West of Ireland
September 27- October 3, 2009
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Throughout this journey we will contrast the new with the still unspoiled natural rural landscape as we traverse the back roads and modern roads of West Ireland. At the heart of our journey is the vast terrain of mountains and ancient sites and forts in this magnificent area. We will make a connection with the warm-hearted and spontaneous nature of the Irish people and local guides, many of who still take part in the traditional ways of rural life that can still be found here in many places. We will travel through some of the most rugged and lush mountains through Connemara into the northwest town of Westport, set in the hilly terrain of County Mayo and at the base of the Holy Mountain of Ireland, Croagh Patrick. The mountain received 
its name from Ireland’s Patron St. Patrick. To this day people from around the world make the pilgrimage to climb the 2,510 foot glaciated mountain. Westport and the surrounding area suffered great hardship during the famine years and we will make visits to historical sites and visit the Famine Memorial. Westport is one of Ireland’s first planned towns, a charming bayside village adjacent to Clew Bay and many neighboring islands and castles. You will experience that the local people worship living here and can’t imagine ever leaving!
From Westport we will ferry to the largest of the Aran Islands, Inis Mór, one the three Aran Islands where the lyrical native tongue is still spoken. We’ll take a dramatic walk to the remains of Dun Aonghusa, a large eleven-acre pre-historic fort built between 800 BC and 400 AD. Our time on Inis Mór is enhanced by a well know author, archaeologist and storyteller that will share his knowledge and love of living on Inis Mór. We have wonderful experiences planned for your visit with plenty of time to enjoy the island’s natural setting, and an opportunity to meet the local folks.
We then venture into the vibrant and ancient medieval City of Galway for the next two nights of our journey. Galway is surrounded by Galway Bay and Lough Corrib, one of the largest rivers running through Ireland. Many wonderful options in Galway City are to be discovered. It’s a city both traditional and cosmopolitan and you will find an abundance of excellent restaurants and lively pubs with some of the best traditional Irish music. There will be ample time to enjoy great shopping along its pedestrian malls or walks by the river. Theatre, music and art abound in Galway and you will be able to savor its character before you soon leave for home.
We conclude and share our stories and images, spending our last night just beyond the view of the stunning Bunratty Castle, an impressive castle built in 1425 and completely restored in 1954 to its medieval splendor. A walk around the surrounding houses and cottages stretches the imagination to experience life in the medieval past. We will do our last minute packing and enjoy our last evening of newfound travel and friendships with good food and all raise a pint – to a great journey!
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 C&H 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. We reserve the right to fill spaces on a first come basis. A $500.00 deposit per person reserves your place on the journey.DAILY JOURNEY AND LECTURE ITINERARY
Day 1: Sunday, September 27: Killarney to Westport, Co Mayo
We begin the journey up to the northwest with a leisurely stop in the vibrant medieval city of Galway. This stop is a ‘sneak preview’ for our two-night stay later in the itinerary. Galway is the gateway to the ‘Gaeltcht’ (or native Irish speaking area of Ireland) and is surrounded by the roaring waters of river Lough Corrib and Galway Bay and the land know as Connemara. Take lunch on own and peak into some of the lovely shops and galleries. We continue up to town of the Westport, originally owned by the O’Malley clan. Settle in for three nights at a beautiful hotel in the heart of the friendly, walking town of Westport. After a day’s journey we’ll enjoy dinner and then hit the pubs!) Westport Plaza Hotel (B, D)
Day 2: Monday, September 28: Westport, Co Mayo
Today we enjoy a walking tour of Westport Town, Clew Bay Heritage Center and then many choices for enjoying the rest of the day in Westport. You’ll find vibrant Georgian buildings and tree-lined streets, and many delightful shops, restaurants and pubs. Westport is most known for its location surrounded by the magnificent and holy mountain of Ireland, St. Patrick, named after the Patron Saint. It dates back to 3,000 BC and has mythological and religious stories embraced worldwide. For those adventurous enough you may choose to hike to the top of the mountain. It will take a minimum of four hours to make the hike round trip, weather permitting. As a group we will walk to the lower historical monument and also pay respects to the Famine Memorial near the visitor’s center. Other options include in town exploring and taking in the local scenery and energy of the town. (B, L) Westport Plaza Hotel.
Day 3: Tuesday, September 29: Westport, Co Mayo
Morning free to explore Westport. We meet at noon and take a beautiful drive to Achill Island. An off-the-normal-tour-route with an arranged private visit to one of the last remaining Castles of the famous Pirate Queen of Ireland, Granuaile (Grace O’Malley). We then continue to visit Achill which was devastated by the great famine. We’ll visit a significant deserted village and take in breathtaking cliffs and scenery. Tonight is the night to venture out to Matt Malloy’s Pub – owned by the flautist from the legendary musicians, the Chieftans. Overnight, Westport Plaza Hotel (B,L)
Day 4: Wednesday, September 30: Inis Mór to Galway City
Get ready – this is a full day! Another highlight of our journey will be to cross by ferry to Inis Mór where many people still depend on pony and trap for transportation. This island, where the native language is still heard, and family name and clan is embraced, is a true expression of the old values of Ireland. The Aran Islands have a rich history seen through ancient monuments from both prehistoric and Christian times. We meet our native island guide and hike up to the largest and most important monument of Ireland, Dun Aonghusa, a large eleven-acre pre-historic fort built between 800 BC and 400 AD. We will take the last ferry back to the mainland and then make our overnight stay in Galway City. Our lovely small hotel is right in the center of Galway. We’ll settle in and have dinner as a group. Then choose to venture out for more foot tapping Irish music. Overnight, The House Hotel (B, L, D)
Day 5: Thursday, October 1: Galway City
A great day to enjoy Galway City. You can join a guided walking tour of Galway or enjoy this vibrant city with so much to do – or NOT! Just sitting in one of the cafes and watching the locals go by and catching the drift of music echoing from a nearby bar is a delight. Options may include local visits to nearby sites of interest. Galway has numerous lively pubs to explore along its pedestrian-only corridor- not to mention plenty of shops! (B)
Day 6: Friday, October 2: Galway City- Bunratty Village.
Morning free in Galway. We bid farewell to Galway and take a leisurely drive heading into County Clare near Shannon Airport. This is our last night together and what better way than to stay in the charming village of Bunratty. Bunratty is one of the most dramatic and restored Castles of Ireland. We will arrive in plenty of time for you to stroll through the Bunratty Castle and Village. If you dare to enter the Bunratty Woolen Mills for last minute shopping you must have plenty of space left in your suitcase! This evening we’ll dine together for a fun evening of pub food and music. Overnight Bunratty Castle Hotel (B,D)
Day 7: Saturday, October 3: Return Flight Home
Morning transfer by coach to Shannon Airport(B)
Accommodation/Land Package Includes:
- Round trip ground transportation by luxury private coach from Shannon Airport to hotel
- Daily coach excursions to ancient sites, rural villages, and walking tours
- Six nights accommodations at luxury hotels
- Full Irish breakfast served daily; 3 lunches; 2-3 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).