THE BEST OF IRELAND

Departures

Ireland, Eire, the Emerald Isle; each of these names brings to mind a fair green island with rolling fields, friendly people, dramatic coastlines and a history as long as any in the world.

Come with us as we explore this delightful island discovering the history and architecture of Dublin, the magnificent scenery of the Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula and Connemara, and the natural treasures of the north, including one of the world's truly unique features - the Giant's Causeway.
To ensure a leisurely pace, we will stay two or three nights in most of the centres visited. A full Irish breakfast is included daily plus many dinners. In addition to our Canadian tour leader, you will have the services of Willie Cusker, our very popular Irish driver/guide.

Our rates for these tours are truly inclusive; virtually all sightseeing, most meals, all tipping, all taxes, first class accommodations, and we'll even provide a taste or two of true Irish stout for those who are interested. One of our most popular tours, these departures always fill very quickly - we urge you to enroll as early as possible.

Itinerary

Day 1, Friday: Depart CANADA
Tour members from across Canada gather in Toronto for the direct charter flight bound for Ireland.

Day 2, Saturday: DUBLIN / MOURNE / BELFAST
We are met on arrival by our driver/guide. Heading north we drive via Dundalk to picturesque Carlingford at the foot of the Cooley Mountains. Hugging the coastline we continue via Omeath and see the Mountains of Mourne that 'sweep down to the sea' before continuing to Belfast. Enjoy a pre-dinner drink with fellow group members before dinner. Belfast Holiday Inn (2 nights)
[D]

Day 3, Sunday: DOWNPATRICK / BELFAST
This morning we head south to the ecclesiastical centre of Downpatrick where we will visit the Cathedral, believed to be the final resting place of St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland and attend morning service. Returning to Belfast in the early afternoon, we enjoy a panoramic guided city tour including views of the classic Grand Opera House and Linen Hall Library.
[BD]

Day 4, Monday: GLENS of ANTRIM / GIANTS CAUSEWAY
Departing Belfast we follow the Marine Drive, passing the ‘Green Glens of Antrim’ via Cushendall and Ballycastle all the way to the Giant’s Causeway, one of Ireland’s most famous and dramatic sites. Marvel at this remarkable natural rock formation, a virtual cascade of geometric basaltic columns which descend to the sea. Continue past the eerie ruins of Dunluce Castle en route to Derry, our home for the next two nights. Tower Hotel (2 nights)
[BD]

Day 5, Tuesday: OMAGH / DERRY
Today our journey takes us to Omagh for a visit to the Ulster American Folk Park which tells the story of emigration from Ulster to America in the 18th & 19th centuries. Return to the historic city of Derry with some free time for lunch followed by a guided walking tour along the city walls plus a visit to the award winning Tower Museum.
[BD]

Day 6, Wednesday: BELLEEK / YEATS / WESTPORT
First stop this morning is at Belleek where we visit the world famous porcelain factory. Enter the romantic domain of W.B. Yeats as we travel via Drumcliffe, Sligo and other areas associated with the life and works of the poet. We continue into county Mayo where, time permitting, we visit the National Museum of Country Life at Turlough Park before continuing to Westport on Clew Bay. Westport Plaza Hotel (2 nights)
[BD]

Day 7, Thursday: CONNEMARA
Connemara remains the wildest and most romantic place in Ireland. Drive around the Murrisk Peninsula to Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only true fjord. Enjoy a break at Kylemore Abbey on the shores of Kylemore Lough before circling Connemara and crossing the picturesque Maam Valley where black-headed sheep make up a large part of the population. Returning to Westport we will have time to explore this lovely town.
[B]

Day 8, Friday: GALWAY/ CLIFFS of MOHER / BUNRATTY
En route to Galway this morning we will pass through the village of Cong setting for the classic film ‘The Quiet Man’. Enjoy some free time in Galway City before crossing the lunar-like landscape of the Burren to visit the awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher. This evening join in the fun of a traditional medieval banquet in a 15th century castle. (1 night)
[BD]

Day 9, Saturday: LIMERICK / ADARE / KILLARNEY
After a leisurely breakfast we head for the Kingdom of Kerry, enjoying a brief tour of Limerick City. Continue to Adare where thatched cottages line the broad main street amid the ruins of medieval churches. Our afternoon drive takes us to Killarney, a delightful resort town. Killarney Towers Hotel (3 nights)
[BD]

Day 10, Sunday: RING of KERRY
Enjoy Ireland’s most scenic drive today as we travel via Killorglin, Glenbeigh with views of Dingle Bay and onto the fishing village of Cahirciveen. As we reach to the outer end of the ring, we have views of the Atlantic and the isolated Skellig Islands, 12 km off the coast. The larger of the islands was a Monastic settlement for over 600 years starting in the 6th century. Enjoy the Skellig Experience, offering an introduction to life on the islands. Rocky headlands, isolated island clusters and spectacular seascapes, each compete for attention whilst journeying to the scenic town of Sneem. Turning inland, we descend through the heart of the Kerry Mountains, through Molls Gap, to view the legendary Lakes of Killarney en route back to our hotel.
[B]

Day 11, Monday: DINGLE / TRALEE / SIAMSA
Today we explore the wild and rugged scenery of Dingle, vividly captured in the film Ryan's Daughter, as we travel west to Dingle town and Slea Head via the picturesque towns of Anascaul and Inch. Following free time and dinner back in Killarney, we drive to Tralee, the medieval county town of Kerry, for a performance of ‘Siamsa Tire’, based on the evolution of Irish music, dance and folklore, presented by the National Folk Theatre of Ireland.
[BD]

Day 12, Tuesday: BLARNEY/ WATERFORD / KILKENNY
We travel via Macroom to Blarney where we stop for the handicrafts and an opportunity to kiss the famous 'stone of eloquence' (optional). This afternoon we visit the historic city of Waterford, founded by the Vikings some 1,100 years ago and the exceptional Waterford Crystal with some time in the gift shop. Hibernian Hotel Kilkenny (1 night)
[BD]

Day 13, Wednesday: KILKENNY / NATIONAL STUD / DUBLIN
Though only a town in size, Kilkenny has the status of a city having vied with Dublin to become the capital in the 17th century. This morning we shall explore the city and visit the Castle, principal seat of the Butler Family since the 12th century. En route to Dublin this afternoon we travel through the Curragh of Kildare with a guided tour of the Irish National Stud, home to some of Ireland's finest thoroughbred horses. Visit the Horse Museum and both the Japanese and Saint Fiachra's Gardens. Camden Court Hotel (3 nights)
[BD]

Day 14, Thursday: DUBLIN’S ‘FAIR CITY’
Our morning sightseeing tour includes visits to Trinity College to view the magnificent manuscripts of the ‘Book of Kells’ and to the imposing St Patrick’s Cathedral, where Swift, author of Gulliver’s Travels was once the Dean. Step back into history as we traverse the cobblestoned grounds of Trinity College and enjoy the elegant architecture of Dublin’s Georgian Squares. The afternoon is ours to explore and enjoy Dublin’s ‘Fair City’, an ancient city that is as intimate as a village, and friendly as a pub.
[B]

Day 15, Friday: GLENDALOUGH / AVOCA
On our morning excursion into the Wicklow Mountains we will enjoy the tranquil beauty of the Vale of Avoca and visit the Hand-Weavers Centre, home of Ireland's oldest tweed weaving company. We then continue to Glendalough, to see the remains of the monastic centre founded by St Kevin in the 6th century.This evening we will have a farewell dinner with Irish entertainment in one of Dublin’s top nightspots.
[BD]

Day 16, Saturday: DUBLIN / CANADA
Regretfully our Irish journey must draw to a close as we transfer to Dublin Airport, saying farewell to our driver/guide and catching our flight back to Toronto with connections to our homes across Canada.
[B]

TOUR COST (in CDN$/ per person)

Prices from other cities on request. All flights are via Toronto - please ask for alternate routings or Toronto stopover if desired.
*Add-on flights within Canada are based on best available fares as of October, 2009. Actual fares used will be those available at time of ticketing. Members from cities across Canada may prefer to use points to fly to/from Toronto.

BIG SEATS - A limited number of business style seats may be available on our flights at a supplement - if interested, please request availability and cost at time of booking.

CT Rating: THREE – This tour is designed as a leisurely, in depth experience with two or three nights at most hotels. However members should be aware that the tour includes a number of longer walks, some over uneven terrain.

Prices are based on airfares and exchange rates in effect October 2009 and are subject to change. Prices are per person based on sharing a twin-bedded room with private bathroom at indicated hotels or similar and on a minimum of 20 participants. An escort will accompany this group with a minimum of 20 members travelling. Members benefit from excellent group rates for included services – if group numbers do not reach the set minimums, supplements may apply.

Tour cost and deposit includes the cost of comprehensive insurance ($195 - $285 pp), for passengers under 86 years of age at time of travel. Cancellations of any bookings prior to February 19, 2010 will be subject to an Administration Fee of $50pp – this fee will not be covered by insurance. Insurance coverage will begin 90 days prior to departure and will cover penalties from that date forward. Final payment will be due March 17, 2010

Inclusive Features

To enroll on this tour simply complete our online enrollment form or alternatively complete the enrollment form found at the back of our brochure and return it with your deposit of $800 per person to Craig Travel's office.