Deluxe Scenic Shannon & Beyond, 2010
Your Distinguished Tour of IrelandDay 1 Depart USA for overnight flight to Shannon Day 2 As you touch down in Shannon Airport, you see the “thousand shades of green” all around you. Clear customs and pick up your rental car before you begin your Irish adventure! Today you will drive to beautiful County Cork. Your journey begins through County Clare and on to County Limerick and Limerick City, home of Pulitzer Prize winning author, Frank McCourt. Take some time to see King John’s Castle, the Bishop’s Palace, the Hunt Museum or take the Angela’s Ashes tour of this bustling town. This is a town of galleries, museums and restaurants. Next, continue on to the market town of Mallow, set on the Blackwater River. Mallow was popular as a spa town during the 18th and early 19th centuries. It is now on to your final destination, the luxurious, five-star Capella Castlemartyr. The Capella Castlemartyr consists of a renovated 17th century manor home and sits on 220 scenic acres adjacent to the ruins of a 1,000 year old castle. Enjoy all of the amenities at this world class hotel. Overnight at Capella Castlemartyr.
Day 3 Enjoy a traditional Irish breakfast before departing for the town of Blarney. Blarney Castle is home to the blarney stone, which legend has it bequeaths the “gift of eloquence” to those who kiss it. Time to shop at the famous woolen mills or stop in Christy’s Pub for a Pint and a bite for lunch. Next, continue west to Macroom where you pause for a short visit. This is the main market town for the Gaelic speaking region to the west. Macroom Castle dates from the 13th century and was the seat of the McCarthys of Muskerry. Oliver Cromwell granted it to Admiral Sir William Penn whose namesake son spent much of his childhood here and later founded the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Your final destination today is Killarney and the five-star Killarney Park Hotel. Wander in and out of the little pubs dotting the streets tonight while enjoying a pint of Guinness and listening to the music that streams out of the open doors. Overnight Killarney Park Hotel. Day 4 Today would be a great day to visit the Dingle Peninsula. The journey begins with some of the most spectacular scenery in 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. Continue on to Slea Head. Along the way, you 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. Return to Killarney in the late afternoon. Overnight Killarney Park Hotel. Day 5 Enjoy a delicious breakfast before departing for beautiful County Limerick! Along the way, you will go through the quaint town of Abbeyfeale. Stop for a cup of tea before continuing northeast to your final destination for today, the town of Adare. Voted one of Ireland’s “prettiest towns” the main thoroughfare of Adare is dotted with traditional thatched roof cottages. Enter the imposing stone gates of Adare Manor, your home for the next three nights. As you enter the Manor, take in the medieval tapestries hanging from the stone walls. Perhaps you will choose to have a formal Irish tea in the library or walk the 840 acre estate, marveling at the River Maigue as it twists and turns across the property. Marvel at the ruins in town as well as on the property of the Adare 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. We suggest that you treat yourself to dinner tonight at The Mustard Seed- it is just outside of Adare town. Overnight at Adare Manor. Day 6 Today is a great day to explore! Our first suggestion is a day trip to visit 900 year old Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. Be sure to visit “Durty Nellie’s Pub”, which is next to the castle. This 300 year old establishment is a real treat for all with impromptu singsongs and great food. Continue on to the majestic Cliffs of Moher, towering 700 feet above the rugged Atlantic Coastline. Take time to see the new Visitor’s Center and have a cup of tea before continuing on through Lahinch, home of the famous links golf course, back to Adare. We would suggest dinner at the Manor tonight or you could wander into town for a fabulous meal at one of the local pubs. Overnight at Adare Manor. Day 7 After enjoying a breakfast fit for a king or queen, we suggest a day in beautiful County Offlay! See the heathery Slieve Bloom Mountains, which offer a wonderful opportunity for walking and hiking. A true “must see” is Clonmacnoise, an important early monastic settlement dating back almost 1,500 years. Settled by St. Ciaran in 545 A.D., Clonmacnoise was attacked approximately forty times from the 8th until the 12th centuries by everyone from the Vikings to the Anglo Normans. Stop in Tuallamore, home of Tullamore Dew and Irish Mist, on your return to Adare. Overnight Adare Manor.
Day 8 After enjoying a final Irish breakfast, you depart for Shannon Airport. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time for last-minute duty free shopping! In the true Irish fashion, we wish you a “safe home.” Your Distinguished Chauffeur Drive or Self-Drive Tour Includes: - Deluxe vehicle with Private Driver/Guide from Day 2 pick up from Shannon to the end of Day 6 arriving at Adare Manor
Or - 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: Cork Hotel: Capella Castlemartry-1 Night Location: Killarney Hotel:Killarney Park Hotel-2 Nights (www.killarneypark.ie) Location: Adare Hotel:Adare Manor-3 Nights (www.adaremanor.com) - 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
- $1229.00 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
- $2879.00 Per Person Sharing based on two passengers. Lower Rates available for additional passengers, please inquire
- April 1-October 31, 2009
- $3999.00 Per Person Sharing based on two passengers. Lower Rates available for additional passengers, please inquire
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Michele and John Hammond
