Shades of Ireland

Shades of Ireland

Join us for an Irish experience you will never forget! This special itinerary has been custom designed by Art Jamieson and is based on more than 10 years of experience leading tours through Ireland. Highlights include a city tour of Dublin, an Irish House Party, Kilkenny, Limerick, Galway Bundoran, Donegal Town, Derry, Belfast, the Ring of Kerry, the Cliffs of Moher, Bellek Pottery, Waterford Crystal, the Giant's Causeway and an overnight on the grounds of a castle. Consider adding on an additional week to your Ireland tour by joining our "Discover Scotland" extension.

13 Days
September 25 - October 7, 2010

Your Tour Includes

Exclusive tour custom-designed by Jamieson Travel

Round trip air from Ottawa

Transportation to/from Ottawa Airport (Pembroke to Ottawa)

Hotel transfers, air taxes and fuel surcharges (subject to increase until paid in full)

All accommodation and ground transportation in Ireland

Full Irish breakfast every morning and 6 multicourse dinners

1 Medieval Banquet Dinner

Any entrance fees listed in itinerary

Porterage for one suitcase on tour

Escorted by Art Jamieson

Tour Guide in Ireland

A ton of fun, music, comedy and entertainment

Tour Pricing
Double (2 per room) - $4095 per person
SIngle (1 per room) - $4895 per person
Triple (3 per room) - $4045 per person
(All prices are in Canadian $)

Insurance
Deluxe Cancellation and Full Medical flat rate Insurance of $300 per person (regardless of age).

Booking Details
A deposit of $250 per person plus insurance (if purchasing) must be provided by April 29, 2010. A minimum of 30 participants are required by this date for tour to operate. bookings made after this date are subject to availability and change in price. Balances are due July 28, 2010.

Optional Scotland Extension
Join our Discover Scotland tour on October 6th for an additional $2200 per person. Fly home from Edinburgh on October 15, 2010.

Itinerary

DAY 1
Overnight Flight
The Emerald Isle, a land renowned for its "forty shades of green" is filled with rolling hills, warm people, stately castles and rollicking fun. Our tour begins with our transatlantic flight departing from Ottawa and arriving in Dublin.

DAY 2
Dublin, Ireland - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in Dublin. Tonight, meet your fellow travellers at a fun filled Irish House Party where everyone has the opportunity to join in the song and dance. Today, dinner will be included.

DAY 3
Dublin
Today you will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Dublin, the “Fair City.” Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, O’Connell Street, Grafton Street, Phoenix Park and see the city’s trademark - magnificent rows of stately Georgian town homes. Spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring the cultural offerings of delightful Dublin on your own. You may wish to tour Dublin's fabled Kilmainham Jail or lighten your spirits with a visit to the Guinness Storehouse. Make sure to check out the ancient Book of Kells at Trinity College. Today, breakfast will be included.

DAY 4
Dublin - Kilkenny - Waterford
This morning you travel to Kilkenny, one of Ireland's most colourful cities, for the chance to explore this medieval gem. Later today, you will visit the world-famous Waterford Crystal Factory. Take a tour of the facility to learn how these exquisite treasures are crafted and marvel at the impressive collection of crystal in their glittering showroom. This evening, learn about the historic city of Waterford during a leisurely paced walking tour. Today, breakfast and dinner will be included.

DAY 5
Waterford - Middleton - Blarney Stone - Killarney
Today's journey begins with a visit to Middleton Whiskey Distillery for a tour and tasting. We then continue to the historic Blarney Castle where you can take the opportunity to kiss the famous Blarney Stone. Legend has it that those who kiss the stone are bestowed the gift of eloquence. Before leaving, we will break for lunch and an opportunity to browse the Blarney Woolen Mills. In the afternoon, we will visit the scenic towns of Macroom and Ballyvourney and pass through the mountains of West Cork. In Killarney, you will be treated to a time-honoured Irish jaunting car ride. A tour of the beautiful Muckross House and Gardens offers a glimpse into the elegant lifestyle of the Victorian gentry. Explore some of the perfectly restored rooms of this magnificent mansion or stroll in one of the many gardens, spectacularly adorned with blooms. Today, breakfast and dinner will be included.

DAY 6
Killarney - Ring of Kerry - Killarney
Travel along one of the most beautiful coastal routes in the world - the Ring of Kerry. At the Gap of Dunloe, shop for traditional Irish goods handcrafted by local artisans. Enjoy spectacular ocean scenery as you pass through picturesque villages and a stop will be made in the village of Sneem. Continue on through rugged mountain passes into "Ladies View", where you will see breathtaking views of the Lakes of Killarney. Tonight, use your leisure time to sample a true taste of Irish culture. Today, breakfast will be included.

DAY 7
Killarney - Limerick
This morning, experience the customs and daily life of a traditional Irish family during a memorable visit to the Molanna Dairy Farm. We then continue onwards to Limerick where you will enjoy a city tour showcasing King John's Castle and the Treaty Stone while learning about the fascinating history of the "city of the violated treaty". In a beautiful land of rolling green fields, ancient battlefields and medieval fortresses once inhabited by generations of clansmen you can conjure up a world filled with lords and ladies, knights and damsels when you experience a true medieval banquet hosted in a real castle! The 15th century comes magically to life the moment you enter the castle. Sip honey rich mead and admire the ornate tapestries and royal furnishings before sitting down for a sumptuous four-course meal and some fine wine suitable for toasting the royal court. Spirits run high with delightful song and dance performances reminiscent of this unique period. Today, breakfast and dinner will be included.

DAY 8
Limerick - Cliffs of Moher - Galway - Bundoran
A most interesting day is ahead of you. Journey to the stunning, 700 ft. high Cliffs of Moher for awe-inspiring views of the mighty Atlantic and the Aran Islands. Then, travel through the vast limestone landscape of the Burren, known for its stark beauty and Neolithic tombs. Continue past scenic countryside into Galway, where a brief city tour introduces "The City of Tribes". Your day ends at the seaside resort of Bundoran. Today, breakfast and dinner will be included.

DAY 9
Bundoran - Belleek - Donegal Town - Bundoran
This morning, enjoy some free time to take a walk along the beach or play a round of golf at Bundoran's 18-hole championship golf course. This afternoon's activities begin with a visit to Belleek Pottery, internationally known for its highly decorative Parian China. Then, take in the rugged, natural beauty of County Donegal. Stop in Donegal Town and stroll the town square, enjoying its many quaint craft and woolen shops. Today, breakfast will be included.

DAY 10
Bundoran - Derry - Inishowen Peninsula - Derry
This morning, travel to Derry where a local guide leads you on a walking tour of the old city featuring the medieval city walls, St. Augustine's Cathedral and the Guildhall. Later today, enjoy an excursion to the Inishowen Peninsula and Malin Head. A stop will be made at Carndonagh to see the second oldest Celtic cross in Ireland. Continuing on through Malin village, you will arrive at Malin Head, Ireland's northernmost point with its beautiful panoramic view of the North Atlantic Ocean. Return to Derry via the Slieve Snaght hills. Today, breakfast and dinner will be included.

DAY 11
Derry - Glens of Antrim - Giant's Causeway - Derry
Discover the outstanding natural beauty of northern Ireland as you explore the scenic back roads of the Antrim Glens. This morning, make a stop in the small town of Ballycastle. Then, see the most famous natural site in Northern Ireland as you visit the magnificent Giant's Causeway. Formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago, the causeway resembles a cobbled road leading into the sea. Today, breakfast will be included.

DAY 12
Derry - Belfast - Kingscourt
Today, you're off to Belfast - the capital of Northern Ireland, where you will enjoy a guided tour of the city sights. A visit is included to the Gulturlann McAdam O'Fiaich - an Irish language arts and community center supported by the efforts of the Collette Foundation. The Culturlann is headquartered in West Belfast, which suffered greatly during many years of political strife. This groundbreaking program is dedicated to enriching the lives of Ireland's underprivileged children and the revitalization of Northern Ireland. Your day is then topped off with an overnight stay on the magnificent grounds of Cabra Castle, where you toast the end of a fabulous trip during your farewell dinner. Today, breakfast and dinner will be included.

DAY 13
Kingscourt - Tour Ends
Your tour ends today in Kingscourt. OR you may wish to join us on our "Discover Scotland" tour extension (9 days). Today, breakfast is included.