Blackthorn Tour of Ireland
Only $4,995 including airfare
Land Only price $3895
Limited Single space available for a supplemental payment of $1225
Our Itinerary
Departure Day – June 25, 2023
Depart Detroit on United # 426 at 6:00pm to Chicago. Take overnight flight United #980 to Dublin at 9:15pm
June 26 – Céad míle fáilte! Upon arrival at Dublin Airport, we will meet our Irish driver/guide in the Arrivals Hall. Our flight is scheduled to arrive by 11:05am. Once everyone has convened, our driver/guide will escort us to our motorcoach to begin our journey which will be full of Irish culture, history, music and of course the hospitality the Irish are known for. After a short drive we stop at Killashee Manor for tea & scones and a chance to freshen up. Next stop will be the Irish National Stud We’ll see the horses and have a chance to stretch our legs walking through their Japanese Gardens. Arrive to the Medieval City of Kilkenny and check-in to our city center hotel. This evening, a little exploration or a quiet pint in one of Kilkenny’s many fine pubs before dinner in our hotel. Overnight: River Court Hotel, Kilkenny (D)
June 27 – After our first full Irish breakfast we journey south to New Ross to visit the Dunbrody Emigrant Ship which provides a unique insight into a period of history which shaped modern day Ireland and the U.S., the Great Famine, and the reasons so many people emigrated to America in the mid-19th century. Return to Kilkenny for a tour and tasting at the Smithwick’s Brewery. After, perhaps take a leisurely stroll around Kilkenny to explore the lanes, streets, and stories of this remarkable place. Overnight: River Court Hotel, Kilkenny (B, D)
June 28 – Following breakfast we depart Kilkenny for Cork City. Along the way we’ll visit the Rock of Cashel, which was the traditional seat of the kings of Munster. Most buildings on the current site date from the 12th and 13th centuries. The picturesque complex has a character of its own and is one of the most remarkable collections of Celtic art and medieval architecture to be found anywhere in Europe. This afternoon we’ll arrive at the seaside town of Kinsale. After checking into our hotel, we will meet a local guide for a walking tour through the cobbled stone streets of this lovely town. Overnight: The Trident Hotel, Kinsale (B, D)
June 29 – After breakfast, drive along the coast of Cork through the quaint towns of Clonakilty, Rosscarbery and Leap. Our first stop will Mizen Head, the most southerly point in Ireland with its stupendous cliffs and relish the spectacular coastal scenery. Next, Bantry for lunch on your own and some free time to explore this seaside village on foot. Then it’s off to the beautiful Sheen Falls Lodge a five-star Relais & Chateaux hotel for a fabulous three-night stay. Dinner tonight in the Falls Restaurant which recently earned a AA Rosette. Overnight: Sheen Falls Lodge, Kenmare (B, D)
June 30 – This morning our group will experience a mesmerizing Falconry demonstration. You’ll have the opportunity to get up close and personal with these impressive birds of prey while strolling through our beautiful estate. The rest of the day is free to enjoy all that Sheen Falls has to offer. Have a look at their website to see what you might want to do today. https://www.sheenfallslodge.ie Plan to book spa treatments & other activities in advance. Dinner on your own this evening. You may want to venture into town and try one of the many fine restaurants or pubs for dinner. Overnight: Sheen Falls Lodge, Kenmare (B)
July 1 – Today we will tour the famous Ring of Kerry. This circular tour will reveal constantly changing vistas of mountains, open Atlantic Ocean, beaches, and cliffs. We move onward through the remote towns of Cahirciveen and Waterville. A stop at Moll’s Gap to view the three lakes with the mountains and town in the background is a photographic necessity. Dinner tonight at the Stables Brasserie. Overnight: Sheen Falls Lodge, Kenmare (B, D),
July 2 – Today we will travel up the west coast to Galway City. Taking a ferry across the Shannon from Tarbert to Killimer. Travel through the Burren, an impressive region with a limestone landscape that cultivates unique flora and megalithic tombs and monuments older than Egypt’s pyramids.
Stop to visit the magnificent Cliffs of Moher which rise 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. Time to walk to the cliff edge and breathe in the fresh Irish air.
Overnight: The Park Hotel, Galway (B, D)
July 3 – Today enjoy a visit to Connemara History & Heritage Center. The Center offers a unique insight into the history and heritage of this beautiful part of the West of Ireland. See how turf (peat) is cut and sample a drop of ‘poitín’. The drive continues through the magnificent Connemara Peninsula and the stunning views of boglands and misty mountains. Return to Galway in the afternoon with time to explore the city independently. Overnight: Park House Hotel, Galway (B)
July 4 – This morning a little free time in Galway City to visit the Cathedral, St. Nicholas Church, The Galway City Museum, the Spanish Arch or just wander the cobbled stone streets in the Latin Quarter. Depart Galway after lunch and visit Rathburn Farm. Enjoy tea/coffee and scones, learn about farm life from Fintan and see Ted the border collie round up the sheep. Check in to our hotel in Ennis to enjoy our last night together in Ireland. Overnight: The Old Ground, Ennis (B, D)
July 5 – After breakfast depart for the Shannon Airport with time for last-minute duty-free shopping. Take United #977 at 12:30pm to Newark followed by United #1834 to Detroit at 3:59pm, arriving in Detroit at 5.58pm. (B)
Circumstances beyond our control may require us to change the schedule. This tour is subject to the terms and conditions listed on www.isleinntours.com
B – Breakfast
L – Lunch
D – Dinner
Included
- Round-trip air from Detroit on United
- 6 nights in 4-star hotels
- 3 nights in a 5-star hotel
- Full Irish breakfast daily
- Tea & Scones on the day of arrival
- 7 evening meals inc. 2 AA Rosette Falls Restaurant at Sheen Falls
- Fully escorted via deluxe motorcoach
- Services of an experienced Irish driver/guide
- Porterage of one suitcase per person
- All service charges and local government taxes
Not included
- Trip insurance
- Travel insurance should be paid for at the time of deposit to cover any pre-existing conditions.
- Gratuity to driver
- Meals where not indicated
Payment terms:
A $750 per person deposit is due at time of booking
Final payment is due on March 15th.
