| Irish Trains and Treasures |
| 04 to 11 August 2012 |
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| Page updated on: 12 March 2012 |
| Geoff Cooke's hosted tour of Ireland and Britain starts in the Emerald Isle. Join Geoff as he explores the trains, heritage and wonderful scenery in the Republic of Ireland. Stay on to explore north Wales, the English Lake District,the Scottish lowlands and highlands and England. May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand. traditional gaelic blessing Saturday, 04 August 2012 Arrive in Dublin. (D) Arrive in Dublin today. Your transfer from the airport to the hotel is not included, but it is economical and easy to arrange. Airlink route 747 coaches leave from outside the air terminal and travel direct to Heuston Station, which is a short walk over the River Liffey from your hotel (Euro 6 per person one way). Enjoy some free before the group meets for dinner in the hotel, but if you prefer to have something to do this afternoon, your tour host Geoff Cooke in the lobby at 14h00. Overnight in Dublin with dinner included. Our hotel in Dublin is the four star Ashling Hotel. Conveniently located over the river from the Heuston Station, and on the LUAS tram route that runs through the downtown area to Connolly Station. Check-in is from 14h00. Early check-in cannot be guaranteed unless you book your room for the previous night. If you arrive early and your room is not ready, you can leave your luggage with reception. Sunday, 05 August 2012 Dublin City Tour. Guinness Storehouse (B, D) This morning, join an open top bus tour of Dublin City. This is an excellent way to see Phoenix Park and the city on both sides of the river Liffey. As we near the end of the tour, stop off to visit the Guinness Storehouse, including a glass of the well known beverage in the panoramic bar at the top of the building, offering some of the best views of the city. This afternoon is unstructured, you can rejoin the bus that will drop you off at any of the many sights you may wish to visit. These include Trinity College (for the Book of Kells), The National Gallery, Temple Bar (for some fine Irish Pubs), Dublin Castle, St Patrick's Cathedral, the Museum of Modern Art, Dublin Zoo, the National Museum and Old Jameson Distillery. Some of these attractions charge for entry, with the bus ticket offering discounts. Alternatively, buy yourself a LUAS tram ticket and go exploring. Overnight in Dublin with breakfast and dinner included. Monday, 06 August 2012 By train to Wexford, the Dunbrody famine ship, the Rock of Cashel and Killarney (B, D) Our coach will collect your luggage and transfer you to the station for a train ride to Wexford along the attractive coastal route. Our coach will met us at Wexford for the short ride to New Ross to explore the Dunbrody, a replica of a ship that took victims of the potato famine to America. . Costumed guides will tell you about the trials of the sea crossing, unpleasant for first class passengers and worst for the rest. Find out about the Kennedy family connection with New Ross at the Kennedy memorial before continuing by coach to the historic Rock of Cashel. Cashel is possibly Ireland's most famous Christian heritage site with connections to St Christopher. The complex has a character of its own, unique and native, and is one of the most remarkable collections of Celtic art and medieval architecture to be found anywhere in Europe. Overnight in Killarney with breakfast and dinner included. Killarney (Cill Airne in Irish) promotes its-self as the gateway to the Ring of Kerry. The town, although attractive, is outshone by the surrounding countryside with it's mountains, lakes, woods and overall beauty which attracts visitors worldwide. Killarney town has much too interest you, not least the fine restaurants, gift shops and traditional pubs, of which there are many. Our Killarney hotel is the International Hotel. An easy walk from both the town centre and the railway station, this well positioned hotel offers a fine Irish ambiance. Laundry: The hotel offers an in-house laundry service Monday to Saturday priced at approx €12 - €15 per bag. If they get laundry by 10am, it is back the same evening. Tuesday, 07 August 2012 Ring of Kerry (B, D) Join a tour around the Ring of Kerry, a route which meanders around the Iveragh Peninsula, mostly skirting the coast. 176 kilometre's in circumference, it will take us all day to complete. You will see sensational views as we motor past St Finan's Bay, Bolus Head, Doulus Head and Killorglin. Pause at the Ladies View overlooking Killarney's lakes before returning to our hotel. Overnight in Killarney with breakfast and dinner included. Wednesday, 08 August 2012 Gap of Dunloe (B) This morning, join a tour to the dramatic Gap of Dunloe. Ride through the Gap in a jaunting car, a traditional Irish horse drawn carriage. Relax and refresh yourself at Lord Brendan's cottage before travel by boat through the three lakes to Ross Castle, an Irish Landlord's fortified home built in the middle ages. Dinner is not included today, an opportunity to get away from the group for a while. Geoff will make arrangements at a restaurant for anyone wishing to remain together. Overnight in Killarney with breakfast included. Thursday, 09 August 2012 Cobh (B, D) Travel by scheduled Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) passenger train to Cobh via Mallow and Cork. Join a walking tour hosted by a local expert guide around the harbour and town to find out about emigration, the potato famine, Lusitania and Titanic before our return train ride to Killarney this afternoon. Overnight in Killarney with breakfast and dinner included. Friday, 10 August 2012 Lartigue monorail, Foynes flying boat museum, Bunratty and Dublin (B, D) This morning, motor to Listowell to see and ride on the fascinating Lartigue Monorail (it could only be Ireland!) An eccentric new railway opened in North Kerry 125 years ago, which was inspired by, of all things, a camel train. The brainchild of a French engineer, Charles Lartigue, who was inspired him to design a new type of railway after seeing camels in Algeria walking tall and comfortably carrying heavy loads balanced in panniers on their backs. The line originally ran to Ballybunion, today a recreated section is operated by an enthusiastic team of volunteers. Continue to Foynes where we will visit the Flying Boat Museum to find out about the transatlantic flying boat service and the origin of Irish coffee. The museum is proud of their full size replica of a Boeing B314 flying boat. This afternoon, visit the 15th century Bunratty Castle and adjacent 19th century folk park. Stop for refreshments at Durty Nelly's Irish Pub. Nestled in the shadow of Bunratty castle, this traditional watering hole was erected in the 17th century. Who was Durty Nelly? Just one more discovery to make today. Overnight at the Asheling Hotel in Dublin with breakfast and dinner included. Saturday, 11 August 2012 Tour ends or ferry to Wales (B) Your tour around Ireland comes to an end this morning. Either continue to Wales with the tour, extend your stay in Dublin or fly from Dublin Airport. We will be happy to assist with pre and post tour hotel bookings in Dublin. |
| Carrying on Dublin Airport offers flights to America and Europe as well as to a number of destinations in the United Kingdom. Geoff's Trains can extend your Dublin hotel booking, please ask for a quotation. If you prefer to sit back, relax and continue to see the sights with new found friends and your host Geoff Cooke, continue with the tour to Wales. Already seen Wales? If so, consider spending a few more days in Dublin before taking the ferry and re-joining the tour at Llandudno Junction on 14 August. It's easy to arrange, ask Geoff for details. |
| Tour confirmed Space available Book soon! |