EMERALD IRELAND
Escorted by our own Allison O’Sullivan
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We will explore some of Ireland's most beautiful, rugged and storied lands, beginning in Dublin, one of Europe's liveliest capitals, and concluding in the gorgeous countryside of Killarney with return home from Shannon Airport. This is not your Blarney Stone tour! The highlights of our trip include: Dublin sightseeing; Trinity College and the Book of Kells; a step back in time to 1794 in the Georgian house at No.29 Fitzwilliam Square; visit to Bantry House and gardens in the region known as the "Garden of Ireland" with romantic beauty and picturesque villages; tour of Helen Dillon's Gardens by Ms. Dillon herself, followed by tea and biscuits inside her antique-filled home; Scone making at Ballyknocken House & Cookery School; tour of historic Leap Castle by the current owner; the magnificent Gap of Dunloe Tour; see some of the finest coastal scenery of the Dingle Peninsula and so much more! The timing is ideal. June brings beautiful weather to the Emerald isle. We'll enjoy Irish fare, Irish music and above all, Irish hospitality at it's best.
Exclusively for Women
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Ireland Entry Requirements: *** Valid passport required. U.S. citizens do not need a Visa or Inoculations*** Our Hotels
Day 1 – Saturday, June 6: Depart the U.S. on overnight flights to Dublin. Day 2 – Sunday, June 7: Welcome to Ireland Breakfast in Dublin We arrive Ireland very early in the morning and will immediately be greeted by our Dublin tour guide for a panoramic tour of the city. It will still be early when we get to the city center so we suggest a stop for breakfast (cost about €15 or $22) and the perfect time to get to know each other and talk about the program. As we tour Dublin, our guide will point out a number of sites with comments on the history of the city. On the north side of the River Liffe, the area offers great striking monuments such as the GPO (General Post Office) on the city’s main thoroughfare, O'Connell Street, the Custom House along the quays, as well as Phoenix Park, the largest public park in Europe. The south side appears more sophisticated with its vast Georgian squares, such as Merrion Square, where Oscar Wilde’s House can still be found (today owned by an American College). Not far from St. Stephen’s Green, on Kildare Street, we will pass by the house of Bram Stoker, author of Dracula. This part of the city is also populated by the students of Trinity College. The university faces the medieval district where Dublin Castle and the two Anglican Cathedrals of Christchurch and St Patrick’s can be found.
Trinity College is the oldest University in Ireland. It was founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth 1st on grounds confiscated from an Augustinian priory. The Campanile, erected in 1852, was built on what is believed to be the center of the monastery. Built to further the education of the ruling Anglo-Irish families, restrictions were imposed to prevent Catholics from attending courses. These restrictions were not fully lifted until the 1970’s. It is remarkable to note that Trinity admitted women in 1902, earlier than most British universities. Many of the buildings off the main square were built during the Georgian period, some of which replaced older buildings. Within its walls, you will be able to admire Parliament Square and its 18th Century edifices. Trinity College has had many famous students such as Jonathan Swift and Samuel Beckett, who later became a lecturer in French at the university. While not a guided tour, the visit lends itself to walking and reading at our own pace, and will include a stop in the long hall of the Old Library to see the famous Book of Kells.
Our next stop is Number 29 Lower Fitzwilliam Street. Here you will get the opportunity to visit a Georgian house. Number 29 allows one to step back in time to 1794, when the house was built for Mrs. Olivia Beatty. The tour begins with an audio-visual presentation to give insight into life at the time from the viewpoint of the mistress. A guide will escort us through the treasures and features of the house. All the furnishings are authentic and are provided by the National Museum of Ireland. Late in the afternoon we will check-in to the hotel for a bit of relaxation, followed by a welcome drink and dinner. (D)
Visit Helen Dillon’s Home and Gardens, Tea and Biscuits Our second day includes a very special visit with Helen Dillon that will highlight a tour of her spectacular gardens, followed by a most enjoyable treat of tea and biscuits in her antique-filled, Georgian-style home. An urban garden, hers is an oasis in the city, where a series of little gardens, each with a different theme, are arranged around a central stretch of water. It incorporates five different rectangular sections, the longest about 6 feet wide, with 2 small and 1 larger waterfalls ~ all set in limestone. The garden is controlled throughout by a strong sense of design and color, and features a plant collection to rival that of a small Botanic garden. Unusual perennials, alpines, bulbs and ferns are mixed up with self-seeding foxgloves, columbines, campanulas and feverfew. The long succession of flowers begins in March and runs through to the autumn. Rare herbaceous plants are a speciality.
Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure, perhaps staying in Dublin for personal sightseeing and shopping. We suggest a stroll along Grafton Street where one can usually find entertaining street performers as well as a wide assortment of shops. Spend some time in Stephens Green Park or have lunch in one of the nice cafes in the area. For a small entrance fee, you can tour St. Patrick’s or Christchurch Cathedrals. Another suggestion is to visit the National Gallery which is free of charge. (As we are not including a stop at Waterford, anyone wishing to purchase Waterford crystal may do so in Dublin and our guide can offer assistance). If you get back at the hotel early enough, you might enjoy a walk over to little village of Dalkey. Bono from U2 lives in Dalkey as does Enya and you can sometimes chance to see them as they pass through their gates! Dalkey is quite small, just 1 street, but it has nice little shops and pubs with an authentic atmosphere. The beach nearby is good for a walk and fresh air. There is a little Castle and Heritage Center that might be of interest visiting at a supplement of € 6.50 (about $9.50). You would visit a fifteenth century medieval Town House, a tenth century church and graveyard, a Modern Exhibition Area and a vibrant Art Gallery. Scaled models and information panels with text written by local Tony-Award winner, Hugh Leonard, vividly illustrate the history of the Dalkey area. Its rich literary history is further enhanced by the fact that James Joyce set Chapter Two of Ulysses in Dalkey. International best selling author, Maeve Binchy and film-director, Neil Jordan live in Dalkey. There is a Writers' Gallery with information on these acclaimed writers of the locality. A short introductory tour is included in the admission price. You can also view a video of the archaeology of the area, presented by Archaeologist, Chris Corlett. This evening we are at leisure for dining in one of the many restaurants or pubs in Dublin. Our guide will offer suggestions and we will have assistance with reservation services and transportation options. (B)
Day 4 – Tuesday, June 9: The Garden of Ireland Scenic Tour of Coastline and Gardens of Ireland Today we travel south of Dublin, to County Wicklow, also known as the Garden of Ireland. It is home to Powerscourt, Mount Usher and Russborough, to name a few of its many houses and gardens. This region features all the various types of scenery that makes Ireland so beautiful. The coastline is bordered by charming sea resorts such as Bray and Greystones. In the heart of its gentle and rounded hills are nestled Enniskerry and Avoca, both very picturesque villages. Discover its romantic and quiet beauty, the deserted mounts blanketed by miles of heather, the small forests and the lush prairies illuminated by yellow gorse in spring. A special highlight planned for today is our stop at Ballyknocken House & Cookery School, headed by locally celebrated chef, Catherine Fulvio. Set in the renovated Milking Parlour on the grounds of Ballyknocken House & Farm, the Cookery School offers a unique culinary haven. Here, one can learn the skills of preparing fresh local foods in a wonderful countryside setting. Courses are taught by Chef Catherine, a graduate of the Ballymaloe and Alix Gardiner Schools of Cookery. Hers is a second generation success story. Having been actually brought up in Ballyknocken House, Catherine believes she learned her skills while literally hanging onto the apron strings of her mother, Mary. A professional cook herself, Mary Byrne served 3 meals a day to guests of Ballyknocken House starting in 1969! We will be greeted by Catherine if she is in residence this day. Her emphasis is always on the use of good local ingredients, many of which are supplied from the Ballyknocken Farm garden and from the local farmers of Wicklow.
Then, on to Glendalough . . . The English name Glendalough originated from the Irish “Gleann Dá Locha,” which translates as "The valley of the Two Lakes." It was here that St. Kevin, son of the King of Leinster, founded a monastery in the 6th century. From a simple beginning the site grew to become famous as a center of learning throughout Europe. Surviving for 600 years, it was destroyed in 1398. Much of what remains today dates from the 10th to 12th centuries. One of the most attractive features is the fine, 34m high round tower. A cathedral, stone churches and decorated crosses also survived, albeit as ruins. Glendalough has an excellent Visitor's Center and display area which we will visit. Located at the entrance to the Valle, it houses a comprehensive exhibition on Glendalough detailing the history, archaeology and wildlife of this area of Wicklow.
Tonight we present a memorable evening of dinner, storytelling and music. We’ll dine on a traditional meal in Ireland’s oldest pub – the Brazen Head – and will hear about the people of Ireland in times past. Discover how they lived off the land, how they celebrated their lives through wakes, weddings, storytelling, music and dance, and finally their beliefs, superstitions and stories about the other world of the Fairies.The evening will give you a wonderful insight into their everyday lives in the 19th century, how they saw the world around them and how their vivid imagination and creativity concerning matters of the spirit, developed into the rich traditional Irish culture we still have today. Our dinner will be served in a private room upstairs in the Pub, with the stories presented between each course. After dinner we will move downstairs to enjoy one of the best traditional music venues in Dublin. (B, D) Day 5 – Wednesday, June 10: Leave Dublin for Kerry and Killarney Travel to County Kerry Today we depart Ireland’s capital and travel to County Kerry. This is another full day, but we will break up the 5-hour drive with frequent stops. Although we don’t actually do the Ring of Kerry, we will see some of its beauty tomorrow on our journey through the equally magnificent Gap of Dunloe . . . the mini-ring sites of Mols Gap and Ladies View will be seen in the distance. En route, we will visit Leap Castle for a private tour by the castle owner. Following the historic tour, we will be treated further to Irish hospitatlity with tea and scones.
From here, we will continue to Killarney to check into our hotel, the beautiful Randles Court, where dinner will be served. (B, D)
Day 6 – Thursday, June 11: The Gap of Dunloe Scenic Drive through Killarney After a hearty Irish breakfast we will set off to discover the picturesque and beautiful countryside around Killarney. No visit to Ireland would be complete without doing the magnificent Gap of Dunloe Trip.
At the mouth of the Gap, we arrive at Kate Kearney’s Cottage, a restaurant. Here, we change our mode of transport to the rustic delights of a Pony & Trap (Horse & Carriage). The traps are pulled by hardy little ponies, accompanied by their owner/drivers known as ‘jarveys.’ Then we’re off for our 10km trip through the Gap. In this wild mountain gorge of the most rugged scenery, one passes many small lakes connected by mountain streams and cascades. On the right are the MacGillycuddy Reeks, on the left is Purple Mountain. We will proceed to Lord Brandon’s Cottage where we will stop for lunch. Soup and a sandwich will cost about 12 Euros each with a beverage. The setting here is sublime, nesting as it does between the foot of the mountains and the shores of the lake.
Afterwards, we change our mode of transport once again! This time we take a 20km boat trip through Upper Lake, the most beautiful of the three lakes of Killarney. Each 12-passenger boat is open above and affords magnificent views throughout the cruise. Passing through the Long Range River and Eagle’s Nest Mountain, the boat trip continues under the Old Weir Bridge, to the Middle Lake, under Brickeen Bridge and on to the Lower Lake and to Ross Castle. This 14th century stronghold belonged to the O’Donoghue family who controlled this area prior to the arrival of the Cromwellians. We can stop and tour it for a supplement of € 4.75 (about $7.00). Located close to the town of Killarney, Ross Castle is a typical example of the stronghold of an Irish Chieftain during the Middle Ages. The castle is surrounded by a fortified bawn, its curtain walls defended by circular flanking towers, two of which remain. Much of the bawn was removed by the time the Barrack building was added on the south side of the castle sometime in the middle of the 18th century. Recently restored, the castle also exhibits a collection of 16th and 17th century furniture. Dinner is on our own tonight to enjoy at one of Killarney’s pubs or restaurants. Dannyman’s Pub is famous in Killarney for it’s festive music. Or perhaps you would prefer the quieter, more upscale ambiance of Eliza Blues, a contemporary restaurant without entertainment. It’s located in the lively Temple Bar area and you can always stop in elsewhere afterwards for a pint and to check out the lively action. Either way, we can arrange reservations and taxi’s into town for anyone interested. (B, L) Day 7 – Friday, June 12: Dingle Peninsula Magnificent Coastal Scenery Tour Today we travel southwards where some of the finest coastal scenery in Ireland can be found on Dingle Peninsula in West Kerry, the most northern of the Kerry Peninsulas. Besides having one of the most natural and unspoiled landscapes in Europe, this region is also famous for its Celtic, pre-Christian monuments and Christian churches. It is also a ‘Gaeltacht' (Irish speaking) area, where the Irish language and traditional ways of life are preserved. Dingle Town itself is a thriving fishing village and offers plenty of opportunity for shopping or simply savouring the atmosphere of a typical country Irish town with its plentiful pubs, narrow streets and busy harbour.
The road around the Peninsula is truly spectacular. It passes through a chain of Mountains, called Slieve Mish. From a point called Inch, we can admire the Iveragh Peninsula and Rossbeigh Beach - a long beach bordered by dunes and made famous by David Lean’s movie “Ryan’s Daughter.” From Dingle, we will drive around the coast to Slea Head. Here the blue of the marine landscape surrounds the Blaskets Islands, deserted since 1953. In the distance are the two rocky Skellig Islands, where the ruins of an early Christian Monastery can be found. The Dingle Peninsula, a land of blue and gold hills, sandy beaches, glorious white waterfalls, and dappled fields of wild flowers, will charm you with its villages painted in bright colors, and will bewitch you with the dramatic beauty of its landscape. Continuing on to Dingle Town, we will stop at a local pub for lunch and what will surely be a memorable performance of traditional Irish music. This will be a special treat as we will enjoy a music session with Benny O’Carroll and his fellow musicians whose CD “Sessions from the Hearth” was recorded live at The National Folk Theatre of Ireland. Featuring the finest musicians, dancers and singers in Ireland today, the performance received the highest accolades and has been described as one of the best live recordings of Irish traditional music to date. Benny and his bandmates are real Kerry men and they not only perform, but are often quite humorous as well. Afterwards, we will have free time in the village to explore on our own. Don’t miss the little pottery shop of Louis Mulcahy, and if we’re lucky, we’ll catch a demonstration of his beautiful work. Later, we will return to the hotel. This evening is at leisure for dinner. (B, L) Day 8 – Saturday, June 13: Garnish Island Bantry Bay and the Island Garden of Ilnacullin Our last full day in Ireland is a busy one! This morning we set off for Glengarriff and the island of Ilnacullin. Located in the sheltered harbour of Glengarriff in Bantry Bay, Ilnacullin is a small island of 15 hectares (37 acres). Known to horticulturists all around the world, Ilnacullin is an island garden of rare beauty. This creation is owed to the talented partnership, some eighty years ago, of Annan Bryce, owner of the island, and Harold Peto, architect and garden designer. This creative duo transformed the island into an Itallianate garden with exotic plants, never before found in Ireland. The plants continue to flourish today, providing a blaze of color in a landscape usually dominated by greens and browns. There are spectacular panoramic views from the 19th century Martello tower giving imposing views over Bantry Bay and Whiddy Island. Access to the Island is by small ferry boats and licensed 60 seater water buses.
On our way back to Killarney, we stop for a visit to Bantry House and Gardens. Bantry House is superbly situated overlooking Bantry Bay. A family called White purchased the property in 1765, which was enlarged by a son Richard, the 2nd Earl of Bantry. The house is filled with a unique collection of French and Flemish tapestries, furniture, carpets and art treasures, collected in the 19th century by the 2nd Earl in his travels all over Europe. The magnificent gardens and grounds – reflecting the best in European design and style, and now under restoration – are home to many sub-tropical plants and shrubs. Other features within the 45 acre grounds include the renowned 100-stepped “stairway to the sky,” the Italian Garden and the largest wisteria circle in the country. This evening we celebrate our final night in Ireland at Kate Kearney’s Cottage (where we briefly stopped on Thursday for the pony & trap ride). Nestled at the foot of the world famous Gap of Dunloe in County Kerry, the Cottage has been a family-run establishment for over 150 years. At “Kate’s” you will not only enjoy excellent food and entertainment, you will find the musicians eager to introduce the audience to their instruments while the dancers will set your toes a tapping. And everyone is encouraged to get up and learn either a few basis steps of a good Irish jig or try the hornpipe. A hearty Gap of Dunloe meal and an Irish coffee tops off a night of fun and festivity. Our return to the hotel will be late in the evening. (B, D) Day 9 – Sunday, June 14: Killarney to Shannon Airport After a final hearty breakfast, we depart the hotel in Killarney for the two-hour drive to Shannon Airport and our return flights home. (B) For additional information, we offer the following websites: |
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Fitzpatrick Castle, with 113 guest rooms, is located in the fashionable suburb of Killiney, and a short walk from the tiny village of Dalkey (home to singers Bono and Enya). The original castle was built in the 18th century and the present hotel retains its original castle image by means of its old-world style decoration. Situated 9 miles south of Dublin (and only a short train ride away), the hotel has an excellent location from which to visit Dublin, Wicklow and the south east. Hotel amenities include a restaurant, fitness center and a swimming pool. 
Following our tour of the school, we will enjoy a hands-on session of making traditional Irish scones. It is believed that along with expert instruction, the only way to master the art of creating the softest, most delicous of scones is by making them yourself! Depending on our timing this day, we will taste the fruits of our labor, either with morning coffee or afternoon tea, in the Ballyknocken farmhouse. Lunch is on our own, and we will either eat near the school or en route to our next stop.
Located south-east of Birr between Kinnity and Roscrea are the remains of Leap Castle, and is according to legend, Ireland’s most haunted castle. The original tower house of Leap Castle was once the principal seat of The O'Carrolls of Ely. It stood on a vast ancient rock guarding a strategic pass through the Slieve Bloom Mountains. The O'Carrolls were the last remaining chieftains of the area to surrender to the English in the 17th century. However their fierce reputation remained with them. In 1532 upon the death of The Chief of the Clan, fierce rivalry erupted within the family. Above the main hall of the original tower is the Bloody Chapel where "One-eyed” Tadhig O'Carroll slew his brother at the altar, giving the room its haunted mystique. 
Trips designed by women for women