Mystical Ireland - the Best of the West - June 17th - 24th 2008
Ireland in June is magical; the Emerald Isle really comes alive. With the colourful flowers in abundance, the backdrop of impressive mountains and stunning ocean vistas, this is the best time to visit. On our travels in the west, we'll spend most of our time in the Dingle Peninsula and Killarney Lakes area. We'll be exploring the beauties of Nature, plus delving into Ireland's rich heritage; from the massive array of ancient sites to a Medieval Banquet in a Castle.
Tuesday June 17th – Meet at Shannon Airport and drive south to Killarney, through Adare, billed as Ireland's prettiest village, and then on to Louge Gur and Grange Circle. This impressive goddess site, with its 113 stones, and numerous secondary circles and standing stones, is a part of a large Neolithic complex. Once in our B&B near Killarney, have some time to relax before enjoying our Welcome Dinner.
Wednesday June 18th – Spend our day taking in the gorgeous area of the Killarney Lakes. This whole area is amazing, with dramatic settings amongst some of the highest mountains in Ireland. Have a leisurely morning being taken on a boat across Lough Leane from Ross Castle to Inisfallen Island, where there is a 7th century monastery. Back to explore Ross Castle and lunch at the Castle tearooms.
In the afternoon we will visit the nearby ireland with its beautiful array of rhododendrons.
Thursday June 19th – No visit to this area would be complete without a visit to the Gap of Dunloe, which is not open to motorized vehicles, but one can hire a pony and trap, called a "gytny" - otherwise it is a 4-mile walk!
Have a relaxing afternoon with a visit to picturesque Kenmare, with its colourful shops and restaurants. On the way we’ll go by Ladies’ view, through Moll’s Gap and, once in Kenmare there’ll be an opportunity for some discerning shopping. This small town also has its very own stone circle just a short walk from the centre.
Friday June 20th – Today we leave Killarney and drive to the Dingle Peninsula which offers some of Ireland's most beautiful scenery. The west coast has some spectacular seascapes, and to the north rises the towering Brandon Mountain. This holy mountain is the second highest peak in Ireland at 3127 ft., and the whole region is dotted with ancient holy wells, inscribed stones, beehive huts, stone forts, oratories and remnants of monastic and early Christian sites that grew up in the shadow of the mountain. The Gallarus oratory, a tiny drystone church and relic of early Irish Christianity, is a good example of this. After dinner we can take a drive to Slea Head to see the sun go down beyond the Blasket Islands.
Click to enlarge images above
Saturday June 21st – Spend the day exploring the above mentioned sites in this magnificent region.
Sunday June 22nd - Today we will take a boat-ride in search of Fungie, the friendly dolphin, who broke away from his pod many years ago to adopt Dingle Bay as his home. He enjoys people's company and can be seen escorting boats and swimmers. I do hope he comes to welcome us!! In the afternoon, we can explore Dingle town and in the evening enjoy a Celtic concert at St. James' Church.
Click to enlarge images above
Monday June 23rd –This being our last whole day, group consensus decides on our last excursion (maybe some last minute shopping?). Later we drive to Limerick and in the evening enjoy our Farewell Dinner at a Medieval Banquet in Bunratty Castle.
Tuesday June 24th – After breakfast its back to Shannon Airport and goodbye to Ireland.
Price - £1495* (Tour cost goes up 7% for bookings after March 1st) which includes:
- Pick up and set down at Shannon International Airport
- All accommodation and breakfasts and 2 dinners
- All land transportation
- All entry fees, Celtic Concert and Medieval Banquet
- A cornucopia of ancient and heritage sites in inspirational settings
A deposit of £250 will secure your place.
*Cost is based on 2 people sharing. Single rooms may be available at extra cost. Please contact Denni for availability and price.
You can pay for the deposit of the tour or the total amount using a debit or credit card using Paypal. However PLEASE check availability with Denni first either by phoning on 44 (0)1631 564 750 or filling in the online enquiry form.
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