Kinsale to Kilkenny - Harbour to Hills
September 23-28, 2007
KINSALE to KILKENNY
HIGHLIGHTS
- Visit to Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone
- Cobh Heritage Centre
- 2 nights in Kinsale. gourmet food capital of Ireland
- Kinsale Harbour Cruise
- Visit to Waterford Crystal Factory
- Kilkenny Castle and Ancient Ruins
- Visit to Rock of Cashel
- Irish music & Pubs
- Bunratty Castle medieval banquet
This is a special six-day journey to southwest and southeast Ireland – taking in breathtakingly beautiful landscape and sights, narration, and delectable eating in this part of Ireland. If you are looking for a wonderful trip to add on to your journey from Killarney, this will give you a wonderful contrast of seaside towns, ancient castles, Viking and Norman history, and a bit of the Blarney Castle and Stone. Included is a heartfelt visit to the Port of Cobh, the departure point for the Titanic's historic journey. We will imagine the emotions of the many Irish emigrating to America as they left harbor, their last sight of homeland —the ornate gothic sphere of St. Colman’s Cathedral looming on the hillside above town.
We then spend two nights in one of Ireland’s charming seaside villages, Kinsale, home to the Gourmet Food Festival held every October. Kinsale is historically known for the Battle of Kinsale and in 1915 the Lusitania sunk just off Kinsale’s Old Head. Explore the many wonderful narrow streets with charming restaurants, shops and pubs. Our journey will then take us to the sparkling Waterford Crystal Factory and architecturally superb showroom. We spend the next two nights in the remaining walled and medieval city of Kilkenny. Kilkenny is populated by neighboring rural farms and hillsides contrasted with a bustling city of fine shops and cultural history, including the Kilkenny Castle, constructed in the 13th century. We will hear myth and legend surrounding the many fascinating sights we visit and more….
Please note: This part of the journey is a continuation of the C&H Educational Systems week-long conference/journey. You may participate in both or either of the journey segments. For those joining the group for just the September 23-28 portion, you will need to arrive in Killarney on September 22. Please contact Margarita who can advise you about making arrangements for your first-day stay in Killarney. There will be a slight increase in fees for the extra night accommodation in Killarney.
DAILY ITINERARY (Tentative)
Day 1, Sunday, September 23: Killarney to Kinsale
We have an ambitious and exciting day! Morning departure for Blarney Castle and Gardens. Take lunch and visit the Blarney Woolen Mills for great shopping. Afternoon we travel further southeast and spend the afternoon in the historical town of Cobh. We visit the Heritage Centre in the port of Cobh which was the departure point for the Titanic and the Lusitania, as well as for over 2.5 million people who emigrated from Ireland during times of hardship. We arrive early evening to the charming village of Kinsale, gourmet capitol of Ireland. It boasts one of the most beautiful harbours with fascinating history nestled between the hills and shoreline. Brightly painted shops and narrow streets to meander in for hours. Settle into the Friar’s Lodge for two nights. Evening dinner and explore the many pubs with music. (B, D)
Day 2, Monday, September 24: Kinsale
Spend the morning walking and shopping along the picturesque streets of Kinsale. Visit the Desmond Castle. Afternoon harbour cruise, passing historic forts and sites along the way up the Bandon River. Time permitting a tour at the Kinsale Brewery. Evening free to dine at one of Kinsale's many great restaurants. Overnight in Kinsale at Friars Lodge ( B,L )
Day 3, Tuesday, September 25: Waterford and Kilkenny
This morning we depart and head along the eastern coast road toward Waterford, stopping along the way in small charming towns and especially Youghal, a designated Heritage Town. Afternoon tour of Waterford Crystal Factory and showroom. Get ready to shop and take a pause in the lovely café. We end our day arriving into the medieval and walled city of Kilkenny. Steeped in history of Celtic, Viking, Norman and English invaders, it has been a market town since at least the fourth century and was for a time the ecclesiastical and political center of Ireland. Settle into our lovely hotel and enjoy a scrumptious dinner. Kilkenny has many restaurants that are part of the Good Food Circle which promotes restaurants demonstrating genuine hospitality and products. We stay two nights in Kilkenny.(B,D)
Day 4, Wednesday, September 26: Kilkenny
We have all day to explore Kilkenny. Options include a walking tour of the city. Kilkenny’s winding, cobbled streets, medieval castles, churches and carefully restored shop-fronts and craft stores make this a very desirable city to visit. Following lunch, we will continue on to a guided tour of Kilkenny Castle, which dominates the town itself and is one of Ireland’s most intact Medieval Castles in the country. Time permitting a short distance away is the famous Nicholas Mosse Pottery House and café. Evening at your leisure to explore on your own. (B)
Day 5, Thursday, September 27: Kilkenny to Bunratty Village
We spend our last day in Ireland visiting more sacred sights and Castles. We make our first stop in the town of Cashel for a guided visit to the 300-ft Rock of Cashel and the well preserved Castle and Cathedral. This was the seat of the ancient chieftains and later the Kings of Munster. Legend says that the devil hurled a rock from high above in an attempt to prevent St. Patrick from constructing a Church. It is also told that it is in this place that St. Patrick first picked a shamrock, in order to explain the doctrine of the trinity. Our last evening is in Bunratty Village near Shannon Airport. We walk to Bunratty Castle, the seat of Kings and Bishops up until the 17th century. We enjoy an entertaining and special evening banquet, and celebrate our great journey. (B,D)
Day 6, Friday, September 28: Departure for home
Morning departure to Shannon Airport for flights home. (B)
INCLUDED:
Roundtrip ground transportation to and from airport and throughout the journey*
Five (5) nights hotels accommodations with all amenities.
Daily full Irish breakfast; three dinners
Bay harbor cruise; guides, and entrance fees to all arranged tours
In-country guides and leadership
Bottled water on coach during travel days
Pre-trip materials, packing lists, and luggage tags
NOT INCLUDED:
International air flight; personal items, alcohol and other beverages; laundry service; discretionary tips to wait staff; driver-guide gratuity at the end of the journey.
Please note: This part of the journey is a continuation of the C&H Educational Systems week-long conference/journey. You may participate in both or either of the journey segments. For those joining the group for just the September 23-28 portion, you will need to arrive in Killarney on September 22. Please contact Margarita who can advise you about making arrangements for your first-day stay in Killarney. There will be a slight increase in fees for the extra night accommodation in Killarney.
*Airport transportation for those arriving on September 22 is not available. Please contact Margarita for details.
INSURANCE: We recommend travel insurance for losses necessitated by you having to cancel your participation or potential injury or illness while traveling. Travel Insurance recommendations are included on the registration form.
ABOUT YOUR INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS: You may choose to use your air miles or book your own flight to Ireland. We request that you be at the hotel in Killarney on September 22. The group departs on September 23 at 10am. If you are arriving in Ireland on September 22, information can be provided for local transportation options. For more information contact Margarita (707 939-7638).
Download a Registration Form here.
Download a Printable itinerary here (.pdf file)