Father McCaffrey Group
Day 1: DEPART THE UNITED STATES
Depart your hometown and take an overnight flight across the Atlantic. Enjoy inflight 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 driverguide will welcome you to Ireland and escort you and your luggage to the coach. Next stop to have breakfast with your group at a local restaurant or pub. Then set off with a local guide who will show you around Dublin. The city has been molded through the centuries by economic political and artistic influences that has shaped its architecture. Motor a short distance to your hotel check in and spend some time at leisure before a festive evening with your group.
Tonight enjoy dinner as you cruise along Dublins Grand Canal. While on board there will be traditional entertainment.
Day 3: DUBLIN TO GALWAY
This morning travel into Athlone where you will board a replicated Viking ship. As you travel along the River Shannon see the lovely surrounding countryside and learn about Irelands Viking history as you sail to Clonmacnoise. Next head to the nearby Seans Bar Irelands oldest Pub to enjoy a drink with your fellow travelers. Then continue your journey through the Irish countryside into Galway and join a local guide for a gentle walking tour of the city. See the medieval city walls Lynchs Castle and the narrow streets. Transfer to your hotel check in and enjoy some free time before meeting your fellow travelers for dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Day 4: CONG SIGHTSEEING
Today drive into Cong and embark on a walking tour of the village a place made famous by the 1952 movie of The Quiet Man featuring John Wayne and Maureen OHara. Discover places featured in the movie and see some of the movie memorabilia in the Quiet Man Heritage Cottage. Then continue on to visit Kylemore Abbey for a tour of the 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. Return to your hotel in Galway where the rest of the afternoon is free for individual pursuits and dining.
After an independent dinner head out for a night of Irish entertainment at the Trad on the Prom Show which features the best of Irish music song and dance.
Day 5: ATLANTIC SHEEPDOGS
Leaving Galway head to Atlantic Sheepdogs where you will have the opportunity to experience farm life and see some of the worlds smartest sheepdogs working in their natural environment. Next journey into Belleek and stop to visit the Belleek Pottery Factory to see how skilled craftspeople form and decorate clay to produce delicate porcelain masterpieces. Continue your drive into Letterkenny check into your hotel and settle into your room. Tonight join your group in the hotel restaurant for a delicious meal.
Day 6: SLIEVE LEAGUE SEA CLIFFS
This morning travel to visit the Slieve League Sea Cliffs where the highest point reaches 1972 feet making them the highest in Europe. The cliffs drop straight down to the wild Atlantic waves below and you will see marvelous vistas. Also have a cup of tea and freshly baked scones with your group. Then journey into Ardara to see demonstrations of spinning weaving and knitting at Triona Designs. After your visit head to the nearby Nancys of Ardara which offers a warm atmosphere and traditional flavor. Here enjoy an authentic Irish dinner with your fellow travelers before returning to your hotel in Letterkenny for a free evening.
Day 7: DERRY SIGHTSEEING
Departing Letterkenny journey into Derry and join a local guide for a walking tour to see the Guildhall St. Columbs Cathedral the Diamond and the 16th century walls. Return to your nearby hotel and spend the balance of the afternoon at leisure. Later in the day you might like to freshen up before tonights festivities.
This evening head to the Walled City Brewery which has offered locally flavored craft and artisan beers for over a decade. While here enjoy an authentic Irish dinner with your fellow travelers.
Day 8: GIANTS CAUSEWAY
After breakfast travel to visit the Giants Causeway an impressive area of hexagonal columns formed over 60 million years ago by cooling lava which has given rise to many legends. Next drive along the coast to experience one of Irelands popular scenic routes. Here youll see the Nine Glens of Antrim which offer wonderful views of mountains valleys and coastline. Continue your journey into Belfast check into your hotel and settle into your room. In the evening dine with your group in the hotel restaurant.
Day 9: BELFAST SIGHTSEEING
This morning embark on a guided tour of Belfast to see the Albert Memorial the Opera House and Crown Liquor Saloon. You might also view Linen Hall Library Belfast waterfront and the imposing City Hall which was completed in 1906. Stop to visit Titanic Belfast to learn about the evolution of the Titanic from concept until her illfated end in 1912. Next 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. Return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to sightsee shop and dine on your own.
Day 10: DOWN CATHEDRAL
Leaving Belfast drive into Downpatrick to visit Down Cathedral where you will see the reputed grave site of Saint Patrick. Next visit the nearby Saint Patrick Centre which tells about his life work and the founding of many monasteries which had a profound influence on Irelands development in the early Christian era. Continue your travel into the lively city of Dublin and check into the picturesque Clontarf Castle hotel. Tonight join your fellow travelers for a superb farewell dinner in Clontarf Castles fine restaurant.
Day 11: RETURN TO THE UNITED STATES
All too soon your vacation has come to its final day. 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 back to the United States.
CONFIRMED HOTELS
Camden Court Hotel, Dublin 1 night
Galmont Hotel, Galway 2 nights
Radisson Blu Hotel, Letterkenny 2 nights
Maldron Hotel, Derry 1 night
Europa Hotel, Belfast 2 nights
Clontarf Castle 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 09 nights
Full breakfasts (10)
Dinners (07):
Table d'hôte dinners (04)
Dublin Canal Dinner Cruise
Dinner at Nancy's of Ardara
Dinner at Walled City Brewery
Tours of Dublin & Belfast with a local guide
Viking Boat Tour
Drink at Sean's Bar
Guided walking tours of Galway & Derry
Trad on the Prom Show
'The 'Quiet Man' walking tour of Cong
Sheepdog trials at Atlantic Sheepdog
Slieve League Cliffs w/tea & scones
Visits and admission fees to:
Kylemore Abbey
Belleek Pottery
Triona Design
Giant's Causeway
Titanic Belfast
Crumlin Road Gaol
Down Cathedral
St. Patrick's Centre
Hotel porterage, service charges and government taxes
Flight bags, ticket wallets, baggage tags and identifying strap