REVEREND SUSAN SOWERS
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
After landing at Dublin Airport complete customs and immigration formalities. Your CIE Tours driver/guide will welcome you to Ireland and escort you and your luggage to the coach. Next set off on an orientation drive around Dublin city center. See the main thoroughfares of OConnell Street Nassau Street and some lovely public parks as you pass by many historical sites. Stop to visit Trinity College to see the Book of Kells an 8th century illuminated manuscript of the gospels and the Old Library. Then continue your drive through Irelands rolling hills into Glendalough check into your hotel and settle into your room. In the evening join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Day 3: GLENDALOUGH VISITOR CENTRE
This morning visit the 6th century monastic ruins of Glendalough. The visitor centre explains how St. Kevin founded this settlement at a time when Christianity was burgeoning throughout Ireland. After enjoy time at leisure to explore around the beautiful Glendalough National Park on your own. Return to your hotel in time to meet your fellow travelers in the hotel restaurant for a traditional dinner.
Day 4: KILBEGGAN DISTILLERY
Leaving Glendalough journey into Kilbeggan to visit the Kilbeggan Distillery which was established in 1757 and is one of the oldest licensed distilleries in the world. While here enjoy a tour and tasting of the finished product. Next head to the River Café to enjoy an authentic Irish lunch with your fellow travelers. Then continue your travel to the center of Ireland to visit Clonmacnoise. This monastic settlement was founded in 545 and is delightfully set on the banks of the River Shannon. Learn about the history of the site and take a walk around to see the ancient monuments. Transfer to your hotel in Spanish Point check in and settle into your room. Tonight meet your group in the hotel restaurant for a delicious meal.
Day 5: ARAN ISLANDS
Today take a short ferry ride from Doolin to Inis Mor the largest of the three Aran Islands. Upon arrival embark on an independently arranged tour of the Island before returning to your hotel in Spanish Point. Spend the balance of the day free to sightsee shop and dine on your own.
Day 6: CLIFFS OF MOHER
After breakfast 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 journey into Kildare to visit Solas Bhride Christian Spirituality Centre which teaches about the legacy of St. Brigid. Continue your travel into Glend of the Downs check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure for independent exploring and dining.
Day 7: MONASTERBOICE
This morning travel to visit Monasterboice which dates from the 5th century and is famous for its collection of Celtic high crosses which are intricately decorated. Then journey into County Meath to visit the Boyne Valley Visitor Centre (not confirmed until within 30 days of departure). While here learn about the nearby passage tombs of Newgrange and Knowth constructed over 5000 years ago. Also visit the actual tomb of Newgrange which is aligned to the mid-winter sunrise so that the beam of the rising sun falls directly into the chamber. After continue your drive into Dublin check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. In the evening you might like to dine in one of the citys lively dinner venues.
Day 8: DUBLIN DEPARTURE
After breakfast transfer to Dublin Airport in good time to check in for your flight. You may do some last minute shopping at the duty free stores before boarding your aircraft and flying to Scotland or back to the United States.
CONFIRMED HOTELS
Glendalough Hotel, Glendalough 2 nights
Armada Hotel, Spanish Point 2 nights
Glenview Hotel, Glen of the Downs 1 night
Ashling Hotel, 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 06 nights
Full breakfasts (06)
Lunches (01)
Dinners (03)
Ferry to Aran Islands
Visits and admission fees to:
Trinity College (Subject to opening in 2024)
Glendalough Visitor Centre
Kilbeggan Distillery
Clonmacnoise
Cliffs of Moher
Solas Bhride Centre
Monasterboice
Boyne Valley Visitor Centre (not confirmed until within 30 days of departure)
Hotel porterage, service charges and government taxes
Flight bags, ticket wallets, baggage tags and identifying strap