Ireland

May 6-16, 2012

Have you ever thought of going to Ireland? There is something very special about this ancient island. From the ruggedness of Connemara to the gentleness of the green fields of Cork, from the stretches of white sand beaches to the spectacular seascapes of the Dingle Peninsula, from the buzz of Dublin to the silence of the Wicklow Mountains... Ireland is truly a magical land, filled with wonderment and delight.

Please join us for yet another journey to the Emerald Isle. Many have gone with us before, and returned saying it was beyond all their expectations, indeed, a dream come true...


       Come with us... Ireland beckons.

May 6   Evening flight leaving Newark International Airport.

May 7 Arrival into Dublin in the morning. After collecting our baggage, we will be greeted by our coach driver. Our first stop will be a visit to St Patrick’s Cathedral, taking the opportunity of attending Matins at 9am. Jonathan Swift was once Dean of this magnificent place! We will then drive a short distance over to Trinity College for the award-winning exhibit on the Book of Kells. This area is rich in culture, with the National Gallery and the National Library only a block away...   And we won’t miss the chance of a quick tour around this historic city, passing the GPO building, the Georgian doors, etc. Later in the afternoon, leaving the hustle and bustle of Dublin behind, we will head up into the Wicklow Mountains.
1^st Overnight Glendalough

May 8 Glendalough… ‘the valley of the two lakes’. One of the most revered places in all of Ireland, it was here that St. Kevin founded a monastery in the sixth century. Today you have time to explore the monastic ruins, walk along the shores of the lakes, or perhaps take the high road along the forest trails. Standing amongst this awesome setting, one can feel a powerful sense of peace and tranquility. Glendalough is truly one of the holiest places in Ireland.
2^nd Overnight Glendalough

May 9 Following a full hearty Irish breakfast, we continue our journey to the Rock of Cashel. Rounding the bend on the main Dublin-Cork road, the sight before your eyes is one you will never forget. There, standing on a mound of earth and stone is the great 12^th century ruins of Cashel, one of the most remarkable examples of medieval architecture to be found anywhere in Europe…    Due south, we drive down to Cork Harbor. Cobh, once called Queenstown, was the port where over 2.5 million emigrants departed from 1848 to 1950. The town, situated on the side of a hill, spills down to the water’s edge, with St Colman’s Cathedral firmly standing there like a mother hen watching over her brood. The cathedral is proud of its carillon tower of 47 bells that rings out across this lovely harbor town. The Heritage Center is a poignant reminder of those years, with its award winning audio-visual experience. And being so nearby, we'll make a quick visit to Blarney with its Blarney Woolen Mills, and of course the Blarney Castle.
Overnight Killarney

May 10  A Leisurely morning, then off toward the west coast… Providing an amazing insight into the ancient heritage of Ireland, the Ring of Kerry has a landscape carved out of rock going back 10,000 years ago. Part of the day will be given to exploring this well-known area, which will include the Skellig Experience Visitors Center. We will then head to the charming fishing village of Dingle, where we will spend two nights. Rick Steves comments, “The Dingle Peninsula — green, rugged, and untouched. Fishing boats still sail from Dingle, and a nostalgic whiff of peat scents its nighttime air, offering visitors an escape into pure Ireland.”
1^st Overnight Dingle

May 11  The Dingle Peninsula is exquisitely beautiful, with spectacular sea views and rolling emerald green hillsides covered with sheep and stone walls. An entire day is spent exploring this area... a late Stone Age ring fort dating to around 500 BC; "beehive huts," or clochans, used as dwellings for 7^th c. monks; the Gallarus Oratory, circa A.D. 800, is one of Ireland's best-preserved early Christian churches, its shape is reminiscent of an upturned boat. These are just some of the highlights of our time on the Dingle Peninsula. And if you are up to it, the town of Dingle is known for its traditional music!
2^nd Overnight Dingle

May 12 This morning the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, and the high crosses of Kilfenora await us. Natural ramparts against the might of the Atlantic, the Cliffs of Moher rise in places over 700 feet. It is here that the visitor often speaks in just a whisper, not unlike when one enters a majestic cathedral… The Burren is an amazing place. It is a region of karst limestone, with a distinct ghostlike appearance when viewed from a distance. A diverse collection of plants, both Alpine and Mediterranean, grow side by side. The tiny village of Kilfenora has a new Visitors’ Center with an exceptional audio-visual presentation of the Burren. There is a tiny ancient church there as well, with three 12^th century high crosses.
Overnight the Burren

May 13 As it is Sunday, we will have the opportunity to go to church at the 14^th c. Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas in Galway. The largest medieval parish church in Ireland, and part of the Church of Ireland (Anglican), it is dedicated to Saint Nicholas of Myra, the patron saint of seafarers. This special building has been a place of worship with uninterrupted continuity all these years since it was founded in 1320. After spending a while with the local parishioners, we’ll be heading to the ruggedness of Connemara...

Connemara, in County Galway, is one of the most scenic areas of Ireland, in a wild and barren way. As with most of Galway, Connemara's history goes back thousands of years. The famous green/white Connemara Marble was a trade treasure used by many inhabitants over time, and it continues to be of great value today. While in this area, we would have to include a visit to beautiful Kylemore Abbey, home to Irish Benedictine nuns since 1920. One of Kylemore’s most loved features is its miniature cathedral, known locally as the Gothic church. An early evening ferry over to the Aran Islands will top off the day…
1^st Overnight Aran Islands

May 14 Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands, is known for its archeological sites, stone walls, and a warm community of people still living the Celtic traditions of generations gone before. The rugged natural beauty is accentuated by the thatched roofs, and the Irish language is still spoken by most of the residents. We will have a guide while here who is versed in Celtic Spirituality as well as the ancient legends of Ireland. You will have time to explore on your own, as well as possibly visit the famous Aran Sweater Market, the origin of the Aran Sweater, since 1892.
2^nd Overnight Inishmore

May 15  Reluctantly, we have to return to the mainland this morning, but the memories of this other-worldly island will remain with us. As we are driving through Galway “city”, we will take a quick tour of this charming city that’s really a town. A young and vibrant place, it is also ancient and historic. Eyre Square, the Spanish Arch, the Claddagh area are just a few well-known points of interest. Then we will drive out to Clonmacnoise, one of Europe’s most highly regarded places of its kind, founded by St Kieran around 548AD. Situated in a lovely pastoral setting on the River Shannon, this 6th c. monastic site will certainly be a highlight of the trip. And for our final night in Ireland, we will have the chance to go to the Traditional Irish Night, an award-winning evening of music and dance sponsored by Shannon Heritage.
Overnight near Shannon Airport

May 16   Morning flight back to the states. We hope you can join us again in the future for another one of our Celtic Journeys. God Bless.

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