Boston College V Georgia Tech – Ireland Tour Options including Match Tickets
Contact: Kathleen | +353-91591222 | [email protected] | www.gowest.ie
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Table of Contents Dublin Game Weekend 3 or 4 nights ...... 3 Dublin & Cork City Tour 7 Days/6 Nights ...... 6 Dublin & Galway City Tour 7 Days/6 Nights ...... 10 Dublin & Kerry Tour 7 Days/6 Nights ...... 15 Dublin & Belfast Tour 7 Days/6 Nights ...... 19 Dublin & Kerry & Galway 9 Days/8 Nights ...... 24
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Dublin Game Weekend 3 or 4 nights
Day 1 – Thursday, September 1, 2016
Welcome to Dublin!
Check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure in Dublin.
Day 2 – Friday, September 2, 2016
This morning, enjoy a tour of Dublin, visit Trinity College where the Book of Kells is housed, and explore St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Our day in Dublin starts with a city tour including a visit to Trinity College to see the magnificent Old Library and the 1200 year old Book of Kells, the beautifully illuminated version of the Gospels, designed by monks in the 9th century. We continue with a visit to St. Patrick’s Cathedral and after our visit we will enjoy evensong in this magnificent Cathedral.
In the evening, attend the Boston College & Georgia Tech event at the world-famous Guinness Storehouse. The Guinness Storehouse shows us how the famous Irish beer is made! Enjoy an unforgettable welcome and a magical journey deep into the heart of the world famous GUINNESS® brand and company. This historical building is central to Dublin's and Ireland's heritage, and has been continually updated to create a blend of fascinating industrial tradition with a contemporary edge. The seven floors bring to life the rich heritage of GUINNESS®, telling the story from its origins here at St. James's Gate in Dublin to its growth as a global brand, known all around the world.
Overnight at your Dublin Hotel
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Day 3 – Saturday, September 3, 2016
Gameday is here! Coach transfer for group to and from the Aviva Stadium.
Overnight at your Dublin Hotel
Day 4 – Sunday, September 4, 2016
After breakfast, depart Dublin OR Enjoy North Dublin City Tour including Croke Park Stadium & Malahide Castle.
Depart hotel and visit the home of Gaelic Games – Croke Park.
Croke Park is an iconic stadium, steeped in history, and has been at the heart of Irish sporting and cultural life for over 100 years. Take a trip here and enjoy an unrivalled state- of-the-art interactive visitor experience and find out more about Ireland’s unique national games and the fastest field game in the world – hurling and Gaelic football. The tour offer an access-all-areas trip through the home of Irish sport. Walk in the footsteps of legends as you visit the team dressing rooms before going pitchside and taking a seat in the VIP area. Enjoy panoramic views from the top tier of the stand – 30 meters above the famous pitch. Enjoy the Skyline Tour! Accompanied by an experienced tour guide, visitors will ascent to a walkway 44 metres above the ground to take in panoramic views of the Irish capital and find out more about Dublin’s key landmarks. Skyline includes stops at five viewing platforms along Croke Park’s 0.6km rooftop walkway. Each stop gives visitors the opportunity to learn about the highlighted buildings and sites in their line of vision through multi-lingual audio guides.
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Continue from Croke Park along the north Dublin Coast to Malahide Castle.
Highlights of the tour are the beautiful reception rooms, The Oak Room, The Small & Large Drawing Rooms and the Great Hall, home to the original Battle of the Boyne painting- on loan from the National Gallery of Ireland. The castle is adorned with beautiful period furniture and an extensive collection of paintings from the National Gallery of Ireland. The Castle also boasts beautiful parklands and a walled garden which can be visited.
Return along the north coast visiting the coastal towns of Portmarnock and Howth. The seaside town of Howth offers excellent restaurant serving up the famous Dublin Bay Prawns and Guinness. Return to your Dublin hotel for overnight.
Day 5 – Monday, September 5, 2016
Depart Dublin & return Home
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Dublin & Cork City Tour 7 Days/6 Nights
Day 1 – Monday, August 29, 2016
Welcome to Ireland, Arrive into Shannon or Dublin Airport and travel to Cork!
Check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure in Cork.
Day 2 – Tuesday, August 30, 2016
This morning, depart for a visit to Blarney Castle, one of Ireland’s oldest and most historic castles. Also, stop at Blarney Woollen Mills for shopping.
This morning we depart Killarney and travel to Blarney Castle. For over 200 years, world statesmen, literary giants, and legends of the silver screen have joined the millions of people climbing the steps to kiss the Blarney Stone and gain the gift of eloquence. Its powers are unquestioned but its story still creates debate. The Stone itself is still set in the wall below the battlements. To kiss it, one has to lean backwards (holding on to an iron railing) from the parapet walk. The prize is a real one as once kissed the stone bestows the gift of eloquence.
Visit the iconic Blarney Woolen Mills. Blarney Woollen Mills is a store festooned with Irish made products. Built in 1823, Blarney Woollen Mills was originally known as Mahony's Mills and provided valuable employment to the people of Blarney and surrounding areas. A water powered mill, it produced tweeds and woollens for the home and export markets.
After Blarney travel to Midleton – the home of Irish whiskey. Set on 15 acres and beautifully restored, this is where the true heart of Irish whiskey beats. Our old distillery is a unique experience with some of the buildings dating back to 1795. Take a journey through history and see the old kilns, mills and malting, water wheel and old warehouses.
Return to your Cork hotel for Overnight.
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Day 3 – Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Today, enjoy a tour of Cork City and the University College Cork.
Visit the historical University College Cork. UCC was established in 1845 as one of three Queen’s Colleges at Cork, Galway and Belfast. The site chosen for the college is particularly appropriate given its connection with the patron saint of Cork, St Finbarr. It is believed his monastery and school stood on the bank of the river Lee, which runs through the lower grounds of the university. The University’s motto is ‘Where Finbarr Taught, let Munster Learn.’ UCC is one of the top ranked universities on the island of Ireland and is ranked among the top third-level institutions in the world.
Enjoy a visit to the Cork Butter Museum. The Cork Butter Museum is a unique institution, celebrating one of the great success stories of Ireland, the butter trade. Located in the historic Shandon area of Cork city, the story begins with the central role of dairy culture in the Island of Saints and Scholars. The Museum goes on to describe the internationally important Butter Exchange in nineteenth century Cork, the traditional craft of home butter making and the modern success of the Kerrygold brand. In the course of this story, the commercial, social, and domestic life of Ireland is recalled.
Enjoy free time to roam Cork City and be sure to visit the famous English Market in the city centre! Situated in the heart of Cork City, the English Market is a roofed food market and has been trading since 1788. Developed and still owned by Cork City Council, the Market is one of the oldest municipal markets of it’s kind in the world.
Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 4 – Thursday, September 1, 2016
Depart Cork and travel to Dublin. En route to Dublin, visit the Rock of Cashel, one of the most photographed sites in Ireland.
The Rock of Cashel is a giant circular mound which rises 200 feet above the surrounding plain. Legend has it that the devil, flying over Ireland in a hurry, took a bite out of the Slieve Bloom Mountains to clear his path and spat it out here in the Golden Vale at Cashel. We will enjoy a guided tour of the Rock of Cashel.
Continue to Dublin in the afternoon and enjoy your evening at leisure in Dublin. Dinner and overnight in your Dublin hotel
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Day 5 – Friday, September 2, 2016
This morning, enjoy a tour of Dublin, visit Trinity College where the Book of Kells is housed, and explore St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Our day in Dublin starts with a city tour including a visit to Trinity College to see the magnificent Old Library and the 1200 year old Book of Kells, the beautifully illuminated version of the Gospels, designed by monks in the 9th century. We continue with a visit to St. Patrick’s Cathedral and after our visit we will enjoy evensong in this magnificent Cathedral.
In the evening, attend the Boston College & Georgia Tech event at the world-famous Guinness Storehouse. The Guinness Storehouse shows us how the famous Irish beer is made! Enjoy an unforgettable welcome and a magical journey deep into the heart of the world famous GUINNESS® brand and company. This historical building is central to Dublin's and Ireland's heritage, and has been continually updated to create a blend of fascinating industrial tradition with a contemporary edge. The seven floors bring to life the rich heritage of GUINNESS®, telling the story from its origins here at St. James's Gate in Dublin to its growth as a global brand, known all around the world.
Overnight at your Dublin Hotel
Day 6 – Saturday, September 3, 2016
Gameday is here! Coach transfer for group to and from the Aviva Stadium.
Overnight at your Dublin Hotel
Go West Conference, Event & Destination Management Ireland | +353-91-591222 | [email protected] | www.gowest.ie 8 | P a g e
Day 7 – Sunday, September 4, 2016
After breakfast, depart Dublin and return home.
Go West Conference, Event & Destination Management Ireland | +353-91-591222 | [email protected] | www.gowest.ie 9 | P a g e
Dublin & Galway City Tour 7 Days/6 Nights
Day 1 – Monday, August 29, 2016 Welcome to Ireland, transfer from Shannon or Dublin to Galway!
Check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure in Galway.
Day 2 – Tuesday, August 30, 2016 Today enjoy a full-day tour of the picturesque Connemara Region – perhaps the most romantic region of Ireland. While you’re there, explore Kylemore Abbey and Walled Gardens OR take a day trip to Inis Mor.
Travel through beautiful Connemara to Kylemore Abbey the oldest of the Irish Benedictine Abbeys. The community of nuns, who have resided here since 1920, have a long history stretching back almost three hundred and forty years. We will visit the Abbey on the grounds, the Gothic Church, the Victorian Walled Gardens, the Craft Shop, Pottery studio, Restaurant and Tea Rooms as well as the Lake and Woodland walks. A section of the Abbey (the enclosure) is retained strictly for the nuns’ use and is not open to the public; here the nuns devote themselves to their monastic life of prayer and work. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
OR
This morning we will depart our hotel for the ferry port of Rossaveal and take a ferry to the Aran Islands. We will meet a local from the island to bring us on a guided tour. Aran Islands has a rich traditions of music, song, dance and story-telling are very unique and one of the great pleasures of the region. Cyril O’Flaherty is native of the island and a local expert, he will tell us about his island, “an island where history meets myth and myth meets magic” and will intrigue you with
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his story telling of old traditions and myths from this area. We will visit Dun Aengus, the bronze- age promontory fort, perched dramatically on the edge of a sheet 300 ft cliff that falls away into the Atlantic Ocean. Altogether this massive fortress covers almost 11 acres and consists of three enclosures constructed of large limestone. We will also visit “Na Seacht dTeampaill” the Seven Churches which make up a monastic settlement dedicated to St. Brecan. Return on the ferry and travel to your Galway hotel. This evening enjoy Trad on the Prom in Salthill which will include a three course meal followed by unique traditional Irish entertainment.
Irish Evening Entertainment Trad on the Prom celebrates the passion of Ireland's past with a contemporary production, of world class music, song and dance derived from the pulsating energy that has survived from the dawn of Celtic mysticism to become the record breaking phenomenon it is today. Performers who have captivated audiences in such extraordinary productions as 'Riverdance', 'The Chieftains', 'Lord of the Dance' and 'Feet of Flames' have now gathered together on ONE STAGE for an unforgettable entertainment experience in the City of the Tribes.
Return to your hotel for overnight.
Day 3 – Wednesday, August 31, 2016 Travel southward into County Clare for a visit to the Cliffs of Moher and the Atlantic Edge Visitor Centre. During the morning you will enjoy a trip in the Burren Region.
We follow the coastal road along the Galway Bay and through the Burren’s contorted limestone landscape. We will see Corcomroe Abbey, one of the best-known monastic sites in Ireland and built at the end of the 12th century by the Cistercians, or ‘white monks’, and occupied up until the 17th century. The karst limestone region of the Burren is a natural wonder, with a lunar-like landscape and mysterious vanishing lakes and underground rivers. Among the most wonderful things about it are the rare wildflowers that grow between the karren pavement: gentians, burnet rose, bloody cranesbill and mountain aven.
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Visit the Cliffs of Moher. The Cliffs are 214m high at the highest point and range for 8 kilometers over the Atlantic Ocean on the western seaboard of County Clare. O'Brien's Tower stands proudly on a headland of the majestic Cliffs. From the Cliffs one can see the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, as well as The Twelve Pins, the Maum Turk Mountains in Connemara and Loop Head to the South. We will visit Poulnabrone one of the most famous Irish dolmens. The thin capstone sits on two high portal stones to create a chamber and a low cairn. This site dates back to about 2500 BC.
Return to Galway with some time at leisure to enjoy the city.
Day 4 – Thursday, September 1, 2016 Depart Galway and travel to Dublin, with a stop at the Kilbeggan Distillery.
The Kilbeggan Distillery is the oldest licenced distillery in Ireland. Dating back to 1757 a visit today lets you discover real artisanal Irish whiskey distilling at its finest. Start your tour in 1757 and discover how Irish whiskey was made in decades past. Discover the families that owned the distillery in the past and the importance the local community had on what you see today. You’ll see the old mash tuns and fermenters, still in their original positions. You can also get close to the iconic waterwheel which once powered the whole distillery and kept whiskey flowing through Kilbeggan. Of course no visit would be complete without a taste of Kilbeggan’s finest.
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In the evening, attend the Boston College & Georgia Tech event at the world-famous Guinness Storehouse. The Guinness Storehouse shows us how the famous Irish beer is made! Enjoy an unforgettable welcome and a magical journey deep into the heart of the world famous GUINNESS® brand and company. This historical building is central to Dublin's and Ireland's heritage, and has been continually updated to create a blend of fascinating industrial tradition with a contemporary edge. The seven floors bring to life the rich heritage of GUINNESS®, telling the story from its origins here at St. James's Gate in Dublin to its growth as a global brand, known all around the world.
Overnight at your Dublin Hotel
Day 5 – Friday, September 2, 2016 Enjoy the day at leisure in Dublin OR Visit Croke Park & Malahide Castle
Depart hotel and visit the home of Gaelic Games – Croke Park.
Croke Park is an iconic stadium, steeped in history, and has been at the heart of Irish sporting and cultural life for over 100 years. Take a trip here and enjoy an unrivalled state- of-the-art interactive visitor experience and find out more about Ireland’s unique national games and the fastest field game in the world – hurling and Gaelic football. The tour offer an access-all-areas trip through the home of Irish sport. Walk in the footsteps of legends as you visit the team dressing rooms before going pitchside and taking a seat in the VIP area. Enjoy panoramic views from the top tier of the stand – 30 meters above the famous pitch. Enjoy the Skyline Tour! Accompanied by an experienced tour guide, visitors will ascent to a walkway 44 metres above the ground to take in panoramic views of the Irish capital and find out more about Dublin’s key landmarks. Skyline includes stops at five viewing platforms along Croke Park’s 0.6km rooftop walkway. Each stop gives visitors the opportunity to learn about the highlighted buildings and sites in their line of vision through multi-lingual audio guides.
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Continue from Croke Park along the north Dublin Coast to Malahide Castle.
Highlights of the tour are the beautiful reception rooms, The Oak Room, The Small & Large Drawing Rooms and the Great Hall, home to the original Battle of the Boyne painting- on loan from the National Gallery of Ireland. The castle is adorned with beautiful period furniture and an extensive collection of paintings from the National Gallery of Ireland. The Castle also boasts beautiful parklands and a walled garden which can be visited.
Return along the north coast visiting the coastal towns of Portmarnock and Howth. The seaside town of Howth offers excellent restaurant serving up the famous Dublin Bay Prawns and Guinness. Return to your Dublin hotel for overnight.
Day 6 – Saturday, September 3, 2016 Gameday is here! Coach transfer for group to and from the Aviva Stadium.
Overnight at your Dublin Hotel
Day 7 – Sunday, September 4, 2016 After breakfast, depart Dublin and return home.
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Dublin & Kerry Tour 7 Days/6 Nights
Day 1 – Monday, August 29, 2016 Welcome to Ireland! Transfer from Shannon or Dublin Airport to Kerry.
Check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure in Kerry.
Day 2 – Tuesday, August 30, 2016 This morning, depart for your tour on one of Ireland’s most talked about peninsulas. Discover the Ring of Kerry.
Experience the raw beauty of the south on one of the country's famously scenic routes. Beginning and ending in Killarney, the Ring of Kerry traces the coastline of the Iveragh Peninsula. The combination of ocean, islands and mountains with so many picturesque villages makes a trip to Kerry an exciting journey of discovery, whatever the weather.
Enjoy an afternoon at your leisure in the beautiful town of Killarney. Dinner and overnight in Kerry.
Day 3 – Wednesday, August 31, 2016 Today, enjoy a tour on the charming Dingle Peninsula and in particular along the magnificent Slea Head. We begin our time on the Dingle peninsula with an extended drive along the beautiful coast. We visit ancient beehive huts from the Bronze Age and an ancient Christian Church, the somewhat mysterious and corbel-vaulted Gallarus Oratory, whose date and purpose is quite uncertain dated possibly as late as the 12th century. We continue to the early and medieval Christian site of Kilmalkedar with its 12thcentury Romanesque church (once stone-roofed) and a standing stone
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carved with ogham characters. Visit the Blasket Island Centre overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the Blasket Islands and enjoy some time at leisure in the town of Dingle.
Dinner and overnight in Kerry.
Day 4 – Thursday, September 1, 2016 Depart Kerry and travel to Dublin.
This morning, depart for a visit to Blarney Castle, one of Ireland’s oldest and most historic castles. Also, stop at Blarney Woollen Mills for shopping. This morning we depart Kerry and travel to Blarney Castle. For over 200 years, world statesmen, literary giants, and legends of the silver screen have joined the millions of people climbing the steps to kiss the Blarney Stone and gain the gift of eloquence. Its powers are unquestioned but its story still creates debate. The Stone itself is still set in the wall below the battlements. To kiss it, one has to lean backwards (holding on to an iron railing) from the parapet walk. The prize is a real one as once kissed the stone bestows the gift of eloquence.
Visit the iconic Blarney Woolen Mills. Blarney Woollen Mills is a store festooned with Irish made products. Built in 1823, Blarney Woollen Mills was originally known as Mahony's Mills and provided valuable employment to the people of Blarney and surrounding areas. A water powered mill, it produced tweeds and woollens for the home and export markets.
In the evening, attend the Boston College & Georgia Tech event at the world-famous Guinness Storehouse. The Guinness Storehouse shows us how the famous Irish beer is made! Enjoy an unforgettable welcome and a magical journey deep into the heart of the world famous GUINNESS® brand and company. This historical building is central to Dublin's and Ireland's heritage, and has been continually updated to create a blend of fascinating industrial tradition with a contemporary
Go West Conference, Event & Destination Management Ireland | +353-91-591222 | [email protected] | www.gowest.ie 16 | P a g e
edge. The seven floors bring to life the rich heritage of GUINNESS®, telling the story from its origins here at St. James's Gate in Dublin to its growth as a global brand, known all around the world.
Overnight at your Dublin Hotel
Day 5 – Friday, September 2, 2016 Enjoy the day at leisure in Dublin OR Visit Croke Park & Malahide Castle
Depart hotel and visit the home of Gaelic Games – Croke Park.
Croke Park is an iconic stadium, steeped in history, and has been at the heart of Irish sporting and cultural life for over 100 years. Take a trip here and enjoy an unrivalled state- of-the-art interactive visitor experience and find out more about Ireland’s unique national games and the fastest field game in the world – hurling and Gaelic football. The tour offer an access-all-areas trip through the home of Irish sport. Walk in the footsteps of legends as you visit the team dressing rooms before going pitchside and taking a seat in the VIP area. Enjoy panoramic views from the top tier of the stand – 30 meters above the famous pitch. Enjoy the Skyline Tour! Accompanied by an experienced tour guide, visitors will ascent to a walkway 44 metres above the ground to take in panoramic views of the Irish capital and find out more about Dublin’s key landmarks. Skyline includes stops at five viewing platforms along Croke Park’s 0.6km rooftop walkway. Each stop gives visitors the opportunity to learn about the highlighted buildings and sites in their line of vision through multi-lingual audio guides.
Continue from Croke Park along the north Dublin Coast to Malahide Castle.
Highlights of the tour are the beautiful reception rooms, The Oak Room, The Small & Large Drawing Rooms and the Great Hall, home to the original Battle of the Boyne painting- on loan from the National Gallery of Ireland. The castle is adorned with beautiful period furniture and an extensive collection of paintings from the National Gallery of Ireland. The Castle also boasts beautiful parklands and a walled garden which can be visited.
Return along the north coast visiting the coastal towns of Portmarnock and Howth. The seaside town of Howth offers excellent restaurant serving up the famous Dublin Bay Prawns and Guinness. Return to your Dublin hotel for overnight.
Go West Conference, Event & Destination Management Ireland | +353-91-591222 | [email protected] | www.gowest.ie 17 | P a g e
Day 6 – Saturday, September 3, 2016 Gameday is here! Coach transfer for group to and from the Aviva Stadium.
Overnight at your Dublin Hotel
Day at leisure to enjoy the atmosphere that surrounds the game. Motor coach will provide round- trip transportation either from the tailgate or from your hotel to the game.
Day 7 – Sunday, September 4, 2016 After breakfast, depart Dublin and return home.
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Dublin & Belfast Tour 7 Days/6 Nights
Day 1 – Monday, August 29, 2016 Welcome to Ireland! Transfer from Dublin to Belfast.
Dinner & Overnight at Belfast hotel.
Day 2 – Tuesday, August 30, 2016 Enjoy an informative tour of Belfast, with a visit to Titanic Belfast. During the day, you will also enjoy a visit to Crumlin jail.
Explore the symbolism of Titanic Belfast’s iconic structure with our award-winning walking tour. The one-hour tour includes a walk through the famous barrel-vaulted Harland & Wolff Drawing Offices where Titanic and the rest of the mighty 'Olympic' class were designed. This is your opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the men who built Titanic - the world’s most famous ship – in Belfast's historic shipyard. Discover Titanic from the very spot where she was launched to the creation of the world's largest Titanic-themed visitor attraction, a symbol not only of the power of the Titanic story but of a resurgent Northern Ireland. Marvel at the maritime metaphors hidden within the architectural design of Titanic Belfast. Hear fascinating facts about the great ship from your personal walking guide.
After the Titanic Experience, we travel to Crumlin Jail. The Crumlin Road Gaol dates back to 1845, and closed its doors as a working prison after 150 years in service in 1996. The Gaol has re-opened as a visitor attraction after extensive renovations and today you can take a guided tour of the prison. The tour will inform you about the Gaol’s history including when women and children were imprisoned, the executions that were carried out, it’s more recent history and learn about why the decision was taken to close the prison.
Dinner & Overnight at Belfast hotel.
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Day 3 – Wednesday, August 31, 2016 Travel along the beautiful Antrim Coast. Along the way, visit the Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge and the 60-million-year-old Giant’s Causeway. Flanked by the wild North Atlantic Ocean and a landscape of dramatic cliffs, for centuries the Giant’s Causeway has inspired artists, stirred scientific debate and captured the imagination of all who see it. Climb the Shepherd's Steps and hike along the cliff-top trail to get a bird's eye view of the beautiful causeway coast. Unlock the mystery and stories of the landscape in the exhibition area of the award-winning visitor centre, which also boasts a café serving a seasonal menu, and retail zone where you can pick up locally sourced souvenirs and handicrafts.
After the Giants Causeway, continue along the north coast and visit the Carrick a Reede Rope Bridge. Suspended almost 100 ft (30 m) above sea level, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge was first erected by salmon fishermen 350 years ago. If you are bold enough to cross the 65 ft (20 m) bridge, stretching from the mainland to 'Rocky Island', you will be rewarded with fantastic views of Rathlin Island, Scotland and the Causeway Coast. Get a bird's eye view of the clear, green water flowing around the ancient caves and caverns far below - if you dare to look down.
Return to Belfast in the late afternoon and enjoy your evening at leisure.
Dinner & Overnight at Belfast hotel.
Day 4 – Thursday, September 1, 2016 In the morning, depart for Dublin travelling through Mourne Country of County Down. Enjoy a tour of the Downpatrick area, including a stop at St. Patrick Centre and Down Cathedral.
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The Saint Patrick Centre is the only permanent exhibition in the World about Ireland's Patron Saint. Through Patrick's own words a light is shone on the arrival of Christianity in Ireland and its development through his Mission. Internationally renowned Irish actor, Cairan Hinds famous for his work in Harry Potter, Road to Perdition and Game of Thrones, gives a voice to Saint Patrick and narrates us through his life and adventures from his boyhood in Roman Britain to his captivity by Irish pirates, his slavery on Slemish Mountain and escape. The IMAX cinema, bold graphics, sculpture combined with video and audio techniques allows visitors explore Patrick's life and the major impact of Irish Missionaries on dark Age Europe - a legacy which lasts to this day.
Continue to Dublin in the afternoon and enjoy your evening at leisure in Dublin.
In the evening, attend the Boston College & Georgia Tech event at the world-famous Guinness Storehouse. The Guinness Storehouse shows us how the famous Irish beer is made! Enjoy an unforgettable welcome and a magical journey deep into the heart of the world famous GUINNESS® brand and company. This historical building is central to Dublin's and Ireland's heritage, and has been continually updated to create a blend of fascinating industrial tradition with a contemporary edge. The seven floors bring to life the rich heritage of GUINNESS®, telling the story from its origins here at St. James's Gate in Dublin to its growth as a global brand, known all around the world.
Overnight at your Dublin Hotel
Go West Conference, Event & Destination Management Ireland | +353-91-591222 | [email protected] | www.gowest.ie 21 | P a g e
Day 5 – Friday, September 2, 2016 Enjoy the day at leisure in Dublin OR Visit Croke Park & Malahide Castle
Depart hotel and visit the home of Gaelic Games – Croke Park.
Croke Park is an iconic stadium, steeped in history, and has been at the heart of Irish sporting and cultural life for over 100 years. Take a trip here and enjoy an unrivalled state- of-the-art interactive visitor experience and find out more about Ireland’s unique national games and the fastest field game in the world – hurling and Gaelic football. The tour offer an access-all-areas trip through the home of Irish sport. Walk in the footsteps of legends as you visit the team dressing rooms before going pitchside and taking a seat in the VIP area. Enjoy panoramic views from the top tier of the stand – 30 meters above the famous pitch. Enjoy the Skyline Tour! Accompanied by an experienced tour guide, visitors will ascent to a walkway 44 metres above the ground to take in panoramic views of the Irish capital and find out more about Dublin’s key landmarks. Skyline includes stops at five viewing platforms along Croke Park’s 0.6km rooftop walkway. Each stop gives visitors the opportunity to learn about the highlighted buildings and sites in their line of vision through multi-lingual audio guides.
Continue from Croke Park along the north Dublin Coast to Malahide Castle.
Highlights of the tour are the beautiful reception rooms, The Oak Room, The Small & Large Drawing Rooms and the Great Hall, home to the original Battle of the Boyne painting- on loan from the National Gallery of Ireland. The castle is adorned with beautiful period furniture and an extensive collection of paintings from the National Gallery of Ireland. The Castle also boasts beautiful parklands and a walled garden which can be visited.
Return along the north coast visiting the coastal towns of Portmarnock and Howth. The seaside town of Howth offers excellent restaurant serving up the famous Dublin Bay Prawns and Guinness. Return to your Dublin hotel for overnight.
Day 6 – Saturday, September 3, 2016 Gameday is here! Coach transfer for group to and from the Aviva Stadium.
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Overnight at your Dublin Hotel
Day 7 – Sunday, September 4, 2016 After breakfast, depart Dublin and return home.
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Dublin & Kerry & Galway 9 Days/8 Nights
Day 1 – Tuesday, August 30, 2016 Welcome to Dublin!
Check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure in Kerry.
Day 2 – Wednesday, August 31, 2016 This morning, depart for your tour on one of Ireland’s most talked about peninsulas. Discover the Ring of Kerry and enjoy an afternoon at your leisure in the beautiful town of Killarney.
Day 3 – Thursday, September 1, 2016 This morning, depart Kerry and travel to Dublin. En route to Dublin, visit Blarney Castle, one of Ireland’s oldest and most historic castles. Also, stop at Blarney Woollen Mills for shopping.
Continue to Dublin with some time at leisure in the evening to enjoy the city.
In the evening, attend the Boston College & Georgia Tech event at the world-famous Guinness Storehouse. The Guinness Storehouse shows us how the famous Irish beer is made! Enjoy an unforgettable welcome and a magical journey deep into the heart of the world famous GUINNESS® brand and company. This historical building is central to Dublin's and Ireland's heritage, and has been continually updated to create a blend of fascinating industrial tradition with a contemporary edge. The seven floors bring to life the rich heritage of GUINNESS®, telling the story from its origins here at St. James's Gate in Dublin to its growth as a global brand, known all around the world.
Overnight at your Dublin Hotel
Day 4 – Friday, September 2, 2016 Enjoy the day at leisure in Dublin OR Visit Croke Park & Malahide Castle
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Depart hotel and visit the home of Gaelic Games – Croke Park.
Croke Park is an iconic stadium, steeped in history, and has been at the heart of Irish sporting and cultural life for over 100 years. Take a trip here and enjoy an unrivalled state- of-the-art interactive visitor experience and find out more about Ireland’s unique national games and the fastest field game in the world – hurling and Gaelic football. The tour offer an access-all-areas trip through the home of Irish sport. Walk in the footsteps of legends as you visit the team dressing rooms before going pitchside and taking a seat in the VIP area. Enjoy panoramic views from the top tier of the stand – 30 meters above the famous pitch. Enjoy the Skyline Tour! Accompanied by an experienced tour guide, visitors will ascent to a walkway 44 metres above the ground to take in panoramic views of the Irish capital and find out more about Dublin’s key landmarks. Skyline includes stops at five viewing platforms along Croke Park’s 0.6km rooftop walkway. Each stop gives visitors the opportunity to learn about the highlighted buildings and sites in their line of vision through multi-lingual audio guides.
Continue from Croke Park along the north Dublin Coast to Malahide Castle.
Highlights of the tour are the beautiful reception rooms, The Oak Room, The Small & Large Drawing Rooms and the Great Hall, home to the original Battle of the Boyne painting- on loan from the National Gallery of Ireland. The castle is adorned with beautiful period furniture and an extensive collection of paintings from the National Gallery of Ireland. The Castle also boasts beautiful parklands and a walled garden which can be visited.
Return along the north coast visiting the coastal towns of Portmarnock and Howth. The seaside town of Howth offers excellent restaurant serving up the famous Dublin Bay Prawns and Guinness. Return to your Dublin hotel for overnight.
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Day 5 – Saturday, September 3, 2016 Gameday is here! Coach transfer for group to and from the Aviva Stadium.
Overnight at your Dublin Hotel
Day 6 – Sunday, September 4, 2016 After breakfast, depart Dublin for Galway.
En route to Galway visit the oldest licencesd distillery in Ireland! The Kilbeggan Distillery is the oldest licenced distillery in Ireland. Dating back to 1757 a visit today lets you discover real artisanal Irish whiskey distilling at its finest. Start your tour in 1757 and discover how Irish whiskey was made in decades past. Discover the families that owned the distillery in the past and the importance the local community had on what you see today. You’ll see the old mash tuns and fermenters, still in their original positions. You can also get close to the iconic waterwheel which once powered the whole distillery and kept whiskey flowing through Kilbeggan. Of course no visit would be complete without a taste of Kilbeggan’s finest.
This evening enjoy Trad on the Prom in Salthill which will include a three course meal followed by unique traditional Irish entertainment.
Irish Evening Entertainment Trad on the Prom celebrates the passion of Ireland's past with a contemporary production, of world class music, song and dance derived from the pulsating energy that has survived from the dawn of Celtic mysticism to become the record breaking phenomenon it is today. Performers who have captivated audiences in such extraordinary productions as 'Riverdance', 'The Chieftains', 'Lord of the Dance' and 'Feet of Flames' have now
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gathered together on ONE STAGE for an unforgettable entertainment experience in the City of the Tribes.
Return to your hotel for overnight.
Day 7 – Monday, September 5, 2016 Today enjoy a full-day tour of the picturesque Connemara Region – perhaps the most romantic region of Ireland. While you’re there, explore Kylemore Abbey and Walled Gardens OR take a day trip to Inis Mor.
Travel through beautiful Connemara to Kylemore Abbey the oldest of the Irish Benedictine Abbeys. The community of nuns, who have resided here since 1920, have a long history stretching back almost three hundred and forty years. We will visit the Abbey on the grounds, the Gothic Church, the Victorian Walled Gardens, the Craft Shop, Pottery studio, Restaurant and Tea Rooms as well as the Lake and Woodland walks. A section of the Abbey (the enclosure) is retained strictly for the nuns’ use and is not open to the public; here the nuns devote themselves to their monastic life of prayer and work. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
OR
This morning we will depart our hotel for the ferry port of Rossaveal and take a ferry to the Aran Islands. We will meet a local from the island to bring us on a guided tour. Aran Islands has a rich traditions of music, song, dance and story-telling are very unique and one of the great pleasures of the region. Cyril O’Flaherty is native of the island and a local expert, he will tell us about his island, “an island where history meets myth and myth meets magic” and will intrigue you with his story telling of old traditions and myths from this area. We will visit Dun Aengus, the bronze-age promontory fort, perched dramatically on the edge of a sheet 300 ft cliff that falls away into the Atlantic Ocean. Altogether this massive fortress covers almost 11 acres and consists of three enclosures constructed of large limestone. We will also visit “Na Seacht dTeampaill” the Seven Churches which make up a monastic settlement dedicated to St. Brecan. Return on the ferry and Go West Conference, Event & Destination Management Ireland | +353-91-591222 | [email protected] | www.gowest.ie 27 | P a g e
travel to your Galway hotel. This evening enjoy Trad on the Prom in Salthill which will include a three course meal followed by unique traditional Irish entertainment.
Day 8 – Tuesday, September 6, 2016 Travel southward into County Clare for a visit to the Cliffs of Moher and the Atlantic Edge Visitor Centre. During the morning you will enjoy a trip in the Burren Region.
We follow the coastal road along the Galway Bay and through the Burren’s contorted limestone landscape. We will see Corcomroe Abbey, one of the best-known monastic sites in Ireland and built at the end of the 12th century by the Cistercians, or ‘white monks’, and occupied up until the 17th century. The karst limestone region of the Burren is a natural wonder, with a lunar-like landscape and mysterious vanishing lakes and underground rivers. Among the most wonderful things about it are the rare wildflowers that grow between the karren pavement: gentians, burnet rose, bloody cranesbill and mountain aven.
Visit the Cliffs of Moher. The Cliffs are 214m high at the highest point and range for 8 kilometers over the Atlantic Ocean on the western seaboard of County Clare. O'Brien's Tower stands proudly on a headland of the majestic Cliffs. From the Cliffs one can see the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, as well as The Twelve Pins, the Maum Turk Mountains in Connemara and Loop Head to the South. We will visit Poulnabrone one of the most famous Irish dolmens. The thin capstone sits on two high portal stones to create a chamber and a low cairn. This site dates back to about 2500 BC.
Return to Galway with some time at leisure to enjoy the city.
Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure in Galway, dinner and overnight in Galway.
Day 9 – Wednesday, September 7, 2016 After breakfast, depart Galway for Shannon or Dublin Airport.
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