Ireland: A Magical Journey to the Emerald Isle, April 3rd -12th, 2016

Ireland - Cliffs of Moher at Sunset 500 x 250

About our Destination

There’s a magic and mystery about Ireland which is recognized by people worldwide. The varied landscape of lush green meadows, mountain ranges and spectacular coastline certainly lead one to believe that this land is blessed – it’s truly the “Land of the Goddess Eriu.” Stories of fairy folk and leprechauns make us wonder if indeed this lush land has it’s own special guardians.

To experience this magical island for yourself, join Rev. Britt Hall and Rev. Lou Olivieri on this amazing spiritual journey to Ireland.

Our Amazing Itinerary……

Day 1 – April 3 Depart US to Dublin, Ireland

Depart your hometown and take an overnight flight across the Atlantic. Enjoy inflight Entertainment and meal service as you travel to start your journey to the Emerald Isle.

The Quays Bar

Day 2 – April 4 Arrive in Dublin

After landing at Dublin Airport, complete customs and immigration formalities. Your CIE Tours driver/guide will welcome you to Ireland and escort you and your luggage to the coach.

Take an orientation drive around Dublin city center. Dublin is one of the liveliest capitals in Europe but there are plenty of historical places also.

See the main thoroughfares of O’Connell Street and Nassau Street, the shopping streets and some lovely public parks. Then drive 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 the evening’s festivities.

This evening drive to the town of Rathfarnham to Taylors Three Rock for dinner followed by a lively show of traditional Irish songs, dancing and music.

Accommodation: Marker Hotel, Dublin

Meals: Dinner

Samuel Beckett Bridge

Day 3 – April 5 Dublin

Set off with a local guide who will show you around the prominent historic buildings and monuments of Dublin. Dublin is an ancient settlement, founded by the Vikings in the 9th century. The city has been molded through the centuries with many architectural styles, reflecting the economic, political and artistic influences. Stop to tour St. Patrick’s Cathedral, which is almost as old as the city itself and famous for its connections with the brilliantly eccentric Dean Jonathan Swift.

Next, visit the Guinness Storehouse to see exhibits on how this world famous stout was first created and why it is so popular today.

Finish your visit in the roof-top bar, Gravity, overlooking the city center where you can sample a draft Guinness and enjoy the view of the city. Spend the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure for individual sightseeing, shopping, dining and more.

Accommodation: Marker Hotel, Dublin

Meals: Breakfast

Kilkenny Castle

Day 4 – April 6 Kilkenny & Jerpoint Farm

Leave Dublin and travel south through Kildare, which is in the heart of Ireland’s horse country. Continue south to Kilkenny, which is known for its winding streets and medieval merchants’ houses. Enjoy some free time before continuing on to Jerpoint Farm. Upon arrival to Jerpoint Farm, enjoy a chat with the owners about farming. Also see a sheepdog demonstration.

After the demonstration, enjoy lunch at the farm. Continue your drive southwest to Cork.

Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure before dinner. In the evening join your fellow travelers for dinner in the hotel restaurant.

Accommodation: Castlemartyr Resort, Cork

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Blarney castle, Ireland

Day 5 – April 7 Cobh Heritage Centre & Blarney Castle

Spend the morning at leisure in Cork.

In the afternoon, drive a short distance to the east of Cork to Cobh, the harbor town for large ships. Visit the Cobh Heritage Centre, which depicts the varied history of emigration from Ireland and many European countries to the United States over the past 150 years.

Cobh was the last port of call for the “Titanic” and many liners that carried emigrants to the New World. This informative display is housed in the rail station through which all of the Irish emigrants had to pass.

Depart Cobh and travel west through the rich farming country to Blarney. Stop to climb to the battlements of Blarney Castle, where you may kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence.” Also visit the Blarney Woollen Mills, which has an excellent range of Irish products of all types.

You will also have time to browse around the village, charmingly set around a large village green. Next, travel through the rugged countryside of County Kerry where the town of Killarney is charmingly located with a backdrop of mountains and lakes.

Upon arrival check into your hotel and enjoy some time to relax and settle in before joining your group for dinner.

Accommodation: The Europe Hotel & Resort, Killarney

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Landscape Panoramic View Of Valentia Iceland

Day 6 – April 8 Ring of Kerry & Moriarty’s Gift Shop

Today explore the Ring of Kerry – 100 miles of marvelous scenery consisting of the highest peaks in Ireland on one side and a coastline scattered with golden beaches and rocky headlands on the other.

Enjoy plenty of stops to view the scenery and take photos. Travel through Glenbeigh and Cahirciveen and on to Waterville and the colorful village of Sneem. Stop at Lady’s View for a view of the three Lakes of Killarney with the mountains and the town in the background.

Continue on to the Gap of Dunloe, where you will visit Moriarty’s Gift Shop. Opened in 1964 by Michael and Margaret Moriarty, today it’s a landmark destination for all shoppers. Moriarty’s carries a wide selection of Irish quality goods as well as has an onsite restaurant.

Return to Killarney and enjoy the balance of the day at leisure for independent activities and dining.

Accommodation: The Europe Hotel & Resort, Killarney

Meals: Breakfast

Ireland - Shannon River in Limerick

Day 7 – April 9 Limerick Sightseeing & Dromoland Castle

Depart Killarney and drive 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 thatched houses and colorful gardens. Continue on to Limerick for a guided city tour of Limerick. While on the tour, enjoy the sights made famous in Frank McCourt’s biography, “Angela’s Ashes.”

Pass the 13th century King John’s Castle in the center of the town. This imposing fortress with its massive walls and towers has guarded the River Shannon crossing for the past 700 years and is a fine example of fortified Norman architecture. Then motor a short distance Dromoland Castle Hotel, one of Ireland’s finest castle hotels.

It is one of the few castle hotels that can trace its ownership back through history to Gaelic Irish families of royal heritage. The Castle offers all guests deluxe accommodation and the experience of living as “Landed Gentry,” surrounded by breath-taking scenery, absolute luxury and exceptional service.

Once you have settle into your room, join your fellow travelers for a superb dinner in the castle’s fine restaurant.

Accommodation: Dromoland Castle Hotel, Shannon

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Dromoland Castle in Co. Clare, Ireland

Day 8 – April 10 Leisure Day at Dromoland Castle

Today, spend the full day at leisure enjoying your Castle hotel. Dromoland Castle offers many activities from which to choose including an 18-hole golf course, located on classic parkland estate terrain with fine stands of mature trees.

There is also the Dromoland Golf Academy, which includes 9 driving range bays with 4 bunkered target greens ranging between 100 and 250 meters, and a total length of 300 meters. It also has a fully enclosed teaching bay.

Other physical activities available at this deluxe hotel are clay pigeon shooting, archery, fishing and boating on Dromoland Lake, and swimming in the indoor pool.

For those interested in pure relaxation, the health and beauty clinic includes a hair and nail salon, and a comprehensive range of rejuvenating body and facial treatments including massage, aromatherapy and reflexology. After spending the day at leisure, you may wish to sample the local cuisine.

Accommodation: Dromoland Castle Hotel, Shannon

Meals: Breakfast

Ireland - Cliffs of Moher

Day 9 – April 11 Cliffs of Moher & Kilbeggan Distillery

This morning, travel northwest from Shannon through County Clare to the Cliffs of Moher. The impressive wall of rock rises to a height of almost 700 feet above the churning Atlantic Ocean and stretches for five miles along the coast.

From the cliffs, travel north to Galway for a quick stop. Then continue northeast to visit Kilbeggan Distillery, which was established in 1757; while the distillery is not the first of its kind, it is the oldest licensed distillery in the world.

See how whiskey is distilled on modern equipment in the old buildings and enjoy a sample of the finished product. Travel north through Westmeath and Meath to Carrickmacross for your overnight stay.

This evening drive to the Village of Donnybrook for a traditional Irish dinner at O’Connell’s Restaurant. Also enjoy an evening of fun filled Irish entertainment.

Accommodation: Grand Hotel Malahide, Dublin

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10 – April 12 Depart Ireland to US

All too soon, your experience in Ireland has come to the end.. Transfer to Dublin Airport in plenty of time to check in for your flight, clear security and claim your VAT refund.

You may do some last minute shopping at the duty free stores before boarding your aircraft and flying west across the Atlantic Ocean back to the United States.

Meals: Breakfast

Creek of Clare Glens in Co. Limerick, Ireland

What’s Included:

  • Exclusive transport by luxury motor coach with a driver/guide
  • Meet & Greet service with one group transfer upon arrival and departure from/to the airport
  • If you are arriving at a different time, we will arrange a separate private transfer at an additional cost

  • All hotels as listed in the itinerary – Standard Rooms
  • If you would prefer higher category rooms just let us know and we’ll specifically reserve these for you at the additional cost given to us by the hotel.

  • Full breakfasts (8)
  • Lunch at Jerpoint Farm
  • Dinners (5)
  • Table d’hôtel dinners (3)
    Taylor’s Three Rock traditional Irish show
    O’Connell’s Restaurant with Entertainment

  • Tours of Dublin and Limerick with local guide
  • Sheepdog Demonstration at Jerpoint Farm
  • Hotel porterage, service charges and government taxes
  • Flight bags, ticket wallets, baggage tags and identifying strap
  • Extensive travel document package with destination information

Interior Of Saint Patrick Cathedral

Visits and admission fees to:

  • Saint Patrick’s Cathedral
  • Guinness Storehouse
  • Cobh Heritage Centre
  • Blarney Castle & Woollen Mills
  • Moriarty’s Irish Gift Store
  • Adare (Photo Shop)
  • King John’s Castle
  • Cliffs of Moher
  • Kilbeggan Distillery

What’s Not Included:

  • Tips to drivers and guides
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Meals not listed in the itinerary
  • Any additional tours
  • Travel Insurance

Your Fabulous Facilitators:

Lou and Britt

Britt currently is the Spiritual Director of Unity of New York in NYC where he also serves as Music Minister and workshop/retreat facilitator.

Lou serves as the Director of Pastoral Care at Unity of NY and both are Licensed Unity Teachers.

How To Get to Ireland:

Regarding Flights: Feel free to make your own flights, but please confirm them with us before booking. If you need help – no worries, Ales in Custom Travel is our travel guru – feel free to ring him at: 1866-866-5566 Ext. 2 or email him and it will be his pleasure to assist you!

Would you like to extend your trip before or after our itinerary- no problem! Please contact Ales, he will be able to create your customized itinerary in Ireland or any other country you might like to visit.

Aer Lingus Airbus A320

Your Investment:

Double Occupancy: $ 3,590 USD per person

If you desire a single room, the cost is an additional $ 990 USD per person (these rooms are limited)

A deposit of $500 USD is needed immediately to hold your place. The balance payment of $3,090 USD is due: January 10th, 2016

Easy Steps to Register:

To place your deposit call 1866 866 5566 Ext. 2 (for Ales) or e-mail us .

Any cancellation received in writing from November 1st, 2015 to January 10th, 2016 will result in a total loss of the $500 USD deposit.
Any cancellation received in writing between January 10th, 2016 and February 3rd, 2016 will result in a loss of 50% of the trip price.
Any cancellation made between: February 3rd, 2016 and the trip departure will result in a total loss of funds.

We reserve the right to cancel the trip if it is not meeting the trip minimum (if we do so your deposit is refunded).

Trip cancellation insurance is always recommended when making travel plans. You can use our suggested Travel Guard Insurance online and choose from several policy options.

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