Alumni Campus Abroad: Ireland - TRIP CURRENTLY FULL/WAITLISTED

TRIP CURRENTLY FULL - WAITLIST ONLY

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From $3,295 per person based on double occupancy, air and VAT not included
Operated by Alumni Holidays International (AHI)

Overview
Rich in culture and folklore, Ireland abounds with Celtic myth and legend, tragic heroes, storytelling, literary genius and rebellion. Begin your exploration of this storied land in the charming town of Ennis, and visit the windswept Cliffs of Moher and the ancient dolmen of the Burren. Spend an evening listening to Eddie Lenihan, one of Ireland’s acclaimed storytellers, and discover the important heritage of shanachi. Travel along the famous Ring of Kerry, one of the most scenic routes in all of Ireland, and indulge in a glimpse of aristocratic life during an overnight stay at one of the country’s finest estates. Walk in the footsteps of high king Brian Ború at the Rock of Cashel before concluding in Dublin, Ireland’s exciting capital. Admire its Georgian architecture, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and fashionable Grafton Street. Delight in the best of Ireland during this exciting journey that showcases the Emerald Isle’s breathtaking beauty, turbulent history and fascinating culture.

Itinerary
Day 1 :  In transit to Shannon, Ireland

• Air Program travelers will depart their gateway city for Shannon, Ireland. The AHI Travel Group Air Program offers advanced seat assignments on most airlines; an air price guarantee that includes all fuel surcharges, airport and airline taxes; arrival and departure transfers, including baggage handling; and many other benefits.

Day 2 :  Ennis

• Arrive at Shannon Airport. After passing through immigration and customs, AHI Group Air Program passengers will be met by an AHI Travel representative in the arrivals hall. AHI Independent Air Program passengers who are able to join the group transfer and Land Program passengers who have purchased an AHI transfer should proceed to the group flight arrivals hall to meet the AHI representative.
• Transfer to Ennis and Old Ground Hotel, located in the center of Ennis, on famed O’Connell Street, close to restaurants and shopping.
• At your hotel, room keys will be distributed and your luggage delivered directly to your room. Your AHI Travel Director will be with you throughout your journey to handle all program logistics.
• This evening, join your fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception and dinner at the hotel.

Day 3 :  Ennis/ Thoor Ballylee

• Local Flavor: Enjoy a traditional Irish breakfast each day at O’Brien’s restaurant.
• Educational Focus: The History of Ireland and County Clare
  The Celts, Romans, Vikings, the Anglo-Normans and British have all left their mark on Ireland and County Clare. Examine the history of the Emerald Isle and its lovely County Clare.
• Excursion: An Orientation Tour of Ennis
  Participate in an orientation tour of Ennis. Among the storied sights you will see is Ennis Abbey, where you enjoy a guided tour. Also visit the Protestant Church of Saint Columba. A short walk through the streets of Ennis takes you back to the hotel.
• Excursion: Coole Park
  Visit Coole Park, a nature reserve comprising seven woods that was once home to Lady Augusta Gregory, lifelong friend of W.B. Yeats. Here, you will see the trees that inspired and appear in several poems by Yeats.
• Local Flavor: Lunch is served at a restaurant in Coole Park.
• Excursion: Craggaunowen
  This afternoon, visit Craggaunowen, the award-winning park that recreates daily life in Ireland’s pre-historic and early Christian eras. See a crannog, a fortified lake dwelling made of clay and waddle; a 2,000-year-old oak timber road; and an earthen ring fort. View a replica of St. Brendan’s leather boat, which was used to reenact his medieval voyage across the Atlantic.
• Educational Focus: Irish Shanachi
  Tonight you will be entertained by one of Ireland’s most famous storytellers, Eddie Lenihen, who’s been regaling listeners with his mysterious and mythical tales for several decades.

Day 4 :  Ennis/The Burren/Cliffs of Moher

• Excursion: The Burren and the Cliffs of Moher
  First stop at the Burren Center for an audio/visual presentation, and then drive through the mystical Burren, an area rich with historical and archeological sites, and a remarkable array of flora and fauna. Some of the sites are ancient tombs, ring forts, the well-preserved Caherconnell Stone Fort and the Poulnabrone Dolman, a portal tomb dating back to the Neolithic period. Visit the stunning Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most thrilling sites.
• Cultural Experience: Irish Music and Dance
  After dinner, enjoy an exclusive performance of young musicians playing Irish music on traditional instruments while dancers perform.

Day 5 :  Ennis/Killarney

• Bid farewell to Ennis and travel to Killarney in County Kerry.
• Excursion: Killarney and Muckross House
  Muckross House, set in the gorgeous scenery of the Killarney National Park, is a gracious ivy-covered Victorian mansion that’s retained its glorious splendor. Built for Colonel Henry Arthur Herbert and his artist wife, Mary Balfour Herbert in the mid 1800s, Muckross House is known for its traditional farms, elegant gardens and arboretum that contains trees from the Southern Hemisphere. Enjoy a short orientation tour of the town of Killarney then enjoy some free time for exploring and shopping before continuing on to the hotel.

Day 6 :  Killarney/Ring of Kerry

• Excursion: Ring of Kerry
  The Ring is considered to be one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world with every turn offering a new unique vista. Along the way we’ll meet local shepherd, Brendan Ferris, who, with the help of his loyal Border Collies will demonstrate how he moves sheep around the mountain. Proceed through the charming villages of Caherdaniel and Sneem to Windy Gap and Ladies View – the best point from which to view the Killarney Lakes.
• Local Flavor: Stop in Waterville for a lovely lunch overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

Day 7 :  Killarney

• Independent exploration: The day is yours to exploring Killarney at your leisure. Stroll through the enchanting town, with its architectural wonders: some buildings date back to the1700s and 1800s. Or visit Dinis cottage, a former 18th century hinting lodge. Located on Muckross Lake, close to the Meeting of the Waters and The Old Weird Bridge—two of Killarney’s most picturesque sites—Dinis cottage is a unique site to behold.

Day 8 :  Killarney/Mallow

• Depart by deluxe motorcoach for Mallow, County Cork via Blarney Castle.
• Arrive Mallow and check into the Longueville House Hotel.
• Enjoy an informative tour of The Longueville House, one of Ireland’s finest country estates with an even richer history. The O’Callaghan family forebears were originally deprived of the property by Cromwell back in 1650. However, William’s father, Senator William O’Callaghan, was able to repurchase the estate in 1938. This afternoon, enjoy a walk around the grounds with William and Aisling as they relate the fascinating story of their family heritage.
• Local Flavor: In the evening, sit down to a sumptuous dinner personally prepared by William O’Callaghan, an accomplished professional chef, who uses ingredients grown or raised on the estate in his dishes.

Day 9 :  Mallow/Rock of Cashel/Dublin

• Today, journey from Mallow to Dublin, stopping at Rock of Cashel, one of Ireland’s most famous historical sites, which dates back to the 11th century.
• Excursion: The Rock of Cashel
  Visit one of Ireland’s most sacred sites, the Rock of Cashel, which is home to the ancient ruins of a legendary Celtic church. While some historians associate The Rock of Cashel with St. Patrick, the name is actually derived from the Gaelic word caiseal, which means stone fort. Some of the site’s remnants date to the 9th century. Explore the ruins as you admire the Halls of Vicar Choral, the round tower, Cormac’s Chapel, the site’s most important structure.
• Arrive in Dublin and check into the deluxe Westbury Hotel. It is renowned for its elegance and is considered to be one of the city’s top luxury hotels

Day 10 :  Dublin

• Educational Focus: Finding Your Irish Roots
  If you’re all Irish or only a fraction, you’ll enjoy this informative, eye-opening lecture on discovering your Irish heritage.
• Excursion: Cosmopolitan Dublin
  Dublin is a vibrant international city, where neoclassical buildings, prosperous Georgian terraces and garden squares give way to the mellow patina of timeless architectural treasures. We’ll visit historic Trinity College, to view the famous 8th-century hand-illuminated Book of Kells, considered to be the most striking masterpiece ever produced in the Anglo Saxon World. Then we continue on to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, named for the patron saint of Ireland, before ending at Dublin’s fashionable Grafton Street, where you’ll have free time to explore the shops and people watch.

Day 11 :  In Transit to North America

• Following breakfast, AHI Group Air Program passengers and Land Program passengers who have purchased an AHI transfer will depart for the airport for their return flight home. Your Travel Director will provide details about your hotel checkout and the airport transfer. AHI Independent Air Program passengers are eligible to join the group transfer.

Note: Itinerary sequence and/or scheduled events may change. Many excursions in this program involve an element of walking.

Highlights

• Your exclusive Small-Group experience will accommodate a maximum of 28 travelers.
• Explore cosmopolitan Dublin and admire its Georgian architecture.
• Discover the unique lunarlike terrain of The Burren, one of Europe’s most mysterious geological regions.
• Delight in the spectacular views along the Cliffs of Moher.
• Learn about the importance of Irish shanachi and how storytellers kept Irish traditions alive during the dark days of illiteracy.
• Marvel at the grandeur of Muckross House, an elegant Victorian mansion. See its ornate rooms and stunning gardens.
• Travel through the quaint villages and breathtaking landscapes of the Ring of Kerry, one of the most beautiful roads in Ireland.
• Visit Blarney Castle and see the famous Blarney Stone.
• Experience aristocratic life with a visit to an authentic manor house.
• Visit the impressive Rock of Cashel. 

Included Features

Accommodations

• The Old Ground Hotel - Three nights in Ennis
  This former manor house, which dates back to the 18th century, has the warmth of a country inn with all the luxuries of a modern hotel. Set amid the quaint, winding streets of Ennis, it’s the perfect place to explore the charms and rugged beauty of County Clare. Enjoy daily breakfast in the elegant O’Brien Room, sip a cocktail in Poet’s House, a traditional pub and savor the creative cuisine in Town Hall Restaurant.
• The Longueville Manor House - One night in Mallow
  The Longueville House, set in the heart of lush County Cork, is a 17th-century guest home with only 20 rooms, which affords guests a more intimate experience. Owners William and Aisling are on site to offer guests a sumptuous experience, including a specially prepared chef’s tasting dinner that includes ingredients grown or raised on the estate. Sit by the fireplace, explore the gorgeous grounds or relax in the comforts of your comfortable guest room.
• The Malton Hotel - Three nights in Killarney
  Explore Killarney and beyond from the comforts of one of Ireland’s most beautiful hotels. Located in the center of Killarney, The Malton Hotel, which hearkens back to another era, sits in a romantic setting surrounded by 6 acres of lush gardens. Rooms are luxurious and relaxing, each with distinct furnishings. In the morning smell the scent of baked goods from the in-house bakery or enjoy dining in a 4-star setting.
• The Westbury Hotel - Two nights in Dublin
  Located just off of Grafton Street, The Westbury Hotel is easily accessible to Dublin’s many landmarks, fine restaurants and inviting pubs. It is renowned for its elegance and is considered to be one of the city’s top luxury hotels. Among its amenities are a fully equipped fitness center and a restaurant and café serving an enticing array of dishes. Guests can also savor afternoon tea in The Gallery, which showcases local art. Each beautifully decorated guest room features custom-designed furniture and a wide range of amenities to ensure the utmost in comfort.

Activities and Events
Informative educational programs presented by local experts will enhance your insight into the region.
All excursions:

• Ennis
• Thoor Ballylee and Coole Park
• The Ancient Burren & Cliffs of Moher
• Killarney and Muckross House
• Ring of Kerry
• Blarney Castle
• Meet the People: Longueville House
• Rock of Cashel
• Dublin City Tour
• Attend a Welcome Reception and Dinner.
• Gather for a Farewell Reception and Dinner.

Extensive Meal Program

• Enjoy nine breakfasts, four lunches and four dinners; and tea or coffee with all meals.
• Sample authentic regional specialties during select meals at featured local restaurants.
• Take advantage of leisure time to try the local cuisine independently.

Many Included Extras

• Consultation services of a dedicated Passenger Service Representative prior to departure.
• Services of a friendly, professional Campus Director and expert English-speaking local guides throughout your stay.
• Detailed travel and destination information to assist in planning.
• Tipping of excursion guides and drivers.
• Complimentary travel wallet.

Air Program
For your convenience, AHI offers a flexible Air Program featuring special air fares available at an additional cost in conjunction with the Land Program.  AHI has designated specific Group Air Schedules for this departure utilizing scheduled, round-trip jet service between North America and Shannon, Ireland. Those participating on these flights will enjoy:

• Transfers between the arrival/departure airports abroad and the hotel, including baggage handling.
• Prices are dependent upon dates, air routes and class of service chosen and will be reflected on your Reservation Confirmation, which will be sent to you upon receipt of your reservation. Air schedules will be sent with your Final Invoice approximately 90 days before departure.
• Prices quoted to you will include all domestic and foreign governmental airport departure taxes and fees and any applicable fuel surcharges.
• AHI ticketed passengers will also receive Automatic $250,000 Flight Insurance, subject to policy terms.