Ireland FAM Trip February 4 - 10, 2017

Itinerary

Day 1: Depart USA Depart the USA bound for the Emerald Isle.

Day 2: Welcome to ! Upon arrival at Dublin airport, collect your luggage and proceed to the arrivals hall, where your Europe Express representative will be there to greet you and escort you to your hotel by private vehicle.

Dublin City Tour This afternoon we board our coach and commence on a half-day guided tour of Dublin’s Fair City. Along the way, we’ll see major sights such as Trinity College, Temple Bar, the National Library, Govern- ment Buildings and much more. We’ll pass St. Patrick’s Cathedral, O’Connell Street, Christchurch Cathedral, and the Bank of Ireland, which is formerly the Irish House of Parliament. If you keep a close eye on the road, you may even spot Molly Malone wheeling her wheelbarrow! Our tour concludes with a visit to the Guinness Store- house where you can view the brewing process then enjoy a pint in the roof top Gravity bar. This evening we gather together for dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight - Cassidys Hotel, Busswells Hotel or similar

Meals - Dinner

Day 3: Cashel & This morning after breakfast we depart Dublin for , exploring en-route.

Cashel Our route will bring us south to Cashel where we’ll stop for the Rock of Cashel, once home to the High Kings of Munster. The Rock, one of the most spectacular archeological sites in Ireland, sits on the out- skirts of Cashel on a large mound of limestone bristling with ancient fortifications. Mighty stone walls encircle a complete round tower, a roofless abbey, a 12th century Romanesque chapel, and numerous other buildings and high crosses. Next we visit nearby Dundrum House. Set on 200 acres of grounds, the 18th century Dundrum House has a rich history, originally the center of a fine estate owned by a famous Irish family named the O’Dwyers of Kilnamanagh. We’ll have a site inspection and enjoy lunch at this golf and leisure resort.

Cork Afterwards, we drive west to Cork city, where we have a panoramic tour of the city’s highlights. Cork is Ireland’s second largest city and is the principal commercial and banking center in the south of the country. The city began on an island in the swampy estuary of the River Lee and gradually climbed up the steep banks on either side. Along the way see St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral, the Old Courthouse, City Hall and the renowned Bells of Shandon before arriving at our hotel on the city’s outskirts, where we check in and enjoy a group dinner. Overnight - Fitzgerald’s Vienna Woods Hotel or similar

Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Cork, , , & Adare Cork This morning after breakfast we will have an opportunity to inspect some hotels here in Cork prior to our departure from the area.

Killarney Later this morning we travel west to Killarney in . Rich with mountain and lake scenery and situated on the Ring of Kerry scenic drive, Killarney is famous for its National Park, Jaunting Car Rides (traditional horse & buggy rides), its pubs, and much more. We will do some touring to get a feel for this beautiful town, and enjoy lunch and a site inspection.

Foynes Our journey then takes us north to Foynes, where we visit the Foynes Flying Museum. From 1939 to 1945 Foynes, County , was the center of the aviation world. The port of Foynes was the fulcrum point for air traffic between the US and Europe. The famous flying boats were frequent visitors, carrying a diverse range of people, from celebrities to refugees. Travel back in time in the authentic 1940s cinema while watching original footage from the days of the Flying Boats. Sample an Irish coffee where Chef Joe Sheridan made the first Irish Coffee to warm up some damp misera- ble passengers in 1942.

Adare We continue east to the charming and old-world village of Adare, widely-regarded as Ireland’s most picturesque village with its thatched cottages and gentle ruins. Situated on the , a tributary of the Shannon River, Adare dates back to the early 13th century. We check into our hotel and have dinner together.

Overnight - Fitzgerald’s Woodlands House Hotel or similar

Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Limerick & Bunratty Limerick This morning after breakfast, we depart for nearby Limerick, situat- ed on the Shannon River. Founded by Vikings in 922 AD, Limerick is of modest size but Ireland’s third-most populated city. We will inspect some local hotels then head to lunch where we enjoy some local specialties. This afternoon, we visit King John’s Castle, which lies at the very heart of Limerick’s medieval core. The and King John’s Castle live side by side, a little above Curraghour Falls at Thomond Bridge. This majestic river, the longest in Ireland and Britain opens its tidal waters to welcome the international fleets of the world, just as it has done for mariners of countless years. You won’t fail to be impressed by the castles massive gate-towers and drum comer towers. Wander across the castle battlements and learn of the castle’s history though the interactive exhibits. King John’s Castle remains a most impressive Anglo-Norman fortification, even after 800 years.

Bunratty This evening, we depart our hotel for a Medieval Banquet at Bunratty Castle. Turn back the clock as you feast on fine food, drink rich mead and wine, and enjoy the lore and music of Ireland, per- formed by the enchanting Ladies of the Castle, to the strains of the harp and violin.

Overnight - Fitzgerald’s Woodlands House Hotel or similar

Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: County Offaly & Dublin County Offaly This morning after breakfast, we leave behind the Adare area en-route to Dublin. Our drive takes us east near the center of Ireland, through County Offaly which is known for its castles, abbeys and heritage centers. The heathery , in the southeast of Offaly, boast open moors and hidden valleys just wait- ing to be explored. The River Shannon separates Offaly from Galway and Roscommon in the west of the county. , the principal town of the county, is home of the famous Tullamore Dew whisky, where we stop at the visitor center for a tour and tasting.

Dublin After lunch we arrive in Dublin. This afternoon we visit EPIC Ireland,, the dramatic new interactive visitor experience that showcases the unique global journey of the Irish people. Tonight we shall enjoy dinner and entertainment at Taylors Three Rock. The banquet and show is a highly entertaining performance of live traditional Irish music, ballads and Irish dancing. A night of authentic Irish entertain- ment is guaranteed! A strong heart is required however, as both musicians and dancers involve the entire audience in this electric performance.

Overnight - Cassidys Hotel, Buswells Hotel or similar

Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Depart Ireland Savor one last hearty Irish breakfast before heading off to Dublin Airport for your return flight. Tour Includes: • Escorted sightseeing by luxury motor coach • Professional Irish Tour Director throughout • Accommodation for 5 nights • Full Irish Breakfast (B) daily except morning of arrival • 5 dinners (D) including 2 with entertainment • 4 Lunches (L) • Group porterage service at hotels, 1 bag per person • Taxes and service charges on hotels and included services.

All Enterance fees to: • Guinness Storehouse • Rock of Cashel • Foyne’s Flying Boat Museum • King John’s Castle • Tullamore Dew Tour with Whisky Tasting • EPIC Ireland

Sightseeing: • Dublin • Cashel • Cork • Killarney • Foynes • Adare • Limerick • Bunratty • County Offaly

Not Included: • Gratuities • Personal expenses • Travel insurance