The Beery Soul of Ireland
June 17 -
27, 2010
The
history, people and landscapes of Ireland, are rich and varied. And
slowly, but surely, its deeply rooted pub and music culture is making
a little room at the bar for good, local, craft beer. Join us for
a thorough investigation of this beer trend. With stays in vibrant
Galway, soulful scenic Doolin, medieval Kilkenny, and bustling Dublin,
this trip offers a great variety of land and seascapes, archaeology,
pub culture, architecture, folklore, history, and friendly Irish people,
not to mention a good sampling of craft brews. Great hotels in excellent
locations serve as comfortable bases, and travel by private coach
offers opportunities for sampling local flavors along the way! We'll
explore the Connemara, the Burren, the Aran Island, the Cliffs of
Moher, the streets of Kilkenny, drink with the locals at more than
a few hand selected pubs, and have lots of chances to explore. And
then there's the final three night is bustling busy Dublin. Punt a
Guinness, please!
Daily
Itinerary:
Thursday,
June 17 - Fly to Ireland - bound for Galway. There is air service
from Dublin to Galway. You could also take the train from Dublin. Shannon
International is closer to Galway but offer no connecting flights. The
drive takes about an 1h 20 on airport busses.
Friday,
June 18 - Upon arrival in Galway, check into our hotel along the
harbor. We'll begin with a city tour/pub crawl en route to our welcome
dinner. The rest of the evening is free. Galway is a vibrant city with
lots of western Irish spirit and thriving pub, arts, and music scenes.
Overnight in Galway. (D)
Saturday,
June 19 - This morning is free to enjoy Galway on a summer morning.
At 11:00 AM we'll board our coach and drive to Roundstone for a seafood
pub lunch, before continuing on a tour of the coast and the Connemara.
Will visit a few pubs as we take in a selection of the areas many villages,
lakes and lush green valleys. Overnight in Galway. (B, L)
Sunday,
June 20 - A leisurely start this
morning as we check out and move on to the lovely village of Doolin.
Along the way we will visit a castle, see some standing stones and dolmens
in the Burren, and drop into the Aillwee Caves to get our troglodyte
on... (huh?), before continuing to the Cliffs of Moher. We'll have lunch
and visit The Biddy Early Brewery along the way. Overnight in
Doolin. (B, L)
Monday,
June 21 - This morning we'll walk to the ferry and sail out to the
Aran Islands' biggest island - Innishmor. Our informal itinerary includes
pub visits, bike or horseback riding, communing with the islands spectacular
seascapes, and contemplating the edge of the world after a pint or two.
Return to Doolin this evening for a night of music and beer with the
locals. The hotel restaurant offers a fine option for dinner, as do
the pubs in town. Overnight in Doolin. (B)
Tuesday,
June 22 - This morning we board our private bus bound for Kilkenny.
Along the way we will visit Bunratty Castle and the adjacent folk
museum. We'll make a strategic pub lunch stop, before visiting "Ireland's
Prettiest Village", Adare, for shopping and a visit to this quintessentially
Irish town. This evening we'll enjoy dinner in Kilkenny at a local's
favorite eatery. Overnight in Kilkenny.
(B,
L, D)
Wednesday,
June 23 - Today is totally free to explore Kilkenny. Opportunities
for golf and fishing, among many others. The city of Kilkenny is famed
for horse racing and its medieval district, as well as an active pub
culture. Overnight in Kilkenny. (B)
Thursday,
June 24 - A leisurely start today provides a bit of morning time
to explore, shop, or catch up on some sleep. Later this morning we'll
board the bus for variety filled day including a brewery visit, stops
in Waterford and Enniscorthy, and a visit to a brewpub near the interesting
monastic site in Glendalough. Overnight in Dublin. (B)
Friday,
June 25 - Today we'll take in a couple of Dublin's famous institutions
-- the Guinness Storehouse and the Jamisons' Distillery, along with
a guided city tour of Ireland's capital city. This evening -- a dedicated
pub crawl. Overnight in Dublin. (B, L)
Saturday,
June 26 -Today is free to explore Dublin, pub-crawl, see the sights
or shop. Tonight we'll celebrate a happy trip with our Farewell Dinner.
Overnight in Dublin. (B,
D)
Sunday,
June 27 - Alas, time to return home.
For
Registration and Policies & Details: Click
Here.
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Land
Cost
$2950
per
person, double occupancy
$420
single
room supplement
For
Registration and Policies & Details: Click
Here.
Trip
Price Includes
9 nights accommodation in fine, centrally
located hotels, travel by private coach, brewery visits, beer tasting,
entrance fees and tours as outlined in the itinerary, all breakfasts,
4 lunches, 3 dinners, and trip leadership.
Airfare
is not included in the trip price.
The
trip begins on Friday in the hotel lobby in Galway.
Travel
Details
Air Travel
is not included. Travelers are encouraged to use mileage awards,
travel outside group dates, or visit other European cities while abroad
to make the most out of the trip.
Please
confirm the trip's operation before purchasing air tickets.
The trip
officially begins at the first hotel, specific details including
a map to the hotel, regional information and a detailed will be included
with your trip documents, which you'll receive 2 - 3 weeks before the
trip.
How we
get around: For all included excursions and visits, transportation
will be included as well. Within the cities, we will rely on walking
and public transportation. Travel between cities will be done in our
private motor coach and/or by rail.
For
Registration and Policies & Details: Click
Here. |
