2019 Ireland Sampler

The Ireland Sampler April 7, 2019 – April 14, 2019 Tour Description: Join us for the perfect introduction to the Emerald Isle! Visit the highlights of Dublin including the Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College, and Book of Kells. Continue to the countryside to Kiss the Blarney Stone, drive the scenic Dingle Peninsula and visit the majestic Cliffs of Moher. No trip to Ireland is complete without stops at several pubs, enjoying traditional Irish fare, and experiencing an evening (or two) of lively entertainment. We conclude the tour with a night in the world famous Dromoland Castle.

This travel experience begins in Dublin, and ends in Shannon.

Itinerary: Day One (April 7, 2019) – Upon landing at Dublin Airport, complete customs and immigration formalities. Our Tour driver/guide will welcome us to Ireland and escort us to our coach. Next, we set off with a local guide who will show us around Dublin. The city has been molded through the centuries with many architectural styles, reflecting the economic, political and artistic influences. Stop to visit Dublin Castle, which was the seat of power and government for many centuries. See the State Apartments, where many state functions are held in the richly decorated chambers. Then we will transfer to our nearby hotel, check in, and enjoy some time to settle into our rooms. This evening, we are free to dine at one of the many restaurants or pubs scattered throughout the city.

Overnight: Trinity City Hotel, Dublin Day Two (April 8, 2019) – Today we visit Trinity College to see the Book of Kells, an 8th century illuminated manuscript of the gospels and see the Old Library. Next, we tour the Guinness Storehouse and see exhibits on how this world-famous stout was first created and why it is so popular today. We finish our visit on the roof-to bar, where we can sample a draft of Guinness. We will then return to the hotel to enjoy some time on our own before tonight’s festivities. This evening, we will drive to the Merry Ploughboy Pub for dinner followed by a lively show of traditional Irish songs, dancing and music.

Overnight: Trinity City Hotel, Dublin Day Three (April 9, 2019) – This morning we depart Dublin, and journey into Blarney where we will climb to the battlements of Blarney Castle. Here, you may also kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence.”

We will then visit the Blarney Woollen Mills, which has an excellent range of Irish products of all types.

Next, we travel to the rugged countryside of Killarney, where we will have a drink at Laurel’s Pub. We will then transfer to our hotel, followed by an included dinner.

Overnight: Scotts Hotel, Killarney Day Four (April 10, 2019) – After breakfast, we will discover the beauties of the Dingle Peninsula, once described by the National Geographic Traveler as “the most beautiful place on earth.” We will drive along the south shore of the peninsula for plenty of vistas of heathery mountains, sandy stretches of beach, stunning green landscapes and rocky headlands. We will pause at strategic locations to admire

the views and take photos. We then visit the Blasket Centre in Dunquin to learn about the Blasket Islands, inhabited until 1953 by hardy families who eked out a living by farming and fishing. Our next stop is at the South Pole Inn, where we can enjoy an Irish Coffee. We will then continue to the Dingle Brewing Company for a tour and tasting. We return to our hotel in Killarney and enjoy an evening at leisure.

Overnight: Scotts Hotel, Killarney Day Five (April 11, 2019) – This morning we leave Killarney, and drive along the coast of scenic County Clare. We stop to visit the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most beloved, national landmarks. We will see magical vistas, overlooking the shimmering Atlantic Ocean along with Ireland’s Western coastline.

Next, we stop in Doolin to visit some of the many pubs of this fine village. We continue our journey into Galway, where we will join a local guide for a gentle walking tour. We will see the medieval city walls, Lynch’s Castle and the narrow streets. We will then drive a short distance to our hotel, before enjoying a dinner with the group in the hotel restaurant.

Overnight: Galway Bay Hotel, Galway Day Six (April 12, 2019) – This morning, we travel through the Connemara Region to admire the sweeping views of boglands and misty mountains. As we drive along, you will see many sheep that graze freely and also tracts of bogland where some people hand-cut peat for home heating. We will then stop at Kylemore Abbey for a tour of the elegant mansion and church, set beside a tranquil lake. We will learn of the tales of tragedy, romance and royal visits. We will also walk through the magical Victorian walled garden. We then continue our drive to the town of Moycullen to visit the Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory. We will watch a craftsman demonstrate the cutting of designs and see the full range of products in the showrooms. After, we will return to Galway, where you are free for individual pursuits and dining.

Overnight: Galway Bay Hotel, Galway Day Seven (April 13, 2019) – Today we visit the Bunratty Folk Park, which comprises a collection of farmhouses from different regions of Ireland. We will also see a 19th century village street with a pub, school, general store and many other buildings where traditional lifestyles and crafts are demonstrated.

From Bunratty, we motor a short distance to our hotel, Dromoland Castle Hotel, one of Ireland’s finest castle hotels. Upon arrival, we will check in for our overnight stay, and spend some time at leisure enjoying the wonderful amenities that Dromoland Castle has to offer. You may wish to stroll through the many paths and trails that surround the lovely castle. Perhaps you would like to see a falconry demonstration, play a round of golf or even take a leisurely horseback riding excursion on the estate property. The castle offers all guests deluxe accommodation and the experience of living as “Landed Gentry,” surrounded by incredible scenery, absolute luxury and exceptional service. This evening, we join our fellow travelers for a farewell dinner in the castle’s restaurant.

Overnight: Dromoland Castle, Shannon Day Eight (April 14, 2019) – All too soon, our Irish vacation has come to its final day. We will transfer to Shannon Airport in good time to check in for your flight. You may do some last-minute shopping at the duty free stores before boarding your aircraft and flying across the Atlantic Ocean back to the United States, or wherever else your travels may take you.

Group Size: This travel experience can accommodate up to 40 travelers.

Pricing: The price is $2195 per person, based on double occupancy. $100 discount for past QTS tour travelers.

Single supplement is $595.

Please review the online registration form for deposit amount, final payment date, terms and conditions.

What is Included: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

2 Nights lodging, Trinity City Hotel, Dublin 2 nights lodging, Scotts Hotel, Killarney 2 nights lodging, Galway Bay Hotel, Galway 1 night lodging, Dromoland Castle Hotel, Shannon Breakfast is included daily Transfers to/from the airport upon arrival in Dublin and departure from Shannon Tour Driver/Guide for the duration of the travel experience Full itinerary of sightseeing and activities Guided tour of Dublin Tour of Guinness Storehouse Merry Ploughboy Pub Dinner and Show Dinner at Scotts Hotel, Killarney Tour and Tasting at Dingle Brewing Company Guided walking tour of Galway Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory tour and demonstration Dinner at Galway Bay Hotel Farewell dinner at Dromoland Castle

What is Not Included: • • • •

Airline flights Gratuities for driver guide, breakfast waitstaff, and hotel housekeeping Travel Protection Personal expenses such as shopping, meals not included in the itinerary, and alcoholic beverages

To join us on this experience, please fill out the registration form link here: https://form.jotform.co/QTSolutions/RegistrationForm

For more information: Don Capparella info@qualitytravelsolutions.com 602-614-6679 Dan Bodwin Dan@qualitytravelsolutions.com 602-318-3266