Gerry Timlin’s Tour of Ireland
3rd to 10th of July 2017
Day 1 – Monday 3rd July – Dublin to Kinsale
Pick up at your Dublin Hotel.
Travel to Kinsale via Cashel visit the Rock of Cashel: A spectacular group of medieval buildings set on an outcrop of limestone in the Golden Vale including the 12th century round tower, High Cross and Romanesque Chapel, 13th century Gothic cathedral, 15th century castle and the restored Hall of the Vicars Choral.
Continue to Kinsale known as “Ireland’s Fine Food Capital”.
Overnight at Trident Hotel or similar
(B&B Basis)
Day 2 – Tuesday 4th July – Kinsale – Cobh – Midleton
Full Irish Breakfast at your hotel.
This morning enjoy a short walking tour of Kinsale. Following your walking tour we enjoy a tour of Cork.
Firstly travelling to the small fishing village of Cobh. In the 1800s up to 300 ships could be seen at anchor in the waters off Cobh! By the time of Queen Victoria’s visit in 1849, when Cobh was renamed Queenstown, the village had grown to a busy town. It became a hive of naval and commercial activity as Cork Harbour’s important strategic position in the North Atlantic was recognized. Tall ships called to transport convicts to Australia and to carry Irish emigrants to North America.
From 1848 – 1950 over 6 million adults and children emigrated from Ireland – about 2.5 million left Cobh, making it the single most important port of emigration.
Now Cobh’s unique origins, its history and the legacy are dramatically recalled at the Queenstown Story – a multimedia exhibition at Cobh’s Victorian Station.
Next we travel to Midleton to visit Old Midleton Distillery.
Overnight at Trident Hotel (B&B Basis)
Day 3 – Wednesday 5th July – Kinsale to Killarney
Full Irish Breakfast at your hotel.
Today leave Kinsale and travel to Killarney via the wonderful Cork countryside. Passing through towns of Clonakilty, Skibereen, Bantry and the Goughane Barra.
Once you arrive in Killarney rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight at the Gleneagle Hotel or similar (B&B Basis)
Day 4 – Thursday 6th July – Killarney
Full Irish Breakfast at your hotel.
A day of splendid scenery as you tour the Ring of Kerry which is said to contain some of the most magnificent scenery in Ireland. Pass through the small towns and villages of Killorglin, Cahiriciveen, Waterville, Sneem and finally Molls Gap in the heart of the black mountains.
In the afternoon visit Muckross House, situated in Killarney National Park, close to the eastern shore of Muckross Lake. View the principal rooms of the House, which are furnished in period style, you will also see exhibitions and displays illustrating various aspects of the lifestyles and crafts of the people of Kerry. The Park covers and area of 10, 000 hectares and includes the world famous lakes of Killarney and the mountains and woodland that surrounds them.
Optional Dinner and show at Kate Kearney’s Cottage.
Overnight at the Gleneagle Hotel or similar (B&B Basis)
Day 5 – Friday
7th July – Killarney to Miltown Malbay/Just outside Ennis
Full Irish Breakfast at your hotel.
Today, we depart from Killarney and head northwards to Limerick, Ireland’s third largest city. Travel through Limerick and onwards to Shannon and visit Bunratty Castle & Folk Park: Bunratty Castle is the most complete and authentic medieval castle in Ireland. Built in 1425, and plundered on many occasions, it was authentically restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendour, with furnishings and tapestries capturing the mood and style of the times. Within its grounds is Bunratty Folk Park where 19th century village and rural life is recreated. Traditional crafts are carried out in their natural setting and during the summer period, visitors can also see characters/animators depicting 19th century life. This is a full frontal sensory experience to impact on all the senses…smell the peat fire in the tiny Fisherman’s cottage…feel the handwoven fabrics in the Weaver’s Shop…taste the fresh soda scones in the Galtee farmhouse…hear the cattle and the roosters compete for attention.
Continue to Ennis and onwards along the coast until you reach the Cliffs of Moher, 700 foot Cliffs into the Atlantic.
Overnight at the Bellbridge Hotel.
Day 6 – Saturday 8th July – Miltown Malbay/Just outside Ennis
Full Irish Breakfast at your hotel.
Today is free to enjoy the Willie Clancy Festival.
Overnight at the Bellbridge Hotel.
Day 7 – Sunday 9th July – Miltown Malbay/Just outside Ennis – Galway – Dublin
Full Irish Breakfast at your hotel.
Today explore the Burren and Galway City before leaving the West Coast and travelling to Dublin for your final overnight.
“The Burren is a limestone plateau occupying an area of over one hundred square miles in North Clare. It is an area of scenic attractions where the clear light, reflected from the stone-grey hills, seems to radiate an air of timelessness, which is made more realistic byod the presence of the many prehistoric remains that dot the fields and the valleys beneath. Here the unfolding layers of limestone form terraces on the slopes of the hills – a limestone desert but with a quick-changing landscape.”
You then travel onwards to the “City of the Tribes”: Galway where you will enjoy a short walking tour of the City before free time to explore at leisure.
Following free time continue to Dublin for your final overnight.
Overnight at Camden Court Hotel, Dublin or similar (B&B Basis)
Day 8 – Monday 10th July – Dublin Airport
Early morning breakfast at the hotel.
$2295.00 (land only)
Private transfer to Dublin Airport and bid farewell to the Emerald Isle.
Safe journey home!
Call Gerry at (215) 527-8219 or email pgtimlin@aol.com for details and pricing.