Irelands Hidden Heartlands

with Fr Sean Condon October 24-November 1st 2022

Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands with Father Sean Condon

8 Night stay : Monday Oct 24th – Tuesday November 1st 2022
Depart U.S. on Sun Oct 23rd to arrive in Ireland  on Mon Oct 24th

$3,482 PP Sharing Double/Twin Room – $4,532 PP Single Room (Airfare not Included)

                  *If you wish to avail of the non stop flight to LAX from Dublin on November 2nd  we are offering an extra night stay in Dublin for $185pp Sharing Double/Twin Room –  $295pp Single room.

Book by June 30th 2022 to avail of group rates

Trip Overview

Hotels:

Meals:

  • Breakfast Each Morning (except morning of arrival)
  • 5 Hotel Dinners

 

Transportation and Other:

  • Round-trip airport coach transfers
  •  Luxury Air-conditioned coach throughout  with Professional Irish Guide
  •  All Hotel Taxes Service Charges Included

Features & Sightseeing:

 Sheep grazing Mulranny Co Mayo
 medium Cork August 2013 1
 waterford museum
Titanic Experience Cobh

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Trip Summary

Arrive in Ireland
Monday: October 24th

Arrive into Dublin Airport and transfer to Barberstown Hotel. Perhaps if we have everyone together we could do a short
Dublin City Panoramic Tour before heading out to Kildare
Dinner and overnight at Barberstown

Killaloe
Tuesday : October 25th

Depart Barberstown after breakfast. Morning visit to Curragh Racetrack for a behind the scenes tour The tour is a fully-guided, 2-hour dive into the professional sport of horse racing with a particular focus on the unique attributes of professional jockeys and the key to professional success, or failure. (its a very lively and engaging tour). Then we stop and visit St. Brigid’s Cathedral & Round Tower, located in Kildare town. Afterwards free time for lunch. Then depart for the hidden gem of the twin towns Killaloe and Ballina. Check into the hotel

Dinner and Overnight: Lakeside Hotel

The Twin Towns & The River Shannon
Wednesday : October 26th

After breakfast we explore this beautiful location with a river cruise on the Spirit of Killaloe as we head up the Shannon River. On our trip we visit St Flannans 13th Century Cathedral. On our return, free for lunch before taking a scenic tour to the Arra Mountains  area whose highest peak Tountinna (Hill above the Wave) is 465m. It is from these mountains, which skirt the shores of Lough Derg between Ballina and Portroe, that the true majesty of the Shannon’s greatest Lake can be appreciated. The mountains contain one of the most celebrated sites of ancient Ireland – The Graves of the Leinstermen. The prehistoric bronze age chamber tomb dates from about 1000 BC and is believed to have been one of the first inhabited places in Ireland. Tradition tells us that the Kings of Leinster and his men were ambushed here on the orders of Brian Boru’s wife Gormliath, because she feared the Leinster King was to marry her daughter. As the King lay dying he asked to be brought to a spot from where he could see his cherished Kingdom of Leinster.

Back to the hotel for Dinner and Overnight: Lakeside Hotel

The Westeros & Wonders of Northern Ireland

The Burren, Cliffs of Moher and Sheepdog demo
Thursday: October 27th

After breakfast we board the coach for a day out in County Clare.  Our first stop is in Caherconnell to visit the Stone Fort  located in the heart of the Burren UNESCO Geopark and is owned and run by the Davoren family who have lived in this area for over 1000 years. A site of international archaeological importance, Caherconnell was inhabited up to the late 16th century. Finds uncovered during excavations of the site indicate that this was a high-status settlement and include jewellery, glass from Venice, and amber from the Baltic.

Today, Caherconnell Stone Fort is one of the Burren’s premier tourist destinations and attracts visitors from all over Ireland and the world. Through interaction with expert local staff the traditions and heritage of Caherconnell are brought to life for the visitor. Afterwards we are in for a treat with a Sheepdog demonstration. 

On then to the Cliffs of Moher where you have time for lunch and the opportunity to see the majestic cliffs. We return to Killaloe where this evening you are free to enjoy one of the local pubs close by for dinner.

Overnight: Lakeside Hotel. – Dinner on own

    On the Road to Cork
    Friday: October 28th

    After breakfast we bid farewell to our friends in Killaloe and Ballina for our journey south to Cork City. Our route today is a scenic one and very familiar to Father Sean as we pay a visit to the town of Ballylanders. On then to one of the most scenic places called “The Vee Pass”,  located close to the border between the counties of Tipperary and Waterford and is the main route over the Knockmealdown Mountains. For this stop you will definitely need your cameras. On route to Cork city there is a stop off at Lismore Castle before continuing to the hotel in Cork where we check into our hotel. Enjoy the stunning views out over the city.

    Dinner and Overnight; The Montenotte Hotel Cork

    Cobh & Spike Island
    Saturday: October 29th

    After breakfast we head out to Cobh where we are led on a very informative walking tour by a local guide. You will hear all the amazing history connected to his little port town including the Titanic, Irish emigration, the Luisitania and much more. After lunch you board your ferry for a trip out to Spike Island, an island that was once a monastery, military fort and a prison. You will hear the stories of saints, scholars, soldiers and villans.
    We return to Cork this evening to enjoy a free night in the city as you please

    Overnight; The Montenotte Hotel Cork – Dinner on own

     

    Waterford and Kilkenny
    Sunday: October 30th

    We bid farewell to Cork city after breakfast and take the coast road over to the Viking City of Waterford. After a short walking tour you are free to visit the House of Waterford Crystal or the Waterford Treasures Museum that houses so many ancient artifacts. Whether it’s the Museum of Time or Silver or the Bishops Palace, you will have so much to take in. After lunch we head north to Kilkenny where we check into our stunning hotel for the last 2 nights in Ireland. Tonight we enjoy dinner at the hotel.
    Overnight and Dinner: Hunters Yard Hotel (Mount Juliette)
    Niche Northern Ireland

    Relax on the Estate or enjoy Kilkenny
    Monday: October 31st

    This morning is free to enjoy the activities that are available on the Mount Juliet Estate – https://www.mountjuliet.ie/activities/
    Alternatively you can enjoy some time in the City of Kilkenny where you can visit the beautiful Castle, tour the Cathedral. Shop in the Kilkenny Design Center, peruse the many great craft shops and foodie spots, meet the locals in the lively pubs, before heading back to the hotel for a very special farewell dinner at the Estate.
    Overnight and Dinner: The Hound Restaurant Dining experience (Mount Juliet)

    Heading Home

    Tuesday: November 1st

    Bus transfer will collect you from the hotel and drop you straight to Dublin airport to start your journey home.

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