Tour Ireland with THE SUNTONES
July 12-20, 2009 

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Proposed Itinerary

Sunday: Depart USA
We depart the USA tonight aboard our wide bodied jet bound for the Emerald Isle. Cocktails and dinner will be served shortly after takeoff. Watch a movie, or just sit back and relax as you approach the dawn of an Irish morning.

Monday: Arrive Shannon - Cliffs of Moher - Killarney
After customs and immigration formalities at Shannon Airport, our driver/guide will welcome us to Ireland and escort us to the motorcoach.  We depart Shannon and drive to the coast of Clare to view the awesome Cliffs of Moher, one of the most outstanding features of County Clare. Rising sheer above the sea to nearly 700 feet and extending along the coast for nearly five miles ­ they are an awesome natural wonder. The Cliffs offer sweeping views of the Atlantic, the Aran Islands, and Galway Bay.  

Then we take a short ferry ride across the River Shannon Estuary to the mountainous countryside of Kerry.  We arrive in Killarney and check into our hotel. Then we will have the afternoon free to relax or stroll around town on our own.  In the evening, join our fellow travelers for dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Dinner and Overnight: Killarney Towers Hotel 

Tuesday: St. Mary's Cathedral - Ring of Kerry
This morning, we will see the majestic St. Mary’s Cathedral in Killarney.  After a song or two to enjoy the fabulous acoustics, we will explore the Ring of Kerry--100 miles of marvelous scenery consisting of the highest peaks in Ireland on one side and a coastline scattered with golden beaches and rocky headlands on the other. We'll enjoy plenty of stops to view the scenery and take photos.  We travel through Glenbeigh and Cahirciveen and on to Waterville and the colorful village of Sneem.  We'll stop at Moll’s Gap for a view of the three lakes of Killarney with the mountains and the town in the background.  We return to Killarney for some free time to look around the town before dining in our hotel. We hope to have a singing venue this evening with the local School of Music.
Dinner and Overnight: Killarney Towers Hotel

Wednesday: Blarney Castle - Kinsale
We leave Killarney and drive into the rich farming country of Cork.  At Blarney, we stop to climb to the battlements of Blarney Castle to kiss the famous "Stone of Eloquence."   We also visit the Blarney Woolen Mills, which has an excellent range of Irish products of all types.  They will ship and insure goods such as Waterford Crystal for you.  You will also have time to browse around the village, charmingly set around a large village green.

Then we head south to the coastal town of Kinsale. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore this popular yachting center and attractive town with brightly painted houses.

We continue a short distance to Cork and check into our hotel.  Your tour leader has arranged a get together with fellow singers from the area. In the evening enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Dinner and Overnight: Kingsley Hotel

Thursday: Cobh Heritage Centre - Rock of Cashel - DublinToday we visit the Cobh Heritage Centre, where many emigrants left Ireland to create a new life in the United States. Displays are housed in the former rail station through which all travelers had to pass and tell of the ships and luxury liners that sailed from here.  Then journey north to the Rock of Cashel for a guided tour of these majestic church ruins which are clustered high on a limestone outcrop overlooking the surrounding countryside.  Of particular note are the highly decorated Cormac's Chapel which was built during the 12th century, the large cruciform cathedral from the 13th century and a round tower. Continue your journey through the Irish countryside, mainly farming country interspersed with market towns.  Arrive in Dublin and check into your hotel with time to refresh before dinner.
Dinner and Overnight: Camden Court Hotel

Friday: St. Patrick’s Cathedral – Barbershop Night
Today we tour St. Patrick's Cathedral, which is almost as old as the city itself and famous for its connections with the brilliantly eccentric Dean Jonathan Swift.  The Suntones and the chorus will perform at this magnificent and historic Cathedral. We continue our sightseeing with a stop at Trinity College to see the Book of Kells, an 8th century illuminated manuscript of the gospels and see the Old Library.  The afternoon is free for shopping and independent sightseeing.  In the evening we will have dinner,  and then a Barbershop evening with Dublin area members of the Irish Association of Barbershop Singers (IABS).
Dinner and Overnight: Camden Court Hotel

Saturday: Belleek China tour and Sligo
We depart Dublin heading northwest, passing through the midlands, where many Irish people make their living from agriculture.  We continue through the lake-studded region of Cavan and along the beautiful shores of Lower Lough Erne before stopping in Belleek to visit the Belleek China Factory.  Here we can find clay formed by highly skilled craftspeople into decorative pieces.  They are especially renowned for basket weave items and you can see the full range of goods in the showrooms. A short drive will take you to Sligo to check into your hotel.   We dine in the hotel and then we meet with the IABS Barbershoppers of Sligo.
Dinner and Overnight: Clarion Hotel Sligo

Sunday: Cong Walking Tour - Bunratty Medieval Banquet
We leave Sligo heading south and stop in the attractive village of Cong, where the movie “The Quiet Man” was filmed with John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara in 1952. Take a short walking tour through the village to discover places that appeared in the production. Finish your walk at the Quiet Man Heritage Cottage, filled with memorabilia of the movie.  

Continue your journey past the rounded limestone hills of the Burren country and through the towns of Gort and Ennis to the Shannonside region, where many castles and Shannon Airport are located. Arrive in the village of Bunratty to check into your hotel.  Relax or explore some of the nearby attractions such as: Bunratty Village Mills, Bunratty Folk Park and Durty Nelly’s Pub. 

This evening join in the fun and feasting at Bunratty Castle.  Your medieval-style banquet is served in the Great Hall of the 15th century castle during which the lords and ladies of the castle transport you in spirit to the Middle Ages with their songs and stories.
Dinner (Banquet) and Overnight: Bunratty Castle Hotel

Monday: Depart Shannon for USA          
After a leisurely Irish breakfast, you will board the motor coach for Shannon Airport, where you will have time to shop in the Duty Free Store for last-minute gifts for family and friends. As you board your flight for home, we hope you will take with you wonderful memories of your time in our beautiful country. Come back soon.

Estimated Costs

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Land Cost: $1978.00 Per Person, Double Occupancy (Plus air)
(Based on 70 fare-paying passengers) Per Person, Double Occupancy

Single Room Supplement........... $450.00 net

SUGGESTED HOTELS
Killarney Towers Hotel, Killarney ........... 2 nights
Kingsley Hotel, Cork.............................. 1 night
Camden Court Hotel, Dublin.................. 2 nights
Clarion Hotel, Sligo................................ 1 night
Bunratty Castle Hotel, Bunratty ............ 1 night

ESTIMATED AIR FARES ABOARD AER LINGUS
Round trip flights between BOS and SNN

Airfare...................................... $880.00 
To utilize this rate, the full airfare payment must be received by 65 days prior to departure. Otherwise it may be subject to higher rate.

Airport departure taxes........... $100.00 
On all airlines, taxes/surcharges are subject to change until ticketed.

TRAVEL PROTECTION PLAN
Premium per person .............. $159.00 
This travel policy with Trip Mate

Protection Plan can only be purchased at the time of deposit.

PLEASE NOTE
1)     This quotation is subject to the terms of our Conditions Sheet (attached).
2)     The exchange rate is guaranteed for 2009

 

Inclusions

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• Transport by luxury motorcoach with a driver/guide for 8 days.

• Hotel accommodation based on twin bedded rooms with private bath as listed opposite for 7 nights.

• Full breakfasts (7).

• Table d’hôte dinners (6).

• Passage on the Tarbert Ferry

•  "Quiet Man" walking tour of Cong.

• Medieval banquet at an Irish castle.

• Visits and admission fees to:

  • Cliffs of Moher,
  • Blarney Castle & Woollen Mills,
  • Cobh Heritage Center,
  • Rock of Cashel,
  • St. Patrick’s Cathedral,
  • Trinity College (Book of Kells),
  • Belleek China Factory
    
    
• Hotel porterage, service charges and government taxes.
• Flight bags, ticket wallets, baggage tags and identifying strap