Shades of Ireland

WVIA Travel Club's Shades of Ireland Tour:
October 26, 2010 - November 4, 2010
All space is first come first serve and subject to availability
Reservation deadline - May 27, 2010
10 Days - 13 Meals: 8 Breakfasts & 5 Dinners

Starting At Per Person Rates: Double $2,499.00 - *per person, double occupancy. Included: Round trip airfare from Newark Intl. Airport, air taxes and fees/surcharges of $100 (subject to increase until paid in full), hotel transfers, transportation to and from WVIA Studios to airport.

If you would like a flyer for this tour e-mail dougcook@wvia.org or call 570-602-1175

Highlights: Dublin, Irish Evening, Kilkenny, Waterford Crystal, Blarney Castle, Jaunting Car Ride (weather permitting), Ring of Kerry, Killarney, Farm Visit, Limerick, Cliffs of Moher, Galway and Castle Stay.

Tour highlights by day:

You will be leaving from the WVIA Studios in Pittston, PA. Here you will leave your vehicle in our parking lot and board a charter bus for the ride to the Newark International Airport where you will start your journey.

Day 1 Overnight Flight
The Emerald Isle is a land of green hills, warm people, stately castles and rollicking fun. Visit Dublin, Waterford, Killarney and Limerick as this comprehensive tour introduces Ireland's natural beauty, turbulent history and hospitable culture.

Day 2: Dublin - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in Dublin. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers at a fun-filled Irish House Party where everyone has the opportunity to join in the song and dance. Today dinner will be included.

Day 3: Dublin
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Dublin, the “Fair City.” Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, O’Connell Street, Grafton Street, Phoenix Park and see the city's trademark - magnificent rows of stately Georgian town homes. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or explore the cultural offerings of delightful Dublin on your own. You may wish to tour Dublin’s fabled Kilmainham Jail or lighten your spirits with a visit to the Guinness Storehouse. Today breakfast will be included.

Day 4: Dublin - Kilkenny - Waterford
This morning you travel to Kilkenny for the chance to explore this medieval city. Later today you will visit the world-famous Waterford Crystal facility. Take a tour to learn how these exquisite treasures are crafted and marvel at the impressive collection of crystal in their glittering showroom. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 5: Waterford - Blarney Stone - Killarney
Today, journey to historic Blarney Castle where you can take the opportunity to kiss the famous Blarney Stone. Legend has it that those who kiss the stone are bestowed with the gift of eloquence. In Killarney you will be treated to a time-honored Irish jaunting car ride (Jaunting car ride is included, weather permitting). A tour of the beautiful Muckross House and Gardens offers a glimpse into the elegant lifestyle of the Victorian gentry. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 6: Killarney - Ring of Kerry - Killarney
Travel along one of the most beautiful coastal routes in the world, the Ring of Kerry. At the Gap of Dunloe, shop for traditional Irish goods handcrafted by local artisans. Enjoy spectacular ocean scenery as you pass through picturesque villages. Continue on through rugged mountain passes into “Ladies View” where you will see breathtaking views of the Lakes of Killarney. Tonight, use your leisure time to sample a true taste of Irish culture. Today breakfast will be included.

Day 7: Killarney - Limerick
Today, experience the customs and daily life of a traditional Irish family during a memorable visit to the Molanna Dairy Farm. Continue to Limerick where you will enjoy a city tour showcasing King John's Castle and the Treaty Stone while learning about the fascinating history of the "city of the violated treaty." Today breakfast will be included.

Day 8: Limerick - Cliffs of Moher - Galway - Limerick
A most interesting day is ahead of you. Journey to the stunning, 700-foot-high Cliffs of Moher for awe-inspiring views of the mighty Atlantic and the Aran Islands. Then, travel through the vast limestone landscape of the Burren, known for its stark beauty and Neolithic tombs. Continue past scenic countryside into Galway, where a brief city tour introduces “The City of Tribes.” Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 9: Limerick - Tullamore - Kingscourt
Today begins with a visit to the fascinating monastic site of Clonmacnoise where you will see ancient cathedral ruins, high crosses and the largest collection of early Christian graveslabs in Western Europe. Next, visit Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre where you will learn how Irish Whiskey is made and enjoy a tasting. Your day is then topped off with an overnight stay on the grounds of a castle and dinner in the castle. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 10: Kingscourt - Tour Ends
Your tour ends today in Kingscourt. Today breakfast will be included.

Experience It! Cabra Castle

Cabra Castle stands on 100 acres of gardens and parkland, with delightful views over the Cavan countryside, famous for its beautiful lakes. Formerly known as Cormey Castle, the history of the castle dates back to the pre-Cromwellian times of the 16th century. The property was bought in the early 19th century by Colonel Joseph Pratt who rebuilt it, renaming it as Cabra Castle. Its long legacy lends a mature, cultured air to the castle which can be felt by strolling through the castle’s magnificent hallways and stairwells. Experience this history when you enjoy an overnight stay on the castle grounds. The rooms are outfitted to the highest standards with every comfort and modern facilities. The bar and restaurant offer views of the countryside famous for its lakes and fishing, as well as Dun a Ri Forest Park.