Depart for Shannon Bunratty Banquet Cliffs of Moher & Galway Connemara & "The Quiet Man" Tour Yeats' Grave Grand Atlantic Drive & Glenveagh Castle Giant's Causeway Belfast Book of Kells Blarney Castle Jaunting Car Ride Shannon Ferry & Ennis Return Home
We had an incredible time. Our hotels were magnificent and the food was wonderful! -Grace R., Manitowec, WI
Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet, Merry Ploughboy Pub Traditional Dinner/Show, Historic Derry & Ennis Walking Tours, Trinity College's Book of Kells, St. Patrick's Grave, Giant's Causeway, Tour Central Belfast, Old World Deluxe Hotels in Dublin and Killarney, Stay in 17th Century Ballygally Castle Hotel
What's Included?
Group transfers on arrival and departure
Sightseeing by luxury coach throughout
Dublin open-top bus tour & Guinness or Jameson visit
Services of a professional Irish tour director
Deluxe & superior first class hotels with private bath/shower for 11 nights • 11 full Irish breakfasts (B) • 9 dinners (D) including - Medieval Banquet and entertainment in Bunratty Castle - Dinner & traditional Irish entertainment at the Merry Ploughboy Pub - 7 table d’hote dinners
Welcome get-together drink
“The Quiet Man” walking tour of Cong
Walking tours of Derry and Ennis with local guides
Tours of Belfast and Dublin with local guides
Horse-drawn jaunting car ride in Killarney
Ferry ride across the River Shannon
Visits and admissions to Cliffs of Moher, Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory, Museum of Country Life, Knock Shrine, W. B. Yeats’ Grave, Belleek Pottery Factory, Glenveagh Castle, Giant’s Causeway, St. Patrick Centre, Down Cathedral, Book of Kells at Trinity College, Blarney Woollen Mills and Muckross Gardens
Travel to Shannon on an overnight flight to start your vacation. Relax with inflight meals and entertainment.
Day 2 Bunratty Banquet
Land at Shannon Airport and locate the CIE Tours desk in the Arrivals Hall for a group transfer to nearby Bunratty. Complimentary transfers are available between 7:00 am and 12:00 noon. If your flight arrives later than 12:00 noon, transfer to the hotel at your own expense. In the afternoon you may explore Durty Nelly’s Pub or the Bunratty Folk Park, near your hotel. Sip a get-together drink with your tour director and fellow travelers to discuss your trip. This evening head to 15th century Bunratty Castle for a medieval-style banquet. Sit in the Great Hall for an excellent meal with wine and music to carry you to the Middle Ages in spirit. (D)
Day 3 Cliffs of Moher & Galway
Travel to the coast to view the Cliffs of Moher, a five-mile wall of limestone rising above the foaming Atlantic breakers. See the rounded limestone hills of the Burren and drive down Corkscrew Hill for views of Galway Bay. Stop in the attractive village of Ballyvaughan for a stroll and continue your journey into Galway. Take a drive around Galway before checking into your old-world hotel, which is located overlooking Galway Bay and close to Eyre Square. Enjoy some time on your own as the compact city center is great for browsing. (B, D)
Day 4 Connemara & "The Quiet Man" Tour
Drive through Headford to Cong, a charming village that was the location for the 1952 movie, "The Quiet Man." A short walking tour will show you movie locations throughout the village as well as the ruins of Cong Abbey. Travel throughConnemara, a region of misty hills and shimmering lakes. See rugged mountain sheep and tracts of land where people cut peat for home fires. In Moycullen, visit the Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory, which specializes in intricate designs in colored crystal, before returning to Galway. (B, D)
Day 5 Yeats' Grave
Head north to Castlebar to visit the Museum of Country Life. See collections of domestic goods, once used as part of daily life when most Irish people made a living from the soil. Stop at Knock Shrine to see the church where locals saw an apparition of the Virgin Mary in 1879. Cross into County Sligo and stop at the grave of W. B. Yeats before continuing to Belleek for a tour of the Belleek Pottery Factory. Watch skilled craftspeople create intricate basket-weave designs in delicate china. Continue your journey past the hazy Blue Stack Mountains to Stranorlar. (B, D)
Day 6 Grand Atlantic Drive & Glenveagh Castle
Today experience the glorious natural beauty of the Grand Atlantic Drive, which winds through Downings and Rosapenna and past golden beaches and rocky headlands. Travel inland to Glenveagh National Park. Tour Glenveagh Castle, built in 1870 by Captain Adair who evicted 225 tenants in order to enhance his estate. Learn about the history of the mansion, owners and guests as you view the many rooms. Then walk through some of the gardens filled with exotic plants. Pass Letterkenny on your return to Stranorlar in ample time for dinner. (B, D)
Day 7 Giant's Causeway
Travel to Derry to join a local guide for a walking tour around the city center to see medieval city walls, the Diamond and St. Columb’s Cathedral. Next, visit the Giant's Causeway, enormous hexagonal columns formed by volcanic activity over 60 million years ago. Experience wonderful views of mountains, valleys and bays as you travel along the "Nine Glens of Antrim." Check into Ballygally Castle, overlooking Ballygally Bay. It is Northern Ireland’s only 17th century building still used as a residence – ask to see “The Ghost Room.” (B, D)
Day 8 Belfast
Tour Belfast with a local guide to see Victorian buildings, the Harland & Wolff shipyards where the Titanic was built and the Falls Road and Shankill residential areas. Drive south to the St. Patrick Centre where you will learn about Ireland’s Patron Saint and view his reputed grave at Down Cathedral. Travel past the gentle slopes of the Mountains of Mourne and continue to Dublin. Check into your lovely deluxe hotel, set in spacious grounds. The evening is free for you to dine in your hotel or your tour director will suggest a suitable restaurant. (B)
Day 9 Book of Kells
This morning tour Dublin city center to see elegant Georgian squares with the famous colorful doorways, pass the peaceful St. Stephen’s Green and the bustling shopping areas around Nassau Street, cross the River Liffey to O’Connell Street and view the General Post Office where the 1916 Rebellion started. Visit Trinity College’s Old Library to view the 8th century manuscript of the Book of Kells andlearn about its creation. The afternoon is free to enjoy your delightful hotel or use your bus tour voucher. In the evening head to the Merry Ploughboy Pub for dinner, which is followed by a show of traditional music and step-dancing. (B, D)
Day 10 Blarney Castle
Drive south through the center of Ireland, where prime agricultural lands are located. Pause for photos at the Rock of Cashel, a stately limestone outcrop topped with medieval ruins. Continue south to the Blarney Woollen Mills where you may shop or take a look around the village green. If you wish, you may climb to the top of the castle to kiss the famous "Stone of Eloquence" independently. Continue your journey to Killarney, famous for its beauty and check into your deluxe downtown Victorian-era hotel. (B, D)
Day 11 Jaunting Car Ride
Travel at a leisurely pace by traditional horsedrawn jaunting car to Ross Castle for views of Killarney’s largest lake, Lough Leane. Drive to the delightful town of Kenmare where traditional buildings are gaily painted and enhanced with flowers. Pass through Moll’s Gap, a wonderful vantage point on the Ring of Kerry and stop at Ladies’ View. Take a walk around the charming Muckross Gardens, which were laid out in the 19th century on the shores of Muckross Lake. See a variety of mature trees and colorful plants before returning to Killarney. (B)
Day 12 Shannon Ferry & Ennis
Enjoy free time in Killarney before driving north to cross the wide River Shannon Estuary on a short ferry ride. Drive through County Clare to the charming marketing town of Ennis. Your hotel is in the center of the town within easy reach of shops and pubs. Join a local guide for a walking tour around the main points of interest, including Ennis Friary, before sitting down with your group for a farewell dinner in your hotel. (B, D)
Day 13 Return Home
Complimentary group transfers are provided to Shannon Airport to arrive at 6:00 am, 9:00 am or 12:00 noon. After check-in, you’ll have time to shop at the duty-free stores before U.S. Immigration pre-clearance and boarding your flight for the journey home. (B)
2009 Dates & Prices. Please note these tours are priced in US dollars regardless of your home currency.
From March 14, 2009To March 26, 2009$2,158
From March 21, 2009To April 2, 2009$2,158
From March 28, 2009To April 9, 2009$2,238
From April 4, 2009To April 16, 2009$2,298
From April 11, 2009To April 23, 2009$2,298
From April 18, 2009To April 30, 2009$2,298
From April 25, 2009To May 7, 2009$2,298
From May 2, 2009To May 14, 2009$2,588
From May 9, 2009To May 21, 2009$2,588
From May 16, 2009To May 28, 2009$2,588
From May 23, 2009To June 4, 2009$2,588
From May 30, 2009To June 11, 2009$2,588
From June 6, 2009To June 18, 2009$2,588
From June 13, 2009To June 25, 2009$2,588
From June 20, 2009To July 2, 2009$2,588
From June 27, 2009To July 9, 2009$2,588
From July 4, 2009To July 16, 2009$2,588
From July 11, 2009To July 23, 2009$2,588
From July 18, 2009To July 30, 2009$2,588
From July 25, 2009To August 6, 2009$2,588
From August 1, 2009To August 13, 2009$2,588
From August 8, 2009To August 20, 2009$2,588
From August 15, 2009To August 27, 2009$2,588
From August 22, 2009To September 3, 2009$2,588
From August 29, 2009To September 10, 2009$2,588
From September 5, 2009To September 17, 2009$2,588
From September 12, 2009To September 24, 2009$2,588
Why purchase travel protection? The CIE Tours Plan…
Permits you to cancel your trip at any time prior to departure for a covered reason and up to 3 days before your scheduled departure for any reason not otherwise covered.
Covers direct air flights to and from your scheduled land tour departure and return cities even if the flights are not booked by CIE Tours, provided the flights are within 7 total days of the land tour dates and you cancel or interrupt your trip for a reason covered by the Travel Protection Plan provisions.
Protects you and your belongings while on your trip.
CIE Tours Trip Cancellation Waiver Benefit*
When you purchase the CIE Tours Travel Protection Plan at time of initial Trip deposit, you also qualify for the CIE Tours Trip Cancellation Waiver. This benefit allows you to cancel your CIE Tours travel arrangements up to 3 days before your scheduled departure for any reason not covered by the Travel Protection Plan. Under this benefit, CIE Tours will refund the amount of your cancellation penalty in CIE Tours travel certificates, with the balance of the refund made in cash or by credit card. CIE Tours Travel Certificates are non-refundable, valid for one year from date of issue (but no later than 15 months from the date your Trip was canceled) and may not be redeemed for cash. The waiver does not cover the single room supplement charge that is applicable if one person cancels from a twin room, which then becomes a single room. CIE Tours requires written notice of cancellation during normal business hours. This benefit covers only those arrangements purchased from CIE Tours. For cancellations for covered reasons, see below.
Trip Cost - Pre-Departure Trip Cancellation
Your own or that of a Traveling Companion or an Immediate Family Member - or for Other Covered Events, as defined, you will be reimbursed up to the Trip cost for cancellation charges imposed on travel arrangements provided by CIE Tours and/or an airline providing direct air flight to and from your scheduled land tour departure and return cities (even if the flights are not booked by CIE Tours), provided the flights are within 7 total days of the land tour dates.
Trip Cost - Post-Departure Trip Interruption
If you must interrupt your Trip after departure due to a covered Injury, Sickness or Death - your own or that of a Traveling Companion or an Immediate Family Member - or for Other Covered Events, as defined, you will be reimbursed for the unused, non-refundable land arrangements and the additional transport costs to return Home or to rejoin your Trip (limited to economy one-way airfare or first class, if original tickets were first class).
Trip Cost – Delayed Arrival
You are reimbursed for the additional transportation expense incurred and/or the unused, non-refundable land arrangements if your arrival on your tour is delayed beyond your scheduled arrival date, because of delay or cancellation by an air carrier due to inclement weather, mechanical breakdown or organized labor strike.
$500 Travel Delay
Provides benefits up to $100 per day for reasonable additional hotel accommodations, meals, telephone calls, and local transportation until travel becomes possible if you are delayed for more than 12 hours due to a covered reason such as common carrier delay; Injury, Sickness or Death of you or your Traveling Companion; quarantine; loss of passport, travel documents or money; natural disaster; or road closure by a government authority due to adverse weather conditions.
$25,000 Accidental Death & Dismemberment
These benefits are paid if loss occurs within 365 days of a covered Injury which occurs while on a CIE Tours Trip.
$100,000 Medical Expense/Emergency Assistance
Provides reimbursement for reasonable and customary medical expenses incurred within 365 days of a covered sickness which occurs while on your trip and for emergency dental treatment received during your trip; for the costs of emergency transport to home or an appropriate hospital, including escort expense (both, if deemed necessary by the attending physician), for a covered Injury or Sickness which occurs while on your trip; or the cost of homeward carriage if deceased.
$2,000 Baggage and Personal Effects
Coverage for direct physical loss or damage to your Baggage, passport or visas while on your Trip. A $500 maximum limit applies to jewelry; gems; watches; cameras and camera equipment; digital or electronic equipment; and furs - a $250 per article limit applies to all other items.
$250 Baggage Delay
If, while on your Trip, your Baggage is delayed for 24 hours or more, we will reimburse you up to $250 for the purchase of necessary additional clothing and personal articles. *CIE Tours Trip Cancellation Waiver Benefit is not available for groups of 15 or more.
Reserve the Irish Tradition Tour today!
RESERVING A TOUR
Please either fill out the contact form below or call us on our toll-free numbers: 1-888-771-8350 (US) or 0-808-101-4366 (UK) or +353 65 6844941 (Rest of World). A $250 nonrefundable deposit is required to reserve your tour. Please note that for all our escorted bus tours, you will be charged in US dollars.
DEPOSIT PAYMENTS
A non-refundable deposit of $250 per person, a payment in full on the airfare & a payment in full on the insurance is required for coach tours. Deposits are required within 4 days of making the reservation. Full payment is required to purchase your airline tickets.
FINAL PAYMENTS
Full payment must be made no later than 70 days prior to departure date. We accept payment by check or major credit cards. If payment is not received as scheduled, your reservation will automatically cancel and deposit payment become forfeit.
TRAVEL PROTECTION PLAN
Available for $99 or upwards per person, depending on the price of your tour. Permits you to cancel your trip for any reason at any time prior to departure up to 3 days before your scheduled departure. Within 3 days of you departure, you may only cancel for a covered reason such as illness. Under this benefit, you will be will refunded the amount of your cancellation penalty in travel certificates. You would be able to redeem these vouchers for a future trip. The balance of the refund would be made in cash. This plan also protects you and your belongings while on your trip.
LATE BOOKINGS
Tours booked between 30 & 14 days prior to departure date may incur a late fee of US$50.00 per reservation in addition to overnight delivery charges where necessary.
PARTICIPANT CANCELLATIONS
All cancellations must be advised in writing (by mail, fax or e-mail) to Authentic Ireland Travel prior to tour departure during normal business hours (9:00 am to 4:00 pm EST, Mondays through Fridays). Cancellations received within 70 days of departure date are subject to the following penalties on the land portion:
70 days or longer Forfeiture of deposit 69 - 46 days 25% per person 45 - 8 days 35% per person 7 - 1 days 50% per person On departure day 100% per person
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