The Magic of Ireland, A Ladies Only Tour

Mar 12 - 22, 2009

$2,895.00
share double occupancy

$3,245.00
single occupancy

Included Features (see enlarged map below):

• Round-trip air from Memphis to Dublin, Ireland on Continental Airlines
• Motorcoach & knowledgeable driver for entire stay in Ireland
• Hotel room (3 star hotels throughout) and all taxes for 9 nights
• Daily full Irish breakfast
• Admissions to attractions listed in itinerary
• Fully escorted from Memphis

This exciting trip is fully escorted from Memphis by Peggy Kirkpatrick who has been to Ireland many times and can show you the real Irish hospitality. This is the third group tour Peggy has led. Space is limited & is offered on a first come, first served basis.

Thu, Mar 12 - Depart USA on Delta Air Lines.

Fri, Mar 13 - Arrive Dublin 8:05 am. Our coach driver will meet us with his coach & drive us to Sligol in the northwest part of the Republic of Ireland. W.B. Yeats once siad that Sligo was the "Land of heart's desire." The beauty, archaeology and folklore that filled his early poems are still (as) evident today, and Sligo remains the place where history and legend are helplessly intertwined. We will check-in the Glasshouse Hotel or similar located in the heart of downtown. Overnight Sligo.

Sat, Mar 14 - Breakfast at the hotel. Group departs for Lissadell House. Lissadell is famous as the childhood home of Constance Markievicz, her sister Eva Gore Booth and her brother Josslyn Gore Booth. Constance was one of the leaders of the 1916 Rising, and was the first woman to be elected to Dail Eireann,where she served as Minister for Labour (thus becoming the first woman minister in a modern European democracy), and was also the first woman to be elected to the House of Commons at Westminster, London (where she declined to take her seat). Eva was a poet of distinction and an active suffragist. Josslyn created at Lissadell one of the premier horticultural estates in Europe. Sligo born poet W. B. Yeats was friendly with the Gore Booth sisters when he and they were young. He stayed at Lissadell in 1893 and 1894, and immortalised Lissadell and the Gore Booth sisters in his poetry. Stop at Drumcliffe and visit the grave of poet W.B. Yeats under bare Ben Bulben's Head In Drumcliffe churchyard.. Overnight Sligo.

Sun, Mar 15 - Breakfast at hotel. Today we drive through Connemara. We take great pride in welcoming you to Connemara, one of the last unspoilt areas in Ireland. "Connemara is a savage beauty", Oscar Wilde. From the rugged Twelve Bens mountain range in the north through lake-rich Roundstone Bog to the golden beaches reaching out into the Atlantic Ocean, you'll know you're in Connemara by the light that constantly changes the mood and tone of the landscape. Connemara has long been regarded as the real emerald of Ireland. This area is where "The Quiet Man" starring John Wayne was filmed. Continue on to Galway for overnight at Victoria Hotel. Overnight Galway.

Mon, Mar 16 - Breakfast at hotel. Group departs for Killarney via Clare. Tour of the Burren and stop at the Cliffs of Moher. En route we will stop at the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland's most spectacular sights. The Cliffs boast one of the most amazing views in Ireland. You are advised to dress warmly when visiting the cliffs because of the cool Atlantic winds blowing in off the ocean. Nevertheless, a walk along the cliffs is not to be missed. Be very careful as there are no safety barriers and sections of the cliff sometimes give way. Those with a head for heights can easily walk to the edge of the cliff and view the Atlantic Ocean below. The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland's most visited attractions and when you've been there, you'll know why. Continue via Limerick to Killarney. Killarney itself is a lively hub of activity, with many hotels, restaurants, and pubs. Killarney was a Church foundation from the 5th or 6th Century, house settlement began here from around 1500. Overnight at Killarney Valley Hotel. Overnight Killarney.

Tue, Mar 17 - Breakfast at hotel. Group departs for full day tour of the Dingle Peninsula. The Peninsula is justly famous for its sea-road with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, its prehistoric and early Christian monuments, its small Gaelic-speaking villages and miles of unspoiled fuschia hedges. The coast road takes us past miles unspoiled sandy beaches such as Inch Beach where “Ryan's Daughter” was filmed, through the lively fishing port of Dingle, renowned for its seafood restaurants and on to Slea Head, the most westerly point in Europe.

There are many craft shops in Dingle town. There is good value to be found in the high quality handmade products in the craft shops - woven tweeds and woolen clothing, sweaters, leather goods, jewellery, turned wood, and pottery Visit to Gallarus Oratory, the 6th century prayer house which resembles an upturned boat. Return to hotel for overnight. Overnight Killarney.

Wed, Mar 18 - Breakfast at hotel. Depart for a full day tour of the Ring of Kerry. A 105 mile tour taking in some of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery, the Ring of Kerry offers magnificent panoramas of the Atlantic ocean, the rugged coastline of the South-west Ireland contrasting with the rich and varied vegetation nurtured by the influence of the Gulf Stream. Then continue through many small villages such as Sneem, famous for its multicoloured houses, and through the mountains to Molls Gap and Ladies View, two vantage points which offer superb views of the famous lakes of Killarney.

We will also tour Muckross House situated close to the shores of Muckross Lake, amidst the beautiful scenery of Killarney National Park. Building commenced in 1839 and was completed in 1843. Today, many of the rooms in this magnificent mansion have been restored to their original Victorian splendor. Overnight Killarney.

Thu, Mar 19 - Breakfast at hotel. Depart for Blarney to visit Blarney Castle - Blarney Castle was originally a timber hunting lodge built in the 10th century, which was replaced by a stone castle in 1210. The present-day construction was completed by Dermot McCarthy, King of Munster in 1446. The world famous Blarney Stone is situated high up in the battlements of the castle. Follow one of the several long, stone spiral staircases up to the top and enjoy the spectacular views of the lush green Irish countryside, Blarney House and The Village of Blarney. The stone is believed to be half of the Stone of Scone which originally belonged to Scotland. Scottish Kings were crowned over the stone, because it was believed to have special powers.

Continue on to Waterford city and visit to Waterford Crystal Factory - Waterford is famous the world over as the home of beautiful crystal designs. The Waterford Factory was opened in 1783 by George and William Penrose, and bowls, vases and ornaments continue to be made on the site. The crystal mix is transformed into glass in a 1200ºC (2192ºF) furnace before being blown and decorated with deep engravings by a team of skilled workers. Visitors to the centre can watch the glass being formed into decanters, bowls and wine glasses and learn about the unique production techniques used at Waterford, through audiovisual displays and chatting to the craftsmen in their workshops. Many of the most prestigious pieces of Waterford Crystal, which have been presented to celebrities and politicians, are on display in the Gallery. Check-in the Waterford Marina Hotel. Overnight in Waterford.

Fri Mar 20 - Breakfast at hotel. Depart for Wicklow. Stop in the beautiful little village of Avoca. You have arrived in the home of Ballykissangel. You continue on through the Wicklow Mountains and visit Glendalough, with its famous round tower is one of the most enduring images of County Wicklow. This early Christian monastic site was founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. Set in a glaciated valley with two lakes, the monastic remains include a superb round tower, stone churches and decorated crosses. From this beginning the site grew to become famous as a center of learning throughout Europe. The settlement continued to expand for 600 years and was destroyed in 1398. The buildings, which survive, date from the 8th and 12th centuries. The most famous is, of course, the round tower, which is 34m high and 16m in circumference at the base. A cathedral, stone churches and decorated crosses also survived. The Visitor Centre has an interesting exhibition and an audio-visual show. Check-in the Esplanade Hotel. Overnight Bray.

Sat, Mar 21 - Breakfast at hotel. Group departs for full day inDublin. Tour of city centre, including visit to Trinity College. See Ireland’s greatest treasure, the Book of Kells at Trinity College. The Book of Kells was written around the year 800 AD and is one of the most beautifully illuminated manuscripts in the world. It contains the four gospels, preceded by prefaces, summaries, and canon tables or concordances of gospel passages. Time at leisure for shopping along famous Grafton Street. Evening: transfer to Johnnie Foxes Pub for dinner and authentic Irish music and entertainment. Overnight in Mount Herbert Hotel. Overnight Dublin.

Sun, Mar 22 - Transfer to Dublin airport for flights home..

Delta Air Lines Flight Schedule

Departure
Mar 12 DL 1115 Memphis to Atlanta 3:15 pm - 5:37 pm
Mar 12 DL 176 Atlanta to Dublin 8:20 pm - 8:05 am + 1 day

Return
Mar 22 DL177 Dublin to Atlanta 9:50 am - 3:10 pm
Mar 22 DL 1543 Atlanta to Memphis 5:30 pm - 5:51 pm

PASSPORTS: A valid passport is required. If you are traveling on a non-U.S. passport, please check with the appropriate consulate for entry and/or visa requirements. It is your responsibility to obtain the required documents. Contact our office for further information and appropriate consulates.

DEPOSITS/PAYMENTS: Payment is required to make a reservation. Personal checks, cash, MasterCard and Visa are accepted. A non-refundable $250.00 deposit is due at time of booking. A $1,000.00 payment is due Dec 01 & the balance is due Jan 15, 2009.

CANCELLATIONS/REFUNDS: All payments are non-refundable. If you have to cancel & are able to find a replacement you may be entitled to a partial refund. However, once the airline tickets have been issued, the airfare portion is 100% non-refundable. All airline air tickets are non-refundable. Written requests for refunds on cancellations and all travel documents must be returned within 30 days of cancellation. Unused or partially used tour features and components are non-refundable. This tour may be cancelled if there are not enough participants, in which case you will receive a full refund. Trip cancellation insurance is highly recommended.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: ALL PACKAGE RATES, INFORMATION AND TAXES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. Prices are not guaranteed until the reservation is booked and paid in full. THE PACKAGE RATE MAY BE GUARANTEED AGAINST INCREASES WITH FULL PAYMENT.

RESPONSIBILITY: The tour services described in this brochure, including without limitation transportation, lodging, and sightseeing, are provided by carriers, hoteliers, and other suppliers that are independent contractors and not the agents, employees, partners, or joint ventures of Sweet Magnolia Tours (here after referred to as “Operator”). The Operator issues tickets, vouchers, and other travel documents for such services merely as an agent for the companies that furnish such services. Such tickets, vouchers, and other travel documents are subject to all terms and conditions of the respective suppliers (some of which may limit or exclude the supplier's liability). The Operator shall not be responsible for any loss of or damage to property or death or injury to person, resulting from any act or omission of any supplier providing any tour service or any other person or entity or caused by strike, war, weather, quarantine, sickness, government restriction or regulation, or any other cause beyond its reasonable control. The tour participant expressly waives all rights, which he or she may have against the Operator in connection with the foregoing. These terms and conditions are governed by Tennessee law. Under no circumstances is the Operator to be construed as a carrier under contract for safe carriage of the passenger or his or her baggage and belongings.

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Postal Mail:
Sweet Magnolia Tours
P.O. Box 753548
Memphis, TN 38175

Telephone:
1-901-369-9838

Toll Free:
1-866-320-5295

FAX:
1-901-369-9839

E-mail:
memphis@sweetmagnoliatours.com