Ireland Trip 2010

 

 

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Day 4: Wed, June 30  Blarney CASTLE AND CORK

Leaving Killarney travel south through lovely mountain scenery to Glengarriff and Bantry Bay where the mild climate allows sub-tropical vegetation to thrive.  Continue through the rich farming country of Cork to Blarney, stopping at Gougaine Barra along the way. 

Climb to the battlements of Blarney Castle to kiss the famous "Stone of Eloquence."  Also visit the Blarney Woollen Mills, which has an excellent range of Irish products of all types.  You will also have time to browse around the village, charmingly set around a large village green.

Then drive into Cork city and check into your hotel.  Enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure for independent activities before dining with your group.

DINNER & OVERNIGHT: MALDRON HOTEL, CORK  website 

 

Day 5: Thu, July 1 COBH HERITAGE CENTRE & DUBLIN

This morning drive a short distance to Cobh to visit the Cobh Heritage Centre, which depicts the varied history of emigration from Ireland and many European countries to the United States over the past 150 years.  This informative display is housed in the rail station through which all of the Irish emigrants had to pass.

Then depart Cobh and drive north towards Dublin.  Travel through the rich dairy country of Tipperary, past the gentle slopes of the Galtee Mountains and the majestic Rock of Cashel.  Pass through many marketing towns, each with its own characteristics and see the different types of farming which is the principal livelihood of the Irish people.  

Along the way, stop at the Rock of Dunamase, a stronghold against invaders from the Vikings through Cromwell.  Here begins the tragic saga of the British invasions and conquest of Ireland. 

 Arrive in Dublin and take an orientation drive around the city center.  Dublin is one of the liveliest capitals in Europe but there are plenty of historical places also.  See the main thoroughfares of O’Connell Street and Nassau Street, the shopping streets and some lovely public parks. Then drive to your hotel and check in. After you settle into your room you may like to rest or explore some of the city on your own before dinner. 

 This evening enjoy a great dinner and a lively show of traditional Irish songs and intricate step-dancing with your fellow travelers at The Brazen Head Pub, which is located on Bridge Street. ( website ) Established in 1198, the Brazen Head is over 800 years old and is the second oldest pub in Ireland. 

OVERNIGHT: CAMDEN COURT HOTEL, DUBLIN  website

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