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10-Day Literary Tour of Ireland Itinerary
Dates: October 14 – 23, 2010 & April 15 – 24, 2011
Day 1: Depart for Ireland
Board your overnight flight en route to Dublin.
Day 2: Dublin, Trinity College, Book of Kells, Joyce Center & Dublin Writers Museum
Arrive in Dublin and meet your driver in the Arrivals Hall. Enjoy a private transfer
to the Schoolhouse Hotel, only 2-blocks from Merrion Square and the National Gallery
of Ireland. Each room is named after an Irish literary figure such as Joyce, Yeats,
Maud Gonne, Beckett, O’Casey and Shaw to name but a few.
After an early lunch on own, we visit Trinity College and see the Book of Kells.
Enjoy a lovely afternoon at the James Joyce Center, complete with a walking tour
“A Joyce Circular” and a visit to the Dublin Writers’ Museum. Welcome Dinner tonight.
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Day 3: County Wicklow, Glendalough, Avoca, Martello Tower & Joyce Museum
After a full Irish breakfast this morning we depart on an excursion to County Wicklow
taking in the monastic sites and lake at Glendalough followed by a visit to the
Avoca Hand Weavers. Enjoy lunch at a traditional pub in Avoca. Enroute back to Dublin
we stop in Sandycove to visit Martello Tower and Joyce Museum. This evening enjoy
free time to explore Dublin and have dinner on your own.
Optional golf: Druids Glen, European Club, Portmarnock, Royal Dublin.
Optional evening activity: Play/Theatre Night – Abbey Theatre or Gate Theatre.
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Day 4: Newgrange, Mellifont Abbey, Monasterboice & Sligo
Depart Dublin this morning after breakfast and head to Sligo in the northwest. Visit
local literary spots along the way to learn about local writers and poets. Lunch
will be provided at a local pub en-route. Visit the Famine Museum in Roscommon to
learn about the events of the 1840’s that gave rise to mass immigration from Ireland
to the U.S. Continue to Cromleach Lodge for a 2-night stay. This evening, enjoy
dinner at Cromleach Lodge.
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Day 5: Yeats Country, Lissadell House, Drumcliff Churchyard, Ben Bulben & Glencar
Waterfall
Sligo, home of William Butler Yeats, is aptly known as Yeats Country. His brother
Jack B. Yeats is one of Ireland’s most famous painters whose works go for seven
and eight figures. Visit Lissadell House where Yeats lived and wrote much of his
work.
Carry on towards Drumcliff, the churchyard where Yeats is buried and where you may
read his epitaph; “Cast a Cold Eye on Life, On Death Horseman Pass By!” Yeats asked
to be buried “Under Bare Ben Bulben’s Head”, the table mountain that can be seen
for miles. Afterwards, visit Glencar Waterfall and the Lake Isle of Innisfree. Many
ancient ruins shall also be visited throughout the beautiful Sligo countryside.
Literary reading by local author followed by traditional Irish music.
Optional Golf: County Sligo/Rosses Point or Enniscrone.
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Day 6: County Mayo, Westport, Delphi Valley, Connemara & Galway
Depart Sligo and head south through some beautiful Mayo country-side and visit the
planned town of Westport, home to Matt Molloy, the flautist of the Chieftains. You
can see Clare Island in the bay, once home to the infamous pirate queen, Grace O’Malley.
Continue south via the spectacular Delphi Valley to Clifden. After lunch and more
exploration, continue through Connemara to see the twelve Bens, thatched cottages,
and stone walls before arriving in Galway for dinner and a 2-night stay the Twelve
Hotel.
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Day 7: Coole Park & Galway City
This morning visit Coole Park which has deep literary connections with Shaw, Yeats,
Synge, Gregory and O’Casey to name a few. Enjoy the afternoon in Galway City exploring,
shopping and sightseeing. There are many great pubs and restaurants in this attractive
university town, well known as the literary and drama capital of the west. Enjoy
dinner on your own in Galway.
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Day 8: The Burren, Cliffs of Moher, Doolin & Adare
Depart Galway and drive to County Clare to see the Burren and the inspiring, mighty
Cliffs of Moher. Have lunch at Gus O’Connor’s Pub in Doolin. Continue to Adare Manor
for a 2-night stay. Explore the estate and perhaps enjoy some time at the spa. Enjoy
a literary reading this evening followed by traditional music.
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Day 9: Limerick City, King John’s Castle, Treaty Stone & Literary walking tour
After breakfast this morning head into Limerick for an enjoyable day that will include
a tour of King John’s Castle. See the famous Treaty Stone and visit St. Catherine’s
Cathedral. Enjoy a literary walking tour of Limerick made famous by Frank McCourt
followed by lunch at a famous Limerick Pub. Tonight a final farewell literary dinner
will be held in the private library dining room at Adare Manor.
Optional Golf: Adare Manor, Ballybunion or Limerick County.
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Day 10: Depart for Home
Transfer to Shannon Airport for your return flight home.
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Tour limited to 24 participants.
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