Beauties of the Emerald Isle

May 21-30, 2015 Itinerary (As of Nov. 5, 2014)

Depart USA for Shannon, !! Thurs., May 21

Depart Pittsburgh for your overnight transatlantic flight to Ireland. We encourage you to take the group flight listed on the Registration Form (optional at extra cost). Enjoy in-flight entertainment and meal service as you travel to start your vacation. (D)

Shannon Arrival and Fri., May 22

After we clear customs and immigration formalities at Shannon Airport, Dr. Jean Anne Hattler of Duquesne University, and our tour driver/guide will welcome us to Ireland and escort us to the motorcoach. We’ll drive to the coast of County Clare to view the Cliffs of Moher. This impressive wall of rock rises to almost 700 feet above the foaming Atlantic breakers. We’ll continue north to Galway and see the principal sights of the city. A drive around will take us to the large modern cathedral set on an island on the . We’ll see the Spanish Arch in the area, formerly a fishing village, the City Museum, National University of Galway and the Cathedral of Our Lady, which is built on the site of the former county jail.

Then we’ll check into our hotel and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. You may choose to relax in the hotel or perhaps spend some time around , the hub of the city. Most of the shops are within easy reach and there are also many quaint pubs where Irish traditional music is played. In the evening join your fellow travelers for a welcome drink followed by dinner in the hotel restaurant.

Dinner and Overnight: Clayton Hotel (www.claytonhotelgalway.ie), Galway (B, D)

“Connemara Lady” Cruise and Kylemore Abbey Sat., May 23

Today we’ll travel along the coastal road to Spiddal to visit Standun’s Department Store ,where you can find quality knitwear, crystal, china, jewelry and crafts. Enjoy a coffee before traveling to Leenane. We’ll take a short catamaran cruise aboard the “Connemara Lady” through Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord. You can see great views from this narrow inlet, which is surrounded by hills and cliffs. Also, observe the seabirds, seals and otters that live in the waters.

Next we’ll journey to Kylemore Abbey for a tour of the elegant mansion and church, set beside a tranquil lake. We’ll learn about the tales of tragedy and romance, royal visits, and the Abbey’s former role as a boarding school. We’ll also have time to walk through the magical Victorian walled garden before gathering for lunch at the Abbey.

After lunch, return to Galway and spend the balance of the day at leisure for individual pursuits and dining.

Overnight: Clayton Hotel, Galway (B, L) Knock Shrine Sun., May 24

Leaving Galway, we’ll travel north via Ballinrobe to the pilgrimage town of Knock. Visit Knock Shrine, one of the world’s leading shrines where the Virgin Mary appeared to 15 people on August 21, 1879. We’ll see the shrine and modern basilica before traveling on through Sligo, a county of gentle mountains, lakes and coastline. This area is associated with the great poet, W. B. Yeats. We’ll stop at Drumcliffe Churchyard to see Yeats’ grave.

Then continue your journey north to town. Check into your hotel and freshen up before dinner with your fellow travelers tonight.

Dinner and Overnight: Mill Park Hotel (www.millparkhotel.com), Donegal (B, D) Slieve League Cliffs and Donegal Castle Mon., May 25

Donegal, with its windswept hills where only sheep can thrive, is renowned for wool production. We’ll drive to the fishing port of Killybegs and on to Teelin to view Slieve League sea cliffs, where the highest point reaches 1,972 feet making them the highest in Europe. The cliffs drop straight down to the wild Atlantic waves below and you will see marvelous vistas. Enjoy some tea and home-made scones before continuing through the majestic Glengesh Pass. Feast your eyes on hilly scenery as you return to Donegal town. Then in the town center of Donegal visit the ruins of Donegal Castle, which incorporates the gabled tower of a 15th century house built by the O’Donnell family. Partially restored, the castle reflects a long and turbulent history.

Return to your hotel where the evening is free for individual pursuits and dining.

Overnight: Mill Park Hotel, Donegal (B) Derry Walking Tour, Giant’s Causeway and Belfast Tues., May 26

We’ll depart Donegal this morning and travel along the north coast of Ireland crossing into Northern Ireland to Derry, where we’ll and embark on a walking tour to see the principal sights. See the 17th century city walls, which are some of the best-preserved in Europe, and the Diamond, the main central square. Also pass the 17th century St. Columb’s Cathedral, the Tower Museum with local history displays and the Guildhall where the history of Derry is depicted in stained-glass windows. Then we’ll continue our drive through Limavady and Coleraine to stop for photos at just outside Portrush. This splendid structure sits on basalt rock jutting out over the sea, reached by a wooden walkway. During the 16th century it was home to the MacQuillans and, later, the MacDonnells. After our photo stop, we’ll drive a short distance to visit the Giant’s Causeway. This impressive area of hexagonal columns was formed more than 60 million years ago by the slow and even cooling and contraction of molten lava. Next we’ll travel through the “Nine Glens of Antrim” for wonderful views of mountains, valleys and coastline.

Finally, we’ll drive to Belfast and check into our beautiful 5-star hotel located downtown next to the Opera House. The evening is free for sightseeing, shopping and independent dining.

Overnight: Fitzwilliam Hotel (www.fitzwilliamhotelbelfast.com), Belfast (B) Belfast Sightseeing and Titanic Belfast Wed., May 27

Today we’ll embark on a sightseeing tour around the city, including the University area. In the city center we’ll see the Albert Memorial and the ornate Victorian buildings of the Opera House and the Crown Liquor Saloon. In Donegall Square, view the imposing City Hall, completed in 1906. The richly decorated interior contains stained glass portraying Belfast’s principal industries. In the Titanic Quarter, we’ll visit the new Titanic Belfast., the world's largest Titanic-themed visitor attraction. Here we’ll embark on a journey through the life of the ill-fated RMS Titanic, from her conception at The White Star Line in the early 1900s, through her construction, launch and sea trials in Belfast, to her famous maiden voyage and tragic end. Through state-of-the-art technology, the exhibition’s nine interactive galleries take you back to the sights, sounds and stories of the discovery of the wreck of the Titanic and features live links to current marine expeditions. After our visit, we’ll travel south to Downpatrick to visit the Saint Patrick Centre where the early Christian monastic life is depicted and explained.

We’ll return to Belfast where we’ll enjoy a sumptuous and unique dining experience at Rayanne House: a nine-course Edwardian feast based on the actual menus used on board the Titanic! This dinner will be served in a period dining room with views overlooking Belfast Lough, from which, after completing her sea trials, the Titanic sailed for Southampton, to begin her maiden and final voyage.

Overnight: Fitzwilliam Hotel, Belfast (B, D) Drogheda Walking Tour and Evening in Dublin Thurs., May 28

Leaving Belfast, we’ll drive a short distance to Drogheda, a town that Oliver Cromwell besieged in 1649, killing 2,000 people and thus making his name the most hated in Irish history. Join a local guide for a brief walking tour to see the head of St. Oliver Plunkett, the first Irishman to be canonized (in 1975) in 700 years, and the 14th century St. Laurence Gate in the medieval walls. From Drogheda, we’ll continue south to Dublin.

Next, we’ll visit St. Michael’s House, the Victorian-era mansion that houses our “Duquesne in Dublin” study abroad students. Here we’ll have lunch and meet some staff and students. Then we’ll check into our 5-star Dublin hotel and at 4:00 p.m. we’ll meet historian Pat Liddy, who will lead us on a walking tour of the highlights of Central Dublin.

In the evening you are free to choose from the many restaurants and pubs that Dublin has to offer.

Overnight: Westbury Hotel (www.lhw.com/hotel/The-Westbury-Hotel-Dublin-Ireland), Dublin (B, L,) Dublin at Leisure Fri., May 29

Today is completely at leisure for you to spend exploring Dublin.

We have very special farewell evening plans. We’ll have dinner at The Kildare Street and University Club. At this special dinner, scholar and Duquesne in Dublin professor Dr. Michael Cronin will give us a talk on Irish history.

Overnight: Westbury Hotel, Dublin (B, D) Return to the United States Sat., May 30

All too soon, our vacation in Ireland has come to an end. We’ll transfer to Dublin Airport in plenty of time to clear security, claim VAT refunds, and check in for our flight. You may wish to do some last- minute shopping at the duty-free stores before boarding your aircraft and flying west across the Atlantic Ocean back to the United States. (B)

Itinerary subject to change according to circumstances. B=Breakfast; L=Lunch; D=Dinner; indicates included meals.