9 Days December 19 - 27, 1996
INCLUDED MEALS
Departure day
Thursday Dec. 19
The friendly Irish welcome you to spend the Christmas season getting to know their beautiful Emerald Isle. Board your evening flight from New York to Shannon, Ireland.
Shannon, Ireland Dromoland Castle
Friday Dec. 20 D
Arrive at Shannon Airport, meet your tour manager and transfer to legendary Dromoland Castle, set on a 1,500-acre estate. Visit Old Bunratty Folk Park, a replica of 19th-century rural Ireland, which displays traditional practices such as blacksmithing, lace making and Irish cooking. Spend the afternoon enjoying the amenities at Dromoland Castle before this evening's get-acquainted reception and dinner. DROMOLAND CASTLE.
Overnight Dromoland Castle, one of Ireiand's finest accommodations.
Glin Castle - Killarney
Saturday Dec. 21 BL
You are a special.guest at Glin Castle, a Georgian Gothic castle held by the Knights of Glin since the 13th century. The Knight of Glin or Lady Glin will show you their home and be your host for lunch. Then head south into County Kerry, known for its mild winters and beautiful scenery. Arrive in Killarney for a two-night stay at the centrally located KILLARNEY PARK HOTEL.
Ring of Kerry Parknasilla estate
Sunday Dec. 22 BLD
Journey 'round the Ring of Kerry, one of Europe's most scenic drives. Pass Lough Leane to Killorglin where the annual Puck Fair is held each August. Explore the glens, the coastline of Dingle Bay, the quaint fishing villages, mountains, woods and rolling country. The small towns between Glenbeigh and Cahersiveen typify rural Ireland. Lunch is a special treat at award-winning Parknasilla. Set amid 300 acres of gardens and surrounded by subtropical plants, the restaurant boasts over 100 years of hospitality. Return to Killarney hotel with the remainder of the day free to explore on your own. Tonight you'll dine at Gaby's Restaurant, one of Killarney's finest. KILLARNEY PARK HOTEL.
Blarney Castle Cashel of Kings
Mount Juliet House
Monday Dec. 23 BD
Take a morning drive to Blarney Castle. Cormac MacCarthy's attempts to smooth-talk Elizabeth I brought about the term "blarney." You too can acquire the "gift of gab" - lie down on the battlements, hold tight to the rail and lean your head way back to kiss the famous stone. Walking the castle grounds, you'll see Rock Close, oddly shaped limestone rocks in a grove of yew trees, said to have been the center of Druid worship. Visit the Rock of Cashel, a giant circular mound 200 feet above the plain and crowned with monastic remains. Legend says the devil flew over Ireland in a hurry, taking a bite out of the mountains and spitting it out here. Cashel is also where St. Patrick picked the shamrock to explain the Trinity. Continue to Thomastown, a stone-built village south of Kilkenny, and stay at one of Ireland's luxury hotels, Mount Juliet, an imposing Georgian manor house built in 1760 on a 1,400-acre walled estate surrounded by picturesque park land. MOUNT JULIET.
Vale of Avoca Dublin
Tuesday Dec. 24 BLD
Visit Kilkenny with its medieval buildings and cobblestoned streets. It was the capital of Ireland from 1642 to 1648. After a pub lunch, travel through the "Garden of Ireland," County Wicklow. Drive through the lovely Vale of Avoca, where the waters of the Avonmore and Avonbeg meet to form the River Avoca. Continue through the valley of Glendalough to one of Ireland's prettiest villages, Enniskerry. Mount Juliet House offers luxurious accommodations and a picturesque setting. Late this afternoon, arrive in Dublin for dinner at your hotel. Attend Christmas Eve church services this evening if you wish. BERKELEY COURT HOTEL.
Christmas Day o Dublin
Wednesday Dec. 25 BLD
Merry Christmas! The early morning is free to relax, enjoy the amenities of your hotel or attend church services. A midmorning guided tour of Dublin includes views of Leinster House, O'Connell Street, Dail Eireann, Guinness Brewery, River Liffey, Irish Parliament, St. Stephen's Green, Merrion Square, statue of Daniel O'Connell, Trinity College, St. Patrick's Cathedral and Dublin Castle. Christmas lunch is served at the hotel where you can enjoy the melodies of carolers this afternoon. BERKELEY COURT HOTEL.
Horse Races Dublin
Thursday Dec. 26 BLD
Join in an Irish tradition celebrating St. Stephen's Day at the track. Stop for lunch at Prince Regent Restaurant, then you're off to the Leopardstown Race Track. Cheer your favorites to the finish line! Return to Dublin late this afternoon then join your tour manager and fellow travelers for a farewell dinner. BERKELEY COURT HOTEL.
Return home
Friday Dec. 27 B
We hope you have enjoyed the people, places and holiday spirit of Ireiand. Transfer to the Dublin airport for your flight to New York. Thank you for traveling with Maupintour. Join us again soon.
LAND TOUR RATE per person is $2275 twin, $2740 single and $2250 triple (twin with roll-away) basis, without airfare.
AIRFARE EXAMPLE: $705 aboard Aer Lingus from New York. Airfares are subject to change until ticketed. Please see your travel agent for additional gateways.
RESERVATION DEPOSIT per person is $350 plus (optional) $100 per person fee for Tour Cancellation Protection.
FULL REFUND when you participate in the Tour Cancellation Protection Plan.
Please see the For Your Information section.
Maximum elevation: 3, 000 feet Average temperature: Hi 47, Low 37
TOUR NUMBER: ICM-537