The Emerald Isle – My Irish Tour!

We begin our 11-day tour of the Emerald Isle with an overnight flight from NEWARK to IRELAND. Dinner will be served onboard the plane. D

Wednesday, June 6th

This morning before our arrival, we will be served a breakfast snack onboard the airplane. Upon our arrival at the Shannon Airport, we will be met by our driver/guide and brought to our private coach. As we drive to GALWAY, we will make a few stops along the way. Our first stop is one of the most photographed areas of Ireland, the spectacular Cliffs of Moher. There will be time for photographs and to visit the museum before we continue our drive north, through the remarkable BURREN. As we arrive into the city, we will stop at the Irish Crystal Factory for a brief tour and shopping. Following this, we will check into our hotel and relax for the afternoon. Tonight, we will all gather for a special ?welcome dinner,? and learn more about the exciting tour that lies ahead. B, D

Thursday, June 7th

Following breakfast this morning, for those who might be interested, we are offering an ?optional tour? to a Connemara Marble Factory and a visit to the KYLEMORE ABBEY & GARDENS. Otherwise, your day is free in Galway to enjoy at your leisure. Tonight, for those who have signed up to participate, the INTERNATIONAL QUILT FESTIVAL OF IRELAND launches with a very special Grand Reception. This special event consists of a Champaign reception, a welcome presentation by festival director and Sew Many Places founder, Jim West, a keynote address by quilt legend Jinny Beyer, followed by a delicious formal dinner, and a one-hour Riverdance review show by Trad on the Prom! Space is limited for this Grand Reception and cost is 125 Euros per person. Reserving your space early is highly recommended as this will sell out with no uncertainty! B

Friday, June 8th

This morning after a delicious breakfast, you will have an opportunity to enjoy the first annual INTERNATIONAL QUILT FESTIVAL OF IRELAND, located at the Quilter?s Village in Galway. Admission into the festival is included with your tour. Tonight, for those who are interested, we are offering an ?optional? dinner to BUNRATTY CASTLE for a medieval banquet and show. B

Saturday, June 9th

This morning after a delicious breakfast, you will have another opportunity to enjoy the festival (admission cost included) You may opt to visit the Galway City Museum, and enjoy an exhibit on Antique Quilts of Ireland. Or you can participate in dozens of on-location workshops or tours that will enhance your day. Whatever you decide to do, you will undoubtedly have a very special day! B

Sunday, June 10th

Today is your final day to enjoy the festival (admission is included) and all it has to offer. Later this afternoon, we will say goodbye to Galway and drive south to beautiful KILLARNEY. Along the way, we will stop in one of Ireland?s prettiest villages, ADARE, famous for its thatched roof boutique shops. Following our visit, we will continue onto KILLARNEY and check into our hotel where we will settle in and enjoy dinner at our hotel. B, D

Monday, June 11th

This morning, after our full Irish breakfast, we depart on a tour of the rugged DINGLE PENINSULA. Film goers will be reminded of scenes from the movie, ?Ryan?s Daughter,? which was shot in this area, as we drive past little harbors and wide stretches of sandy beach, leading southward to Slea Head. This is the most westerly point in Europe, also known as ?the next parish to America.? Vistas of the Blasket Islands and Dingle Bay delight the eye and Gallarus Oratory, a little beehive stone structure, more than 1,000 years old, conjures up visions of monks in early Christian times in this ?land of saints and scholars. We will return to Killarney later in the afternoon and the evening is free to enjoy at your leisure. B

Tuesday, June 12th

This morning following breakfast, we will check out of our hotel and drive northeast drive to the 
nearby port town of COBH. One of the major transatlantic Irish ports, Cobh was the departure point for 2.5 million of the six million Irish people who emigrated to North America between 1848 and 1950. On April 11, 1912, Cobh was the final port of call for the RMS Titanic as she set out across the Atlantic Ocean. We will continue our drive north until we reach our next stop, the ROCK OF CASHEL. There will be time for photographs and restroom break before continuing onto our hotel in GLENDALOUGH. We will check in and enjoy the remainder of the evening on our own to relax. B

Wednesday, June 13th

This morning following breakfast, we will visit the little village of AVOCA, where we will have an opporutnity to see a textile mill and a weaving demonstration. There will be time for lunch on our own and some shopping before we travel to St. Kevin?s Monastic Settlement. Here we will see a video of ancient Irish times and take a guided tour of the grounds. We will arrive at our hotel in the later part of the afternoon and relax for rest of the evening. B

Thursday, June 14th

Today, following breakfast, we will drive to DUBLIN, where we will enjoy a PANORAMIC TOUR of the city. Although Dublin has blossomed into a modern, bustling city, it still retains the graceful, charmed atmosphere of an earlier time. The Georgian squares, terraces, and the walk along River Liffey are evidence of this. There will be plenty of time to enjoy the city of Dublin on our own. There will be time to enjoy Dublin all day at our leisure. You may opt to visit St. Patrick?s Cathedral and marvel at the beautiful quilt patterned floors. Maybe you will visit the famous Trinity College to view the Book of Kells. The Guinness Brewery will be calling some of you, as will the special boutique shops, art galleries and restaurants. It is a wonderful city that will provide all kinds of entertainment and fun. Our coach will drive everyone back to our hotel later in the day where we will enjoy a special ?farewell dinner? as we bring our time in Ireland to a close. B, D

Friday, June 15th

This morning, following breakfast, we will say goodbye to the enchanting Emerald Isle and drive to the DUBLIN AIRPORT for our flight back to NEWARK. Lunch and a snack will be served onboard the airplane. B, L, Snack