Irish Castle Tours 2010

Day 1 USA-Shannon

Depart USA for overnight flight to Ireland.  Dinner is served shortly after take-off.

Day 2 Shannon-Newmarket-On-Fergus

Arrive at Shannon Airport where after clearing customs, you pick up your rental vehicle (If Chauffeur Drive we make our way via Taxi to nearby Dromoland Taxi Approx 40 Euro).  If Self-Drive, today you explore beautiful County Clare and begin this once-in-a-lifetime adventure!  Highlights today include the Cliffs of Moher, Lahinch, Bunratty Castle & Folk Park and Durty Nellie’s Pub. We continue to Dromoland. Built in the 16th century, Dromoland Castle is the ancestral seat of the O’Briens who are one of the few native Gaelic families of royal blood.  Time today to enjoy this Five Star Deluxe property and its entire splendor.  Activities include; cycling, horseback riding, fishing or leisure walks through the romantic gardens.  This evening you may enjoy a gourmet meal in the main dining room overlooking Lough Dromoland.  Overnight will be in one of the 75 deluxe guest rooms at Dromoland Castle.

Day 3   Dromoland-Galway-Connemara-Dromoland

After breakfast we meet our Driver Guide in the lobby of the hotel (if Chauffeur drive) for a day trip to Galway and the Connemara region. Drive to Galway Town and stop for a cup of tea and a bite to eat before continuing on to take in the magnificent views of the Connemara region, Ireland’s treasure of wild, natural beauty.  Travel due west from Galway City to Rossaveal, through Salthill and Bearna into the heart of the West’s Gaeltacht, where Gaelic is spoken as a first language. Continue on to Cashel, Ballynahinch and then Clifden, perched high above Clifden Bay with spectacular views of the Twelve Ben Mountains.  This is a good place to stop for some shopping and lunch.  You then continue on to Kylemore Abbey, monastic home of the Benedictine Nuns. Return to beautiful County Clare for overnight at Dromoland Castle.

Day 4   Dromoland-Adare

After enjoying another gourmet breakfast at Dromoland, depart for Adare.  Today you explore the city of Limerick, home of Pulitzer Prize winning author, Frank McCourt.  See King John’s Castle, the Bishop’s Palace, and the Hunt Museum or take the Angela’s Ashes walking tour of this bustling town.  This is a town of galleries, museums and restaurants.  Take time to enjoy all that Limerick has to offer today before arriving at your final destination, the majestic Adare Manor.  Overnight at Adare Manor.

Day 5   Dingle

After breakfast we depart Adare for the Dingle Peninsula. The journey begins with some of the most magnificent scenery in all of Ireland.  The little town of Dingle is straight out of a story book.  The fishing boats in the harbor and tiny brightly painted pubs portray a time that has continued to stand still. The population of 1500 people and only 52 pubs are ready to welcome you this afternoon. Worth the wait is the native seafood chowder served up at lunch time with freshly baked brown bread.  We continue on to Slea Head.  Along the way, we will see bee hive style huts, originally inhabited by 12th century monks, which overlook the rugged Blasket Islands.  The awe inspiring beauty of this particular area is unmatched.  There is no other landscape in western Europe with the density and variety of archaeological monuments as found on the Dingle Peninsula. Upon arrival we bid farewell to our Driver Guide who now seems like a member of our family. Overnight at Adare Manor.

Day 6   Adare

After enjoying a breakfast fit for a king or queen at the Manor, today is spent exploring the little town of Adare with its thatched roof cottages.  Marvel at the River Maigue and explore the ruins in town as well as on the property of the Manor. A “must see” is the Augustinian Abbey or the Franciscan Friary, both just steps from the Manor.  Take the afternoon to enjoy the amenities of this deluxe property. Perhaps you will play golf at Adare Manor, home of the 2008 Irish Open.  Overnight at Adare Manor.

Day 7   Adare-Shannon Airport

Morning departure on own for Shannon Airport where upon arrival we return our rental car (if self-drive) before boarding our flight home.

Your Distinguished Chauffeur Drive or Self-Drive Tour Includes:

• Deluxe vehicle with Private Driver/Guide from Day 3 pick up from Dromoland Castle to the end of Day 5 arriving at Adare Manor

• Use of Self Drive Ford Fiesta Car pick up on Day 2 to arrival Shannon Airport on Day 8.  Car includes unlimited mileage and basic CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) Insurance which carries deductible of $1850.00.  For a 100 EURO Deductible, please add $20.00 a Day per Car
• Accommodations for 6 Nights as follows or similar

Location: Newmarket-On-Fergus Hotel: Dromoland Castle-2 Nights(www.dromoland.ie)

Location: Adare Hotel: Adare Manor-3 Nights (www.adaremanor.co)

• Full Irish Breakfast Daily.
• Fully escorted sightseeing as per itinerary (Chauffeur Drive)
• Porterage of one suitcase per person (plus one carry-on bag)(Chauffeur Drive)
• All Driver’s Expenses (If Chauffeur Drive)
• Hotel tips and taxes  (Except to Driver/Guide)

Not Included:

• Any items of a personal nature.
• Dinners and suggested optional sightseeing that is mentioned in itinerary.  All admissions suggested in the itinerary are not included in the rate are paid directly to sightseeing venues unless otherwise requested prior to departure.  As a Chauffeur Drive Tour is meant to be flexible it is our concern that you would pay for a venue that you would then decide not to visit.

Self-Drive Rates

• November-December 2008 January 1-March 31 & November 1-December 15, 2010
• $1099.00 Per Person Sharing based on two passengers.  Lower Rates available for additional passengers, please inquire
• April 1-October 31, 2009
• $1999.00 Per Person Sharing based on two passengers.  Lower Rates available for additional passengers, please inquire

Chauffeur Rates

• November-December 2008 January 1-March 31 & November 1-December 15, 2010
• $2159.00 Per Person Sharing based on two passengers.  Lower Rates available for additional passengers, please inquire
• April 1-October 31, 2009
• $3259.00 Per Person Sharing based on two passengers.  Lower Rates available for additional passengers, please inquire