Trips for Women: Allison's Ireland With Northern Extension

8/8/2019 Trips for Women: Allison's Ireland With Northern Extension

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TRIPS FOR WOMEN

ALLISONS IRELAND

TOUR CALENDAR PAGE BLURB

July 31 to August 8 or August 11 Allisons Ireland

Join Allison OSullivan on an Insiders Ireland experience of coast-to-coast culture, cuisine andcharm. With an imaginative itinerary, one that is highlighed by exclusive invitations to meetfascinating Irish women of inspiration in 2 private home dinners, and a lunch at a culturalpreservation center. An optional extension to Derry and Belfast tops off our lively adventure on theEmerald Isle.

ALLISONS IRELANDwith Option for Extension to Northern Ireland

Sunday, July 31 Monday, August 8, 2011Monday, August 8 Thursday, August 11 for Northern Extension

Note: Book overnight flights for departure on Saturday, July 30

Join our founder, Allison OSullivan, as she escorts you on an Insiders Ireland experience of coast-to-coast culture, cuisine and charm. With an imaginative itinerary over 9 days, we begin inthe city of Dublin but quickly move out to showcase Irelands exquisitely diverse countryside rugged coastlines, pristine beaches, beautiful gardens, castles, abbeys and prehistoric monuments

taking you from the eastern capital, down through the southern peninsula of Kerry, up thewestern side and back to Dublin. Along the way, well visit landmarks of historical significance,

cruise the serene lakes of Killarney, and enjoy the craic of Irelands traditional pubs. But it is thepeople of Ireland who will melt your heart and make you smile, with their open kindness to visitorsand their gift of gab. You will feel warmly welcomed from start to finish as we get to know a trulyinteresting array of hosts and hostesses, including dinner in the private home of a renownedantiques dealer near Adare where we will spend a night in a charming hotel. Read more about our social gatherings with women of inspiration in our WIN / WIN section below.

We also include an unusual day trip to Limerick, fast emerging in a renaissance of culture that willamaze and delight you. And from our base in Galway, we will cover the not-to-be-missed Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, Connemara, and the Aran Islands, before returning to Dublin for one lastevening in a spectacular private home setting. An optional 3-night extension to Derry and Belfasttops off a memorable experience on the magical, enchanted, Emerald Isle.

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Women Inspiring / Women INspired

Our tour will include several interesting WIN / WIN gatherings with local women who have an

inspiring story to share. Events we are planning include:

Meet the creator of Cnoc Suain, Dearbhaill Standun, who with her partner/husband hasestablished a retreat center dedicated to the preservation and celebration of Irish culture. Over anauthentic Irish lunch, we will see the passion they bring in order to maintain and save the reallanguage, music and cuisine of Ireland.

Learn about antiques during an exclusive private dinner at Ballynacourty, home of antiquesconnoisseurs, Michelina and George Stacpoole. Michelina is also a fashion designer in her ownright and maintains a beautiful garden in her home that we will see.

Dine in the private home of Desiree Shortt, a lively personality who has dedicated more than 30years in restoring her home, Mahaffey House, into one of the finest examples of Georgianarchitecture in Dublin. A foremost authority on the restoration of china, Desiree will show us her exquisite collection of Blue and White porcelain as we tour her home and garden.

Such opportunities never fail to add a unique dimension to the travel experience, and profoundlyenhance our cultural appreciation for one another. We sometimes meet in combination with thedays touring, or perhaps over dinner, depending on schedules. Our WIN / WIN events are not onlyinspiring to all, but great fun, and will surely be a highlight of the tour.

DAY BY DAYDay 1 Sunday, July 31 Dublin

Arrive Dublin On Own FlightAirport Greeting and Group Transfer to Hotel11:00 am Morning City Tour Afternoon Check-In at HotelLate Afternoon Free Time with Option to Visit the National MuseumWelcome Dinner at an Upscale Dublin Restaurant

Cead Mile Failte! One Hundred Thousand Welcomes to Ireland! For our group transfer from

Dublin Airport, you will be greeted by our local tour guide and swifly transferred along the 30 minutedrive to our charming 4-star hotel, theO Callaghan Davenport , located on the edge of Merrion Square in the heart of the city. A traditionalelegant hotel with a historic facade that dates backto 1863, the Davenport is a well known Dublinlandmark within strolling distance of Grafton Streetand Trinity College. Guest rooms include suchluxury touches as cashmere bed throws and plasma TVs, and come equipped with wired andwireless Internet access, 3 direct dial telephones, a safe, tea/coffee maker, and hairdryer in thebathroom. In addition, there is 24-hour room service, a mini gymnasium and business center.

Please note: Since most morning flights arrive into Dublin between 5:30 am and 9:30 am, we willschedule one group transfer based on the majority of the groups flight schedule. When all flightsare known at about one month out, we will advise the group transfer time. Those who arrive at
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other times may take a taxi to the hotel, and we will assist in coordinating ride-shares. Airport taxisare plentiful and the ride will cost about 30 Euros.

We will store our luggage with the bell desk and at 11:00 am, will set off on our Sightseeing Tour of Dublin, a European capital abuzz with gourmet restaurants, trendy nightspots and upscale

shopping boutiques. Highlights include itsGeorgian squares, the medieval architecture of Christchurch and St Patricks Cathedral, PhoenixPark, and OConnell Street, the mainthoroughfare. Well stop to visit Trinity College,Irelands oldest university founded by QueenElizabeth I in 1592 to educate the children of theBritish in Ireland. Standing in Front Square willtransport you back 400 years. Inside, we will seethe priceless Book of Kells , an illuminated

manuscript which dates from the 8th century, andthe beautiful Long Room.

In late afternoon you will have free time, with the option of returning to the hotel or sightseeing asyou wish. For something unusual, you may enjoy a visit the National Museum of Ireland , locatedon Kildare Street, a short walk from our hotel. The museum is home to the Celtic Gold collection of

jewelry, dating back 3,000-5,000 years, as well as more than 14,000 works of art dating from the13th to the 20th century. For shopping enthusiasts, our coach will drop off at Grafton Street, one of Dublins most prominent shopping areas with plenty of shops and boutiques.

For tonights welcome dinner, we have chosen an elegant restaurant located within a GeorgianTown House Inn on St. Stephen's Green - a short walk from our hotel. The food is superb, with a

menu reflecting a modern twist on traditional Irish dishes. It is one of the most stylish and talkedabout restaurants in Dublin, ensuring that our first evening in this cosmopolitan city will be trulymemorable.

Day 2 Monday, August 1 Dublin / Killarney

Breakfast at the HotelCheck-Out and Depart for County KerryVisit the Rock of CashelTour of Annes Grove with LunchLate Afternoon Arrival in KillarneyFree Evening for Dinner On Own

County Kerry, sometimes referred to as The Kingdom, is known for its magnificent scenery,including Irelands highest mountain, Carrantuohill. We will visit the Rock of Cashel , also knownas St. Patricks Rock, an amazing out-crop with the ruins of a castle, cathedral and chapel on top all dating back over the last 600 years. As legend has it, Cashel was the site of the conversion of the King of Munster by St. Patrick in the 5th century. The castle and surrounding area provide oneof the most remarkable collections of medieval architecture to be found anywhere in Europe.

At mid-day we will visit Annes Grove , a charming Irish garden createdby Richard Grove Annesley in the early twentieth century. The gardenswere designed in the Robinsonian manner - interplanting native andexotic species into a natural setting with minimum formality. Set aroundan elegant, early 18th century house overlooking the River Awbeg, the30-acre garden is filled with thousands of thriving plants. Its collection of rhododendrons, which include specimens originally raised from seed
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This evening well enjoy a delightful 3-course dinner at our hotel. The menu changes daily andincludes only the freshest of local produce. Be sure to save room for the dessert buffet!

Day 4 Wednesday, August 3 Killarney / Adare

Breakfast at the HotelMorning Tour of Dingle PeninsulaLunch On Own in Dingle TownAfternoon Arrival in AdarePrivate Dinner at Ballynacourty

This morning, we drive south to explore the wild, rugged beauty of the Dingle Peninsula .Considered some of the finest coastal scenery in the world, the peninsula stretches 30 miles intothe Atlantic Ocean from Ireland's southwest coast. Much of the area is a Gaeltacht , meaning aregion where traditional Irish language is widely spoken.

Here, the coastline of steep sea-cliffs is broken by sandy beaches, with two large spits at romanticInch Strand where the movie, Ryans Daughter was filmed. With the preservation of over 2,000monuments, there is no other landscape in western Europe encompassing as many archaeologicalsites as the Dingle Peninsula. The land is steeped in folklore and mythology, passed on throughmany generations. We will visit the Gallarus Oratory to see the amazing Beehive dwellings builtby hermit monks over 1,300 years ago. Positioned amid farmland on the peninsula, GallarusOratory is where the early Christian farmers worshiped. Shaped like an upside-down boat, thesimple dry-stone structure has remained waterproof and in near-perfect condition to the presentday. Nearby Dingle Town is a thriving fishing village where we will stop for lunch. This is the idealopportunity to enjoy some of the countrys freshest, just-caught seafood.

Situated on the river Maigue in County Limerick, Adare is a picturesque village nestled amongstlush landscape. Destroyed during the 16th century wars, the town was rebuilt in the 19th Centuryto replicate its original thatched cottages. You will see these on the broad main street, surroundedby beautiful stone buildings, medieval monasteries and ruins. We will spend the night at TheDunraven Arms , a quaint 4-star hotel established in 1792. Set amidst the thatched cottages of Adare, The Dunraven Arms emanates the old world ambience of a country house, while providingall the modern, first class amenities of a luxury hotel.

This evening, we are invited to Ballynacourty , the private home of George and MichelinaStacpoole. George is the President of the Irish Antique Dealers Association and co-host of TheDealers, an Irish reality television show about antique auction dealing. George is also the owner of Stacpooles, a highly successful antique shop in Adare. Michelina Stacpoole is a designer and awell-established name in the fashion world with many high-profile clients. George and Michelinawill welcome us into their home for drinks and dinner, as well as a private tour of their lovelygrounds, which are designed as a series of small, interconnected gardens.

Day 5 Thursday, August 4 Adare / Limerick / Galway

Breakfast at the Hotel and Check-OutMorning City Tour of LimerickVisit to the Hunt MuseumLunch On Own in County ClareSee The Cliffs of Moher and The BurrenLate Afternoon Arrival in GalwayDinner at Our Hotel
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From Adare, it is just a short ride to the city of Limerick . If the shantytown of Frank McCourts Angelas Ashes is what you were expecting, you will be in for a pleasant surprise. Limerick hasbeen undergoing a renaissance, and was recently included in the UKs Top Ten Emerging European Hotspots. We will take a short panoramic tour of the city, followed by a docent-led tour at

the Hunt Museum . Here on exhibit is one of Ireland's greatest private collections of art andantiquities, dating from the Neolithic to the 20th Century. You can view the art of Picasso, Renoir and Yeats, stunning works from medieval times, and examine weapons and tools from the Celticperiod. In the Jewellery Gallery, one can view the Mary Queen of Scots Cross. In the Treasury, isdesplayed a Greek coin reputed to be "one of the thirty pieces of silver" paid to Judas for thebetrayal of Christ.

Leaving Limerick, we travel north through County Clare, and into the changing landscape at TheCliffs of Moher 700-feet high at the tallest point and ranging over five miles along the western

seaboard. A most dramatic site, the multi-colored limestone cliffs drop vertically over 300 feet to theraging Atlantic Ocean below. The Cliffs are Irelands nomination for the global online campaign tofind the New 7 Wonders of Nature in 2011. On a clear day, standing atop the vantage point of OBriens Tower, one has magnificent views of the Aran Islands out at sea. We will visit the newmulti-media exhibition, Atlantic Edge , which serves as an interpretive center. Housed in anunderground building, there are a selection of interactive exhibits and displays that show aspectsof four principal themed elements - ocean, rock, nature and man - and their connection with theCliffs.

Later, we will drive through The Burren , a region made up of a huge limestone sheet thatmeasures nearly 100 square miles. The Burren takes its name from an Irish term meaning "TheRocky Place." An area of karst vegetation, the porous limestone has allowed rain to flow through,creating a network of underground rivers, lakes and waterfalls. The surface of The Burren is lunar inappearance, with many prehistoric burial chambers, tombs and dolmens.

Well arrive in County Galway by early evening, where a lovely dinner will be served in the large,elegant dining room of our 4-star Victorian hotel, the Hotel Meyrick . Situated on fashionable EyreSquare, the hotel is ideally located in the center of Galway, ideal for easy exploration of nearbyshops, restaurants and pubs.

Day 6 Friday, August 5 Galway

Breakfast at the HotelTour of Connemara RegionVisit Kylemore AbbeyAn Irish Experience at Cnoc Suain with LunchDinner and Overnight in Galway

On todays agenda is a full-day sightseeing tour of the western area of Galway known asConnemara. Here, rugged purple mountains, deep blue lakes, wonderful seascapes and beachescombine to create an area of remote calm. Long regarded as the real Emerald of Ireland, the regionis dominated by the majestic Twelve Bens mountain range, dotted with lakes, and fringed by thedeeply indented Atlantic coastline. Connemara's unique landscape has inspired many famouspaintings and literary figures over the years. A large part of the area is Irish-speaking, with many of

the ancient Irish traditions and customs preserved in a rich linguistic, musical and folkloric heritage.We will stop at Kylemore Abbey , set against a picturesque backdrop of rivers, lakes and rolling hills.Kylemore was a castle built by Mitchell & Margaret Henry, after they fell in love with the land on their honeymoon. The Castle covered approximately 40,000 square feet with over 70 rooms.
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http://www.awayforwomen.comEventually, it was turned into an abbey and is the oldest of the Irish Benedictine Abbeys. We willtour four rooms which have been graciously restored to experience the character and atmosphereof the castle. From the large picture windows, well have a chance to take in the incredible views of the magnificent landscape.

A highlight of today will be a truly Irish experience at Cnoc Suain , situated in the heart of thesouthern foothills that overlook Galway Bay, the Burren, the Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands.Cnoc Suain is a cultural retreat dedicated to the preservation and celebration of Irish culture, itslanguage, music and cuisine. Creating Cnoc Suain was a labor of love by Dearbhaill Standun andher husband, Charlie Troy. Both are native Irish speakers and traditional musicians who willwelcome us. We will get a feel for the programs that are offered in Irish music, dance, language,history, and folklore. There are even accommodations provided in restored cottages, some of which date from the late 1600s. During our visit we will be treated to a simple and authentic Irishlunch. Back at our hotel in Galway, you are free for the evening and may choose from any of theexcellent selection of restaurants within easy walking distance of the hotel.

Day 7 Saturday, August 6 Galway

Breakfast at the HotelFerry to the Aran IslandsTour and Lunch on InishmoreDinner and overnight in Galway

After an early breakfast we will embark on a journey unlike any other part of our trip so far. Thirty milesout to sea from Galway lie the three Aran Islands of Inishmore, Inish Mein and Inish Oirr. Rich inthe language, culture and heritage of Ireland, the islands are a timeless land of weatheredmonuments, awesome cliffs, great labyrinths of limestone and quiet beaches. The 800 or so

inhabitants are known as a most welcoming island people.

We will spend the day visiting Inishmore ,the largest of the Aran Islands. Peaceful andunspoiled, spanning nearly 9 miles in lengthand 2.5 miles wide, the island has anabundance of wildlife and over 400varieties of wild flowers. Island historydates back to the prehistoric era and theearliest surviving ruins of great stone forts.Our exploration takes us to Dun Aenghus ,a great dry-stone fort set on the edge of thecliffs, 200 feet above sea level, and one of the finest prehistoric monuments in Europe.This famous Iron Age fortress has stoodunprotected, yet strong, withstanding 20centuries of angry waves high above thesea.

Another incredible example of historical architecture is an ancient monastic site. The remains of St.Benens Church date back as early as the 8th or 9th century. The interior is only 7 feet wide, butthe view from atop the churchs perch is astounding, with a clear view of Killeany Bay, with TheBurren to the South and the mountains of Connemarra to the north. Later, we will board the ferryfor our return to Galway and a free evening to sample another of the towns restaurants of your choosing.
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Day 8 Sunday, August 7 Galway

Breakfast at the HotelVisit to ClonmacnoiseLunch On OwnReturn to Dublin

Dinner at Mahaffy House

This morning we will visit the remains of an early monastery, Clonmacnoise , founded by Saint Ciaranaround the year 545. Situated on the River Shannon, the monasterys strategic location helped itbecome a major center of religion, learning, craftsmanship and trade. By the 9th century,Clonmacnoise was one of the most famous in Ireland, visited by scholars from all over Europe.Various members of Irish royalty were buried here. Today, six churches, two high crosses, two roundtowers and the finest collection of old gravestones in the country are still standing amongst thebeautiful and tranquil setting of Clonmacnoise.

Back in Dublin by late afternoon, well return to the OCallaghan Davenport Hotel on MerrionSquare, with free time for personal interests before dinner. Later, we will meet in the lobby for our veryspecial farewell evening at Mahaffy House on North Great George Street . This is the residence of Desiree Shortt , an imposing, witty and warm-hearted woman who purchased the building more than30 years ago when it was in complete disrepair and housed 35 tenants. Since then she has dedicatedher life to slowly restoring the home to its former Georgian glory. Desiree will welcome us and will talka bit about her home over cocktails. A foremost authority on the restoration of china, she will showus her exquisite collection of Blue and White porcelain as we tour her home and garden. Theculmination of our evening will be a three course dinner with wine served in her lovely dining room,bringing to a close a most special farewell evening in her country.

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Day 9 Monday, August 8 Galway / Dublin

Breakfast at the HotelGroup Transfer to Dublin AirportOptional Extension to Northern Ireland

After a final hearty Irish breakfast, we will schedule one group transfer to the Dublin Airport in timefor the majority of return flights home that will depart before noon. For those leaving at other times,we will assist in coordinating your taxi transportation to the airport, and matching you with others, if possible, to share the ride.

For those who are continuing on our extension into Northern Ireland, we will meet after breakfast toboard the coach for the drive to Derry.

NORTHERN IRELAND EXTENSION

Day 9 Monday, August 8 Dublin / Derry

Breakfast at the HotelTour Bru na BoineVisit Ulster American Folk ParkLunch On Own in Ulster Afternoon Arrival in Derry CityDinner at Our Hotel

After breakfast, we will depart Dublin and head north to Derry , in County Londonderry. The drive timeis about 3 and a half hours, but we will make two stops along the way. While still in the Republic we

will visit Bru na Boinne , in County Meath to see the amazing megalithic tombs at either Newgrangeor Knowth that predate the pyramids. The structures have been designated a World Heritage Site byUNESCO . Newgrange was constructed over 5,000 years ago, making it older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramid of Giza. It is believed to have been an ancient temple, a place of astrological, spiritual, religious and ceremonial importance that was built during the Neolithic or New Stone Age by a farming community that prospered on the rich lands of the Boyne Valley.Similarly, Knowth consists of a large mound and 18 smaller satellite mounds, with two separatepassages that lead to a burial chamber.

Upon crossing the border into Northern Ireland, we will stop in County Tyrone, to visit the Ulster American Folk Park . Located just outside the city of Omagh, the park is one of the best open-air museums of its kind. Spread over 40 acres, the museum charts the passage of the scores of Northern Irish emigrants to the United States between 1700-1900. Of particular interest are the manynotable emigrants, some who went on to become leaders of American life, even several U.S.Presidents. The park has more than 30 historic buildings, some of them original.

We are anticipating a late afternoon arrival in Derry, Northern Irelands second largest city.Dinner and overnight will be at the 4-star Beech Hill Country House Hotel , an elegant ruralmanor house located 2 miles outside the walls of Derry. This historic country hotel, built in 1739,stands dramatically on a secluded 32-acre estate. Guest rooms include distinctive antiquefurnishings, as well as a full range of modern amenities including color TVs, direct dial telephones,tea/coffee maker, and hairdryer in the bathroom.

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Day 10 Tuesday, August 9 Derry / Belfast

Breakfast at the HotelWalking Tour of Derrys Walled CityVisit Giants CausewayTour of Bushmills Distillery with LunchCoastal Drive to BelfastDinner at Our Hotel

Derry is the only remaining completely intact walled city in Ireland , and one of the finest examplesin Europe. The walled city was built in the early 1600s to defend against early 17th century settlersfrom England and Scotland. The walls, which are approximately 1 mile in circumference andbetween 12 and 35 feet in height, are completely intact and form a walkway around the inner city.To appreciate the structure, we will take a guided walking tour of Derry. Infamously known as the

place where the Northern Ireland Troubles began, Derry is the site of the famous Bloody Sundayevent in 1972. As we tour the city, our local Derry guide will explain the complexity of the problemsthat existed over the last century. We will visit the Tower Museum , with exhibits documenting thepolitical conflict that has shaped the city and the country. Today, Derry is a thriving, peaceful city thatis the cultural and heritage center of Northwest Ireland.

Our journey continues to Giants Causeway , a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the foremostnatural wonders of the world. This mysterious place is composed of over 40,000 naturally formedhexagonal columns, the result of an ancient volcanic eruption. Located at the heart of one of Europes most magnificent coastlines, its unique rock formations have, for millions of years, stoodas a natural rampart against the unbridled ferocity of Atlantic storms. Legend has it that thecolumns helped the infamous Irish Warrior, Finn Mc Cool, forge this physical wonder so that he

could walk to Scotland to fight his adversary there.

A short distance away is the Bushmills Inn, an old coaching inn and mill house that has served sailors,smugglers and weary travelers for over 300 years. We will stop here for lunch where good food isserved amidst Victorian gas lamps and turf fires. Afterwards, well visit the Bushmills Distillery , theworlds oldest licensed distillery. A short presentation on the story of Irish Whiskey is capped by theoffer to taste a drop or two!

In the afternoon, we will head to Belfast via the coast route. Along the way well pass through the townof Carrickfergus, the subject of a classic Irish folk song, and then through the towns of Cusendonand Cushendall. At Rocky Island, we will stop to see the Carrick a Rede Rope Bridge , an 80-foothigh rope bridge that connects the island to the mainland. The span is about 60 feet across and it isamazing to watch the locals pass along it nonchalantly without any fear of height.

By early evening we will arrive in Belfast , the capital of Northern Ireland. Our home is the EuropaHotel , one of the finest 4-star hotels in the city, located in the heart of Belfast. Surrounded by shops,bars, museums and entertainment, the hotel is also located next door to the famous Grand OperaHouse and is close to the Waterfront. Step into the spacious grand foyer and youll instantly feel aspecial warm welcome. Having undergone major refurbishment, the hotel is now one of the mostluxurious hotels in Northern Ireland, and is the preferred choice of visiting dignitaries andcelebrities alike. All guest rooms feature flat screen digital TV, WiFi internet access, direct dialtelephone, complimentary tea /coffee maker, irons and ironing boards, hair dryer, thick duvets,fluffy pillows, and Ralph Lauren fabrics. The bathrooms are exquisite with glass, chrome andceramic finishes. Superior soundproofing ensures that every guest is guaranteed a good nightssleep. After check-in, well regroup for a relaxing dinner in the hotel restaurant.

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Day 11 Wednesday, August 10 Belfast

Breakfast at the HotelCity Tour of BelfastVisit the Ulster MuseumLunch in a Local PubAfternoon at LeisureFree Evening for Dinner

Our city sightseeing tour includes a stop at the newly restored City Hall . This magnificent Edwardianwedding cake design with a dome of more than 170 feet high was built to reflect the statusgranted the city by Queen Victoria in 1888. Following a $20 million renovation and facelift, CityHall was reopened in October 2009, with Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, given the ribboncutting honors. At the Herland and Wolf Shipyard well visit the Titanic Quarter , the site where thefamous luxury liner was built. In 2012, the city will commemorate the 100th year anniversary of TheTitanics launching and devastating sinking.

Another architectural gem includes the Albert Memorial Clock , Belfasts very own leaning tower that for years rivaled that of Pisas until a recent renovation corrected its tilt. The Gothic clock tower was built in 1865 on land reclaimed from the River Lagan. At 113 feet high, the "Albert Clock"features a statue of Prince Albert, as well as ornately carved crowned lions and floral decorations.At the recently reinvented Ulster Museum , we will enjoy the impressive collection of Irish andInternational fine art in the company of a curator. The museum is the recent recipient of the covetedArt Fund prize and is considered Northern Irelands treasure house of past and present.

After lunch in one of the citys traditional pubs, well have the rest of the day at leisure for shopping,sightseeing or relaxing. Dinner is on our own this evening, but your tour manager will organize a groupdinner based on interest in one of the many excellent restaurants near the hotel. Afterwards, a stroll

along the avenue is a fun way to take in our last looks of this bustling international city.

Day Twelve Thursday, August 11 Belfast / Dublin

Transfer to Dublin Airport for Departure

The day has come and its time to head home. After breakfast we will board the coach for our return toDublin Airport. Be sure to schedule your flight no earlier than 3:00 pm from Dublin. We are allowing 5and a half hours for travel time plus airport security and flight check-in procedures. If you are departingfrom Belfast after 11:00 am, the coach can drop you at the airport.

Farewell . . . Sln leat, beautiful Emerald Isle!

ITINERARY

9 DAYS / 8 NIGHTS1 night Dublin2 nights Killarney1 night Adare3 nights Galway1 night Dublin

4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS EXT1 night Derry2 nights Belfast


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http://www.awayforwomen.comTRAVEL OPTIONS

Land Only Tour

Main tour and Northern Ireland extension begins and ends in Dublin (airport code DUB)

Book your flights for:7/31 Arrive Dublin by 9:30 am8/8 Depart Dublin any time

If extending, choice of:8/11 Depart Belfast anytime8/11 Depart Dublin after 3:00 pm

PRICE

Main Tour

$ 3,395 per person, double occupancy$ 495 single supplement (limited)

Northern Extension

$ 1,195* per person, double occupancy$ 250 single supplement (limited)

*Requires a minimum number of travelers. Contact us for further information and to let us know

you are interested.

PAYMENTS

$600 Deposit due upon booking.$100 Additional Deposit for extension.

Balance due 90 days out (5/2/11)

INCLUDES

4-Star Boutique AccommodationsIn Dublin at the OCallaghan Davenport HotelIn Killarney at The Killarney Plaza Hotel & SpaIn Adare at The Dunraven Arms HotelIn Galway at the Hotel Meyrick

In Derry at the Derry: Beech Hill Country House HotelIn Belfast at the Europa Hotel

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All Taxes and Service Charges

Spectacular Cuisine with Accent on Variety8 Irish Breakfasts at the Hotels (daily)1 Lunch with Wine at Annes Grove1 Traditional Irish Lunch at Cnoc Suain2 Dinners in our Hotels with Menu Choices1 Dinner in a Charming Dublin Restaurant2 Dinners with Wine in Private Homes

3 Irish Breakfasts at the Hotels in Northern Ireland1 Lunch at Bushmills Inn1 Lunch at a Pub in Belfast2 Dinners at the Hotels with Menu Choices

Private Ground TransportationRoundtrip Airport/Hotel Transfers with Meet and Greet per Group ScheduleModern, Air-Conditioned Motorcoach with Local Driver/GuideAdditional City Guides for Tours in Dublin, Derry and BelfastBaggage Handling at the Airport and the Hotels

Private, Guided Sightseeing

In Dublin:City Sightseeing Tour, with Visit to Trinity College, the Book of Kells and the Long RoomOptional Visit to the National Musuem to See the Celtic Gold CollectionPrivate Dinner at Mahaffy House with Tour by Desiree Shortt, including her Grand Collection of

Blue and White Porcelain En route to Kerry:Visit to the Rock of CashelWalking Tour of Annes Grove Irish Gardens and 18th Century Manor Home, with Lunch

In Kerry:Ride Through the Gap of Dunloe on a Pony & Trap (Horse & Carriage)Cruise Through the Three Lakes of Killarney with Views of Ross CastleStroll Through the Gardens of 19th Century Muckross HouseExplore Dingle Peninsula and Inch Strand, Famous Movie LocalesVisit the Gallerus Oratory to See Ancient Beehive Dwellings In Adare:

Exclusive Private Dinner at Ballynacourty, Home of Antiques Connoisseurs, George and MichelinaStacpoole

In Limerick:Panoramic Overview of the CityVisit to the Hunt Musuem with Collection of Neolithic to Modern Objects Belonging to One Family

En Route to Galway:Marvel at the Cliffs of Moher Visit the Atlantic Edge ExhibitionSee the Lunar-like Landscape of The Burren in County Clare

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In Galway:Full-day Tour of Connemara, Including Stop at Kylemore AbbeyAuthentic Irish Cultural Experience at Conc Suain with LunchTour of Remote Inismore and Ruins, the Largest of the Aran Islands

En Route Back to Dublin:Visit the Ancient Monastery of Clonmacnoise on the Shannon River in County Offaly

* * *En Route to Derry:Stop at Bru na Boinne to visit the Megalithic TombsVisit to Ulster American Folk Park, an Open Air Museum on Irish Emmigration

In Derry:Guided Walking Tour of the Only Remaining Walled City In IrelandVisit the Tower Musuem, Documenting the Political Turbulence of Northern Ireland

See Giants Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Natural Wonder of the WorldTour and Tasting at Bushmills Whiskey Distillery, with Lunch at the 300-Year-Old Inn

En Route to Belfast:Enjoy the Coastal Route, along the Towns of Carrickfergus, Cusendon and CushendallOptional Visit to the Carrick a Rede Rope Bridge, Connecting the Mainland to Rocky Island

In Belfast:Morning City Tour, with Newly Restored City Hall and Albert Memorial ClockTour the Titantic Quarter, Where The Infamous Ship Was Built and LaunchedVisit Ulster Musuem with a Curator, and See the Impressive Collection of Irish & International FineArt

All Entrance Fees Included per Itinerary

Senior Staffing On-SiteProfessional, Licensed Irish Tour Guides and DriversTour Manager from Away For Women

QUALITY & SAFETY ASSURANCE24-hour Emergency Hotline$2 Million Tour Operators Professional Liability InsuranceAFW is a Proud Member of the National Tour Association

NOT INCLUDEDInternational Air to IrelandOther Meals and CocktailsPersonal IncidentalsOptional Activities Not Included in the ItineraryTravel Insurance (Highly Recommended)Tips to the Drivers and Local Tour Guides

DOCUMENTS

A valid passport, good for at least 6 months after your length of stay abroad, is required for boththe Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. U.S. citizens do not need a visa for either location. Allcitizens of other nationalities must check with their consulates for specific entry regulations. Pleaseensure that the name on your airline ticket is an exact match to your travel documents.

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WEATHER

Ireland has a relatively mild, moist climate which accounts for its abundance of plants and gardens.With no area of Ireland lying more than 70 miles from the coast, the ocean has a enormousinfluence on Ireland's climate. Extremes of temperature are rare, with an average variation of just20F between summer and winter. Our summer dates offer the best chance of good weather warm sunny skies with lots of soft fluffy clouds though it never gets truly hot. Light rain iscommon, even on good days, with usually a few wet downpours during the summer. Dublin tendsto enjoy the driest weather, and overall temperatures are likely to average 60-65F although a heatwave is always possible. Layered clothing is best to pack.

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Moderate to high, with some walking on uneven surfaces at the historical sites, along garden pathsand the coastline.

CHANGES

Occasionally we may find it necessary to make minor adjustments to the itinerary due to suchunforeseen circumstances as weather, detours, construction, local traffic issues, etc., or thechance to take advantage of a new and better option. In the unlikely event of a change in hotel,one of equal or better class will be substituted to ensure the guaranteed quality of your travelexperience with Away For Women, LLC.

CHANGES

Occasionally we may find it necessary to make minor adjustments to the itinerary due to such

unforeseen circumstances as weather, detours, construction, local traffic issues, etc., or thechance to take advantage of a new and better option. In the unlikely event of a change in hotel,one of equal or better class will be substituted to ensure the guaranteed quality of your travelexperience with Away For Women, LLC .

About Away For Women

Todays women want more from the travel experience than the usual sights, sounds and flavors of a destination.

We look to connect with one another in new ways, to share in the delight of cultural discovery, tointeract with women globally, and to enjoy the exclusive rewards that touring with like-mindedwomen so beautifully delivers. We think of this enriched vision of travel as:

TAGS: for women travel, tours for women, travel for women, travel groups for women, trips for women, vacations for women, woman tour, women getaways, women tours, women traveling,women vacation

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Documents

Trips for Women: Allison's Ireland With Northern Extension