coast of scenic County Clare to visit the Cliffs of Moher one of Irelands most beloved natural landmarks. See magical vistas overlooking the shimmering Atlantic Ocean along with Irelands Western coastline. Then drive to McConnell/Aine Knitwear in Killaloe where you can browse through this various collections of award-winning knitwear. Next head to Tuamgraney for a quick stop at McKiernan Woollen Mills before checking into your Killarney hotel. After you settle in join your group for a get-together drink followed by training with CIE staff and the night will conclude with dinner.
Day 4: RING OF KERRY & SKELLIG EXPERIENCE
This morning visit Muckross Weavers which sell a variety of woven items made by master weavers. Afterwards set off to explore the Ring of Kerry which consist of over a 100 miles of marvelous scenery. See some of Irelands highest peaks on one side of the road and a coastline scattered with golden beaches and rocky headlands on the other. There will also be plenty of stops to take-in the scenery and to snap photos. Then cross to Valencia Island by bridge to visit the Skellig Experience which describes the life of early monks who led austere lives on the nearby islands. If time permits head back to your hotel so you can freshen up before tonights festivities.
This evening travel to Kate Kearneys Cottage which is picturesquely situated at the entrance of the Gap of Dunloe. Your Irish Night consists of a superb meal and traditional entertainment.
Day 5: BLARNEY CASTLE
This morning visit Lee Valley Ireland which has not only designed but made quality clothing in the village of Inchigeela since 1986. Continue to Blarney where you can climb the battlements of Blarney Castle and kiss the famous Stone of Eloquence. Next head to the Cork Crafts Show so you can take part in an exclusive event for buyers from 4:30-6:30 p.m. this evening. Afterwards drive a short distance to Kinsale and check into your hotel. You may wish to freshen up before your hotel dinner.
Day 6: EXCURSION TO SPIKE ISLAND
Today visit Lee River Leathers which makes Celtic leather products. Next travel via ferry to Spike Island which once held the largest amount of convicts during the Victorian Era. Have a picnic lunch while on the island before returning to Kinsale where the remainder of the day is at leisure.
Day 7: ROCK OF CASHEL
Leaving Kinsale drive into County Tipperary and visit the Rock of Cashel. While here see majestic church ruins that are clustered high on a limestone outcrop overlooking the surrounding countryside. Then tour Guinness Storehouse to see exhibits on how this world famous stout was first created and why it is so popular today. Finish your visit in the roof-top bar where you can sample a draft of Guinness. After your visit motor a short distance to your hotel and check in. You will have time to relax before tonights festive farewell.
This evening drive to the town of Rathfarnham to Taylors Three Rock for dinner followed by a lively show.
Day 8: RETURN TO THE UNITED STATES
Transfer to Dublin 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
Galway Bay Hotel, Galway- 1 night
Great Southern Hotel, Killarney- 2 nights
Trident Hotel, Kinsale- 2 nights
The Mont, Dublin- 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 6 nights
Full breakfasts (7)
Dinners ( ):
Table d’hôte dinners (3)
Taylor's Three Rock traditional Irish show=
Get-together drink (2)
Guided walking tour of Galway
Visits and admission fees to:
Celtic Tweeds
Cliffs of Moher
McConnell/Aine Knitwear in Killaloe
Mucross Weavers
Skellig Experience
Blarney Castle
Cork Gaol
Lee Valley Ireland
Lee River Leather Ireland
Cork Craft Show
Rock of Cashel
Guinness Storehouse
Hotel porterage, service charges and government taxes
Flight bags, ticket wallets, baggage tags and identifying strap