Brendan Vacations Boutique Escorted Vacations in Ireland Daily Itinerary

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Viv & Jill joined Brendan Vacations for a preview of their Boutique Escorted Vacations Tour of Ireland in October 2010.

Discovering Dublin with Brendan Vacations

Brendan Vacations Boutique Escorted Vacations in Ireland Daily Itinerary

WAVEJourney’s Preview of Brendan Vacations Boutique Escorted Vacations in Ireland Daily Itinerary:

An outline of our daily destinations and sightseeing:

Day 1

Overnight flight to Ireland from USA with Air Lingus. In total we took 4 flights and had a travel time of 24 hours. Air Lingus from Boston to Dublin was terrific (even in coach) with super-friendly service, plenty of leg-room and personal seatback entertainment system.

Day 2

WJ arrived in Ireland at Dublin airport and we were met by Michael, our transfer driver, to the Westbury Hotel. After checking into the hotel and being met by Catherine Reilly, Director of Brendan Vacations Ireland, we had time to relax before lunch in Cafe Novo (at The Westbury Hotel).

Following lunch, we enjoyed a guided walking tour of Dublin with Pat Liddy, which included a stop at The Cellar Bar for a sampling of something Irish.

The evening was topped off with a sumptuous dinner at the Unicorn Restaurant – which served us some of the best Italian food we’ve enjoyed anywhere.

Day 3

The morning started with a leisurely buffet breakfast in The Wilde Restaurant at the Westbury. Once it was time to check out, Martin (our driver/guide) met us with the coach and gave a lively guided tour as we drove through Dublin city center.

On our way to the Connemara region we enjoyed a number of sightseeing and cultural stops, including:

•   Clonmacnoise – Monastic site in Offley county dating from the 10th to 13th century.

•   Celtic Roots Studio – Where 4000-year-old Bogwood is turned into pieces of art.

•   Core Crafted Design – Local artisan crafts and a quaint cafe.

•   Connemara Marble – Visit to the factory and showroom where the Ballynahinch marble is made into souvenirs of all shapes and sizes.

Shortly after our visit to Connemara Marble we arrived at the manor house hotel, Ballynahinch Castle, situated in the heart of the Connemara region. We had time to relax and enjoy the grounds of Ballynahinch before enjoying dinner in the Fisherman’s Pub followed by Irish music and dancing.

Day 4

We started our morning in a very civilized manner with breakfast in the Ownemore Restaurant at Ballynahinch Castle. Following breakfast it was time for a fly fishing lesson and then a guided hike on the Ballynahinch estate.

We arrived back to the manor house in time for lunch at Fisherman’s Pub and then it was time to join our group for a drive through the Connemara countryside to the village of Cleggan. From Cleggan we boarded a small ferry for the 50-minute journey to Inishbofin Island – home to only 200 people. Our local guide for this excursion was renowned archaeologist Michael Gibbons. Mike leads archaeology and heritage walking tours throughout Connemara. Our evening was complete after a delightful fine dining experience back at Ballynahinch in the Owenmore Restaurant.

Day 5

After another divine breakfast at Ballynahinch Castle it was time to continue our journey. Our first stop of the day was Galway Cathedral, followed by free time in Galway city center where we viewed the Spanish Arch and had a chance to shop for souvenirs. When it was time to leave the city center, our next stop was Paddy Burkes Pub for another splendid lunch. From there we drove to the Cliffs of Moher, a spectacular site thanks to Mother Nature.

Cliffs of Moher

Our final stop of the day was the luxury Dromoland Castle, a 5-star hotel and country estate, where we spent the night and were treated to another top-notch meal featuring fabulous Irish cuisine.

Day 6

Following breakfast in Earl of Thomand Restaurant we were wowed by Dave Atkinson and his birds of prey from the Dromoland School of Falconry. Then it was time to drive back to Dublin and after checking into the Fitzwilliam Hotel Dublin there was time for a visit to see the Book of Kells at Trinity College.

Our final evening in Ireland was shared with our group of friends over another fantastic meal, this time at the fun and creative Pig’s Ear Restaurant. After dinner we took in the Dublin pub scene at O’Neill’s and the Temple Bar before calling it a night.

Day 7

Time to say farewell to new friends and one of the most impressive tours we have experienced. Michael again was our transfer driver to Dublin airport where we started the journey back home.

For more information on Ireland, visit the official website of Tourism Ireland.

WJ’s Review:

Overview | Itinerary | Hotels | Dining | Photos | Video |

Contact Brendan Vacations

Toll Free: (800) 421 – 8446
Phone: (818) 428 – 6000
Fax: (818) 772 – 6492
E-mail: info@brendanvacations.com

Boutique Escorted Vacations in Ireland.

Web address: www.brendanvacations.com

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