Carol Birch

Southern Connecticut State University

Presents Carol Birch

Western Ireland’s A-B-C’s:
The Aran Isles, The Burren and Connemara — and Beyond

July 28 - August 6, 2005

Come visit Western Ireland with its sleepy villages, charming cities of Galway and Sligo and the wilder, wind swept panoramas found on Aran Mor, the Burren, and Connemara. Alluring sights by day with pub music, our own readings or stories, a guest storyteller and a guest lecturer on Yeats by night...balm for body, soul, and mind.

Day 1 Depart USA

Day 2 Arrive in Shannon. Our first stop is the town of Killaloe, a quaint village that is the birthplace of Brian Boru, the high king of Ireland. The Killaloe Heritage Centre will set us on a walk along sections of the old Killaloe Canal. We’ll then go on to St. Flannan’s Cathedral, a 12th century building that has remnants of the ancient Celtic Ogham stones. For lunch, if time permits, we’ll cross a 17th century stone bridge to the twin town of Ballina for a waterfront pub lunch. Overnight in Lisdoonvarna. B, D

Day 3 After a delicious Irish breakfast our first stop is the coast and a visit to the beautiful Cliffs of Moher. Then we’ll drive along the shores of Galway Bay, passing the ruins of Leamaneh Castle. A wonderful city to explore on foot, Galway is the center for the Irish speaking regions of the west and a lively university town. We’ll see the Spanish Arch, the City Museum, National University of Galway, and the Cathedral of Our Lady. Our afternoon is free to stroll the winding cobbled streets of this delightful city. Overnight in Lisdoonvarna. B, D

Day 4 Our travels today take us to the Aran Isles. We’ll travel by ferry to visit the Main island of Inishmore. Protected for centuries by their isolated position, the islands today are a bastion of traditional Irish culture. Farming, fishing and tourism are the main occupations of the islanders. We’ll travel by mini-bus to Dun Aengus, one of the finest prehistoric monuments in Europe for a great view of the island and Connemara coast. Overnight in Lisdoonvarna. B

Day 5 “Our journey north through the Irish countryside begins! En route we’ll visit Roscommon Castle, an Anglo Norman fortress built in 1269, and the Domincan Friary, built in 1253. From there it’s on to Strokestown Park House, the grandest Palladian Mansion in County Roscommon, built in 1730’s. This 18th century mansion is unique in that it retains its original furnishings. The 4-acre walled garden has been restored to the 18th century appearance. Overnight in Sligo . B, D

Day 6 Visits to places associated with the writer W.B. Yeats. He loved the countryside surrounding Sligo and it gave him inspiration for many of his poems. See his “Lake Isle of Innisfree” in Lough Gill where Dooney Rock on the south shore is celebrated in the “Fiddler of Dooney.” We’ll visit Drumcliffe Churchyard where the poet is buried and visit Parke’s Castle, a restored plantation castle of the early 17th century, picturesquely situated on the shores of Lough Gill. After our tour, we’ll stop to see the Glencar Waterfalls, a breathtaking silver stream immortalized by Yeats that falls into Lough Glencar. Overnight in Sligo . B

Day 7 We leave Sligo and journey via Castlebar and the windswept landscape of County Mayo to Westport, a planned estate town (circa late 1700’s!) with broad streets. Travel south past the pilgrimage mountain of Croagh Patrick and through the beautiful valley of Doo Lough, which translates as “black lake” At Leenane we’ll take a short cruise on a catamaran along Killary Harbour , Ireland ’s only fjord. You can see great views from this narrow inlet that is surrounded by hills and cliffs. We’ll have the chance to observe seabirds, seals and otters that live in the waters. Overnight in Westport . B, D

Day 8 Today we’ll tour Connemara with its sweeping views of boglands and misty mountains. We’ll stop in the quaint village of Spiddal, which retains the Irish language and many traditional lifestyles. As we drive along we’ll see the many sheep that graze freely, as well as tracts of bogland where some people hand-cut peat for home heating. We’ll continue to Clifden, a delightful town on the western seaboard. Kylemore Abbey , a 19th century neo-Gothic mansion overlooking Kylemore Lake was originally a private residence, but is now ia prestigious girls’ school. We’ll visit the chapel and restored Victorian gardens that have recently won awards. We’ll then drive through Leenane and view Aasleagh Falls. Overnight in Westport . B,

Day 9 Our final day will conclude with a tour of the Burren. We’ll stop in Ballyvaughn to visit the Burren Exposure, an excellent AV presentation that tells the geological, human and floral story of this unique chunk of Ireland. Following the film, we’ll meet with Shane Connelly, who will lead us on a 3-hr guided hike to explain the diverse flora and geology. Returning to the bus, we’ll stop at the Poulnabrone Dolmen, a 4,000 yr old grave chamber, and the Caherconnell Stone Fort. Tonight, for our final evening, we’ll enjoy a medieval banquet served in the Great Hall of a 15th century castle. Overnight in Shannon . B, D

Day 10 Return to the USA . B

Included in this package

Roundtrip airfare from New York (JFK)
Transport by luxury motorcoach
Deluxe Accommodations (8 nites)
Full Breakfasts (8)
Table d'hôte Dinners (4)
Medieval banquet in an Irish Castle
Boat Cruise and bus tour to Aran Island
Connemara Lady cruise on Killary Harbour
Admission fees to: Killaloe Heritage Centre, St. Flannan’s Cathedral, Cliffs of Moher, Dun Aengus Fort, Roscommon Castle, Dominican Friary, Strokestown House and Famine Museum, Drumcliffe Visitor Centre, Parkes Castle, Glencar Falls, Kylemore Abbey, Aasleagh Falls, Burren Centre, Poulnabrone Dolman, Caherconnel Stone Fort
Porterage, service charges and government taxes
Flight bags, ticket wallets, baggage tags and identifying strap

Costs

Cost Per Participant $2450.00 per person
Single room supplement $400.00
Departure Taxes $80.00 per person

All pricing per person is based on a twin share and includes all activities as described.

A $ 400.00 per person deposit is required to hold your space.

For additional information and booking please contact:

Marsh Passmore
Carlson Wagonlit Travel
Phone: 423-282-5126
lhpdgp@cs.com