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2008 Tours

IRELAND, THE KILLARNEY TOWERS HOTEL, KILLARNEY
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6 Day Tour 18th - 24th October

Picturesque Lake District

We always listen to our customers, and ireland is where you have asked to return to. So here is a stunning autumn tour for you - a superb time of the year to visit the region of kerry, with its magnificent scenery which has attracted visitors since victorian times. Rocky headlands jut out into the atlantic and colourful fishing villages nestle in the shelter of the bays. Killarney and its romantic lakes are a powerful magnet for tourists, yet the region remains remarkably unspoiled, with a friendly atmosphere and authentic culture.

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OUTLINE ITINERARY Talisman Travel reserves the right to alter the order of this itinerary if required.

  • DAY 1 After completing our schedule of pickups we depart our location early morning and, using the motorway system, we drive direct to Abegele and the 3* Kinmel Manor Hotel for our first overnight stay with dinner. Kinmel Manor is a family run hotel conveniently located just of the A55 set back within the rural surroundings of Abergele. The featured fireplace in the heart of the Hotel restaurant is decorated with coats of arms dating back to the 1100's. Whilst taking the time to read up on the history of the hotel you can enjoy the relaxing atmosphere at the lounge bar. Or soak away the daily stress in the spa bath at the leisure complex.

  • DAY 2 An early start today as our Stena Line Ferry departs Holyhead at 08.55hrs. We dock in Dun Laoghaire at 10.49hrs and drive direct to Killarney, taking our lunch stop in Limerick which is the Republic of Ireland’s third largest city and has a beautiful location on one of Ireland’s most picturesque rivers, the Shannon. Conquered by the Vikings in the ninth century, this bustling modern city has a rich medieval past, which resounds around its ancient streets. As well as the internationally renowned Hunt Museum with its exceptional art collection including works from Picasso, da Vinci and Renoir, Limerick also boasts a wonderful medieval precinct with the famous 800-year-old King John’s Castle. Limerick is packed with excellent shops, wonderful restaurants. We hope to arrive in Killarney, mid afternoon. Time for a much needed rest before dinner is served and, if you feel up to it, make the most of the evening and enjoy some quality Irish entertainment and hospitality.

  • DAY 3 After partaking of a full Irish breakfast, you can enjoy a much deserved relaxing day today which includes a Jaunting Car ride through the beautiful Killarney National Park and a boat cruise. This is a must for any guest to Killarney; experience the most beautiful part of Ireland in the most memorable way. Cruise on Killarney's largest lake, Lough Lein in the comfort & safety of a covered heated & modern vessel. Drift through the island on board 'The Lily of Killarney' cruiser and relax in the beauty & splendour that surrounds you. Also included, a ride on board a traditional jaunting car where you will ramble through the Killarney National Park & Ross Castle with the local Jarvey. This spectacular tour will inform you on the history, legends & folklore of the area, and if you are lucky enough you might just bump into the odd 1 or 2 Leprechauns!!! There should be some free time to explore the town of Killarney as well!

  • DAY 4 Today we are fortunate to have the support of Michael, a highly knowledgeable and entertaining local guide. He will add to your enjoyment as you tour the Ring of Kerry. Dominated by MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, savour 100 miles of spectacular scenery as you travel along the narrow coastal road on the Iveragh Peninsula. Your journey includes Killorglin, home of the world’s oldest market, the Puck Fair, through Glenbeigh, calling at the Kerry Bog Village. Continue through the villages of Rossbeigh and Kells, with their beautiful golden beaches to Caherciveen for lunch. Travel through Waterville and Derrynane, overlooking Ballinskelligs Bay to Caherdaniel, hometown of political hero Daniel O’Connell. We continue through Sneem, a quaint town with its own village green, and Kenmare to Moll’s Gap. The winding road passes Ladies View, aptly named after Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting who were so impressed with the view of the lakes, and the entrance to Muckross finishing in Killarney.

  • DAY 5 Michael stays with us today as we embark on another highly scenic tour - around the Dingle Peninsula. Made famous by "Ryan’s Daughter" the Dingle Peninsula offers some of the wildest natural scenic beauty in Ireland and we are going to take our time to enjoy it. Travelling north-west, Tralee beckons with its veritable feast of activities for the visitor. Learn the roots of Kerry history with a visit to the fascinating "Kerry the Kingdom" Museum. We continue to Dingle, a fishing village whose most famous resident is "Fungi" the Dolphin. At Slea Head promontory the Blasket Islands come into view. Mid afternoon, we return to Killarney. Time to rest before dinner and another jolly evening. (Please note, Michael will determine the route taken on the day.)

  • DAY 6 Our time in Killarney has come to an end and after breakfast, we check out of the hotel and head for the county of Cork and Midleton for a visit to the famous "Jameson’s Experience". On the banks of the Dungourney River, The Old Distillery stands. It is a distillery steeped in history…Step through the doors and you will take a step back in time. Carts piled high with sacks of grain. The smell of malted barley drying in closed kilns. The largest pot still in the world. And of course, the finest of Irish Whiskey. A tour of The Old Midleton Distillery is unlike any tour you've ever been on before. It is much more a path of discovery. One which will take you through the magnificent courtyard area, evoking the atmosphere of harvest time with farmers arriving with horses and carts piled high with sacks of grain ready to sell to the Distillery. Take the path to the Distiller's cottage. See the giant waterwheel which at one stage powered all of the distillery machinery, and today still turns the cogs and wheels in the Mill Building. In the Brew House you will see the largest pot still in the World. While at The Old Cooperage you can literally touch the Distillery's resonant past. Then complete the experience in the only way possible with a well earned whiskey tasting session in the Jameson Bar! Lunch of sandwiches and soup are included here. Time permitting, we will make one more stop, at the JFK Arboretum in Wexford. Dedicated to the memory of John Fitzgerald Kennedy, President of the United States from 1960 - 1963, the Arboretum is a plant collection of international standing. It covers 252 hectares (623 acres) on the southern slopes and summit of Slieve Coillte. It contains 4,500 types of trees and shrubs from all temperate regions of the world, planted in botanical sequence. There are 200 forest plots grouped by continent. A road provides access to the summit at 271m from which there are panoramic views. A Visitor Centre houses exhibitions and an audio visual show. After this we head for the Quality Hotel, Wexford for our final overnight stop. Opened in March 2003, situated just five minutes from Wexford town, the Quality Hotel & Leisure Centre is a contemporary hotel, which exceeds a three star standard. The hotel boasts 108 luxury guestrooms, dedicated state of the art Leisure Club which includes a 20 M pool, steam room, jacuzzi, sauna and fully equipped gym. The hotels restaurant, "Lannigans" is where we enjoy our final group meal.

  • DAY 7 After an early breakfast we make our way to Rosslare for the 09.00hrs sailing, via Stena Line, arriving at Fishguard at 12.30hrs. From there we drive direct to our location, taking motorway comfort stops en route and arriving back in our location, early evening.
TOUR INCLUDES
Door-to-door collection service.

Luxury coach travel.

Four nights accommodation at the Killarney Towers Hotel, Killarney on a dinner, bed & full Irish breakfast basis.

One nights accommodation at the Kinmel Manor Hotel, Adergele on a dinner, bed & full Welsh breakfast basis.

One nights hotel accommodation at the Quality Hotel, Wexford on a dinner, bed & full Irish breakfast basis.
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Return Irish sea crossing with Stena Line.

Support of a Talisman Travel Tours Manager. Support of a resort guide for excursions to The Ring of Kerry & The Dingle Peninsula.

Entrance to the Old Midleton Distillery with Lunch, Entrance to the JFK Arboretum.

Jaunting car ride and "Lily of Killarney" cruise.

PRICE PER
PERSON
£495.00
SINGLE SUPPLIMENT OF £82.00pp APPLIES

All coach excursions as per the itinerary.

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