journey of Ireland.
2011 Itinerary: You choose the month.
Day 1: UNITED STATES TO DUBLIN
Depart your hometown and take your overnight flight across
the Atlnatic Ocean. Enjoy in-flight entertainment and meal
services as you start your vacation.
Day 2: DUBLIN ARRIVAL & SIGHTSEEING:
After landing in Dublin Airport, complete customs and immigration formalities, your CIE Tours Travelguide will welcome you to ireland and
escort you and your luggage to the coach. Set off with a local guide who will show you around the prominent historic buildings and monuments of Dublin. Dublin is an ancient city founded by the Vikings in the 9th century. Stop to tour St. Patrick's Cathedral, which is almost as od as the city itself.
Then you will visit Trinity College, founded in the 16th Century.
There you will enter the very Library and Hall of Manuscripts which the heroes of The Shamrock Crown novel encountered the villains and viewed, as you will, the 8th Century Book of Kells. This hand illuminated Book of the gospels from the 8th Century adn the other ancient documents housed at Trinity College will astound you. Then you will travel to your hotel and check in. After you settle into your room you may like to rest or explore some of the city on your own before dinner.
DINNER AND OVERNIGHT: DUBLIN
DAY 3: CLONMACNOISE AND JOHNNIE FOX'S PUB
Depart Dublin and journey across the rolling pastures of Ireland's heartland to visit Clonmacnoise. This monastic settlement was founded in 545 AD by St. Ciaran and rests on the banks of the Shannon River. It was here that in the novel: Papa and the Leprecahun King, the American tourist called Arthur, the Thorn first met the mystic Kathleen the Drapery Lady and wasfirst introduced to the secret legend of the shamrock. After your visit you will drive through Shannonbridge and then stop for lunch and a little free time.
In the evening you will be driven to the foothills of the Dublin Mountains to the town of Glencullen to discover the old-world atmosphere of Johnnie Fox's Pub, one of Ireland's oldest and most famous Trational Irish Pubs. In this setting enjoy dinner and some traditional Irish music and step-dancing just as the charcters the novel: The Shamrock Crown did. Hopefully there will be no sorceress to disturb your meal, just lovely dance and music.
Overnight: Dublin
DAY 4: GLENDALOUGH AND KILKENNY
This morning leave Dublin to see the breathtaking scenery of the Wicklow Mountains as your travel to Glendalough, the valley between the lakes.
These 6th Century ruins founded by St. Kevin and its Visitor Centre Presentation will introduce you to the site where Arthur, the Thorn discovered the first clue inside the Rock of Glendalough. Perhaps that veery rock is still there waiting for you to view it. You will also see the thousand year old Round Tower, the Chapel and the conifer tree which created the magical triangle in the tale of Papa and the Leprechaun King.
Then it's onto Kilkenny and a visit to the Black Abbey founded in 1264. There you will see, as did the characters in Arthur Cola's books the oldest sculpted version of the Holy Tirinity preserved from destruction by the forces of Oliver Cromwell 350 years ago.
Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore this medieval city and its many shops. Stop at the Kilkenny Design Centre where lunch will be on your own. It once served as the stable area for the castle.Then you will take a guided tour of Kilkenny Castle, home of the Butler family who were the Earls and Dukes of Ormonde. Some areas of the castle go back to 1192. it is now restored to its 1830's splendor.
DINNER AND OVERNIGHT: KILKENNY
DAY 5: KELLS PRIORY AND BLARNEY CASTLE
This morning visit Kells Priory as you embark on your journey to Blarney Castle. Situated on the banks of the King's River it comprises a collection of medival tower hosues, ruins of a cathedral, and the walls and towers of a walled city. See first hand where the Leprecahun King was kidnapped and where the characters of Papa and the Leprechaun King found the Shamrock Crown. Kells Priory was founded by Geoffrey FitzRobert in 1193.
Then it's onto Blarney just outside Cork city. Climb to the barttlements of Blarney Castle as did the characters of Papa and the Leprechaun King and The Shamrock Crown. Kiss the "blarney stone" to receive the gift of eloquence. Perhaps you might want to call out the name of the Leprechaun King, Finbar X, to see if he'll appear to you.
After a walk in the Fairy Forest on the castle grounds stroll back to Blarney Woollen Mills a famous retail coplex and also where the descendent of Morgan le Fay in Arthur Cola's book: The Shamrock Crown first comes into contact with the tale's hero, Arthur, the Thorn.
Within Blarney Woollen Mills there is a pub and carvery and of course a full range of Irish products such as Wateford crystal. All items will be able to be safely shipped if you so desire.
DINNER AND OVERNIGHT: BLARNEY WOOLLEN MILLS HOTEL, BLARNEY
DAY 6: ROSS CASTLE AND KILLARNEY
Depart Blarney this morning and travel to the Killarney through the lovely Lee Valley. You will stop in Macroom for lunch on your own and some free time. Then onward to the rugges coutnryside toward Killarney. Stop to visit Ross Castle, where the Thorn and Roses first thought the final resting place of the hidden Pot of Gold was secretly hidden 1500 years ago. This castle was built in the 15thCentury and was destroyed by Oliver Cromwell but retored in recent time. It was founded by the O'Donoghue cheiftains.It overlooks Lower Lake in Killarney and over the 7th Century monastery and a 12th century chapel on Innisfallen Island.
Then it's off to Killarney town to check into your hotel. Enjoy some time to relax and explore before joining the entire group for dinner.
DINNER AND OVERNIGHT: iNTERNATIONAL HOTEL, KILLARNEY
DAY 7: GAP OF DUNLOE AND MUCKROSS HOUSE
Today visit the Gap of dunloe, a natural moutnain wonder surrounding a great glacial breach valley. the area boasts beautiful scenery of the Torries and PUrple Mountains on one side and the Magilycuddy's Reeks on the other. One of the lovely lakes in this area is Black Lake, also known as Serpent Lake, for it is reputed to be where St.Patrich drowned the last snake in Ireland. After a thrilling Juanty Cart ride up the Gap where yo will see the Sorceress's cottage which inspired Arthur Cola to include it in his tale of Papa and the Leprechaun King, it will be time for lunch and a rest.
We will have lunch at Kate Kearney's Cottage in the very setting where the characters of Arthur's novels first met the villains of his legendary tale. Then after the scrumtuouos meal off we go down the street for a visit to Moriarty's to enjoy a bit of shopping.
On the way back to Killarney town we will stop at Muckross House on beautiful Lough Leane in the Killarney National Park. After visiting the 19th century manor house we shall baord another Jaunty Cart so that we may enter the enchanted forest. Those who wish will be able to take a walk along the forest paths which lead to Torc Falls where the Leprechaun King is free after a rather wet and horrific fight in the raging waters of the falls in the tale of Papa and the Leprechaun King.
Then it's back to our hotel and free time and dinner on your own.
Perhaps you'll wish to join Arthur Cola and visit Danny Mann's Pub in the evening for dinner and a show.
OVERNIGHT: INTERNATIONAL HOTEL, KILLARNEY
DAY 8: ADARE, CLIFFS OF MOHER AND GALWAY
Depart Killaraney anddrive north from the mountains of County Kerry into the grazing lands of County Limerick. Stop in the village of Adare, famous for its attractive main street of thacthed houses and colorful gardens. As we drive through the City of Limerick and across the mouth of the Shannon river notice King John's Castle. From Limerick we drive into County Clare where the Cliffs of Moher, in all its natural beauty, is located. You will enter the mountain Visitor's Centre and be able to enjoy lunch while looking through the windows placed into the face of the moutnain so that you may see the Cliffs. Enjoy some free time afterwards as you explore the paths and terraces bordering the cliffs. Perhaps, as you look down 700 feet to the Atlantic below you will envision what the characters of The Shamrock Crown novel did as they spotted the English Professor Cornwall trying to enter one of the many caves lining the cliffs as he sought to discover possible clues left by the Pirate Queen, Gracie O'Malley.
After the glorious visit to the cliffs we willenter the barren rocky landscape of the Burren as we travel towards Galway city. Upon arrival at the hotel we will check in and hve some free time to relax or explore Eyre Square, the bub of the city. Most of the shops are within easy reach as well as quaint pubs. St. nicholas Church where Christopher Columbus is said to have prayed before his voyage across the Atlantic is also within walking distance.
DINNER AND OVERNIGHT: RADISSON SAS, GALWAY
DAY 9: TOUR TO THE ARAN ISLANDS
Today visit the ARan islands, which are located in Galway Bay 30 miles west of the city. Irish is still the venacular in this isolated setting and the islanders retain many traditional wyas of farming and fishing. The land is extremely stony and the islanders have formed dry stone walls to protect the windswept fields. Then just as the characters of the novel: Papa and the Leprechaun King did, you will sail across Galway Bay to Inish Mor, the main island. Only you will be on a Modern Ferry Boat not a mail boat as were the characters in Arthur Cola's book. Traveling on mini vans we shall journey to the ruins of the Seven Churches. Here, the apparition to the Thorn and Roses characters of the novel Papa and the Leprechaun King took place. Then it's off to the western end of the island to visit Dun Aengus a prehistoric double walled fortress overlooking the Atlantic. You may choose to stay in the village below and enjoy its shops where fine Aran Woollen knits are hand crafted. The goupr will have lunch on their own at the Cafe or the Tea Room near Dun Aengus.
Those who climb up the rocky path to the fortress will see the a wondrous site and also the cliff where the villain Sean in the novel, Papa and the Leprechaun King struggles with the hero, Arthur, the Thorn and almost looses his life in the process. In the book: The Shamrock Crown this site is visited once again as an important part of how several of the villains of the tale first learn of their common bond.
DINNER AND OVERNIGHT: RADISSON SAS, GLAWAY
DAY 10: BUNRATTY FOLK PARK, DURTY NELLIE'S PUB AND BUNRATTY CASTLE MEDIEVAL BANQUET
Depart Galway through the towns of gort and Ennis to the Shannonside region where many castles and Shannon Airport are located. Arrive in the Village of Bunratty and visit Bunratty Folk Park, which comprises a collection of farmhouses fro different regions of Ireland and a 19th century village street with a pub, school, general store where tradtiional lifestyles and crafts has been in business for two centuries. Enjoy free time in the village before checking into the hotel.
this evening join in the fun and feasting at Bunratty Castle. Your Medieval style banquet is served in the Great Hall of the 15th Century castle during which the lords and ladies of the castle transport you in spirit to the Middle Ages with their songs and stories. Before dinner learnof the castle's history in story and song. In the castle's keep you shall be invested as part of the Leprechaun King's Courrt in the Ceremony of the Coin.
OVERNIGHT: BUNRATTY CSTLE HOTEL, BUNRATTY
DAT 11: RETURN TO THE UNITED STATES
Sadly, today your Irish vacation and journey into the enchanted Emerald Isle comes to an end. Transfer to Shannon Airport in good time to check in for your flight. You may do some last minute shopping at the duty free stores. then clear U.S. Immigration before boarding your aircraft and flying across the Atlantic Ocean to the United States.
