JUNE 26 - JULY 10, 2008
15 days. . . $3427 * + air

We have taken some of our favorite stops, added a bit more
giving you some of the best traditional areas of Ireland…
a bit shorter than our regular tour, but perfect for those with busy schedules!
AND you can add some days to this too!



Photos by Patty...

JUNE 26 Leave the USA

JUNE 27 Arrive at Shannon Åirport. Group transfer to our first night’s stop. Depending on arrival times, we might be able to visit Foynes Flying Boat Museum, great aviation history 1939-45 plus the “clipper ship” mock-up. “Home” tonight is former 18th cent. Manor house in traditional town. ENNIS D

JUNE 28 Scenic drive thru County Clare with stop at Cliffs of Moher (new center) or perhaps a lessor known one but as impressive, Cliffs of Magho. Time to explore The Burren, where the surface looks like the moon with alpine and arctic flora, many prehistoric burial chambers, tombs and Dolmens. Stop in Kilfenora, the Burren center, to see famous Celtic Crosses. Also visit Aillwee Caves, the most ancient caves in Ireland, a very interesting lay-out plus sample their excellent cheese. Continue on to our favorite, GALWAY B – D

JUNE 29 Excursion to Connemara area (remember Quiet Man movie with John Wayne?), visit to marble factory and incredible glass studio with unusual colored glass. Have your picture taken in the middle of a peat bog or with an illusive Connemara pony. Here is an area of remote calm far from the modern world and we will investigate as much as we can plus a stop in Roundstone to visit Malachy Kearns music workshop, known for his special Irish bodhrans (drum). One night you have opportunity to see a special performance of Irish music and dancing – delightful! GALWAY B -

JUNE 30 Walking tour of Galway with local guide (charming dialect). Afternoon free to enjoy the city with its beautiful shops, many bookstores, art galleries, churches, pubs, etc. Walk through quiet streets or arrange an excursion by ferry to the Aran Islands and glimpse of their unique lifestyle and distinctive and well-known sweaters. Lots of options: play golf, shop, museum, evening pub crawl-our favorite city! GALWAY B–D

JULY 1 Along the way, stop at Strokestown Park which houses the Famine Museum tracing the history of the Great Famine. Some interesting places to stop: Drumanone Dolmen (before 2000 B.C.), possible mine visit, Boyle Abbey (Ireland’s finest Cisercian abbey)…we shall see! Overnight in Markree Castle, one of finest Irish castles of this period, sitting majestically in the middle of vast grounds and thought to be haunted - perhaps your room. Gourmet meal will make you feel like the Lord & Lady of the Manor. B - D COLLOONEY

JULY 2
First stop is Sligo with time to shop, visit the Yeats room at the museum and inspect unusual Yeats bronze statue. Then to Drumcliff to visit Yeats' grave and interesting memorial. Mustn't miss tour of famous Belleek Factory + another porcelain studio to see clay woven into intricate pieces. Into Donegal, a Celtic settlement with a 17th century look + Donegal Castle. Heard of Donegal tweed? We’ll see it hand-woven. Evening pub visit always a delight. Local music? B - D DONEGAL

JULY 3 Visit to Glenveagh National Park with beautiful lakeside Victorian castle set in a wild landscape. Gardens are a both exotic and natural with rows & rows of flowers, rose & Italian gardens, Swiss Walk. How about a coffee stop at a traditional thatched cottage? DONEGAL B -

JULY 4 Leaving the Irish Republic for pleasant visit to Ulster American Folk Park with its feel of living history as you visualize the life the emigrants left behind in Ireland and the life they found in the new land. Smell the bread baking, talk to the gardener, step back in time. We have planned this day around their special American Independence Day event with outdoor re-enactments – very exciting! Our seaside hotel looks down on a typical fishing village….wonderful location!
PORTBALLINTRAE B – D

JULY 5
A ramble & tour through the haunting ruins of cliffside Dunluce Castle, on to spectacular Giant’s Causeway with unusual polygonal columns, a UNESCO site, retaining the beauty and natural habitat of the area. Visit famous Bushmills Distillery with well organized and tasty tour. We hope evening will find us visiting with friends playing in a nearby pub for a “jam session” with the locals. PORTBALLINTRAE B –

JULY 6 This is a real bonus day. We’ll see what we can add to our treasure trip in the north. Enjoy the most beautiful coast imaginable – Glen of Antrim. On to Belfast for a comprehensive city tour by coach and on foot, plus historic buildings in downtown Belfast where our hotel is located. BELFAST B – D

JULY 7 A first for us, a full day in Belfast and there’s plenty to do…..botanical gardens, Ulster Museum, crafts….and perhaps lunch or dinner in the famous gas-lit High-Victorian Crown Liquor Saloon. Play or concert at the Opera House…we shall see.
BELFAST B - D

JULY 8 A stop in Lisburn for their excellent linen museum will give you a new appreciation for grandma’s linen tablecloth. On to ancient Bru na Boinne site with informative displays and then visit one of the megalithic passage tombs (Newgrange or Knowth) - fascinating, prehistoric burial chambers. Arrive in charming Dublin and enjoy an evening in this city of joyful music. How about a traditional Irish musical pub crawl?DUBLIN B – D

JULY 9 Morning coach tour round Dublin and by foot. Admire the elegant wide streets, lovely Georgian buildings. Visit Trinity College to view amazing 8th century Book of Kells, St. Patricks Cathedral, Christ Church Cathedral, etc. Tonight we have a fun dinner and entertainment planned for you in Temple Bar. DUBLIN B - D

JULY 10 By now you’ll be addicted to Ireland! What a glorious trip! Group transfer to airport.

OR….stay on a wee bit longer in Dublin. Patty has some excursion ideas (Powerscourt? Glendalough?) OR continue on to Wales, England, France, etc. IF you need to adjust the number of days you are on tour, talk to Patty about your options.

INCLUDED:

Pre & post tour get-togethers in Seattle

All coach transportation

Group transfer from Shannon airport/to Dublin airport

Professional driver (Irish thru & thru) ● Driver’s tip

All accommodations, 3 to 4 star, two to a room

Single supplement available

Irish breakfasts daily ● 10 dinners, (D) on itinerary

All entrances and tours with local guides as listed in bold on itinerary

Local guides: Galway, Dublin, Belfast

Basic insurance package

Escorted by Patty Price

As much fun and feel for the country as we can possibly give you!

Not included:

● Airfare ● Airport Taxes ● Passport costs ● Lunches ● Balance of dinners ● Porterage when available ● Liquor, soft drinks ● Laundry ● Extra “thank you” tips ● Items not specifically listed ● Opportunity for special Irish music shows.

DEPOSIT: $350 TO HOLD YOUR PLACE BALANCE DUE: April 21, 2008

Please note: We reserve the right to change the tour if circumstances dictate or if it is better for your enjoyment.