Tour Ireland...Support the Library.
THIS TOUR IS FULL! IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE INFORMED OF POSSIBLE FUTURE TOURS, CONTACT SUSAN AT CRAFTSBURYLIBRARY@GMAIL.COM.
Librarian Susan O'Connell has visited Ireland five times, and will share the best of the places and stories she has discovered on her travels, as well as context for the historical and natural sights you will experience. Enjoy cultural highlights and hidden gems in the Kingdom of Kerry.
SEPT. 10-17, 2018 $1,800-$2,200 PER PERSON
- Accommodation in an 18th century stone cottage near a Blue Flag beach and National Park.
- Tour guide and driver to navigate the winding roads, from airport pickup to drop off.
- Carefully chosen museum and attraction admittance.
- Breakfast, and some lunch and dinners included
- Airfare is not included
- Flexible and responsive itinerary can be adapted according to weather and group interests
This small group tour to the Kingdom of Kerry will be based in Derrynane, at the tip of the Iveragh peninsula, also known as the Ring of Kerry. We will stay in John’s House, an 18th century stone cottage with an old-fashioned feel and modern amenities, and Ocean View, which is a more recently built house above John's with spectacular views.
Day one will be a day to arrive, rest, and explore. Pick up at Shannon airport (other locations possible with prior consultation) and drive to our home base on the Iveragh Peninsula. Derrynane beach is nearby, a ring fort is up the hill, there are walking trails and a botanical garden to take in. Dinner will be at The Blind Piper.
Day two the group will explore Derrynane in depth. We will begin with a tour of Derrynane House and learn about Daniel O’Connell the Liberator of Ireland. If luck is with us, we will also tour the Botanic Gardens with John O’Shea, the Head Gardener. After lunch at Ahamore Tea Room at Derrynane, we will enjoy a tour of the area with local naturalist Vinny Hyland. Dinner at O’Carroll’s Cove or the Blind Piper.
On day three we will explore the coast from the water with local skipper Des O'Shea. He will take us along the Beara coast and out to Bull Rock, and amazing geologic landform with a tunnel right through the rock! After our day on the water, we will enjoy a catered meal at John’s House.
On day four, we will travel to the Killarney National Park which includes the 19th century mansion Muckross House, Muckross Traditional Farm, Ross Castle, the remains of a 16th century monastary, and walking trails. We will also meet up with a falconer and learn to fly falcons with Killarney Falconry. Killarney town is nearby for those who would prefer to wander and shop. Dinner will be in Killarney or Sneem.
Day five will bring us south along the Ring of Kerry and over the Caha Mountains to Glengariff. We will stop to explore Kenmare and other towns if time permits. In Glengariff, we will take a short ferry ride out to the gardens on Garinish Island. Alternatively, participants can explore Glengariff on their own. On the way home, we will stop by Molly Gallivan’s traditional farm for a tour, meal, and American Wake.
On day six we will visit archeological sites in Cahersiveen. We will begin at Ballycarbery Castle then travel on to two nearby Ring Forts. In the afternoon we can wander Cahersiveen, or wander back along the Skellig Ring. We will have a catered dinner at John’s House.
Our final day is purposefully unscheduled to allow us to another chance at any activities that we cancelled due to weather. Alternatively, we may explore the National Park in greater depth, hike the Kerry Way or some shore walks, or take a day trip to the Dingle peninsula, visiting Inch Beach, Dingle town, Dunquin, and the Gallarus Oratory.
On our final day we will pack up and deliver participants to Shannon airport. If time allows, we will stop along the way.
Please note: This itinerary is a guide. Severe weather may affect our plans, particularly for the boat outing. Plan for some activities in drizzle or light rain, and for adjustments when needed due to very wet weather
CONTACT SUSAN AT THE LIBRARY TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT.
$500 DEPOSIT REQUIRED.
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