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HisMuse
01-08-2008, 02:18 PM
Here is the official trip package in case anyone wants to see. It has not been booked yet but this is the final itinerary as far as I know.

Ancient Ireland Tour : (Dates of Travel: June 22nd - July 3rd 2008)


7 nights of Bed and Breakfast
1 night CabraCastle, Kingscourt http://www.authenticireland.com/accommodation/cabra_castle.htm
1 night Newpark House, Ennis http://www.newparkhouse.com/
1 night Grafton Capital Hotel, Dublin 2 http://www.authenticireland.com/accommodation/graftoncapital.htm

Custom Itinerary: 10-night Ancient Ireland Tour



Day 1: Cavan
The inland county of Cavan's name comes from the Irish word cabhán, meaning “a hollow”, which is appropriate, as it is set between highlands in the east and the ErneValley and a mountainous region on the west. The county is said to have 365 lakes, one for each day of the year, the largest of which are Lough Oughter and Lough Sheelin. Cavan’s rivers, streams and tree-lined lakes also provide great opportunities for fishing, cruising and swimming. The source of the Shannon, the longest river in Ireland, is known as the “Shannon Pot” and is just a few miles north of Dowra, on the southwest side of CuilcaghMountains.

Day 2-3: Sligo
Sligo, which has a close association with the poet W.B. Yeats offers a fine museum and gallery, much of which is devoted to the great man. Close to Sligo you will find 5,000 year-old megalithic tombs left by the ancient Celtic people. Also worth a look are the ruins of the 19th century Sligo Abbey. One interesting possible diversion will take you to the town of Knock where in 1879 Mary, Joseph, and St. John miraculously appeared. The number of witnesses on that evening and the many subsequent healings that have taken place here leave little doubt in many people's mind that something incredible did in fact happen here. A 12,000 seat Basilila was built to accommodate the vast number of visitors each year.



Day 4: Ennis
Located just 15 miles from ShannonAirport, Ennis is the county town of Clare and is always pleasantly busy. It takes its name from the Irish word “inis” (island) as it is virtually surrounded by the River Fergus on which it sits. Its streets are narrow and attractive, some of them pedestrianised and in 2005 Ennis won the accolade of Ireland's tidiest town, of which the residents are justifiably proud. The Friary at the bottom of Abbey Street, was founded by the O’Briens in the 13th century. Many of its original features survive and it’s well worth visiting. But the main attraction in Ennis is the locals' obvious love of traditional music. Every May the town hosts Fleadh Nua, an international celebration of Irish culture, while in November, the Ennis Trad Festival is held. But trad music of the very highest quality is on display in the pubs of Ennis throughout the year. It often seems that those in the town that can't sing or play an instrument are very much in the minority. The person who recently labeled Ennis the Nashville of traditional Irish music wasn't far wrong.

More to come....

HisMuse
01-08-2008, 02:19 PM
Day 5-6: Killarney
Killarney lies on the edge of the astoundingly beautiful KillarneyNational Park with its three magnificent lakes and the spectacular MacGillycuddy Reeks mountain range. The park is also home to Muckross House and Gardens. Killarney is a wonderful base for all manner of activities including angling and water sports, golf, riding, orienteering, hiking, cycling, and canoeing. The town itself is quite small but full of charm as you will soon see as you walk down the brick footpaths and pass curious old-style shop fronts. Killarney is well known for its excellent shops, restaurants and cosmopolitan appeal. It is also renowned for its evening entertainment including many singing pubs, cabarets, dancing venues, and banquets. Traditional Irish music can also be heard in many of the local pubs.

Suggested sight seeing while staying in Killarney.

Ring of Kerry
Killarney is also the usual starting point for people completing the Ring of Kerry, Ireland's best-known touring route. It is 110 miles (176 km) long and circles the IveraghPeninsula through mountain passes, forests, bogs, skirting rivers, lakes and beautiful unspoilt beaches. The scenery is truly wonderful and there is much of interest along the route. For more information see the Travel Guide section of our website:
http://www.authenticireland.com/travel_guide/kerry.htm#ring




Day 7-8: Kinsale
Located just 16 miles from Cork City in a naturally protected harbour, Kinsale is one of the most picturesque, popular and fashionable towns on the south-west coast. Kinsale is a centre for yachting, sea angling, gourmet eating and golf. Restaurants in Kinsale pride themselves on their high reputation for culinary expertise, and the Good Food Circle has been organizing a Gourmet Festival here every autumn for over 25 years. A charming town, its narrow streets are steeped in history and its harbour is always full of boats. Visit the museum housed in the French Prison or, just outside the town, the star-shaped Charles Fort with its spectacular views, before retiring to one of the town's many cozy atmospheric pubs.




Day 9: Wicklow
Known as “the Garden of Ireland”, Wicklow has wonderful scenery, with mountains, wooded valleys and lakes. It is fringed on the east by golden sandy beaches. Major routes to the east and west go through two of the highest passes in the country – Sally Gap and Wicklow Gap. Among its spectacular valleys are Glenmalure, Glencree, Glenmacnass, the Glen of Immal, and the most famous of all – Glendalough, the home of one of the country’s most famous early Christian sites. The county is very popular with outdoor enthusiasts for the range of activities it offers – walking, cycling, shore, coarse and game angling, golf, riding, watersports. There are also a number of historic gardens and houses to visit, Powerscourt House being the most famous and impressive. Because of its wonderful scenery, the county has been used as a location for many films over the years, including Excalibur, Braveheart, Far and Away and Michael Collins. The very successful Irish television series Ballykissangel was made in the pretty village of Avoca.

Day 10: Dublin
Dublin is a city brimming with culture. The 8th century illuminated manuscript, the Book of Kells, must be viewed. It is on display at the impressive Trinity College, Ireland's first university (founded 1592) in the heart of Dublin. For the rest of the day, it is up to you how much you want to pack in. PhoenixPark, twice the size of New York City's Central Park, Georgian Dublin around Steven's Green, the NationBotanical Gardens, and the HughLaneMunicipalArtGallery are all highly recommended stops on your tour. Be sure to pay a visit to Dublin's Temple Bar area to experience the lively Dublin pub culture.

PGDesigns
01-08-2008, 02:33 PM
That sounds amazing! I'm sure you two will have so much fun!

val24
01-08-2008, 06:50 PM
its sounds like it is going to be a blast!!
do you book thru the website or go to a travel agent?

SerendipityCrafts
01-08-2008, 07:09 PM
Can I come too?

I have always wanted to visit England, Ireland and Scotland!!!!

firespirit
01-08-2008, 07:14 PM
I want to see lots of pictures when you get back! And hear stories!

Are you going right after the wedding? What will the weather be like?

heatherh321
01-08-2008, 08:15 PM
Wow, that will be a vacation of a lifetime, it sounds amazing!!

HisMuse
01-08-2008, 08:50 PM
* We're getting a tour package from online so yes there is some kind of a travel agent.

* You can come but you have to carry my suitcase everywhere.

* It would be right after the wedding or that's the initial plan. I think we're going at the peak time of year.

Now we must cross our fingers that Erik's dad can help. Erik mentioned it to his mom (they are divorced) and she doesn't think he can afford as much as we need :(

KMS
01-09-2008, 10:56 AM
I'll cross my fingers for ya! That sounds like one amazing honeymoon!

Danielle9608
01-09-2008, 11:15 AM
Wow... sounds like a trip of a lifetime