Monday, November 3rd
We begin our Ireland Quilt Tour, departing New York's JFK Airport for an overnight flight to the SHANNON AIRPORT. Dinner will be served onboard the plane. D
Tuesday, November 4th
 This morning we will arrive at the Shannon Airport. We will be met by our Irish driver/guide who will take us to our first-class hotel in the charming town of KILLARNEY. Along the way, we will see lakes and fells as we travel southwards. Our route will take us through the market towns of Castleisland, Abbeyfeale and Newcastle West and the quaint old world village of Adare, with its gentle ruins and thatched cottages. There will be time to enjoy lunch here and then continue our drive to our hotel. We will arrive at our first-class hotel, the KILARNEY PLAZA, and check in. The remainder of the afternoon is free for you to enjoy at your leisure. A special “welcome dinner” and orientation meeting will take place at the hotel with our hostess, Grannie Suzannie. B, D
Wednesday, November 5th
 This morning, following a full Irish breakfast, we will drive to the little village of BLARNEY. Here we’ll have a chance (for a nominal fee) to kiss the famed Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle. We will also visit and explore the Blarney Woolen Mills, famous for Irish crystal and china, woolen clothing and all sorts of wonderful souvenir items. We will return back to Killarney in the afternoon, where the remainder of the day is at your leisure. The town of Killarney is incredibly charming. Perhaps you’ll participate in a traditional jaunting cart ride by the lovely Killarney Lakes or a visit to Muckross House, a 19th Century Tutor mansion set in beautiful landscaped grounds and surrounded by 11,500 acres of parkland. Inside Muckross House, the upper floors are furnished in the manner of the great houses of Ireland and include some fascinating exhibits. In the basement you’ll find a marvelous folk museum and craft shop that brings to life the vivid country lifestyle of a long time past. Dinner will be served back at the hotel. Tonight, Grannie Suzannie will teach an informative class. B, D
Thursday, November 6th
 After a hearty Irish breakfast this morning, we will depart on one of Ireland’s most popular and beautiful drives, the RING OF KERRY. Traveling from Killarney, we come to the town of KILLORGLIN, famous for the “Puck Fair.” We will continue our drive along the coastline of the broad Iveragh Peninsula, through the towns of Glenveagh, Cahirciveen, Waterville and Sneem. The scenery is a spectacular as wind-swept cliffs, still lakes, lost valleys and Rocky Mountains blend in awesome beauty. As one looks around it is easy to agree with the old Irish saying, “Even if a man has only a small bit of earth here, he has a lot of the heavens.” From Sneem, we will continue via “Ladies View” back to Killarney. It may even look like parts of the landscape are quilts just waiting to be made. Later in the day, we will enjoy a delicious dinner back at our hotel. Tonight there is a possibility we may be joined with quilting ladies from the Killarney area and learn more about their quilt guild and quilting lifestyle. Grannie Suzannie will also teach her final class. B, D
Friday, November 7th
 This morning, after our full Irish breakfast, we depart on a tour of the rugged Dingle Peninsula. Film goers will be reminded of scenes from the movie, “Ryan’s Daughter,” which was shot in this area, as we drive past little harbors and wide stretches of sandy beach, leading southward to Slea Head. This is the most westerly point in Europe, also known as “the next parish to America.” Vistas of the Blasket Islands and Dingle Bay delight the eye and Gallarus Oratory, a little beehive stone structure, more than 1,000 years old, conjures up visions of monks in early Christian times in this “land of saints and scholars.” We will return to Killarney later in the afternoon. Dinner will be served back at our hotel, and the remainder of the evening is free. B, D
Saturday, November 8th
 This morning we say goodbye to Killarney as we check out of our hotel and travel north to the city of DUBLIN. On our way, we will stop in the town of Waterford, where we visit the famous Waterford Crystal Factory and showroom. An escorted tour of the facility will show the skilled craftsmen at work cutting and blowing this magnificent crystal. We will arrive and check into our 5-star, deluxe hotel, the WESTBURY HOTEL, where we will stay for the next three nights. Although Dublin is a modern city, it still retains the graceful, charmed atmosphere of an earlier time. The Georgian squares and terraces are evidence of this. Our hotel is just a few yards from the very popular Grafton Street and unbelievable shopping. You’ll have an opportunity to enjoy Dublin and all it’s nightlife on your own. B
Sunday, November 9th
 This morning, following a hearty breakfast, our tour will take us to the Garden of Ireland, County Wicklow. We leave the city behind and head for the heathery hills of the Wicklow Mountains that spring up at the edge of Dublin’s southern suburbs. We drive south through Enniskerry to Glendalough where St. Kevin founded his 6th Century monastic settlement. From there we will travel to Avoca, made famous by Thomas Moore’s song, “The Meeting of the Waters.” Enjoy the roads that wind through the mountain passes, cross over the high glens, and thread their way to the sandy beaches. We will visit a wonderful yarn mill and have an opportunity to shop in their quaint gift shop. Tonight you have another opportunity to enjoy Dublin on your own. Maybe you’ll visit a singing pub or just sit back and have a leisurely evening back at our hotel. B
Monday, November 10th
 This morning after breakfast, we will be met by a local guide who will give us a tour of the city, starting with a visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Our guide will provide an informative talk about the church and we will have an opportunity to see the incredible tile floors that will remind you of familiar quilt patterns. The afternoon is free for you to shop or independently explore on our own. There are plenty of fascinating places to visit, including the famous Trinity College to view the Book of Kells. Whatever you decide to do in the afternoon, enjoy yourself. Tonight there will be a special “farewell dinner” at our hotel, and we’ll reminisce about our day’s events. B, D
Tuesday, November 11th
This morning, following breakfast, we will say goodbye to the Emerald Isle and drive to the DUBLIN AIRPORT. We will check in for our flight back to New York's JFK Airport. B
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Itinerary and pricing are subject to change. Some restrictions apply. Space is limited and on a first-come first-served basis. Terms and Conditions apply once the first deposit is received. * Please note that depending on weather conditions and circumstances beyond our control, this itinerary is subject to change. We will make every attempt to adhere to the program, but we ask that you be flexible if alternative choices are made to enhance the schedule
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