| Scottish Dream Tours 14 Day Ireland and Northern Ireland Fall Discovery Tour featuring Castles, Pubs and Tearooms September 25th - October 8th, 2011 Dublin City Tour, Hill of Tara, Trim Castle, Powerscourt House and Gardens, Enniscorthy Castle, Waterford Crystal Factory, Jerpoint Abbey, Cahir Castle, Rock of Cashel, Ennis, The Burren, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Kylemore Abbey, Strokestown Park House and Famine House, Boyle Abbey, Sligo, Belleek Pottery, Donegal and Donegal Castle, Old Bushmills Distillery, Giant's Causeway, Belfast, Irish Linen Centre and Museum, Newgrange Megalithic Site and more! A small intimate tour of the Ireland and Northern Ireland limited to 8 - 10 people in order to provide a more personal experience. In keeping the tour size small we are able to take advantage of accommodation, restaurant and sightseeing options that would not be available to a larger group. With a small tour size we can veer off the main tourist areas and get a real feel for these warm wonderful countries. We will not rush you from venue to venue and each tour is designed to spend as little time on the minibus as possible. You may find yourself staying in a delightful city guest house, a warm country house hotel or farmhouse and a 200 year old coaching Inn all in the same visit. Full Irish breakfast each morning and all meals as indicated in itinerary. All accommodations. Guided minibus tour with luggage handling. All sightseeing including any entrance fees. All taxes and service charges. No hidden costs! $4695US per person double occupancy. $895US per person single supplement. $500 per person deposit to reserve your spot Deposit by PayPal |
Day 1 - September 25th - Arrive in Dublin with time enough for some sightseeing and shopping in Ireland's Capitol
City. You will take an Open Top Bus Tour with hop on and off service this afternoon. Stops you may want to make
while on the tour are Guinness Storehouse, Phoenix Park, Old Jameson Distillery, Christ Church Cathedral,
St. Patrick's Cathedral. This evening we will gather for a Welcoming Pub Dinner and Music Night to kick off the
tour! Overnight Dublin. (D)
Day 2 - Our first stop of the day takes out of Dublin to Newgrange Megalithic Passage Tomb. Newgrange was built
about 3200 BC. The kidney shaped mound covers an area of over one acre and is surrounded by 97 kerbstones, some of
which are richly decorated with megalithic art. This afternoon we journey to the Hill of Tara, the political and spiritual
center of Celtic Ireland and the Seat of High Kings until the 11th century. Sitting on top of the King's Seat is the
most famous of Tara's monuments, Ireland's Ancient Coronation Stone. Pub Lunch at Brogan's Bar in Trim
before we visit Trim Castle, the largest and one of the most important Norman military constructions in Ireland and
possibly the first stone castle. We then return to Dublin for dinner on your own. Overnight Dublin. (B,L)
Day 3 - This morning we will take a drive through the beautiful Wicklow Mountains to Powerscourt House and
Gardens. The house is now home to the best of Irish design in gifts, clothes, and furniture in the Avoca Stores and the
Interiors Gallery but the setting and the 47 acres of gardens is what draws visitors to this lovely estate. Our next stop
this afternoon is Enniscorthy and Enniscorthy Castle. The town of Enniscorthy developed around this much
rebuilt and restored 13th-century castle standing on a rock at the head of the River Slaney. Afternoon Tea at
Monart in Enniscorthy before we leave for the lovely inland city of Kilkenny. Set upon the banks of the River Nore,
Kilkenny is abound in history and just as importantly in pubs! This small city boasts more than 80 official pubs! Dinner
in Kilkenny. Overnight Kilkenny. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Today we journey south to Waterford and Waterford Crystal Factory. Waterford had been making their
famous crystal since 1783. We will take a tour of the factory where we will see every stage of the glass production. Our
next stop will be Jerpoint Abbey, a 12th century Cistercian ruin that is one of Ireland's finest. Then we are back to
Kilkenny where we have Afternoon Tea at the Kilkenny Ormonde before a visit to Kilkenny Castle. Built in the
1190's, Kilkenny Castle was occupied right up to 1935. High spots of the tour include the library, the wood-paneled dining
room and the Chinese bedroom. Dinner tonight at Kyteler's Inn, a medieval coaching inn which once housed a 14th
century witch. After dinner you may want to explore a few of the many village pubs. Overnight Kilkenny. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - This morning we journey to Cahir and Cahir Castle. Superbly set on a rocky island in the River Suir, this
impressive fifteenth-century castle - the largest of its period in Ireland - was considered impregnable until the advent of
heavy cannon. Next we visit Cashel and the Rock of Cashel. Cashel with its well preserved ecclesiastical remains, is
one of Ireland's spectacular landmarks, rising above the surrounding plain and dominating the land route southwards.
There is a 13th century cathedral, 12th century round tower and the Chapel of King Cormac. Pub Lunch at Ryan's
Daughter before we continue westward with a short stop in Tipperary before we arrive to our accommodation near
Ennis. Medieval Castle Dinner and Overnight near Ennis. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - This morning on our way north we visit The Burren, a unique botanical environment in which Mediterranean
and Alpine plants rare to Ireland grow side by side. In the southern part of the Burren, limestone gives away to black
shale and sandstone to form the dramatic Cliffs of Moher. Even when shrouded in mist, the Cliffs of Moher are
breathtaking, rising to a height of 650 feet out of the sea and extending for 5 miles. While in the Burren we visit the
Burren Perfumery. There are more than 700 species of flowering plants here, roughly three-quarters or Ireland’s
native flora. The flowers of the Burren inspired the original Perfumery fragrances: Man of Aran, Ilaun, Frond and
Fraoch. Afternoon Tea at Gregan's Castle Hotel before we continue on to Galway for Dinner on your own.
Overnight Galway. (B,L)
Day 7 - This morning we visit Cong and Cong Abbey. The most fascinating remains of this 12th century Augustinian
abbey are the Gothic chapter house, stone bridges and the monks' fishing-house overhanging the river. Cong is
also where "The Quiet Man" with John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara was filmed. Afternoon Tea at Ashford
Castle before we travel through the beautiful National Park in the heart of Connemara, a combination of bogland,
lakes and mountains. Along the way we visit Kylemore Abbey sheltered by the slopes of the Twelve Bens, this lakeside
castle is a romantic, battlemented Gothic Revival fantasy. We then return to Galway for a lovely Seafood Dinner.
Overnight Galway. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - Our first destination today is Strokestown Park House, an 18th century mansion which has been faithfully
restored. It is unique in that it retains its original furnishings and professionally guided tours allow visitors to browse
freely through the stately surroundings. There is also a Famine Museum which uses a combination of original
documents and images from the Strokestown Park collection to explain the circumstances of the Great Irish Famine of
the 1840's. This afternoon finds us at Boyle to visit Boyle Abbey, an impressive and well preserved Cistercian
Monastery which was founded in the 12th century under the patronage of the local ruling family, the MacDermotts.
Although a ruin, Boyle Abbey nevertheless retains its ability to impress the visitor as one of the most formidable of the
early Cistercian foundations in Ireland. Dinner and Overnight Sligo. (B,D)
Day 9 - This morning we visit the Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery. Carrowmore is the largest cemetery of
megalithic tombs in Ireland. The tombs are spread out over 1.5 square miles in the shadow of the Knocknarea and
Misgaun Maeve (the name suggests that it was built for Maeve, the Iron Age queen of Connacht) with each monument
standing on its own little eminence. Lovely Pub Lunch on the shores of Lough Gill before we visit Parke's Castle,
a restored plantation castle of the early 17th century, picturesquely situated on the shores of the Lough. After a lovely
drive around the Lough we return to Sligo for Dinner on your own. Overnight Sligo. (B,L)
Day 10 - This morning we visit the little border village of Belleek where the world famous Belleek Pottery was founded
in 1857. We will stop at the visitors' centre and museum where you can view this fine Parian China. Our next stop is
Donegal and Donegal Town. Donegal is a thriving market town at the head of Donegal Bay. While here we will visit
the 17th Century ruins of Donegal Castle which dominate the town and was the seat of the powerful O'Donnell
Chieftains. This afternoon we visit the Inishowen Peninsula for Afternoon Tea at the Ballyliffen Lodge before
a visit to the Donagh High Cross, an 8th century Celtic Cross measuring 11ft 6ins and is considered one of the best
examples of low relief carving from the early medieval period in Ireland. Dinner and Overnight near Derry. (B,L,D)
Day 11 - Our first stop this morning will be Old Bushmills Distillery which is the oldest distillery in the world! We will
tour the distillery and end up with whiskey sampling in the 1608 bar. This afternoon we take in the Causeway Coast and
The Giants Causeway where 37,000 basalt columns extend from the cliffs and into the sea. No matter how many times
I have seen this, the sheer wonder and magic of the columns never fails to impress! Lunch in Carnlough at the
Londonderry Arms an inn once owned by Winston Churchill. Then we are off to Belfast for an evening free in
the city. Overnight Belfast. (B,L)
Day 12 - Today we spend in Belfast, Northern Ireland's largest city and one of my favorite European cities! We'll
take a Tour of the City aboard an Open Top Bus. Get on and off at your own pace and take in the sights of the city.
You may want to take in a lunch stop at the famous Crown Liquor Saloon, a flamboyant Victorian drinking palace. You
may also want to visit City Hall and St. Anne's Cathedral. This afternoon we visit Carrickfergus Castle a Norman
castle situated in the town of Carrickfergus on the shore of Belfast Lough. Besieged in turn by the Scots, Irish,
English and French, the castle played an important military role until 1928 and remains one of the best preserved
medieval structures in the whole of Ireland. Dinner and Overnight Belfast. (B,D)
Day 13 - Today we journey south with a first stop in Lisburn to visit the Irish Linen Centre and Museum in a 17th
century Market House where in times gone by cottage weavers brought their cloth to sell. The centre tells the story of
the Irish Linen Industry, with skilled demonstrations of hand spinning and handloom weaving and a display of historic
linen treasures. Next we will stop in Newry to visit Newry Cathedral, undoubtedly the most commanding building in
the City centre. Built in 1829 of local granite, it was the first Catholic Cathedral opened after the granting of Catholic
Emancipation. Afternoon Tea at the Canal Court Hotel in Newry. Our last stop of the day is Malahide Castle,
a stunningly picturesque fortress that stands amidst a profusion of massive oaks, mighty chestnuts and towering
sycamores. The castle is one of the oldest and most historic castles in Ireland. From 1185 until 1975, it was the home of
the Talbot family. Farewell Dinner and Overnight Near Dublin. (B,L,D)
Day 14 - October 8th - Back to Dublin International Airport for the journey home. (B)
City. You will take an Open Top Bus Tour with hop on and off service this afternoon. Stops you may want to make
while on the tour are Guinness Storehouse, Phoenix Park, Old Jameson Distillery, Christ Church Cathedral,
St. Patrick's Cathedral. This evening we will gather for a Welcoming Pub Dinner and Music Night to kick off the
tour! Overnight Dublin. (D)
Day 2 - Our first stop of the day takes out of Dublin to Newgrange Megalithic Passage Tomb. Newgrange was built
about 3200 BC. The kidney shaped mound covers an area of over one acre and is surrounded by 97 kerbstones, some of
which are richly decorated with megalithic art. This afternoon we journey to the Hill of Tara, the political and spiritual
center of Celtic Ireland and the Seat of High Kings until the 11th century. Sitting on top of the King's Seat is the
most famous of Tara's monuments, Ireland's Ancient Coronation Stone. Pub Lunch at Brogan's Bar in Trim
before we visit Trim Castle, the largest and one of the most important Norman military constructions in Ireland and
possibly the first stone castle. We then return to Dublin for dinner on your own. Overnight Dublin. (B,L)
Day 3 - This morning we will take a drive through the beautiful Wicklow Mountains to Powerscourt House and
Gardens. The house is now home to the best of Irish design in gifts, clothes, and furniture in the Avoca Stores and the
Interiors Gallery but the setting and the 47 acres of gardens is what draws visitors to this lovely estate. Our next stop
this afternoon is Enniscorthy and Enniscorthy Castle. The town of Enniscorthy developed around this much
rebuilt and restored 13th-century castle standing on a rock at the head of the River Slaney. Afternoon Tea at
Monart in Enniscorthy before we leave for the lovely inland city of Kilkenny. Set upon the banks of the River Nore,
Kilkenny is abound in history and just as importantly in pubs! This small city boasts more than 80 official pubs! Dinner
in Kilkenny. Overnight Kilkenny. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Today we journey south to Waterford and Waterford Crystal Factory. Waterford had been making their
famous crystal since 1783. We will take a tour of the factory where we will see every stage of the glass production. Our
next stop will be Jerpoint Abbey, a 12th century Cistercian ruin that is one of Ireland's finest. Then we are back to
Kilkenny where we have Afternoon Tea at the Kilkenny Ormonde before a visit to Kilkenny Castle. Built in the
1190's, Kilkenny Castle was occupied right up to 1935. High spots of the tour include the library, the wood-paneled dining
room and the Chinese bedroom. Dinner tonight at Kyteler's Inn, a medieval coaching inn which once housed a 14th
century witch. After dinner you may want to explore a few of the many village pubs. Overnight Kilkenny. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - This morning we journey to Cahir and Cahir Castle. Superbly set on a rocky island in the River Suir, this
impressive fifteenth-century castle - the largest of its period in Ireland - was considered impregnable until the advent of
heavy cannon. Next we visit Cashel and the Rock of Cashel. Cashel with its well preserved ecclesiastical remains, is
one of Ireland's spectacular landmarks, rising above the surrounding plain and dominating the land route southwards.
There is a 13th century cathedral, 12th century round tower and the Chapel of King Cormac. Pub Lunch at Ryan's
Daughter before we continue westward with a short stop in Tipperary before we arrive to our accommodation near
Ennis. Medieval Castle Dinner and Overnight near Ennis. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - This morning on our way north we visit The Burren, a unique botanical environment in which Mediterranean
and Alpine plants rare to Ireland grow side by side. In the southern part of the Burren, limestone gives away to black
shale and sandstone to form the dramatic Cliffs of Moher. Even when shrouded in mist, the Cliffs of Moher are
breathtaking, rising to a height of 650 feet out of the sea and extending for 5 miles. While in the Burren we visit the
Burren Perfumery. There are more than 700 species of flowering plants here, roughly three-quarters or Ireland’s
native flora. The flowers of the Burren inspired the original Perfumery fragrances: Man of Aran, Ilaun, Frond and
Fraoch. Afternoon Tea at Gregan's Castle Hotel before we continue on to Galway for Dinner on your own.
Overnight Galway. (B,L)
Day 7 - This morning we visit Cong and Cong Abbey. The most fascinating remains of this 12th century Augustinian
abbey are the Gothic chapter house, stone bridges and the monks' fishing-house overhanging the river. Cong is
also where "The Quiet Man" with John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara was filmed. Afternoon Tea at Ashford
Castle before we travel through the beautiful National Park in the heart of Connemara, a combination of bogland,
lakes and mountains. Along the way we visit Kylemore Abbey sheltered by the slopes of the Twelve Bens, this lakeside
castle is a romantic, battlemented Gothic Revival fantasy. We then return to Galway for a lovely Seafood Dinner.
Overnight Galway. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - Our first destination today is Strokestown Park House, an 18th century mansion which has been faithfully
restored. It is unique in that it retains its original furnishings and professionally guided tours allow visitors to browse
freely through the stately surroundings. There is also a Famine Museum which uses a combination of original
documents and images from the Strokestown Park collection to explain the circumstances of the Great Irish Famine of
the 1840's. This afternoon finds us at Boyle to visit Boyle Abbey, an impressive and well preserved Cistercian
Monastery which was founded in the 12th century under the patronage of the local ruling family, the MacDermotts.
Although a ruin, Boyle Abbey nevertheless retains its ability to impress the visitor as one of the most formidable of the
early Cistercian foundations in Ireland. Dinner and Overnight Sligo. (B,D)
Day 9 - This morning we visit the Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery. Carrowmore is the largest cemetery of
megalithic tombs in Ireland. The tombs are spread out over 1.5 square miles in the shadow of the Knocknarea and
Misgaun Maeve (the name suggests that it was built for Maeve, the Iron Age queen of Connacht) with each monument
standing on its own little eminence. Lovely Pub Lunch on the shores of Lough Gill before we visit Parke's Castle,
a restored plantation castle of the early 17th century, picturesquely situated on the shores of the Lough. After a lovely
drive around the Lough we return to Sligo for Dinner on your own. Overnight Sligo. (B,L)
Day 10 - This morning we visit the little border village of Belleek where the world famous Belleek Pottery was founded
in 1857. We will stop at the visitors' centre and museum where you can view this fine Parian China. Our next stop is
Donegal and Donegal Town. Donegal is a thriving market town at the head of Donegal Bay. While here we will visit
the 17th Century ruins of Donegal Castle which dominate the town and was the seat of the powerful O'Donnell
Chieftains. This afternoon we visit the Inishowen Peninsula for Afternoon Tea at the Ballyliffen Lodge before
a visit to the Donagh High Cross, an 8th century Celtic Cross measuring 11ft 6ins and is considered one of the best
examples of low relief carving from the early medieval period in Ireland. Dinner and Overnight near Derry. (B,L,D)
Day 11 - Our first stop this morning will be Old Bushmills Distillery which is the oldest distillery in the world! We will
tour the distillery and end up with whiskey sampling in the 1608 bar. This afternoon we take in the Causeway Coast and
The Giants Causeway where 37,000 basalt columns extend from the cliffs and into the sea. No matter how many times
I have seen this, the sheer wonder and magic of the columns never fails to impress! Lunch in Carnlough at the
Londonderry Arms an inn once owned by Winston Churchill. Then we are off to Belfast for an evening free in
the city. Overnight Belfast. (B,L)
Day 12 - Today we spend in Belfast, Northern Ireland's largest city and one of my favorite European cities! We'll
take a Tour of the City aboard an Open Top Bus. Get on and off at your own pace and take in the sights of the city.
You may want to take in a lunch stop at the famous Crown Liquor Saloon, a flamboyant Victorian drinking palace. You
may also want to visit City Hall and St. Anne's Cathedral. This afternoon we visit Carrickfergus Castle a Norman
castle situated in the town of Carrickfergus on the shore of Belfast Lough. Besieged in turn by the Scots, Irish,
English and French, the castle played an important military role until 1928 and remains one of the best preserved
medieval structures in the whole of Ireland. Dinner and Overnight Belfast. (B,D)
Day 13 - Today we journey south with a first stop in Lisburn to visit the Irish Linen Centre and Museum in a 17th
century Market House where in times gone by cottage weavers brought their cloth to sell. The centre tells the story of
the Irish Linen Industry, with skilled demonstrations of hand spinning and handloom weaving and a display of historic
linen treasures. Next we will stop in Newry to visit Newry Cathedral, undoubtedly the most commanding building in
the City centre. Built in 1829 of local granite, it was the first Catholic Cathedral opened after the granting of Catholic
Emancipation. Afternoon Tea at the Canal Court Hotel in Newry. Our last stop of the day is Malahide Castle,
a stunningly picturesque fortress that stands amidst a profusion of massive oaks, mighty chestnuts and towering
sycamores. The castle is one of the oldest and most historic castles in Ireland. From 1185 until 1975, it was the home of
the Talbot family. Farewell Dinner and Overnight Near Dublin. (B,L,D)
Day 14 - October 8th - Back to Dublin International Airport for the journey home. (B)
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