Southwest Ireland
September 20-27, 2009
Killarney and Southwest Ireland
ACCOMMODATION/LAND PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- Round trip ground transportation by first-class private coach from Shannon Airport to hotel
- Daily coach excursions to ancient sites, rural villages, and walking tours
- Seven nights accommodations at 4-star hotel and spa (double occupancy)
- Full Irish breakfast served daily; 3 lunches; 2 dinners
- Entrance fees to excursion sites
- Evening entertainment with Irish music
- All in-country guides and leadership
- Pre-trip materials, luggage tags
September 27- October 3, 2009
Add-On Extension Trip: 6 Days
The West of Ireland
Register for both trips and receive a special price! Contact us for details.
Also see our Frequently Asked Questions for more info about these trips!
These journeys have something to offer for anyone interested in a leisurely-paced and handcrafted journey to southwest Ireland. (See itinerary below) Staying in carefully selected first-class accommodations and traveling by luxury coach, wonderful, knowledgeable guides will give an insightful look at historical and contemporary Ireland. The journey in Killarney is planned to include the 3nd Anesthesia Update Conference in Ireland, providing daily morning lectures for those combining travel and attending courses for their professional continuing education credits. For trip participants not attending the lectures, mornings will be free to avail of the hotel amenities—leisure center or spa—or meander out the door of the hotel and relax in a café and welcome the passing of locals getting on with daily life. The jaunting carts can take you on a morning ride, or stroll several blocks and walk into spectacular Killarney National Park. By noon each day both groups will join-up and explore the Irish countryside with our guide and coach driver. This journey is designed to appeal to individuals that appreciate time in smaller groups or solo, while also providing planned activities and meals organized and enjoyed with the entire group.
If you would like to see more of Ireland—continue on at Shannon Airport September 27 and travel up to the west of Ireland, taking in the expansive unique landscape of Connemara, Westport, Galway City and the Aran Islands. All arrivals and departures will be from Shannon International Airport.
The inclusive price includes Accommodation/Land Package with 4-star accommodations, ground transportation by private coach, airport pick-up and transfers, welcome dinner and orientation, daily breakfast, several additional daily meals, afternoon excursions, local guides and pre-trip materials. During the first week of the journey activities are planned around the 
exquisite landscape of Co. Kerry and Co. Cork, which is geographically located in an area of Ireland surrounded by majestic mountains and the three Lakes of Killarney. The quaint tree-lined streets of Killarney are filled with pubs and restaurants, and you can always find a horse drawn jaunting cart ready to sweep you away with a driver who will charm you with his stories and introduce you to “the gift of Blarney.” The most impressive experience of landscape—up close and personal—will be a seven-mile journey through the Gap of Dunloe, a glaciated valley set against high cliffs. This handcrafted journey includes both planned and spontaneous activities with great leadership and guides, and great craic! (That’s Gaelic for a good time.)
The 2006 and 2007 trips SOLD OUT quickly! We encourage you to reserve your place early! Please read the itinerary for registration details.
Please note: The Conference registration fee is paid directly to C&H Educational Systems. The Accommodation/ Land Package is paid to Traveling Matters. The journey is open to friends and families.Traveling Matters has contracted with our hotel in Killarney for this event and all hotel reservations for those attending the conference and/or the total package journey must be made through Traveling Matters. We reserve the right to fill those spaces on a first come basis. A $500.00 deposit per person reserves your place on the journey.DAILY JOURNEY AND LECTURE ITINERARY (Tentative)
Day 1: Saturday, September 19: Depart USA on your choice of international airline. (See FAQ)
Day 2: Sunday, September 20: Welcome to the Emerald Isle
You will be met in the morning at Shannon Airport where you will then travel by coach to 
Killarney Town, approximately 2 ½ hour journey to Killarney. You have arrived in time to witness the excitement of Ireland’s Annual All-Ireland Final Gaelic Football Match, which is held in Dublin. Every television and pub will be brimming with jolly Irish watching the game. Get in the spirit – join the locals in a pub and have your first pint! Or, take the rest of the day to settle in and get a good night’s sleep. (B)
Day 3: Monday, September 21: Killarney Town
Today we explore Killarney Town with a guided walking tour. Options may include a walk in nearby Killarney National Park and tour of Muckross House and Gardens to learn the intimate connection this house and property has to America. This is a great day to enjoy Killarney and the many shops and pubs. In the evening a warm Irish Welcome dinner for the group is included. (B, D)
Day 4: Tuesday, September 22: Killarney, Gap of Dunloe
Morning lectures begin. Afternoon 3-hour spectacular trip through the Gap of Dunloe, an amazing glaciated valley w
ith high cliffs and the Lakes of Killarney. We will have a picnic lunch and begin our travel by horse-drawn jaunting car, or option to walk part of the seven-mile journey. We cross the lakes by boat, stop at Inishfallen Island, and finally arrive at the shores of Ross Castle. Dinner at your leisure, enjoy traditional music and dancing at local pubs. (B, L)
Day 5: Wednesday, September 23: Dingle Peninsula
We head west toward the Dingle Peninsula, home to a diverse marine life and the adored Fungi dolphin who arrived into Dingle Bay in 1984. Stop along the way at the breathtaking Inch Beach, and weather permitting; take a walk on Southwest Ireland’s most expansive and beautiful beach. Then spend the remainder of the afternoon in the picturesque and artistic town of Dingle, exploring the many 
shops, and some very colorful pubs. Optionally, take a harbor cruise and hope to spot Fungi! Return to Killarney for more music and fun. (B)
Day 6: Thursday, September 24: Beara Peninsula and Glengariff
What a day and evening we have planned, so get ready! We board the coach in the afternoon and head for the gateway to the Beara Peninsula and the village of Glengariff. We visit IInaculin Island (Garinish), a short crossing by boat with seals lapping on and off nearby rocks. Once on this small island you can meander through the spectacular gardens. The views lead across to Bantry Bay. Time permitting, visit charming town of Kenmare, known for it’s great restaurants, lace making, and boutique shops. Time for dinner and shopping. (B, L)
Day 7: Friday, September 25: Cork City
Morning lectures. This afternoon we venture to Cork City. We enjoy a guided walking tour of the city. Stroll through the English Market, a colorful food and vegetable market located on the Grand Parade, originally founded in 1610. Explore this lively University City, built over canals that branch into the River Lee. We have our Closing Dinner in the evening. (B,D)
Day 8: Saturday, September 26: Final day of lectures
Take the afternoon at your leisure. Take time to prepare for departure home or the add-on journey up to the West of Ireland. (B)
Day 9: Sunday, September 27: Flights home or onward to the West of Ireland
We say farewell to those departing today. An early morning transfer to Shannon Airport for those returning back to the USA. We welcome new group travelers as we continue on to the West of Ireland with the second leg of our journey. (B,D)
Note: Traveling Matters reserves the right to change the itinerary if deemed necessary and to increase the cost should the fluctuation of the Euro increase any unknown costs that will impact Traveling Matters. This will be determined during the planning period.
Please Note: The registration fee for the lectures is paid directly to C&H Educational Systems.
The Accommodation/Land Package is paid to Traveling Matters.
ACCOMMODATION/LAND PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- Round trip ground transportation by first-class private coach from Shannon Airport to hotel
- Daily coach excursions to ancient sites, rural villages, and walking tours
- Seven nights accommodations at 4-star hotel and spa (double occupancy)
- Full Irish breakfast served daily; 3 lunches; 2 dinners
- Entrance fees to excursion sites
- Evening entertainment with Irish music
- All in-country guides and leadership
- Pre-trip materials, luggage tags
NOT INCLUDED: International air flight; personal spending; pints of Guinness; other beverages; meals not included in itinerary; laundry service; discretionary tips to wait staff, driver, guides. Occupying a room on your own will necessitate a single supplement charge.
INSURANCE: We highly recommend travel insurance for losses necessitated by you having to cancel your participation, airline delays or cancellations, or potential injury or illness while traveling. Travel Insurance recommendations can be provided upon registration.
ABOUT YOUR INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS: We do not provide group air fare. You will need to book your flights individually (contact us for a travel agency referral if you need one). Your package price journey includes ground transportation to and from Shannon Airport and you will need to arrange your arrival and departure times to coincide with the group trip. If for any reason your flight is delayed beyond our arranged coach departure time, we unfortunately must request that you meet the group at the hotel. Information can be provided for local transportation options. For more information contact Margarita (707 939-7638).