Breakfast is included daily except on the day of arrival. Other meals as indicated by L (Lunch) and D (Dinner).
May 30, 2023 – OFF TO DUBLIN! We welcome travelers from all over the world, however, if departing from the USA, most flights are overnight and our exclusive “Free to Fly” program allows you to depart from the city of your choice, using mileage plans or points if you prefer, and you do not have the hassle of having to meet up with a group at an appointed airport. You may leave from where you want and when you want. We welcome guests from all over the world and our “Free to Fly” program makes it simple for everyone. If departing from the USA dinner should be served on your flight with a light breakfast before arrival in the morning.
May 31, 2023- DUBLIN ARRIVAL: After landing at Dublin Airport, you will complete customs and immigration formalities. After making your way to the hotel, you are free to settle into your room. You may like to rest or explore some of the city on your own before we meet for a welcome dinner with our group.
This evening we will enjoy dinner in a lovely Irish pub. It is a wonderful way to begin our incredible Irish journey together. D
June 1, 2023 – Following breakfast, we will depart Dublin and travel north along the coast to Drogheda. We will continue north, driving through the towns of Dundalk and Newry and past the scenic Mourne Mountains driving into Belfast which is situated on the deep inlet of Belfast Lough surrounded by hills. On arrival, once we’ve checked into our Belfast hotel the balance of the day is for individual pursuits. B, T
June 3 –This morning, we will drive north to experience one of Ireland’s popular scenic routes along the coast road. Here you’ll see the “Nine Glens of Antrim” which offer wonderful views of mountains, valleys and coastline. We will stop to view the Giant’s Causeway, an impressive area of hexagonal columns formed over 60 million years ago by cooling lava and has given rise to many legends. B
As we return to the city we will have a driving tour and learn more history about the infamous ‘troubles’. Once we are back at our hotel the remainder of the day is free for us to explore the lively city. For those who wish to visit Titanic Belfast, we will arrange a drop off for you here before the remainder of the group returns to the hotel. B
June 2 – This morning, we will drive north to experience one of Ireland’s popular scenic routes along the coast road. Here you’ll see the “Nine Glens of Antrim” which offer wonderful views of mountains, valleys and coastline. We will stop to view the Giant’s Causeway, an impressive area of hexagonal columns formed over 60 million years ago by cooling lava and has given rise to many legends. B
As we return to the city we will have a driving tour and learn more history about the infamous ‘troubles’. Once we are back at our hotel the remainder of the day is free for us to explore the lively city. For those who wish to visit Titanic Belfast, we will arrange a drop off for you here before the remainder of the group returns to the hotel. B
June 3 – Today, we’ve arranged a special visit at a living history museum, the focus here is on ways of life and traditions of the people of Northern Ireland. As you enjoy the homes in the village, take note of the Irish quilts that may be on the beds and tables. We will take time for lunch here as they serve lovely traditional Irish stews, soups and sweets. Following our time here, we will make our way back to the hotel via Belfast’s favorite quilt and fabric shops. The evening is free for sightseeing, shopping and independent dining. B
June 4 – Departing Belfast we will drive south then west across Ireland through the fertile midland region, dotted with farms and marketing towns, where we can see how many Irish people make a living from farming, which is of great importance to the Irish economy. Mid-day we be stopping at a wonderful quilt shop before arriving in Galway where we will make another quilt shop stop. We spend the night in Galway, be sure to ask at the hotel about walking directions to Galway’s lively Latin Quarter with a multitude of restaurants and shops (about 10 minutes away ). Enjoy the balance of the day at leisure for individual pursuits. B
June 5 –A wonderful and active day is planned as we drive around the shores of Galway Bay and through the Burren Country, an unique region of limestone hills where many rare flowers thrive in the sheltered crevices.
We will stop at the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, a wall of rock that plunges 700 feet to the churning Atlantic Ocean below. Later we will take a ferry to cross Ireland’s Shannon River, ending our day in the charming seaside town of Dingle where we will stay for the next three nights. We will gather for dinner together at the hotel. B, D
June 6 –After breakfast this morning we will embark on a tour of the town of Dingle. With a population of only 1200, Dingle serves a larger population of the surrounding countryside. Situated below Slievanea Mountain, the town faces comfortably onto a sheltered harbor. As a market town and fishing port, Dingle has long been famous for its pubs and many opportunities to enjoy traditional Irish food and entertainment.
As we travel on the beautiful and noteworthy Slea Head Drive we will discover the beauties of the Dingle Peninsula, made famous by David Lean’s movie, “Ryan’s Daughter.” This is one of the most beautiful areas in all Ireland and is packed with history from about 500 BC. Driving along the south shore of the peninsula will enjoy vistas of heathery mountains, sandy stretches of beach and rocky headlands. We will make frequent stops at strategic locations to admire the views and take photos. Along our way we will be able to look across the bay to the Blasket Islands and Dunmore Head. Not to be missed, we will stop and enjoy sheepdog trials, seeing how the dogs are trained to guard and protect the area’s sheep.
After our sightseeing tour, we enjoy lunch at a wonderful (and our favorite) Irish Pub. and then will have some time to visit our favorite quilt shop before returning to our hotel. B, L
June 7 –We’ve traveled a long way since our adventure began and today is a free day for us to relax, unwind a little and enjoy the beautiful Dingle Peninsula. From walking, to bicycling to fishing, there are many activities that await. For those that wish you may take an optional quilting class from 9-12 (see below) or enjoy a visit to Muckross Farm. B
June 8 – We’re off to the Blarney Castle where you will have an opportunity to climb the battlements and kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence”. The remainder of our day will be in the Blarney area so take the afternoon to shop in their famous Mill store or take a nice walk in the lovely gardens and parks nearby. Departing Blarney we will spend the night in the city of Cork. B
June 9 – After leaving Cork this morning, we will visit the House of Waterford Crystal to learn about their special glass blowing and cutting process and to see their one-of-a-kind masterpieces. Continuing north through the Irish countryside stopping at the fabulous historic Avoca Mill before ending our day in Dublin. Once we arrive at our city center hotel the remainder of the day is free. B
June 10 – Following breakfast we will enjoy a tour of the city where we will see the prominent historic buildings and monuments of Dublin. Dublin is an ancient settlement, founded by the Vikings in the 9th century. The city has been molded through the centuries with many architectural styles, reflecting the economic, political and artistic influences. Following our tour, you are free to enjoy the city on your own, you may wish to make pre-booking arrangements to see the Book of Kells at Trinity College. We will gather this evening for a farewell dinner together. B, D
June 11 – Today is a free day for you to enjoy Dublin as you wish. B
June 12 – All too soon, our Irish vacation has come to an end. Following breakfast, you may arrange transportation to the airport with the hotel. Those from the USA, please leave in plenty of time as US customs is in the Dublin airport. Once you are cleared, be sure you stop for shopping at some wonderful airport duty free shops before boarding your flight home. B
Option – Muckross House and Garden with Traditional Farm Visit
**At the same time as the quilt class, please do not book both.
Additionally, we are offering a special tour for those who do not wish to participate in the quilting workshop.
Our optional tour to Muckross House and Traditional Farm is planned at the same time as the quilt workshop so that friends and spouses who accompany you will also have an option on this day.
In the midst of Killarney National Park (Ireland’s oldest National Park) sits Muckross House, a nineteenth century Victorian Mansion. The house stands close to the shores of Muckross Lake, one of Killarney’s three lakes, famed worldwide for their splendor and beauty. Your visit will include a tour of the home and entry to the beautiful gardens. Additionally, you will visit Muckross Traditional farm where you will step back into the past and visit a very different Ireland. This was Ireland in the 1930s and 1940s, when a trip to the well was still a daily chore and electricity had yet to be introduced to the countryside. Visit three separate working farms (small, medium and large), each complete with animals, poultry and machinery. The farm dwellings are furnished in traditional style, complete with dressers, settle-beds with quilts and meal bins. There is also a Laborer’s Cottage, a Carpenter’s Workshop and a Blacksmith’s Forge. The craft shop is full of local weavings and crafts and should not be missed!
This is a full day excursion.
Cost $105
Option – ACELTIC THEME QUILT CLASS
On the free day in Dingle, enjoy a Irish theme quilt project with one of Ireland’s most beloved quilting instructors. The class will be from 9am – 12 noon, allowing you plenty of time left in your day to enjoy Dingle’s charm in the afternoon. Kit and instructional fee €50. (minimum enrollment required)
