Ashford Castle
10 Day tour of
Ireland
Including Five Star Ashford Castle
With Willie Lynch
October 18 – 29, 2015
Now take this great opportunity to visit the “Auld Sod” with Willie on a ten day tour. Sit back in your
comfortable touring coach as it rolls along the highways and by-ways of Ireland allowing you to view beautiful
seascapes, mountains, valleys and peat bogs while your guide brings it all alive in song and story sprinkled
with a bit of Blarney.
Check these included features: Round trip airfare from Newark to Shannon via United Airlines;
transportation throughout by luxury coach; services of a professional driver/guide; accommodations at great
hotels including world renowned Ashford Castle, situated on Lough Corrib; 11 Breakfasts and 7 dinners
(including Dinner & Show in Dublin); and, of course, Willie will be entertaining you at various venues.
Visits and Admissions:
Kilbeggan Distillery Experience; Knock Shrine;
Belleek China Factory; Slieve League Cliffs;
Ulster American Folk Park; Guinness Storehouse;
Glendalough; Powerscourt House & Gardens;
Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens;
Cobh Heritage Center; Blarney Castle and Woollen Mills;
King John Castle.
Cost Per Person
Double Occupancy
$3318.00
Single Occupancy
$3943.00
Government tax and security fee of
$90.00 per person is included but
subject to change until tickets are
issued 60 days prior to departure.
Travel arrangements by:
96 Ridgedale Avenue ● Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927 ● 973-538-1700 ● [email protected] ● www.LongsTravel.com
Sunday, October 18:
Newark – Dublin
This evening your dream vacation becomes a reality as you check in at Newark Airport for United Airlines flight #23 departing at 7:05 pm. Your route this evening takes you over the New England coastline and Canada’s Maritime Provinces before
beginning your transatlantic crossing. Dinner and a continental breakfast will be served en route. In what seem like no time
your jet crosses over Ireland’s rugged west coast sweeping in over Dublin Bay for an estimated time of arrival of 7:00 am.
Monday, October 19:
Dublin -Kilbeggan - Cong
As the doors open you will receive your first Cead Mile Failte (One hundred thousand welcomes) before heading to immigration and customs. In the Arrivals Hall your driver/guide will be waiting to greet you and escort you to your coach. Drive
to the Pantry Restaurant for breakfast before heading west into the rolling pastures of Ireland’s heartland. Stop to visit the
Kilbeggan Distillery Experience, the world’s oldest distillery. See how whiskey is distilled on modern equipment in the old
buildings and enjoy a sample of the finished product. Then continue to the village of Cong. Check into Ashford Castle Hotel
which dates from the 13th century but today offers every modern comfort and a full range of sporting activities, including
golf and horseback riding. Enjoy the balance of the day free to relax before dining in the castle’s fine restaurant.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT: ASHFORD CASTLE HOTEL, CONG
Tuesday, October 20
KNOCK SHRINE AND BELLEEK POTTERY
Depart Cong and drive to the pilgrimage town of Knock. Visit Knock Shrine, where the Virgin Mary appeared to 15 people
on August 21, 1879. See the shrine and modern basilica before traveling into County Sligo, a county of gentle mountains,
lakes and coastline. This area is associated with the great writer, W. B. Yeats. Visit his grave at Drumcliffe Churchyard in
the shadow of the Benbulben mountain range. Continue to the Belleek Pottery Factory and see how skilled craftspeople form
and decorate clay to produce delicate porcelain masterpieces. Drive on to Donegal with time to settle in before dinner.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT: MILL PARK HOTEL, DONEGAL
Wednesday, October 21
DONEGAL sightseeing
Donegal, with its windswept hills where only sheep can thrive, is renowned for wool production. Drive to the fishing port of
Killybegs and on to Teelin to view Slieve League sea cliffs, where the highest point reaches 1,972 feet making them the
highest in Europe. The cliffs drop straight down to the wild Atlantic waves below and you will see marvelous vistas. Continue through the majestic Glengesh Pass to Ardara to visit Triona Design. See demonstrations of spinning, weaving and
knitting and enjoy tea with scones. Feast your eyes on hilly scenery as you return to Donegal town. The balance of the day is
at leisure for individual pursuits and dining.
OVERNIGHT: MILL PARK HOTEL, DONEGAL
Thursday, October 22
ULSTER AMERICAN FOLK PARK & DROGHEDA
Depart Donegal to visit the Ulster American Folk Park, an outdoor museum of cottages, including that of Thomas Mellon’s
ancestors. See traditional cottages and displays of life in rural Ireland together with portrayals of the sea crossing to the U.S.
and the life of the early settlers. Drive through Monaghan, Carrickmacross and other bustling towns. As you pass through the
countryside, see how many Irish people make a living from farming today. Continue to Drogheda, a town that Oliver Cromwell besieged in 1649 and killed 2,000 people, making his name the most hated in Irish history. Join a local guide for a walking tour to see the head of St. Oliver Plunkett, the first Irishman to be canonized in 700 years, and 14th century St. Laurence
Gate in the medieval walls. After, drive to Dublin and check into your hotel. Tonight dine in O’Connells Restaurant.
OVERNIGHT: ASHLING HOTEL, DUBLIN
Friday, October 23
DUBLIN HIGHLIGHTS
Set off with a local guide who will show you around the prominent historic buildings and monuments of Dublin. Dublin is an
ancient settlement, founded by the Vikings in the 9th century. The city has been molded through the centuries with many
architectural styles, reflecting the economic, political and artistic influences. Stop to tour St. Patrick's Cathedral, which is
almost as old as the city itself and famous for its connections with the brilliantly eccentric Dean Jonathan Swift. Next visit
the Guinness Storehouse to see exhibits on how this world famous stout was first created and why it is so popular today.
Finish your visit in the roof-top bar, Gravity, overlooking the city center where you can sample a draft Guinness and enjoy
the view of the city. The afternoon and evening are free for independent activities, sightseeing, shopping and dining.
OVERNIGHT: ASHLING HOTEL, DUBLIN
Saturday, October 24
GLENDALOUGH & POWERSCOURT
Drive south from Dublin and through the mountains to visit the scenic valley where Glendalough is located. Glendalough
was an important monastic settlement, founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century, which became one of the most important
centers of learning in Europe. Today, the well-preserved round tower and church ruins are interesting to explore and the
Visitor Center explains the history of the settlement. Then travel back towards Dublin stopping to visit Powerscourt Gardens, a superb collection of trees, shrubs and flowers gathered from all around the world. Situated near the charming village
of Enniskerry, this former home of Lord Powerscourt is a delightful experience with terraced Italian gardens and abundant
floral displays. Return to Dublin with time to freshen up before dinner. This evening drive to the town of Rathfarnham to
The Merry Ploughboy Pub for dinner followed by a lively show of traditional Irish songs, dancing and music.
OVERNIGHT: ASHLING HOTEL, DUBLIN
Sunday, October 25
IRISH NATIONAL STUD & JERPOINT FARM
Depart for Kildare which is in the heart of Ireland's horse country. A visit to the Irish National Stud will show you the history
and current trends of horse-breeding in Ireland. See some of the magnificent horses and learn about horse-breeding. Then
take a walk around the Japanese Gardens which were established in 1908 and represent the "Life of Man" from cradle to
grave in the traditional Japanese style of gardening. Also see the charming St. Fiachra’s Garden with water features and beehive huts. Next drive to a farm in Jerpoint for tea and home-made scones. Chat with the owners about farming and also see
one of Ireland’s best examples of a deserted 12th century town. Continue to Cork City for dinner and overnight stay.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT: KINGSLEY HOTEL, CORK
Monday, October 26
KINSALE TOUR & CHARLES FORT
Leaving Cork, drive to Kinsale on the southern coast and embark on a brief walking tour with a local guide to learn the history of
the town. Kinsale traces its origins back to 1177 when the Anglo-Normans founded a town in a small walled area close to the
water. It grew as a port town during the 18th century and today the harbor is favored by yachtowners. The town has steep,
narrow streets with many fine Georgian houses. Stop to visit Charles Fort, which was constructed in the late 17th century on
the site of an earlier coastal fortification. Charles Fort is a classic example of a star-shaped fort and William Robinson, architect
of the Royal Hospital in Kilmainham, Dublin, and Superintendent of Fortifications, is credited with designing the Fort. As one
of the largest military forts in the country, Charles Fort has been associated with some of the most momentous events in Irish
history. Then check into your hotel and enjoy some time to relax before dining in the hotel restaurant.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT: ACTONS HOTEL, KINSALE
Tuesday, October 27
BLARNEY CASTLE & COBH HERITAGE CENTRE
This morning travel north through the rich farming country of Cork to Blarney and stop to climb to the battlements of Blarney
Castle to kiss the famous "Stone of Eloquence." Also visit the Blarney Woollen Mills, which has an excellent range of Irish
products of all types. You will also have time to browse around the village, charmingly set around a large village green.
Then drive a short distance to Cobh, the harbor town for large ships. Visit the Cobh Heritage Centre, which depicts the varied history of emigration from Ireland to the United States over the past 150 years. Cobh was the last port of call for the
"Titanic" and many liners that carried emigrants to the New World. This informative display is housed in the rail station
through which all of the Irish emigrants had to pass. After your visit, return to Kinsale where the remainder of the day is at
leisure for individual pursuits and dining.
OVERNIGHT: ACTONS HOTEL, KINSALE
Wednesday, October 28
LIMERICK & BUNRATTY
Leaving Kinsale travel north through the pleasant hilly country of County Cork. This is prime dairying country, known as the
“Golden Vale” where much of Ireland's cheese is produced. Continue your journey into Limerick and visit King John’s Castle,
an impressive medieval fortification on the banks of the River Shannon. This imposing fortress with its massive walls and
towers has guarded the River crossing for the past 700 years and is a fine example of fortified Norman architecture. Then
cross the River Shannon and arrive in the village of Bunratty where your hotel is located. You may choose to relax or explore some of the attractions near your hotel-choose from Bunratty Folk Park, Bunratty Village Mills and Durty Nelly’s Pub.
This evening join your group for a farewell dinner at The Creamery Bar & Restaurant.
OVERNIGHT: BUNRATTY CASTLE HOTEL, BUNRATTY
Thursday, October 29:
Bunratty - Shannon - Newark
This morning following an early breakfast you will be transferred to nearby Shannon airport in time to check in for your
United Flight #24 and some last minute shopping before departing at 9:05 am. Please note you will go through US customs
and immigration in Shannon. On arrival back in Newark it will be just like getting off a domestic flight. As your jet thunders
down the runway you will be climbing out over the farmland of west County Clare and Ireland’s rugged west coast heading
back over the Atlantic with pleasant memories of the welcome you received, the sights you saw the “craic” you enjoyed and
the new friends you made. Lunch and a snack is served en route and soon you’re back over the Maritimes on your way to an
11:35 am arrival in Newark. Thanks for coming agusslaineabaile.
Conditions
To reserve space on this trip a deposit by check of $350.00 per person ($529.00 with insurance,) is due as soon as
possible. Make checks payable to Long’s Travel. Final payment is due before August 7, 2015.
Cancellation Penalties
For cancellations up to July 20, 2015 there is a $100.00 penalty per person.
From July 21, 2015 to August 7, 2015 there is a $350.00 penalty per person.
From August 8, 2015 to September 18, 2015 there is a $1500.00 penalty per person.
After September 18, 2015 there is no refund.
Insurance
Cancellation insurance is $179.00 per person. Insurance must be purchased at time of deposit and will entitle you to
a refund if you have to cancel for a covered reason. Once purchased, the premium is non-refundable.
Responsibilities
Long’s Travel Service, Inc. and Willie Lynch act as agents only and cannot be responsible for any losses, delays,
property damage, personal injury or other loss you may suffer or incur on any component of this tour.
A valid passport good for 6 months after date of return (April 30, 2016) is required for this trip.
96 Ridgedale Avenue, Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927
973-538-1700
[email protected]
Dear Eamonn,
Enclosed is a deposit (check only) of $350.00 per person ($529.00 with insurance) for ___person(s) for the Willie
Lynch Ireland trip October 18 - 29, 2015. Make checks payable to Long’s Travel.
PLEASE PRINT NAMES AS THEY APPEAR IN YOUR PASSPORT
Enclose a copy of your passports or email them to [email protected]
Name:______________/______________/_________________ Address:___________________________
(First)
(Middle)
(Last)
_________________________Apt.______
Date of Birth: ____/_____/_____
City:________________________________
(M)
(D)
(Y)
Passport #________________________ Exp. ____/____/_____ Zip:________________
(M)
(D)
(Y)
Home #:____________________________
United Mileage Plus #________________________
Cell #______________________________
Name:______________/______________/_________________ Email:_____________________________
(First)
(Middle)
(Last)
___________________________________
Date of Birth: ____/_____/_____
(M)
(D)
Rooming with if not shown:
(Y)
Passport #________________________ Exp. ____/____/_____
(M)
United Mileage Plus #________________________
Room Type: ___ Double Occupancy (2 beds)
(D)
(Y)
_______________________________
Emergency Contact:___________________
Phone:______________________________
____ Double Occupancy (1 queen bed) ____ Single Occupancy
___I/we wish to purchase insurance. Please add $179.00 each to your deposit.
Airline Seat Request:______________________
Please note that these requests can not be guaranteed.
Please complete the following if you are using a credit card for FINAL PAYMENT only.
Name on card:____________________________________________________
Card #:__________________________________________ Exp. ____/______
Auth. #: _______ (required)
(3 or 4 digit # on card)
Signature:________________________________________________________
Final payment will be charged on August 7, 2015.
A passport valid for 6 months after date of return (April 30, 2016 ) is required for this trip.