Irish Dublin Marathon Tour  2011 Detailed Itinerary

 

Oct 27 Dublin Arrival
Arrive at Dublin Airport, proceed through immigration.  Take the Aircoach outside terminal to Burlington Hotel. Today you are on your own so you may opt to go to the Marathon Expo and pick up you registration packet. Dine independently this evening, either right in your hotel or hotel staff can advise you of places nearby.

Oct 28 Dublin Sightseeing and Breakfast Run
This morning there is a breakfast fun run and t-shirt exchange for international runners.  The rest of the day you join your open-top sightseeing bus tour whenever you wish. This bus service operates daily from 9.30 am to 6:30 pm and you can join at any of 20 stops, each conveniently located near a popular Dublin attraction. You may get off wherever you wish, then just join a later bus and continue to the next place that interests you.

Oct 29 Marathon Day, Dublin Tour & Burlington Cabaret
This morning is the Dublin Marathon. If you are back in time you may join a local guide at 2:00 PM who will show you the most important and interesting places throughout central Dublin. Drive through the main streets to see historic buildings such as Trinity College, where the Book of Kells is housed; Dail Eireann, where the government meets; and the rows of Georgian houses with gaily-colored doorways. Stop at Dublin Castle to take a guided tour through the elegant State Apartments, which are filled with elaborate Waterford Crystal chandeliers, furnishings and portraits of important people in Irish history. Learn about Irish history right up to present times. Return to your hotel for a get-together with your tour group and a welcome drink. In the evening enjoy a great dinner of Irish specialties, which is followed by a show of traditional Irish songs and intricate step-dancing, right in your hotel at the Burlington Cabaret. (D)


Oct 30: Blarney Castle & Killarney
Depart Dublin and view the green countryside as you travel through the center of Ireland, which has many mixed farms. Stop to view the stately church ruins atop the Rock of Cashel, which rises high above the surrounding plain. Nearby visit a farmhouse to sample some freshly-baked scones with tea and learn about farm life from the owners. Continue your drive south and just a few miles outside Cork, visit Blarney Castle. Climb the winding stairs to the ramparts in order to kiss the famous "Stone of Eloquence." Also visit the Blarney Woollen Mills where you can find quality Irish-made goods of all types conveniently displayed under one roof. Drive through Macroom, built around a fine castle, and into County Kerry where the scenery becomes more mountainous to Killarney, picturesquely set beside lakes with Ireland's highest mountains, the Macgillycuddy's Reeks, forming a backdrop. Check into your hotel and relax before dinner. Afterwards you may like to take a stroll through the compact town center and explore one of Killarney's famous singing pubs. (B, D)

Oct 31: Ring of Kerry & Skellig Experience
Today embark on Ireland's most popular scenic drive of 100 miles - the Ring of Kerry. This winding route reveals breathtaking sights of the Macgillycuddy's Reeks as well as coastal views of beaches and cliffs. Just outside Killarney stop near the Gap of Dunloe to see "Essence of Kerry," an audio-visual presentation about the region. As you travel along, there will be plenty of stops for photos at the best vantage points. Near the western tip of the peninsula cross to Valencia Island by bridge and visit the Skellig Experience. Here learn about the life of early Christian monks who inhabited the rocky offshore islands, living in round stone huts. Also learn about the abundant bird life that thrives on the rocky ledges of the islands. Drive through the villages of Cahirciveen and Waterville at the end of the peninsula and stop to walk around Sneem, where brightly-painted houses are grouped around at central green. Stop at Moll's Gap for a view over the Three Lakes of Killarney with the town in the distance. Return to Killarney where the evening is free for independent dining in one of the town's many restaurants. (B)

Nov 1: Cliffs of Moher & Bunratty Castle
Leave Killarney and drive north to Tarbert for a 20-minute ferry ride across the wide River Shannon Estuary. Your tour continues along the Clare coast to the Cliffs of Moher, a spectacular wall of limestone that reaches to almost 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. You can watch the sea birds as they nest in crevices and, on a clear day, you can see the Aran Islands. Drive past Lahinch golf links, one of Ireland's most famous, and through the marketing town of Ennis to Bunratty. Check into Bunratty Castle Hotel, which is located very close to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. If you wish, you may visit the Folk Park, have a drink in the 200-year-old Durty Nelly's Pub or shop at the Bunratty Mills. In the evening head to Bunratty Castle for a memorable experience, in a wonderful setting with good food and entertainment. Climb the stairs to the upper hall where the mood is set by the lords and ladies of the castle. Then take your place in the Great Hall for a medieval-style feast of excellent dishes and plenty of wine. During and after the meal the lords and ladies will serenade you with song and harp music, evocative of the Middle Ages. (B, D)

Nov 2 Dublin Extension Via Galway
Passengers will drive through the outskirts of Limerick and through the midland region of Ireland to Kildare. Here visit the Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens. You can learn about horse breeding and see some of the valuable animals before touring the lovely Japanese Gardens, considered the best in Europe. They were laid out in 1908 and represent the "Life of Man" through the selection and placement of trees, shrubs and rocks in classical Japanese manner. Drive to the north side of Dublin city where you will check in to your hotel for the final night of your tour. You are free this evening for independent activities and dining. (B)

Nov 3: Depart from Dublin Airport
Complimentary group transfers are provided to Dublin Airport to arrive at 6:00 am, 9:00 am or 12:00 noon to check in for your flight. If you need an earlier transfer, your tour director will arrange one for you. Then you can shop at the duty-free stores before boarding your flight for the journey home. (B)





B=Breakfast, CB=Continental Breakfast, D=Dinner

 

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