The Beery Soul of Ireland
June
25 - July 5, 2009
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 Dan and Deb Justesen from Vine Park Brewing Co 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 25 - 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 26 - 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 27 - 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 28 - 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 29 - 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 30 - 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,
July 1 - 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,
July 2 - 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,
July 3 - 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,
July 4 -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,
July 5 - Alas, time to return home.
For
Registration and Policies & Details: Click
Here.
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Land
Cost
$2950
per
person, double occupancy
$400
single
room supplement
Based
on a minimum of 12 travelers. In case of fewer than 12 travelers,
the cost may be adjusted, or the itinerary modified slightly.
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. |
