T H E M E T R O P O L I TA N M U S E U M O F A RT ◆ HOUSES OF THE IRISH ARISTOCRACY ◆ A D VA N C E I N F O R M AT I O N ◆ September 19 to 29, 2013 ◆ T H E M E T R O P O L I TA N M U S E U M O F A RT Dear Members and Friends of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The great country houses of Ireland—the result of a centuries-long blend of English restraint and Irish exuberance—are among the most spectacular and the most attractive in Europe. In the 19th century, they were seen by invitation only. Now, once again, we will visit them, not as tourists but as guests of the ancestral owners. As we look at paintings and objects in the original interiors, we will also enter the world of the Irish aristocracy at the most pleasant time of year. We are delighted to be joined by Morrison Heckscher, Lawrence A. Fleischman Chairman of The American Wing, who has led many previous trips for the William Cullen Bryant Fellows. Irish architecture and decorative arts will be the focus of his talks throughout this journey. Morrie looks forward to revisiting favorite places and to re-connecting with old friends and colleagues. We will be received for lunches, teas, and dinners at these great houses, with interiors and collections of extraordinary quality. Among our hosts will be the Earl of Rosse and the Duke of Abercorn, whose grand ancestral estates are set in the lush green countryside. Day after day, we will experience the best of the country. As we go from Eire to Northern Ireland and back, we will move from Adare to Lough Erne and on to Dublin—driving through the landscapes for which Ireland is renowned and stopping at enchanting small towns along the way. Our stay in Dublin will add just the right touch of urban glamour as we conclude our Irish journey at the five-star Merrion Hotel. Dublin highlights include a curatorial tour of the National Gallery; a private visit to author Helen Dillon’s home, with one of the best city gardens in the world; and a gala dinner at Castletown House, Ireland’s largest and earliest Palladian-style villa. Because of our unique access to private houses not open to the public, and in order to respect the privacy of the owners, we will share their names in pre-departure information only. Due to the many private visits, this trip is limited in size. We hope you will reserve your space soon. Sincerely, Baronscourt Emily K. Rafferty President T H E M E T R O P O L I TA N M U S E U M O F A RT HOUSES OF THE IRISH ARISTOCRACY September 19 to 29, 2013 September 19 NEW YORK DEPARTURE Thursday Depart New York on an overnight flight to Shannon. September 20 SHANNON I ADARE Friday Arrive in Shannon and transfer to the Dunraven Arms, a traditional country inn conveniently located in the center of Adare, where rooms are reserved for early check-in. In the late afternoon, gather for a walking tour of this quaint village, passing thatched roof cottages, and stop for tea at an interesting antique shop. This evening we are invited by a noted antiquarian and collector of ceramics for our welcome dinner and a performance of Irish music at his country house. September 21 ADARE Saturday Today we plan to visit Churchill, a nearby estate overlooking Tralee Bay, to see a world-famous collection of Irish paintings and decorative arts. The owner, an American who makes his home in both Ireland and the United States, has invited us for lunch. En route back to Adare, we will stop at Glin, an 18th-century house castellated in the 19th century, for tea and a walk in the glorious gardens over- looking the Shannon River. Dinner and the evening are at leisure. September 22 ADARE Sunday This morning drive to the university town of Limerick for a curatorial tour of the Hunt Museum, which houses an interesting collection of works of art and antiquities. After lunch in a private house rarely opened to the public, return to Adare for an evening at leisure. September 23 ADARE I LOUGH ERNE Monday Depart this morning for Birr Castle, famous for its gardens. Lunch in the family dining room of Lord and Lady Rosse is followed by a tour of the elegant private apart- ments. In the late afternoon, near the border with Northern Ireland, we are invited for tea at Tullynally Castle. The property of the Earls of Longford, Tullynally is one of the most spectacular neo-Gothic houses in Ireland. Arrive this evening at the five-star Lough Erne Resort, where we will stay for three nights. Dinner is at the hotel. Birr Castle September 24 LOUGH ERNE Tuesday Today visit Florence Court, the former residence of the Earls of Enniskillen. With its classical style and exquisite Rococo plasterwork, Florence Court is one of Ulster’s most important 18th-century houses. The house, set against the spectacular backdrop of the Cuilcagh Mountains, is renowned for its fine Irish furniture collection. Lunch and the afternoon are at leisure to enjoy the amenities of this spa resort. Tonight we are invited for a visit and dinner at Baronscourt, one of Ireland’s great Georgian houses and the seat of the Duke and Duchess of Abercorn. September 25 LOUGH ERNE Wednesday After a leisurely morning, depart for a private lunch hosted by the owners of Killyreagh. Continue to Castle Coole, a particularly beautiful neo-classical mansion set in a wooded park, where we are invited for afternoon tea. During a tour, we get a glimpse into what life was like for the Earls as well as their servants. Dinner and the evening are at leisure. Baronscourt dining room. September 26 LOUGH ERNE I DUBLIN Thursday Depart for Dublin, stopping en route for a private lunch in the bucolic setting at Crom Castle. In the late afternoon, arrive in Dublin for check-in at the five-star Merrion Hotel, a Georgian townhouse hotel. Dinner is at leisure. September 27 DUBLIN Friday Admire the Merrion’s collection of 19th- and 20th-century Irish paintings before departing for the National Gallery. Adrian Le Harivel, Curator of British and Dutch Paintings, will lead a curatorial tour. Continue for a visit to the Decorative Arts Museum, whose collection of 18th-century Irish silver, furniture, and costumes is nothing short of dazzling. Lunch and the afternoon are at leisure. In the early evening, we are invited for a reception at the piano nobile of Adrian Le Harivel to view his drawings collection. September 28 DUBLIN Saturday Today we are guests for coffee at the home of author Helen Dillon, whose urban garden is world-renowned. At the Chester Beatty Library, see the remarkable collection of manuscripts, miniature paintings, prints, rare books, and drawings from around the world. Lunch and the afternoon are at leisure. This evening gather for a farewell dinner in the private dining room at Castletown House, the earliest and largest Palladian style house in Ireland. September 29 DUBLIN I NEW YORK Sunday After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight to New York. Irish countryside. LAND RATE $9,995 PER PERSON SINGLE SUPPLEMENT $1,650 RATE INCUDES ◆ Nine nights hotel accommodations, as per itinerary ◆ Sightseeing and entrance fees for all included visits ◆ Buffet breakfast daily, four lunches, and four ◆ Gratuities to local guides and drivers dinners with wine; coffee/tea with all meals ◆Taxes, service and porterage fees for one suitcase ◆ Airport / hotel group transfers per person NOT INCLUDED IN RATE International airfare; passport fees; meals not specified; alcoholic beverages other than wine at included meals; personal items and expenses; trip insurance; excess baggage charges; transfers for those not on suggested group flights; any other items not specifically mentioned as included. THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART HOUSES OF THE IRISH ARISTOCRACY ◆ SEPTEMBER 19 TO 29, 2013 RESERVATION APPLICATION To reserve a place, please return this form along with your deposit of $2,000 FORM OF PAYMENT per person (of which $350 is non-refundable for administrative fees) payable ❐ Enclosed is my check (payable to Academic Arrangements Abroad) to Academic Arrangements Abroad, 1040 Avenue of the Americas, 23rd ❐ Credit card (may be used for deposit only) Floor, New York, New York 10018-3721. __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ Name(s) in Full as on Passport(s). Please Print. 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I/We agree Telephone (Home) (Business) to full payment by check 120 days prior to departure. __________________________________________________________________________________ Fax E-mail __________________________________________________________________________________ Signature (Required) Date ACCOMMODATIONS I wish to share a room with _____________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ ❐ Double ❐ Twin ❐ Single (with a supplement of $1,650) Signature (Required) Date For additional information, please contact Academic Arrangements Abroad Telephone: 212-514-8921 or 800-221-1944 ◆ Fax: 212-344-7493 ◆ Email: [email protected] TERMS & CONDITIONS AIRFARE Academic Arrangements Abroad (AAA) will be pleased AAA or the Met. Additional expenses, if any, shall be borne by the to assist with air travel arrangements for this program, including participants. Baggage and personal effects are the sole responsibility specially negotiated group airfare when available, suggested group of the participant at all times.