Exploring Ireland

Tour #13

November 7-17, 2010

IRELAND is a country that dates back to the 13th century and is known for its medieval castles, charming villages, narrow winding roads and warm Irish hospitality. You’ll marvel at the spectacular countryside and the “Ring of Kerry.” Breakfast is included daily plus we have included five typical Irish dinners including several highlights. Don’t miss this popular tour at a great price as the magnificent scenery on this Emerald Isle is world famous and stunningly beautiful!

Nov. 7 Depending on your departure city, everyone will fly overnight on various flights to Dublin, Ireland. Dinner will be served followed by a movie and a few hours of rest as you cross the Atlantic Ocean before touring this most interesting country and learning about its historry.

Nov. 8 Arrive DUBLIN this morning where you will meet our tour escort at the airport and then be transferred to your hotel. Later in the afternoon there will be a tour of the Guinness Museum, the birthplace of this famous beer. Tonight, enjoy a “Welcome Reception” to meet other Jehovah’s Witnesses from various parts of the country who will be traveling with you on this tour.

Nov. 9 Followring breakfast there will be a sightseeing tour of Dublin to see the grand architectural treasures and the history of the city that stretches back more than 1,000 years. There will be an interesting tour of its famous library to see one of Ireland’s greatest treasures—the 8th century Book of Kells. The highlight today will be visiting the Watchtower Branch Office located just outside of Dublin.

Nov. 10 Enjoy breakfast at leisure.The entire day will then be free to explore more of the city and O’Connell Street which is the longest pedestrian only walking street for shopping in Ireland. Be sure to visit an Irish pub for some traditional food such as corned beef, meatloaf or an Irish pie made with steak and mushrooms or chicken curry, mashed potatoes and peas.

Nov. 11 This morning everyone will board our deluxe motorcoach for a scenic countryside tour passing castles, historic sites and small villages. You will see why Ireland is noted for its “40 Shades of Green.” A stop will be made to visit the 15th century “Blarney Castle” to view the main house and the grounds. This is where the famous Blarney Stone is located on top of the castle tower. (See Awake, 4/22/04, p. 18) Next to the castle is the Blarney Mills Outlet, known for its woolens, china, jewelry and other Irish treasures. Continue over the mountains and stay in the town of Killarney where an Irish dinner is included each evening. If you like, after dinner another highlight will be attending a meeting at the Kingdom Hall in Killarney.

Nov. 12 An exciting day of travel as you will experience one of the most scenic drives in all of Europe around the famous “Ring of Kerry” with breathtaking views of the lakes, mountains and beaches. You’ll travel on narrow winding roads along the cliffs and over Ireland’s highest mountain range. Visit the quaint villages of Waterville and Sneem before returning to your hotel where dinner is again included. This is Ireland as you have always imagined it!

Nov. 13 Today you will visit Adare, Ireland’s prettiest village known for its thatched cottages and stone walls. Next will be an interesting tour of Bunratty Folk Park that depicts life in Ireland in time’s past. Surprise, tonight you will attend a medieval banquet as in time’s past where the Lords and Ladies of the castle will sing and perform during your dinner.

Nov. 14 This will be a day to remember as you drive along the Atlantic coastline to see the spectacular Cliffs of Moher. Both you and your motorcoach will first board a ferry boat for a short ride across the Shannon River. You will then journey across Ireland’s scenic west coast to the limestone plateau of the Burren that’s compared to the moon’s surface. Next you will be able to walk along the awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher. These cliffs are a solid wall of rock that rises 700 feet above the pounding surf of the Atlantic Ocean that stretches for 5 miles offering dramatic views of Ireland’s Atlantic coast. You will then travel on winding roads along the cliffs passing some quaint Irish villages before arriving at your hotel in the historical city of Galway where dinner is again included.

Nov. 15 Today you will learn about the lives and the working conditions of the people who live in Ireland as you travel through the farmlands. The highlight will be spending this afternoon plus two nights including dinner each evening at the 15th century Cabra Castle that’s pictured above.

Nov. 16 This morning you will depart on a historical tour of Belfast and its harbor and dock area where the Titanic and her sister ships were built. See the landmarks that have played their part in this Victorian city’s colorful development. There will be time for shopping and then you will return to the castle where the afternoon will be free to enjoy the beautiful grounds and its activities. The last highlight will be tonight’s “Farewell Dinner” in the castle!

Nov. 17 It’s time to depart to the Dublin Airport for the return flight to your hometown city. Traveling with friends from other parts of the country is something you will remember as you have now seen the Best of Ireland!