HWT May 2018 IRELAND Tour Itinerary 08292017
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Day 1 - Friday May 4, 2018 Join our group and Joe Hurley at the Philadelphia International Airport as we gather to depart on our overnight flight to Shannon on American Airlines Flight 776 at 9:15 PM. Day 2 – Saturday, May 5, 2018 American Airlines Flight 776 arrives in Shannon at 8:50 AM. After customs and immigration formalities at Shannon Airport, our driver/guide will welcome you to Ireland. Upon arrival have breakfast at a local venue with the group. Next, drive along the coast of County Clare so you can visit the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most beloved, natural landmarks. See magical vistas, overlooking the shimmering Atlantic Ocean along with Ireland’s Western coastline. Take a short ferry ride across the River Shannon Estuary to Tarbert. Then drive to Killarney, check in and enjoy some time to settle into your room. In the evening, Cliffs of Moher join your fellow travelers for dinner in the hotel restaurant. DINNER & OVERNIGHT: MALTON HOTEL, KILLARNEY Day 3 – Sunday, May 6, 2018 This morning, motor a short distance to visit the Gap of Dunloe, a natural mountain wonder surrounding a great glacial breach valley. See Serpent Lake, where St. Patrick is reputed to have drowned the last snake in Page 1 of 9 Ireland. Your tour begins at Kate Kearney’s Cottage, where ponies will be take you through the six- mile pass. Once through the gap, boats are waiting on the Gearhameen River for the homeward journey via the enchanting Upper, Middle and Lower Lakes to historic Ross Castle. Continue to visit Muckross Traditional Farms so you can see the beautiful grounds and learn about the history of the farm. After your visit, the remainder of the afternoon is free for individual pursuits. Tonight, once again, join your group for a superb hotel dinner. OPTIONAL GOLF – Killarney Golf & Fishing Club - Mahony’s Point Mahony’s Point offers spectacular views of the famous Killarney lakes overlooked by the McGillicuddy Reeks, the highest mountain range in Ireland. The final three holes are breathtaking as you play towards the lake with the 18th described as “one of the most memorable holes in golf,” a par three of nearly 200 yards that requires a huge carry across the corner of the lake. Discover for yourself why the 18th is one of the most photographed in the world and has become known as “Heaven’s Reflex.” Golf carts are available for rental. DINNER & OVERNIGHT: MALTON HOTEL, KILLARNEY Malton Hotel Pub Day 4 – Monday, May 7, 2018 Today, we’ll explore the Ring of Kerry, 100 miles of marvelous scenery consisting of the highest peaks in Ireland on one side and a coastline scattered with golden beaches and rocky headlands on the other. Enjoy plenty of stops to view the scenery and take photos. Cross to Valencia Island by bridge to visit the Skellig Experience, which describes the life of early monks who led austere lives on the nearby islands. Next, stop for lunch at Moorings Guesthouse and Restaurant. After lunch, journey back to our hotel in On the Ring of Kerry Killarney, where the balance of our afternoon is at leisure. Tonight, join our group for a traditional Irish dinner at Jarvey's Rest, where live Irish entertainment creates a warm atmosphere. OPTIONAL GOLF – Dooks Golf Club Golf was first played at Dooks in 1883, but the first nine (9) holes of the course weren’t laid out by the Royal Ordnance Corps until 1889. Enjoy panoramic views of Dingle Bay along with sensational views of the Wild Atlantic Way as you play a round of golf on this historical and challenging course. A limited number of golf carts are available, as are caddies and pull carts. OVERNIGHT: MALTON HOTEL, KILLARNEY Page 2 of 9 Day 5 – Tuesday, May 8, 2018 This morning, we’ll drive to Kinsale so you can take a brief walking tour with a local guide to learn the history of the town. Kinsale has been a favorite for artists due to its steep, narrow streets, quirky shopfronts and many fine Georgian houses. After some free time in Kinsale, drive to Cobh, where you will visit the Cobh Heritage Center. The center depicts the varied history of emigration from Ireland and many European countries to the United States over the past 150 years. Cobh was the last port of call for the "Titanic" and many liners that carried Kinsale emigrants to the New World. Head back to Killarney, where you can sightsee, shop and dine on your own. OPTIONAL GOLF – Tralee Golf Club Tralee Golf Club offers not only fine golf, but surely some of the most beautiful scenery in Ireland. Designed by Arnold Palmer, the course features several holes that are perched on cliff edges with spectacular views along the Dingle Peninsula. A limited number of golf carts are available and may require a doctor’s note to use. Caddies and pull carts are also available. OVERNIGHT: MALTON HOTEL, KILLARNEY Day 6 – Wednesday, May 9, 2018 Today is spent completely at leisure for you to browse, shop and sightsee independently. You may like to visit St. Mary's Catholic Cathedral with its soaring spire or the Franciscan Friary with superb stained-glass windows. You could also visit the Transport Museum containing a fine collection of vintage cars or take a walk to Ross Castle on the shores of Lough Leane. Another possible short excursion, would be a Jaunting Car Ride to Muckross House. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for dinner at the hotel restaurant and catch up on the day’s events. Muckross Farm OPTIONAL GOLF – Killarney Golf & Fishing Club – Killeen The backdrop to Killeen is something very special and provides golfers with a spectacle that cannot be seen Page 3 of 9 anywhere else in the world. The wonderful lake and mountain views make for a spectacular backdrop to one of the world’s most renowned golf courses. The course hosted the 2010 and 2011 Irish Open, the Irish Open Championship in 1991 and 1992 and the 1996 Curtis Cup. Golf carts are available to rent on the Killeen course. DINNER & OVERNIGHT: MALTON HOTEL, KILLARNEY Day 7 – Thursday, May 10, 2018 After breakfast, drive to Dingle, where you will set off on a leisurely cruise along Dingle Bay. As you cruise around the harbor and into the bay, you will learn about local and maritime history. After some free time in Dingle, tour Dingle Distillery, a quaint little distillery that creates a distinctive Irish twist of their own various adult beverages. Next, head to Slea Head at the western tip of the peninsula. While here, see wondrous views of mountains and coastline. Then motor a short distance to visit the Famine Cottage, an old cottage built of stone and mud. It is a relic of famine times in Ireland where you can see how a large Irish family lived during famine days. Return to Killarney for a free evening. OPTIONAL GOLF – Dingle Golf Links Located in the foothills at the western end of the Dingle Peninsula, each hole on this glorious links is carved from the natural landscape of one of the most unspoiled parts of Europe. Golf carts are available to rent. OVERNIGHT: MALTON HOTEL, KILLARNEY Day 8 – Friday, May 11, 2018 This morning, journey east through the rugged countryside to Blarney, where you can climb the battlements of Blarney Castle and kiss the famous "Stone of Eloquence." Also, visit the Blarney Woolen Mills, which has an excellent range of Irish products. Head back to Killarney, where you can sightsee, shop and dine on your own. OPTIONAL GOLF – Ballybunion Old Course Travel to Ballybunion for a round on the Old Course, a favorite of golfer Tom Watson. Consistently rated as a top course in the world, this walking only links course offers caddies for hire, as well as pull carts. Winding through dunes and with several holes along the ocean, Ballybunion offers scenic beauty along with a challenging round for all golfers. OVERNIGHT: MALTON HOTEL, KILLARNEY Blarney Castle Page 4 of 9 Day 9 – Saturday, May 12, 2018 Departing Killarney, travel to the quaint village of Bunratty so you can visit the Bunratty Folk Park. The folk park is comprised of a collection of farmhouses from different regions of Ireland. While here, see a 19th century village street with a pub, school, general store and many other buildings where traditional lifestyles and crafts are demonstrated. Then motor a short distance to Clare, where you will check into your hotel for a farewell dinner and your overnight stay. DINNER & OVERNIGHT: OAKWOOD ARMS HOTEL, CLARE Day 10 – Sunday, May 13, 2018 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 before boarding your aircraft and flying across the Atlantic Ocean back to Philadelphia. American Airlines Flight 777 departs Shannon at 11:35 AM, arriving in Philadelphia at 2:00 PM. What’s Included This fully escorted and guided 10-day tour package includes the following. ▪ Nonstop, roundtrip airfare from Philadelphia to Shannon ▪ 7-nights’ accommodation at the Malton Hotel, Killarney ▪ 1-night accommodation at the Oakwood Arms Hotel, Clare ▪ 9 breakfasts ▪ 1 lunch ▪ 5 dinners ▪ Daily transportation by luxury motor coach ▪ Airport transfers in Ireland ▪ Services of a driver/guide ▪ Hotel Porterage for one bag per person ▪ Travel Protection Plan ▪ Two pre-tour planning webinars ▪ Private Facebook Group ▪ Hurley World Travel Scotland Packing Checklist ▪ Interest-free Hurley World Travel Payment Plan ▪ Membership in the Hurley World Travel Club ▪ Membership in the Hurley World Travel Savings Plan (Optional.