THE EHTPS and RMC

Present

IRELAND

October 10 – 18, 2015

Join us on a special tour that introduces you to the natural wonders and cultural legacies of this fascinating country.

This holiday intertwines beautiful scenery that takes you away from the masses as you take gentle walks through the Killarney National Park with its rolling hills, lakes and rich farmland. Then to one of Ireland’s most beautiful peninsulas in Dingle with its spectacular views of mountains, sea and islands. Here is a region where Gaelic is the spoken language and live music, dance and culture are a part of everyday life. We continue the tour with a stop in Cork to Kiss the Blarney Stone and end in Dublin, Ireland’s largest city.

Your Tour Includes:

• Roundtrip transportation from Montauk & East Hampton to JFK
• Roundtrip airfare to Shannon and returning from Dublin
• Roundtrip airport/hotel transfers
• Baggage handling at hotels
• First Class hotel accommodations
• Hotel taxes and service charges
• Daily Irish breakfast
• 5 dinners
• Sightseeing as per itinerary
• Sightseeing entrance fees
• Porterage at hotels (except Dublin)
• Escorted

Walking Program Note

The Western part of Ireland, especially Killarney National Park provide gentle walks that will blend in perfectly with incredible scenery highlighted by the inimitable Irish lifestyle and friendliness of the people.

Day 1 – Saturday, October 10: Depart for Ireland
Depart for Shannon, Ireland.

Day 2 – Sunday, October 11: Arrival Shannon and onto Adare & Killarney (D)
Morning arrival in Shannon where we board our coach for the journey to Killarney. Along the way we will stop at the heritage village of Adare. Dating from the 13th century, the village is a blend of thatched cottages with beautiful stone buildings, medieval monasteries, ruins and a picturesque village park. We then continue to our hotel in Killarney, the gateway to the Ring of Kerry and the Killarney National Park (drive about 2 hours). After check-in and lunch on our own, we will take a short exploratory walk through the grounds of Muckross House, the central part of the Killarney National Park. If time and not too tired, we will tour the 15th Century Ross Castle before returning to the town via the famous Killarney jarvey or jaunting car. Overnight and dinner in Killarney.

Walk – Approximately 1 hour

Day 3 – Monday, October 12: In Killarney: To Glencar, the Kerry Way to Glenbeigh (B/D)
Drive from Killarney through the foothills of the Macgillycuddy Reeks, Ireland’s highest mountain, to the beautiful Blackstones Bridge Glencar. Today’s walk is on the Kerry Way over Seefin Hill to the seaside village of Glenbeigh with incredible views over the Dingle peninsula and Castlemaine Harbor. On the return journey, we stop at the pictures market town of Killorglin which is situated on the Laune River, downstream from Killarney. Return to Killarney for dinner and overnight.

Walk – Approximately 2 ½ hours

Day 4 – Tuesday, October 13: In Killarney: To Galway and Kenmore (B)
Today’s walk is through the National Park will be from Galway’s Bridge to Kenmare town on the Old Kenmare Road. This route was originally used as a cart track between the two towns and follows moorland and forest through the Knockaguish Valley. After our walking tour of this lovely heritage town on the banks of the River Roughty, there will be time for shopping and relaxing. Return to Killarney town. Dinner on our own at one of the wonderful Killarney restaurants.

Walk – Approximately 3 – 3 1/2 hours

Day 5 – Wednesday, October 14: Transfer to Dingle via Inch Beach (B/D)
Transfer to the next peninsula to the north along the Wild Atlantic Way to the delightful fishing port of Dingle. There will be a short walk along the Dingle Harbour Trail, where there are superb views over the harbor. It is a great place to spot Fungie, the resident Dingle dolphin. Time at Inch Beach, where Ryan’s Daughter was filmed.

Afternoon at leisure to explore the town before dinner at our hotel.

Walk – Approximately 1 hour

Day 6 – Thursday, October 15: In Dingle: Transfer to Dunquin (B/D)
Today we explore the western extremity of Ireland which is the home of some of Europe’s earliest 6^th century Christian heritage relics – Gallarus Oratory, Kilmalkeadar Church, Riasc Monastic settlement and Loch a Duin. We visit the Blasket Island Heritage Centre in Dunquin to learn about the unique culture of the Islanders who inhabited this western outpost until 1953. Walk the Dingle Way along the glorious Clogher Cliffs to Ballyferriter and visit the local history museum. A final visit to Gallarus Oratory before returning to Dingle and dinner.

Walk – Approximately 2 to 2 1/2 hours

Day 7 – Friday, October 16: To Cork and Dublin (B)
Departure after breakfast for Cork and the Blarney Castle, where you can actually Kiss the Blarney Stone. Lunch and then continue to Dublin. After dinner on your own, why not do an optional traditional Irish pub crawl led by professional musicians. During the evening, you’ll meander down Dublin’s narrow, cobbled streets, marveling at the medieval street pattern. As you go from pub to pub, you’ll learn more about the origins of Ireland’s melodious traditional music. You’re sure to find yourself tapping your feet, clapping and singing along too.

Day 8 – Saturday, October 17: In Dublin (B/D)
After breakfast, sightseeing of Ireland’s largest city, Dublin, that evokes the great literary names of George Bernard Shaw, Oscar Wilde, Jonathan Swift, James Joyce, and Brendan Behan. We start our tour highlighting the famous 2 1/2-story brick Georgian row houses that are famous for their intricate, glass-laced doorways. Then pass some of Ireland’s most beautiful parks, such as St. Stephen’s Green. We stop to visit Trinity College, steeped in tradition – especially the library, that houses the great Classics including the Book of Kells. We’ll see the National Gallery. Marvel at Christ Church Cathedral and St. Patrick’s Cathedral that has celebrated 800 years of worship. Our afternoon is at leisure for independent exploration and shopping before our evening farewell dinner at the famous Cliff Townhouse.

Day 9 – Sunday, October 18: Back to the East End (B)
After breakfast, we transfer to Airport for our non-stop flight home and on arrival at JFK, continue to the East End.

Hotels or similar:

• Killarney: Brehon or Ross Hotel
• Dingle: Heatons or Greenmount
• Dublin: Stephens Green Hotel

Please read the Terms and Conditions for this tour.

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PRICE PER PERSON

Per Person in Double Occupancy room:
$2,899 payments via check or money order
$3,049 payments via credit card

Per Person in Single Occupancy Room:
$3,398 payments via check or money order
$3,579 payments via credit card

Add to above costs:
U.S. airline facility, security, taxes and Fuel Surcharge $499 ($525 via credit card)
Prepaid Gratuities $75 ($79 via credit card)

Land Only (joining in Shannon and ending in Dublin)
$2,399 payments via check or money order
$2,599 payments via credit card

INITIAL DEPOSIT

$350 ($369 by credit card)
Non-Refundable deposit due on or before April 1, 2015 to hold space. Thereafter space is on request.

FINAL PAYMENTS by Check or Money Order: Due on or before August 7, 2015.

After you register online you will automatically be re-directed for payment by mail-in check or securely online by credit or debit card.

Travel Insurance: RMC Travel highly recommends the purchase of Trip Cancellation/Interruption Travel Insurance, and we therefore provide you with an easy way to contact RMC’s preferred insurance provider, Allianz Global Assistance. If you need additional information or have questions, please call Allianz directly at 1-800-284-8300, and refer to code F025323.