Wed, Nov. 5

IRELAND COAST TO COAST TOUR

NOVEMBER 5-13

AIR AND LAND PRICE $2210.00

LAND ONLY PRICE$1475.00

UNITED STATES TO DUBLIN
Depart your hometown and take an overnight flight across the Atlantic. Enjoy in-flight entertainment and meal service as you travel to start your vacation.

Thu, Nov. 6

DUBLIN ARRIVAL & SIGHTSEEING
After landing at Dublin Airport, complete customs and immigration formalities. Then your CIE Tours driver/guide will welcome you to Ireland and escort you and your luggage to the coach. Take an orientation drive around Dublin city center. Dublin is one of the liveliest capitals in Europe but there are plenty of historical places also. See the main thoroughfares of O’Connell Street and Nassau Street, the shopping streets and some lovely public parks. Stop to visit the Guinness Storehouse to see exhibits on how this world famous stout was first created and why it is so popular today. Finish your visit in the roof-top bar, Gravity, overlooking the city center where you can sample a draft Guinness and enjoy the view of the city. Then drive to your hotel and check in. After you settle into your room you may like to rest or explore some of the city on your own before dinner.

DINNER & OVERNIGHT: DAVENPORT HOTEL, DUBLIN

Fri, Nov. 7

GLENDALOUGH & AVOCA

This morning drive across the Wicklow Mountains to see the 6^th century monastic ruins of Glendalough, where the peacefulness of the valley conjures up the spirit of the monks. The Visitor Centre explains how St. Kevin founded this settlement at a time when Christianity was burgeoning throughout Ireland. Today the monks have long gone, leaving the ruins of numerous churches and a round tower. Then continue on to visit the town of Avoca. Avoca is where the popular TV series “Ballykissangel” is filmed and you can see the pub, shop and heart of the village that appears in the program. After your visit, return to Dublin where the balance of the afternoon and evening are at leisure for independent activities and dining.

OVERNIGHT: DAVENPORT HOTEL, DUBLIN

Sat, Nov. 8

VENDOR VISIT & DUBLIN SIGHTSEEING

This morning attend a vendor visit that has been arranged by your Tour Leader. Then set off with a local guide who will show you around the prominent historic buildings and monuments of Dublin. Dublin is an ancient settlement, founded by the Vikings in the 9^th century. The city has been molded through the centuries with many architectural styles, reflecting the economic, political and artistic influences. Stop in Trinity College to view the 8^th century Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript of the gospels. After your tour, enjoy some free time to relax. this evening is free to enjoy what ever you choose

OVERNIGHT: DAVENPORT HOTEL, DUBLIN

Sun, Nov. 9

BOYNE VALLEY VISITOR CENTER, NEWGRANGE & KNOCK

Depart Dublin this morning and drive north to the Boyne Valley Visitor Centre where you can learn about the nearby underground burial sights, exhibits and audio-visual presentations. Walk through a full-size replica of the largest tumulus, Newgrange, before visiting the actual site. The Megalithic Passage Tomb at 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. It is estimated that the construction of the Passage Tomb at Newgrange would have taken a work force of 300 at least 20 years. After your visit drive to the town of Drogheda and visit Branigan Weavers which has been arranged by your Tour Leader. Then travel across Ireland from east to west. Drive through the fertile midland region, which has many farms and marketing towns. All along the way you can see how Irish people make a living from agriculture, one of the most important sources of revenue for Ireland. Continue to the pilgrimage town of Knock and check into your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

DINNER & OVERNIGHT: Knock HOUSE HOTEL, Knock

Mon, Nov. 10

Knock Shrine, Ballintubber Abbey & GALWAY

This morning visit Knock Shrine, one of the world's leading places of pilgrimage where the Virgin Mary appeared to 15 people on August 21, 1879. You will have an opportunity to see the gable of the church where the apparition occurred. Then depart Knock and travel towards the town of Castlebar to visit Ballintubber Abbey. Ballintubber Abbey - known as "the Abbey that refused to die" - has the unique status of being Ireland's only royal Abbey, which has been in continuous use for more than 780 years. In 1653 the Abbey was left roofless after destruction and burning by Cromwell's army but for 250 years the local people of the area attended Mass in wind, rain and snow. Ballintubber Abbey today retains an air of ancient beauty and spirituality enhanced by its simple but elegant restoration. There is a video display and an interpretive center at the Abbey and the grounds are landscaped to portray spiritual themes. After your visit, travel south through County Mayo to reach the bustling city of Galway. Upon arrival check into your hotel and enjoy the balance of the afternoon free before joining your group for dinner.

DINNER & OVERNIGHT: HOTEL MEYRICK, GALWAY

Tue, Nov. 11

CONNEMARA & KYLEMORE ABBEY

Today tour Connemara and admire the sweeping views of boglands and misty mountains. As you drive along you will see many sheep that graze freely and also tracts of bogland where some people hand-cut peat for home heating. Stop to visit Kylemore Abbey, a 19th century neo-Gothic mansion overlooking Kylemore Lake. Originally a private residence, it is now a prestigious girls' school. Visit the chapel and the restored Victorian gardens, which have won awards. Return to Galway and enjoy some time at leisure before dining in your hotel.

DINNER & OVERNIGHT: HOTEL MEYRICK, GALWAY

Wed, Nov. 12

CLIFFS OF MOHER & MEDIEVAL BANQUET

Drive around the shores of Galway Bay and through the Burren Country, a unique region of limestone hills where many rare flowers thrive in the sheltered crevices. Stop at the Cliffs of Moher, a wall of rock that plunges 700 feet to the churning Atlantic Ocean below. See part of the Burren Country, a region of limestone hills containing a wealth of rare flowers and prehistoric stone monuments on the way to Bunratty. Check into your hotel where you will have some free time in the afternoon. You may choose to relax or explore some of the attractions near your hotel-choose from Bunratty Folk Park, Bunratty Village Mills and Durty Nelly’s Pub.

This evening join in the fun and feasting at Bunratty or Knappogue Castle. Your medieval-style banquet is served in the Great Hall of the 15^th century castle during which the lords and ladies of the castle transport you in spirit to the Middle Ages with their songs and stories.

OVERNIGHT: BUNRATTY CASTLE HOTEL, BUNRATTY

Thu, Nov. 13

RETURN TO THE UNITED STATES

Sadly, today your Irish vacation has come to its final day. Transfer to Shannon Airport in good time to check in for your flight. You may do some last minute shopping at the duty free stores. Then clear U.S. Immigration before boarding your aircraft and flying across the Atlantic Ocean back to the United States.