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Friends of Bruton 12 Day Tour of Ireland May 1-12, 2018 ITINERARY Visit Down Cathedral Your next stop is Down Cathedral, which stands close to what is believed to be the DAY 1: Tues., May 1 - Washington, DC/En Route mortal remains of St. Patrick. The Cathedral is impressive inside and has a wonderful Depart from Washington, DC for your overnight trans-Atlantic flight to . organ and a very interesting seating arrangement. It is generally accepted that the main walls of the Cathedral date from the years after 1220. It suffered destruction on numer- DAY 2: Wed., May 2 - Dublin L,D ous occasions including during the wars with Edward the Bruce in 1316 and finally, AM: Welcome to Ireland! Upon your arrival you will be met at the airport and transferred to Dublin City. on the suppression of the monasteries in 1541, the Cathedral was laid waste. Notwith- standing its ruinous state that lasted until 1790, King James I granted a Charter to the Panoramic Tour of Dublin Cathedral in 1609, providing for a Dean and Chapter. Rather than lose the connection Enjoy a panoramic tour of Dublin City. Discover the north and south side of the . This area offers great strik- with St. Patrick, the name began to be used for the growing town, which assumed the ing monuments such as the General Post Office on the main thoroughfare, O’Connell Street, the Custom House along the name Downpatrick. Rebuilding of the Cathedral began in 1790, it was consecrated in quays, as well as , the largest public park in Europe. The south side appears more sophisticated with its vast 1818 and the tower was completed in 1829. Continue to Belfast. Georgian squares, such as , where Oscar Wilde’s House can still be found (today it is owned by an Ameri- can College), its colorful doors, along with Grafton Street and its quality shops. Not far from St. Stephen’s Green, in Kildare Dinner: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant (location to be determined). Street, you will see the house of Bram Stoker, the author of “Dracula.” This part of the city is also dominated by the students of Trinity College, where the famous Book of Kells is permanently exhibited in its library. The university faces the Medieval DAY 4: Fri., May 4 - Belfast B,L,D District where and two Anglican Cathedrals can be found. AM: Panoramic Tour of Belfast This morning you will enjoy a Panoramic Belfast City Tour. You will see the leaning Visit Trinity College and the Book of Kells Albert Memorial Clock Tower (Ireland’s answer to the Tower of Pisa) and the Opera Thomas Burgh built the Old Library building in the 18th century. House, which is one of Belfast’s great landmarks. Your tour will pass by the City Today it houses one of Ireland’s most illustrious books, the 9th century Hall, the Opera House, the Crown Bar (dates from 1885), Queens University, and “Book of Kells.” Before viewing the famous book visitors pass through the Botanic Gardens. If time permits you will visit the Harland and Wolfe Shipyard, an excellent exhibition based on the Book of Kells and other important where the Titanic was built and launched in 1912 and Shankill and Falls Road, books written in monasteries around Ireland from the 9th century. which will give you an indication of how life was in Belfast during the troubles. After viewing the Book of Kells you will visit the Long Room built in 1745. Once the principal library of the University, it now contains Visit the Titanic Belfast over 200,000 books and manuscripts of Trinity’s oldest volumes. Brian Your next stop is the Titanic Belfast, which is located in the heart of Belfast. The Boru’s harp said to be the “oldest harp in Ireland” and a copy of the Titanic Belfast recreates the story of the world’s most famous ship in an iconic, 1916 proclamation, one of the most important documents relating to six floor building right beside the historic Irish history are also on display in the Long Room. site of the original ship’s construction. Opened in April 2012 to coincide with the centenary of its launch, the self-guided journey begins on enter- Visit the Guinness Storehouse ing the building’s giant atrium, where the visitor is surrounded by the four The Guinness Brewery in Dublin is Europe’s largest stout producing brewery and home to the Guinness Storehouse. “ship’s hull” shaped wings, which house the Titanic Experience. As you Opened in 1904, the Storehouse was an operational plant for fermenting and storing Guinness. Today it houses a very journey through the nine large galleries of the interactive exhibition, you fine exhibition dedicated to the Guinness story. You will discover what goes into making a pint of Guinness, the ingre- will uncover the true story of the Titanic, from her conception in Belfast in dients, the brewing process, the time, the craft, and the passion. The exhibition shows how the brew has been market- the early 1900s, through her construction and launch, to her famous maiden ed and how it is today sold today in over 150 countries. After the tour you are invited to the Gravity Bar to enjoy their voyage and subsequent place in history. pint of Guinness. Visit St. Anne’s Cathedral Dinner: Enjoy a Welcome Dinner and Irish story telling at the Brazen Head. Legend has it that the outlaw Robin Hood St. Anne’s Cathedral, also known as Belfast Cathedral, was erected at the turn of the 20th century upon the site of the drank in this establishment. There has been a pub situated on this exact site since 1198. It is the oldest pub in the city, original of St. Anne’s Parish Church. The cathedral was built and finally consecrated in 1903. Captivating mosaics, cre- and a real tourist attraction. The brick outside hints at the age of the pub, and the low ceilings and the kegs turned into ated in the 1920s, cover the ceiling of the baptistery. One mosaic is made up of more than 150,000 pieces. Lord Carson bar tables make for a wonderful old style atmosphere that hasn’t changed in years! (1854-1935), the leading opponent of Home Rule, is buried here under a plain gray stone slab in the south aisle.

DAY 3: Thurs., May 3 - Dublin/Downpatrick/Belfast B,L,D The rest of the day is at leisure to explore this fascinating city on your own. AM: Visit St. Patrick Center After breakfast at the hotel you will depart Dublin and travel to Belfast. En route you will visit St. Patrick Center. St. Dinner: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant (location to be determined). Patrick is known the worldwide as the patron saint of Ireland and he is celebrated on March 17th every year. Discover the story of St. Patrick and his place in Ireland’s history at the St. Patrick Center, located beside Down Cathedral and DAY 5: Sat., May 5 - Belfast/Derry B,L,D St. Patrick’s Grave in the Medieval heart of Downpatrick. The Center features an interpretative exhibition that tells AM: Visit Giant’s Causeway the fascinating story of Ireland’s Patron Saint. Your visit begins with the impressive “In the Footsteps of Saint Patrick” Encounter Northern Ireland’s favorite giant Finn McCool at the Giant’s Cause- IMAX presentation about the life of St. Patrick and has aerial video footage of some of the landmark sites in Ireland way Visitor Center on the North Antrim coast. According to legend Finn Mc- associated with the Saint. A series of interactive displays allow visitors to explore how Patrick’s legacy developed in Cool created the Giant’s Causeway by building stepping stones to Scotland to early Christian times and reveal the fabulous artwork and metalwork that was produced during this Golden Age. The challenge the Scottish giant Benandonner! The Visitor Center explores the major exhibition also examines the major impact of Irish missionaries in Dark Age Europe, a legacy that remains to this day. themes of mythology, geology, landscape, ecology, culture and social history based on the UNESCO World Heritage Site that consists of 40,000 basalt polygonal columns formed 60 million years ago the 13th century, and the famous Spanish Arch. You can walk along the Corrib River to the Claddagh village or to the after a volcanic eruption. There are various interactive exhibits and short video presentations within five designated inter- majestic Cathedral. pretive exhibition areas and the self-guided visit will culminate with a spectacular two minute audio-visual projection of a volcanic eruption flowing over the walls and onto the floor. Continue to Derry. Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Padraicins Restaurant, which is situated on Furbo beach overlooking Galway Bay.

Visit Dunluce Castle DAY 8: Tues., May 8 - Galway/Limerick B,L,D Your next stop is Dunluce Castle, which is situated on the Today you will travel to Limerick. En route you will journey through the Burren Region. The Burren landscape cov- Antrim Coast. The roofless ruins are breath-taking with ers over 150 square kilometers and is one of Ireland’s 6 National Parks. The region is visually similar to a moonscape, the white chalk cliffs of Portrush close by. It was the former yet shelters a mixture of flora and archaeological sites. Centuries of weathering has produced a terrain of fissured home of the clans McQuillan and MacDonnell. limestone pavements, disappearing lakes, terraced mountains, and underground cave systems. You will find Arctic, Alpine, and Mediterranean plants growing together. Dinner: Enjoy dinner at the hotel. Visit the Cliffs of Moher DAY 6: Sun., May 6 - Derry/Westport B,L,D Situated on the Atlantic Ocean and bordering the Burren region, the Cliffs of AM: Walking Tour of the Derry City Walls Moher are one of Ireland’s most spectacular sights. The Cliffs boast one of After breakfast at the hotel you will enjoy a walking the most amazing views in Ireland. On a clear day, the are vis- tour of the Derry City Walls. These famous walls that ible in Galway Bay as well as the valleys and hills of . The Cliffs date back to the early part of the 17th century have been reach their highest point just north of O’Brien’s Tower built by Cornelius a place of several sieges. There are fine views from the top of the walls, which encircle the old city, a circuit of one O’Brien, a descendant of Brian Boru, to entertain his lady friends. mile. By walking on Derry’s Walls, you have splendid views of cathedrals and churches, you will learn about the historical events that shaped the city, and explore attractions such as The Bogside, The People’s Gallery: The Murals, Dinner: Enjoy dinner at the hotel. The Diamond, the Tower Museum, and the Guildhall. Continue to Westport. DAY 9: Wed., May 9 - Limerick/Killarney B,L,D PM: Visit Ballintubber Abbey After breakfast at the hotel you will depart Limerick and travel to Killarney. En route stop in the pretty village of En route you will visit Ballintubber Abbey. Built in 1216 for the Canon Regulars of St. Augustine, Ballintubber Abbey Adare, which is regarded as one of Ireland’s most picturesque villages. Adare is a small village with thatched cottag- is the only church in Ireland that was founded by an Irish King and which is still in use today. It was built next to the es dotted throughout the town. These were created by the 3rd Earl of Dunraven in the 1820’s for his estate workers. site of an earlier church founded by St. Patrick in the 5th century. It is also known as “the Abbey that refused to die” Today they are mostly used as craft shops or restaurants. as through its many vicissitudes, including burning by Cromwell’s army in 1653, the Abbey has remained a place of worship despite years of continuous attacks and religious repression. Ballintubber retains an air of ancient beauty Visit Castle and spirituality and has been restored with simple elegance. Ballintubber is one of the most impressive church Your next stop is , which attracts visitors from all over the buildings in Ireland today. world. An ancient stronghold of the McCarthy’s, Lords of Muskerry, it is one of Ireland’s oldest and most historic castles, and indeed one of the Dinner: Enjoy dinner at the hotel. strongest fortresses in Munster. Built in 1446, Blarney Castle is famous for its Blarney Stone, the Stone of Eloquence, which is traditionally believed DAY 7: Mon., May 7 - Westport/Galway B,L,D to have the power to bestow the gift of eloquence on all those who kiss it. This morning you will depart Westport and travel to Galway. En route you will journey through the Connemara Region. Many legends tell the story of the Stone, but why not kiss it and find out Connemara is a land of lakes and rivers, bogs and mountains. A land of small villages where Gaelic is still the spoken the truth behind the legend. The Castle gardens covering 60 acres of land language and where little has changed since the beginning of time. It is without a doubt the wildest and the most roman- are under constant change and over the past few years, a water garden, fern tic part of Ireland. Connemara is a vast peninsula bordered by the arid and rocky coastline of Galway Bay in the south, garden and poison garden have been developed and are all open to visitors. a land characteristic for its stone walls and thatched cottages. On its northern shore the land is harsher and more secret, with spectacular views of the ocean and the beautiful fjord of Killary Harbor, as well as the steep mountains overlooking Enjoy free time for shopping at the Blarney Woollen Mills. Originally established in 1823, Blarney Woollen Mills now numerous lakes and large bog areas. Connemara is a real paradise for nature lovers and those in search of strong emo- houses a large selection of Irish products. With a wide selection of sweaters and woollens, crystal and china, gifts and tions. In 1951, John Ford’s great movie “The Quiet Man” starring John Wayne, Maureen O’Hara and Barry Fitzgerald was souvenirs for all the family, this famous store has something for everyone. made, and filming was centred in the village of Cong on the Mayo-Galway border. Dinner: Enjoy dinner at the hotel. Visit Kylemore Abbey Kylemore Abbey is stunningly located in the Kylemore Pass in Connemara. Mitchell Henry built the House in 1868, DAY 10: Thurs., May 10 - Killarney B,L,D after having spent his honeymoon in the area. The architecture is best described as neo-Gothic and the house still Today you will enjoy touring the Ring of Kerry, which is the most famous and pan- displays all the characteristics of that period. One of Kylemore Abbey’s most famous features is its miniature cathe- oramic route in Ireland. The astonishing beauty of this large peninsula, Iveragh, dral, built in 1870 and known locally as the Gothic church. Today, the abbey is home to the Irish order of Benedictine comes from the great diversity of its scenery, which offers incessant contrasts. En nuns. They established a private school for young girls, which was the renowned Kylemore Abbey International route around the Ring, take in spectacular scenery, mountains, peat bogs, lakes and School. The school eventually closed in 2010. Continue to Galway. magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean as you travel along the coast road. Leav- ing Killarney pass through Killorglin, famous for its Puck Fair, then to Glenbeigh PM: Walking Tour of Galway where the cliff road affords panoramic views of the Peninsula and Dingle Upon your arrival in Galway you will enjoy a walking tour. Your tour starts on Eyre Square and finishes at the Clad- Bay. Continuing to Cahirciveen, you will pass the birthplace of the National hero, dagh. During the tour you will see Lynch Castle, home to the mayors of Galway, Saint Nicholas Church founded in Daniel O’Connell. Continue through peat bogs to the town of Waterville. Proceed to Sneem Village, famous for its brightly colored houses. The road then continues through the mountains to Molls’ TOTAL PRICE FROM WASHINGTON, DC: $5899.00 p/person, double occupancy Gap and Ladies View with superb views of the famous Lakes of Killarney. At Molls’ you are presented with a mag- $1599.00 single room supplement nificent view of Black Valley. Close by is the famous Ladies View that provides a different perspective of this mag- The price includes all air taxes and fuel surcharges. nificent countryside, with the 3 Lakes of Killarney all surrounded by the Kerry Mountains. Ladies View received its name from Queen Victoria, who was so impressed with the view that she insisted that her ladies-in-waiting should COST INCLUDES also visit here. Air: Round-trip airfare from Washington, DC, economy class Hotels: 10 nights in deluxe hotels (where available), all rooms with private facilities Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily Visit Muckross House and Gardens Sightseeing: Extensive as per itinerary * All sightseeing in private deluxe motor coaches and includes the services Muckross House and Gardens represent the focal point and nucleus of Killarney National Park. This is Ireland’s old- of expert English speaking guides and entrance fees est National Park and it includes the world famous Lakes of Killarney, as well as the mountains and woodlands that Tour Director: Experienced English speaking Tour Director will accompany group throughout Ireland surround them. Step back into the past on Muckross Traditional Farms and visit a very different Ireland, the Ireland Transportation & Transfers: In private deluxe motor coaches of the 1930s and 1940s. Visit three separate working farms (small, medium and large), each complete with animals, Miscellaneous: Hotel taxes and service charges * Baggage handling and porterage at the hotels poultry and machinery. The farm dwellings are furnished in traditional style, complete with dressers, settlebeds and TOUR CONDITIONS mealbins. There is also a Laborer’s Cottage, a Carpenter’s Workshop and a Blacksmith’s Forge. TOUR PRICE: Tour price is based upon current tariff and exchange unused land arrangements or any cost incurred through absence or rates and is subject to change. It is based upon a minimum of 20 fully deviation from the stated itinerary for any reason, including illness. Dinner: Enjoy dinner and entertainment at Kate Kearney’s Cottage. Nestled at the entrance to the world famous paid passengers. In the event this minimum is not met a surcharge will be levied. RESPONSIBILITY: FAR HORIZONS, a division of Tzell Travel, Gap of Dunloe, Kate Kearney’s Cottage is a 150-year-old family-run establishment. Kate Kearney’s Cottage hosts a and/or their agents, give notice that all tickets issued by them and all traditional Irish night that consists of dinner, traditional music, and costumed dancers. REGISTRATION AND DEPOSITS: arrangements for transport or for hotel accommodations made by them, A deposit (by check) of $1000 p/person is required at time of are made by them as agents for the passenger upon the express condition DAY 11: Fri., May 11 - Killarney/Dublin B,L,D registration, along with a signed registration form. A second that they shall not be liable for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay deposit of $1000 p/person (by check) is due on or before or irregularity which may be occasioned either by reason of defect of any This morning you will depart Killarney and travel to Dublin. En route you will visit the Rock of Cashel. November 1, 2017. You will be billed for the balance, which vehicle conveying the passenger or through the act of default or any is due on or before January 1, 2018 either by check or company or persons engaged in carrying out the arrangements of the tour, Visit the Rock of Cashel money order. All registrations received after January 1, or otherwise in connection therewith, or of any hotel, or employee. FH Possibly the most photographed site in Ireland, the Rock of Cashel towers over 2018 must be accompanied by full payment. and/or their agents can accept no responsibility for losses or accidental expenses due to delay or changes in schedules, defaults or overbookings the town of Cashel from its perch on a 200-foot high outcrop of limestone. It by hotels, sickness, weather, strike, war, acts of terrorism or other causes. was once the seat of the Kings of Munster. St. Patrick visited the rock in 450, CANCELLATION TERMS: All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger. while Brian Boru was crowned the first high King of Ireland here in the 10th Cancellations received: Baggage is at "owner's risk" throughout the tour unless insured. FH Prior to Jan. 1, 2018: $200 p/person reserves the right to withdraw the tour, or any part of it, to make such century. Granted to the church in the 12th century, by the O’Brien clan, today From Jan.1-Jan. 31, 2018: $500 p/person alternations in the itinerary as they deem necessary or desirable. FH has the impressive stone walls enclose a round tower, a cathedral, a 12th century From Feb.1-Feb. 28, 2018: $1000 p/person no special knowledge or information regarding any supplier insolvency, Romanesque chapel and high crosses. The Vicars Choral has been recently From March 1, 2018 onward: No refund unsafe conditions, terrorist or social unrest, health hazards or weather restored and its basement houses a small museum of artifacts found on the site. All cancellations must be received in writing. hazards, other than what has appeared in the public media. For information about possible dangers at your destination please call the One of the leading visitor attractions in Ireland, in 2011 it was visited by Queen NOTE: Comprehensive insurance is available to cover trip cancellation Travel Advisory Section of the State Dept. at (202) 647-5225. For Elizabeth II on her historic first visit to the . and interruption, baggage protection, medical, accidental death & medical information contact the CDC at (877) 394-8747. You hereby dismemberment and emergency evacuation and repatriation. A descriptive release FH from any claims arising from any causes not within our Dinner: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant (location to be determined). booklet will be mailed to you upon receipt of your deposit. control. By using your tickets, you acknowledge that you have read the foregoing and agree to it. AIR TRANSPORTATION: Economy class via any regular IATA carrier. DAY 12: Sat., May 12 - Dublin/Washington, DC B Any cancellation, itinerary change or failure to use confirmed air space may AIRLINE CLAUSE: Any airlines concerned are not to be held AM: After breakfast at the hotel you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight. You return with wonder- be subject to penalties levied by the airlines at the time of ticketing. Air responsible for any act, omission, or event during the time passengers are not aboard their aircraft. The airline tickets when issued shall constitute ful memories and feeling spiritually renewed. tickets, once issued, are non-refundable. This is in addition to above "Cancellation Terms." the sole contract between airline and the purchaser of these tickets/and or passenger. Airline carriers reserve the right to change B=breakfast; L=lunch; D=dinner PASSPORT/VISA REQUIREMENTS: A valid passport is required for equipment and schedules without prior notice or passenger all tour members. U.S. citizens do not require visas for travel to Ireland. If approval. We must agree to this upon acceptance of group This itinerary includes some elements of standing and walking when not on the coach, including two walking you are not a U.S. citizen call the Consulate of EVERY country you will contracts. We have the option of cancelling the contract tours and guided tours of attractions. Generally, most attractions are fully wheelchair accessible but will be lim- enter (even in-transit when changing planes) to check on visa without penalty, however, we would need to protect the group requirements. ALL passports must be valid for at least 6 months after on alternate flights. This is not always possible as changes can ited for some of the natural and more remote visits. the return date of the tour. occur up to the day of departure. TOUR PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE: Passport, visa, and insurance, FAR HORIZONS All items of a personal nature, beverages and meals not included in the tour. Gratuities to guides, bus drivers, tour escort, and hotel and restaurant 30 Two Bridges Road, Suite 250, Fairfield, NJ 07004 staff. Optional tours and excess baggage charges. There is no refund for Phone: 973-287-1719 or 877-482-8747, Fax: 973-287-1773 E-mail: [email protected]

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FRIENDS OF BRUTON 12 Day Tour of Ireland May 1-12, 2018

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