March 15

Fly the non-stop comfort of Air Lingus from New York into Dublin with the group or arrange your own air.

March 16

Welcome to Dublin, Ireland’s vibrant capital.  Upon arrival, we are met and transferred to the centrally located Dublin Academy Plaza Hotel.  You’ll have some free time to stroll the fashionable Temple Bar district..  There are many museums or you may want to visit the 417 year old Trinity Collage with 3 million volumes of literary works including the Book of Kells.  Its registry of alumni includes Oscar Wilde, Jonathan Swift and Bram Stoker.

Later we start off on a traditional Irish Musical Pub Crawl led by 2 professional musicians who’ll perform tunes while explaining the story of Irish music.  Tonight we enjoy dinner with Irish dancing and music at the 16^th century Abbey Tavern.                                                                                                              (Dublin Academy Plaza Hotel)

March 17

After breakfast, transfer to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade to enjoy the bands and revelry.  It’s bigger and better than ever.  Afterwards we depart on a panoramic city tour introducing Dublin’s grand Georgion squares and history stretching back over 1000 this years.  You’ll glimpse Viking and medievil times as you pass by by Christ Church to the stately St. Patrick’s Cathedral founded in 1190.  Then on to Guinness Storehouse for an enjoyable interactive tour ending up in the Gravity Bar where visitors gather for a free pint of Guinness.

This evening we visit Temple Bar Ceili for a fantastic night of authentic dancing and song.  Here professional dancers will teach us some steps and sets of traditional Irish dance.                                                                                                                           (Dublin Academy Plaza Hotel)

March 18

Depart Dublin early morning towards Kinsale via the small town of Cashel.  There we stop for a visit to the ancient Rock of Cashel.  The dramatic limestone rock crowned with religious buildings dominates the countryside for miles around.  Free time in tiny Cashel before Kinsale, Ireland’s best kept secret and most beautiful coastal town.  Kinsale is called the Gourmet Capital of this country with a Gourmet Festival held each year.

Pubs are shrines to art and conversation.  The drink is almost incidental, something to oil the throat and sharpen the wit.  Tonight our group will partake in a historic “Ghost Tour”.  Later you are free to visit and explore the local pubs with great food and drink.  Mother Hubbard’s is a must for its live bands.                                                                         (Kinsale Actons Hotel)

March 19

Depart Kinsale and travel a short distance for a visit to Blarney Castle.  Kiss the magical stone that gives you the gift of eloquence.  Wander over to Blarney Woolen Mills to shop for top quality Irish knitwear and crafts.

Leaving County Cork, we head to the village of Adare alongside the grateful River Maigue.  This is Ireland’s prettiest village snuggled in farm lands of the Golden Vale.  Picturesque thatched cottages line the streets for perfect photos.  Medieval churches and stone ruins date back to the Norman conquest.  We continue on towards Shannon and visit Bunrathy Castle and Folk Park.  The castle is complete and authentic.  Within its grounds is a living museum which presents a microcosm of Irish life.  Turn of the century scenes come to life as you walk the cobbled streets.

Afterwards we check into our castle hotel!  Later we all enjoy dinner at the infamous Durty Nellies, Ireland’s oldest pub.  It’s loud and unforgettable.  Singing is mandatory.                                                                                                    (Shannon – Bunrathy Castle Hotel)

March 20

Shannon- Cliffs- Connemare- Galway.  After breakfast we travel to the Cliffs of Moher stretching almost 6 miles.  Here is spectacular scenery on the coast of West Clare where cliffs 700 feet high defiantly stand against the aggressive night of the Atlantic ocean.  Climb Brian’s Tower for some awesome views.  Then we travel north across the stark and barren landscape called The Burren.  We drop in at Rathbaun Farm for afternoon tea and scones to meet the Irish family as they do their daily chores.  Watch the farmers shear sheep, tend livestock and maneuver his flock with his dog. 

Onwards to Connemara, a wild region of bogs, mountains and rugged coastline.  From the Twelve Ben Mountains to the golden beaches of the Atlantic, the light constantly changes the tone of the landscape.  Here one can experience 4 seasons in one day.  We’ll enjoy some leisure time in Clifton, capital of Connemara.  Continue to Galway for a panoramic city tour.

Galway, at the mouth of the Corrib River is at the edge of the Gaelic speaking area so you may not understand the locals.  The university town has a busy buzzy nightlife.  It’s easy to get around, just a mile from end to end.  Evening is free tonight.  Hear the music on Quay St. at O’Flaherty’s, McSwiggins and Tigh Neachtain.   Theatre is also alive here.                                                      (Galway – Imperial Hotel)

March 21

We provide a free day to explore Galway and its environs.  Galway’s center is Eyre Square.  Kiwans Lane is a medieval street filled with art and craft shops.  Walk the riverbank to nearby fishing villages.  See the salmon being netted at Salmon Bridge.  Do hiking, horse riding or golf.  Or join our optional tour by boat to the Aran Islands, an outpost of Gaelic civilization.  It’s like a surreal time warp with an age old austere landscapes.  This is where the fisherman swear they see mermaids, where the pace of life is slower than anywhere.  Tour land by mini-bus or you can hike and bike on own.  Cost $70.  Evening free to hoist your last pint with a hot heaping of shepards pie.  (Galway – Imperial Hotel)

March 22

Farewell to Ireland.  Transfer to Shannon Airport.  After check in, you’ll have time for some great duty free shopping.

A $300 deposit to AFS will secure your space on a first come basis.  Don’t delay!  This will fill quickly.

Final payment due January 15

To book phone 770-432-8225  or email terry@adventuresforsingles.com