itinerary is here

I am posting the itinerary here and mailing to each of you via snail mail.
October 25- November 1, 2006

madden Ireland tour PRIVATE

Wed, Oct. 25 UNITED STATES TO SHANNON PRIVATE

Depart your hometown and take an overnight flight across the Atlantic. Enjoy in-flight entertainment and meal service as you travel to start your vacation.
Thu, Oct. 26 SHANNON ARRIVAL & GALWAYPRIVATE

After customs and immigration formalities at Shannon Airport, your CIE Tours driver/guide will welcome you to Ireland. Drive north through the Clare countryside, via Ennis and Gort, and around Galway Bay to Galway City. A drive around will take you to the large modern cathedral set on an island on the River Corrib. See the Spanish Arch in the Claddagh area, formerly a fishing village, the City Museum, National University of Galway and the Cathedral of Our Lady, which is built on the site of the former county jail. Check into your hotel and in the afternoon spend some time around Eyre Square, the hub of the city. Most of the shops are within easy reach and there are also many quaint pubs where Irish traditional music is played.

This evening enjoy dinner and entertainment at Padraicin’s restaurant, which is situated on the shores of Galway Bay and boasts panoramic views and a relaxed atmosphere.

OVERNIGHT: GREAT SOUTHERN HOTEL, GALWAY
Fri, Oct. 27 CONNEMARA & WILLIAMSTOWN

Today’s itinerary takes you through the Connemara region known for its constantly changing skies and subtle colors. Drive past the gentle hills of the Maamturk Mountains and the Twelve Bens. You'll see patches of bog where people cut peat for their own use and sheep graze freely. Stop in Williamstown for some free time before returning to Galway. This evening join the rest of your group for dinner in the hotel restaurant.

DINNER & OVERNIGHT: GREAT SOUTHERN HOTEL, GALWAY
Sat, Oct. 28 CLIFFS OF MOHER & KILLARNEY

Leaving Galway travel south through the Burren country, an area of limestone hills which supports a wide range of flora. View the impressive Cliffs of Moher, which rise 700 feet above the open Atlantic swells and extend five miles along the coast. Then enjoy a short ferry ride across the wide estuary of the River Shannon to Kerry and on to Killarney, settled beside three lakes in the shadow of Ireland's highest mountains. Check into your hotel and the rest of the afternoon is completely at leisure for you to browse, shop and sightsee independently. You may like to visit St. Mary's Catholic Cathedral with its soaring spire; the Franciscan Friary with superb stained glass windows; and the Transport Museum containing a fine collection of vintage cars.

This evening enjoy dinner and entertainment at Kate Kearney’s Cottage, which is picturesquely situated at the entrance to what must be the most beautiful glaciated valley in Ireland, the Gap of Dunloe. The Irish night consists of a superb meal and traditional entertainment, which includes songs and musicians playing a wide array of instruments along with costumed dancers doing the jig and other traditional sets.

OVERNIGHT: KILLARNEY AVENUE HOTEL, KILLARNEY Sun, Oct. 29 BLARNEY CASTLE & DUBLINPRIVATE

Leaving Killarney drive into the rich farming country of Cork. At Blarney, stop to climb to the battlements of Blarney Castle to kiss the famous "Stone of Eloquence." Also visit the Blarney Woollen 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 depart Blarney and drive north towards Dublin. Travel through the rich dairy country of Cork and Tipperary, past the gentle slopes of the Galtee Mountains and the majestic Rock of Cashel. Pass through many marketing towns, each with its own characteristics and see the different types of farming which is the principal livelihood of the Irish people. Arrive in Dublin and check into your hotel. Enjoy the balance of the afternoon and evening at leisure for independent activities and dining.

OVERNIGHT: BURLINGTON HOTEL, DUBLIN
Mon, Oct. 30 DUBLIN AT LEISUREPRIVATE

Enjoy some leisure time in Dublin where you can choose from a wide variety of pursuits. If you wish, you may participate in the Dublin city marathon. Alternatively, there are plenty of museums of Irish interest such as the National Museum, the National Gallery or the Writers Museum. There are also plenty of shops along Nassau Street and the pedestrianized Grafton Street or Henry Street and you may like to explore Temple Bar or visit some of the traditional pubs. In the evening you are free to choose from the many restaurants, theaters and pubs that Dublin has to offer.

OVERNIGHT: BURLINGTON HOTEL, DUBLIN
Tue, Oct. 31 DUBLIN - CAPITAL CITYPRIVATE

This morning enjoy a city sightseeing tour of Dublin, an elegant and artistic city with spacious Georgian squares. Tour Dublin Castle to see the State Apartments where many state functions are held in the richly decorated chambers. In Trinity College view the 8th century Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript of the gospels. The afternoon is at leisure so that you can browse, shop and sightsee independently.

In the evening drive to Rathfarnham to Taylor’s Three Rock. After dinner is served enjoy the lively show of Irish songs and music.
OVERNIGHT: BURLINGTON HOTEL, DUBLIN
Wed, Nov. 1 RETURN TO THE UNITED STATESPRIVATE

All too soon, your vacation in Ireland has come to the end. Transfer to Dublin Airport in plenty of time to check in for your flight, clear security and claim your VAT refund. You may do some last minute shopping at the duty free stores. Then clear U.S. Immigration before boarding your aircraft and fly west across the Atlantic Ocean back to the United States.
Maureen