7 minute read
Ireland
JOURNEY
Riches
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of the Emerald Isle
Inspiring Moments
> Marvel at the stunning, cliff-lined coastal scenery of the Loop Head and Dingle
Peninsulas.
> Witness the Wild Atlantic Way’s sensational beauty at The Burren and Cliffs of
Moher, a UNESCO Global Geopark. > Delight in cosmopolitan Dublin. > Watch border collies expertly maneuver a flock in the Ring of Kerry. > Experience classic Irish culture on the unspoiled Aran Islands. > Savor farm-fresh dishes at a special dinner on a country estate. > Admire majestic Rock of Cashel, the seat of ancient kings. > Celebrate Ireland’s creative spirit, from heartfelt music and dance to renowned literature and storytelling.
Traditional Irish music
Experience the best of Ireland’s heritage and natural wonders on this 10-night, heartwarming adventure. From dancing to storytelling to a memorable farmto-fork meal, you’ll sample Irish culture, cuisine and traditions. Walk along the fossil-laden limestone terrain of the Burren and gaze at a Neolithic portal tomb near the Cliffs of Moher. On the Loop Head and Dingle Peninsulas, take in the spectacular coastline from land and water. Cruise to Inishmore to learn more about island life, and ramble through Killarney National Park in a horse-drawn carriage. See border collies corral sheep, sip smooth whiskey and revel in Dublin’s grand, colorful streets! DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
Day 1 | In Transit Depart for Dublin, Ireland. Day 2 | Dublin, Ireland Transfer to The Westbury Hotel and later join your Travel Director for a brief walk in the neighborhood. Gather for a Welcome Reception and Dinner. Day 3 | Dublin Discovery: Dublin. Get acquainted with this dynamic city on a scenic tour featuring insights from your guide. Visit Trinity College and view the hand-illuminated, ninth-century Book of Kells. Free Time: Spend the afternoon at leisure. Rich with world-class museums, inventive cuisine and live music, Dublin offers something for everyone! Enrichment: Irish Literature. Delve into Ireland’s enduring love of the written word and its key writers. Day 4 | Cashel | Mallow Discovery: Rock of Cashel. Once the ancient seat of kings such as Brian Boru, this atmospheric site became a medieval religious center. Walk amid the ruins of the churches and discover its intriguing past. Head to Mallow and check in to Longueville House, a family-owned hotel on a 450-acre country estate.
AHI Connects: Field to Fork Dining. Meet the owners, who will share how they revitalized the farm, gardens and orchard to achieve their farm to table vision. Later, relish a wonderful dinner prepared by the chef-owner with homegrown ingredients. Day 5 | Killarney After breakfast, depart for Killarney.
Discovery: Killarney National Park. Situated on the Ring of Kerry, this vast park is a tranquil oasis of oak woodlands and shimmering lakes. Take in its beauty on a leisurely ride in a horse-drawn carriage called a jaunting car as your jarvey, or driver, shares local lore and history. Then, cruise across the serene waters of the Killarney Lakes, three connected lakes. Check in to the Great Southern Killarney. Free Time: Your afternoon in Killarney is at leisure. Enrichment: Whiskey Tasting. Delight in a tasting this evening, followed by a musical performance. Day 6 | Ring of Kerry Discovery: Ring of Kerry. Located on the Iveragh Peninsula, the circular drive of the Ring of Kerry is among the most beautiful coastal drives in the world. Watch border collies herd sheep during a demonstration. Afterward, meet the shepherd and ask questions about the dogs, farm life and the flock. Stop for lunch in Waterville with lovely views of the Atlantic Ocean and then drive to an excellent vantage point to see the pristine Killarney Lakes. Day 7 | Dingle Peninsula Discovery: Dingle Peninsula. Sweeping mountain vistas and coastal scenery await you on the Slea Head Drive, one of Europe’s most captivating coastal roads. Along your drive, visit the Blasket Island Heritage Center which honors the remote island’s former residents. After lunch on your route, spend free time in the charming town of Dingle. Day 8 | Loop Head Peninsula | Ennis Discovery: Loop Head Peninsula. After a short ferry ride, soak up the rugged cliffside scenery on either side of you as you travel the Loop Head Drive between the ocean and the Shannon estuary. Relax over lunch, then tour Loop Head Lighthouse and the keeper’s cottage. Hear the waves crashing and feel the ocean breezes as you look out over the horizon. Check in to the Old Ground Hotel in Ennis. Discovery: Ennis Tour. On a guided walk, learn about this lively market town’s unique history and how the area is steeped in legend and folklore. Day 9 | The Burren | Cliffs of Moher Discovery: The Burren and the Cliffs of Moher. The Burren and Cliffs of Moher, a UNESCO Global Geopark, sit on the Wild Atlantic Way, a breathtaking coastline of cliffs, sea caves and inlets. Admire the marvelous countryside and coastline in one of the world’s most unique landscapes. The Burren’s rocky plateau features diverse flora and karstic limestone formations. Take an exclusive guided walk through it with local expert Tony Kirby, who offers fascinating geological, archaeological and botanical insights. Stop for lunch in a family-run pub in the Burren. Continue to the portal tomb, Poulnabrone, a vision resting on the stark limestone pavements, dating from 2500–2000 B.C. Drive along the scenic coast to marvel at the stirring sight of the Cliffs of Moher, rising 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. Day 10 | Aran Islands
Discovery: Aran Island of Inishmore. Ferry across Galway Bay to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands. As you explore on a minibus, listen to entertaining stories about island life from your local guide. Visit a family-run business that hand-harvests edible seaweeds for a talk and tasting, then head to Dun Aengus, the ruins of a Bronze Age stone fort. Enjoy lunch on the island. Day 11 | Ennis Enrichment: Irish Seanchaí. These storytellers were the bearers of old Celtic lore. Eddie Lenihan, Ireland’s premier folklorist/seanchaí, relates classic tales of folk heroes, myths and the supernatural. Free Time: Make your own plans in Ennis. At tonight’s Farewell Reception and Dinner, raise a toast to your fellow travelers and your adventure! Enrichment: Irish Music and Dance. Tap your feet to the beat as a céilí band and dancers perform. Day 12 | In Transit After breakfast, transfer to the airport in Shannon for the return flight to your gateway city.
Accommodations {with baggage handling} – 2 nights in Dublin, Ireland, at The Westbury, a deluxe hotel. – 1 night in Mallow at the first-class Longueville House. – 3 nights in Killarney at the first-class Great Southern Killarney. – 4 nights in Ennis at the first-class Old Ground Hotel.
Transfers {with baggage handling} –Deluxe motor coach transfers during the Land Program.
Extensive Meal Program –10 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 4 dinners, including Welcome and Farewell Dinners; tea or coffee with all meals, plus wine with dinner. –Opportunities to sample authentic cuisine and local flavors.
Your One-of-a-Kind Journey – Small group: Sized just right at 24 guests. – Discovery excursions highlight the local culture, heritage and history. –Expert-led Enrichment programs enhance your insight into the region. – AHI Sustainability Promise: We strive to make a positive, purposeful impact in the communities we visit. – AHI Connects: Local immersion. –Free time to pursue your individual interests. –Welcome and Farewell Receptions to mingle with fellow travelers. –A personal VOX headset to hear your English-speaking guide clearly. –Tipping of guides and drivers. –Complimentary travel mementos.
DEPARTURES & PRICING
July 18-29, 2021
Full Price $5,045 Special Savings $250 Special Price $4,795*
*Special price available for a limited time only. Call for details. VAT is an additional $395 per person. All prices quoted are in USD, per person, based on double occupancy and do not include air transportation costs (unless otherwise stated). Single accommodations are an additional $1,295 (limited availability).
Program-specific terms and conditions are available on our website under the Pricing & Air Options tab on the trip page. You can also request a copy from our travel experts.
Note: Itinerary sequence and/or scheduled events may change. Walking is required on many excursions.
Flights and transfers provided for AHI FlexAir participants.