IRISH DISCOVERY TOURS/IRELAND SIGHTSEEING TOURS

SMALL ESCORTED TOUR OF IRELAND THIS SMALL TOUR TO IRELAND IS LIMITED TO 15 PERSONS - CASTLE UPGRADE AVAILABLE!
Tour Name: Irish Discovery 8 Day - see below or 9 Day First Class Ireland Escorted Tour -

On our Ireland tour, you will experience old-world Irish charm and elegance while staying in top class Irish hotels. On this tour you will stay in Ireland's most lively towns and villages and experience traditional Irish culture. A favorite Irish Vacation!

Saturday - DEPART FROM HOME
Your Irish vacation begins the moment you board your flight. Destination: IRELAND.

Sunday - DUBLIN
Arrive in Dublin, Ireland's capital, which has retained its Georgian elegance, and transfer to your hotel. Our afternoon of Dublin takes you to Trinity College to see the illuminated Book of Kells, and St. Patrick's, Ireland's national cathedral. Visit the Guinness Storehouse in the heart of old Dublin, where you sample Ireland's most famous creamy stout. The evening is free to enjoy this bustling city and friendly people -- maybe you'll want to visit one of Dublin's famous singing pubs! (B)

Monday - DUBLIN/WICKLOW "BALLYKISSANGEL" Tour to Avoca, the mythical "Ballykissangel", to visit the handweavers who capture the subtle hues of heather and fields in their fabric. The rest of day is free to relax and explore Dublin's parks and Georgian squares. Its brick row houses are famous for their glass laced doors. Afternoon shopping on your own. Optional: Storytelling, dinner and traditional music in a candelit Dublin pub: The scene is set in one of Dublin's oldest pubs. As early as the 1600's, it was a popular haunt. The Seanachi, the Irish word for storyteller, entertains with oral tales of fairies, Celtic warriors and legendary deed-doing. Tales are told and songs sung and everyone is made to feel welcome. With turf fire glowing a perfect setting in which to take you back through the romantic mists of time. History comes alive tonight! (B)

When in Ireland...Lift--elevator
When in Ireland...Mind your Head--Duck, it's a low entrance way.

Tuesday -KILKENNY Enjoy the relaxed pace of Ireland, known for its bogs and turf fires, rich farmlands and scenic countryside. Travel through the Curragh, the horse breeding center of Ireland. Kilkenny, with its cobbled streets, is one of the finest examples of an Irish medieval town. You visit Kilkenny Castle, followed by a pub lunch. Time free for exploring on your own. (B,D)

Wednesday - BLARNEY/COBH/KILLARNEY This morning you take the scenic route to Cobh, originally a small fishing village. Cobh was the departure point for many Irish immigrants in the 19th century, and is associated with the loss of the Titanic. Visit Blarney, with a chance to kiss "The Stone". Travel through landscapes of the rarest green, where herds of black and white cows peek from every hill on the way to Killarney. (B, D)

What our clients say:
Our tour guide Kevin was a real treasure. He clearly loves his country and has a great store of knowledge which he enthusiastically shared with us. He was very considerate and sensitive to our travel needs. We thoroughly enjoyed each of the stops on our itinerary. It was wonderful to relax and enjoy the journey because you had attended to all of the details.--- GT

Thursday - RING OF KERRY EXCURSION
An incredible day awaits! The scenic and spectacular Ring of Kerry offers unrivaled views of County Kerry's magnificent shoreline, one of nature's masterpieces. Traveling via Killorglin you see beautiful mountain vistas and rugged landscapes along the way. Travel through Killarney by pony and trap. Have your camera ready! A musical pub evening is in store for us tonight, complete with local entertainment. (B,D)

Friday - ADARE/SHANNON
Visit Muckross Traditional Farm for tea and scones, where you will see villagers practicing ancient farming techniques. Then travel to Adare, a town of thatched cottages. - CASTLE STAY UPGRADE AVAILABLE! . See Below. Optional and highly recommended: A night like no other. Medieval banquet at Bunratty Castle. You'll be transported back in time as you sip the traditional mead in the great banquet hall and don bibs to eat authentic recipes with your fingers! Madrigal singers, and musicians bring the era to life.(B)

Saturday - HOMEWARD
The tour ends with a transfer to Shannon Airport. (B) Transfers and hotels available to Dublin available at added cost.

Irish Discovery one week tour of Ireland includes:
Round trip airfare from at added cost.
Airport transfers according to schedule below.
Deluxe motorcoach transportation
Driver/professional guide throughout
First-class accommodations for 6 nights; room with private bath
6 hearty Irish breakfasts (B), 3 dinners (D)
Tea and scones at a farmhouse
Baggage handling
All taxes and service charges
All sightseeing and entrance fees. Some highlights:
Book of Kells at Trinity College
"Ballykissangel" and Guinness Brewery & Pub visit
Kilkenny Castle
Blarney Castle
Killarney by pony and trap and Ring of Kerry tour
Muckross Traditional Farm
Passport Case with "What You Need To Know Before You Go"
EGT Irish song-sheet for our on board sing alongs
EGT Baggage Strap

No Options Sold in Ireland– Your driver/guide will assist you with information on free-time activities based on honest opinion and guidance, but will not sell you anything. This means better value and a more relaxed, pleasant experience for you.
Your 3* & 4* first-class hotels: Click for details & pictures.
Dublin Grafton Capital 2 nights
Kilkenny - Kilkenny River Court 1 night
Killarney Dromhall Hotel 2 nights
Shannon Oakwood Arms - CASTLE UPGRADE AVAILABLE! 1 night


2009 Dates
No remaining scheduled tours for 2009.
If you have just 6 persons in your party, we can give you a PRIVATE DEPARTURE JUST FOR YOUR GROUP AT NO ADDED COST, on any day.

Book now for 2010 and guarantee your rate! Airfare can be booked 11 months in advance
2010 LAND
Departs
To Dublin Saturdays Returns
From Shannon
Saturdays Est.
Air/Land JFK/
BOS/

EWR* USD ONLY
May 1 May 6 2734 2144
May 8 May 15 2734 2144
May 15 May 22 2734 2144
May 22 May 29 2734 2144
May 29 June 5 2734 2144
June 5 June 12 2734 2144
June 12 June 19 2734 2144
June 19 June 26 2842 2144
June 26 July 3 2842 2144
July 03 July 10 2842 2144
July 10 July 17 2842 2144
July 17 July 24 2842 2144
July 24 July 31 2842 2144
Jul 31 Aug. 07 2842 2144
Aug 07 Aug. 14 2942 2144
Aug. 14 Aug. 21 2942 2144
Aug. 21 Aug. 29 2942 2144
Aug. 28 Sep. 04 2942 2144
Sep. 4 Sep. 11 2742 2144
Sep. 11 Sep. 18 2742 2144
Sep. 25 Oct. 2 2742 2144
Nov. 20 Thanksgiving Nov. 27 2490 1967 Last one until May 1, 2010
Child 8-11 sharing with 2 adults: All Year $368 discount. Child sharing room with another child $50 , or with one adult: $50. Triple reduction $55 Single supplement $433. 2 Optional Dinners: Storyteller Pub Dinner and Medieval Banquet $189. CASTLE UPGRADE - You may upgrade to the 5 star Dromoland Castle for your last night - Just $395 more per person (twin), $600(single), $194 (child ). Ask for details. For 11 Day tour, click here.BOOK THIS TODAY! CALL EGT OR Please Email Us For Information

NEW! We can accept payments in US dollars, euros and pounds sterling. Please ask for our wire transfer details. Currency Converter by OANDA.com, The Currency Site.

*Airfares are estimates only, based on limited availability and are subject to change. The air inclusive prices above are for general information only and not a reflection of current seat availability. Prices are plus $150 air tax.
Click here for a credit card form.

Transfers: We are offering transfers at a set time on our Irish Discovery tour. Anyone not arriving in time for this transfer will need a PRIVATE transfer. Transfer schedule for coach tours: Departs DUB 10AM, returns toSNN at 11AM. If you have an earlier flight, you must pay for a private transfer.


WEST
Galway
Galway is a spectacular blend of richness and ruggedness and is one of Ireland's most luminous places. In Galway city you can visit Claddagh Quay, probably Ireland's oldest fishing village. You may wish to purchase a Claddagh ring, which is formed by two hands clasping a heart and has become a traditional wedding ring. Lynch's Castle, established in 1320, is one of Ireland's finest examples of a castellated mansion within a town. At the Salmon Weir Bridge you can watch the salmon leap upstream on their way to spawn on early spring and summer days.

Sligo
Sligo is one of the most attractively sited towns in Ireland with mountains to the north and south. The 13th-century Sligo Abbey, destroyed in 1641 when the town was sacked, now has restored cloisters. Just outside the town, Lough Gill is Yeats "Lake isle of Innisfree".

Bundoran
A popular resort on an inlet of Donegal Bay, Bundoran has a wide sandy beach the action of the Atlantic on the cliffs has caused some interesting rock formations - the Wishing Chair, the Puffing Hole and a natural arch known as the Fairy Bridge.

Croagh Patrick, Louisburgh
A conical mountain on which St Patrick spend the 40 days of Lent in AD441, Croagh Patrick (also known as The Reek) has an oratory on its summit, and thousands of pilgrims climb its 2,510ft height each July for a mass. The climb begins beside the beautiful ruin of Murrisk Abbey, a 14th-century Augustinian foundation. Spectacular views await climbers at the summit; to the south the Twelve Pins can be seen, and to the north island-studded Clew Bay.

SOUTHWEST
Cliffs of Moher, Kilconnell
They stand on the edge of Ireland with the Atlantic crashing on the rocks 700 feet below and look out on the Aran islands in the distance A few miles from the coast is one of the strangest landscapes in Ireland, the Burren. Here there are fascinating neo-lithic tombs called dolmens, and concealed in the fissures of the rocks are some of the most exotic flora and fauna that lure botanists from around the world. And underneath are the Ailwee caves.
Dingle Peninsula
Here the dramatic mountains sweep down to golden beaches and stark rocks. The greens of the hills in contrast with the wildness of the scenes make Dingle an enchanted pace. Dingle is a native Gaelic speaking area and the lilt of this ancient tongue adds an extra element of mystery to this hauntingly beautiful place.

Bunratty Castle
Bunratty Castle was built in 1460 on the site of three previous castles and it is thought that William Penn, founder of Pennsylvania, lived here as an infant. Today the castle exhibits one of the finest collections of 15th- to 17thcentury art, furnishings and accoutrements in northern Europe. Another feature of this area is the Bunratty Folk Park, just behind the castle. Here you will see the rural heritage of Ireland - basketmaking, cooking, breadmaking, farming and housing. It's a valuable insight into history.

Adare
This is a very pretty village whose thatched wayside cottages were built as tenant homes in the 19th century by Lord Dunraven, the builder of Adare Manor The Augustinian Friory has a true medieval feel, while the 13th-century Trinitarian Abbey is the only house of the order in Ireland. Both are still in use, the former by the Church of Ireland, the latter by the Catholic church.

Ring of Kerry, Killarney
This is a hundred mile route around the Iveragh Peninsula, which is one of the world's great scenic drives. This route, an amazing mixture of rugged mountains, winding valleys and dramatic seascapes, begins and ends in Killarney.

Muckross House, Killarney
This is a truly impressive 19th-century manor with a Portland stone exterior. Here you'll see exhibits of Kerry folklife, including ancient forms of harvesting, printing, pottery, weaving and hand-carved period furniture. The subtropical gardens and the nature walks offer a fine example of the beauty and serenity of the country.

Gap of Dunloe. Killarney
This is a four-mile gulch carved by glaciers. The trip can be accomplished in part or entirely by pony trap. The boulders rise high on either side and several seemingly bottomless tarns converge to form a surging stream that runs alongside the road. From the top of the gap the views are breathtakingly compounded of purple mountains, the Upper Lake, and the Cummeenduff rolling into the hills.

Cork
Cork is the second city of the Republic and claims to be the cultural capital. Built on an island formed by two channels of the River Lee, Cork was a monastic settlement in the 7th century. Later plundered by Norse invaders, it became a thriving centre of commerce. There are many architectural pleasures to be discovered in the city, including the French Gothic cathedral and St Anne's Shandon, where the famous Bells of Shandon are played on request.

Blarney Castle, Blarney
Blarney castle is one of Ireland's premier tourist attractions. Every year thousands of people climb the 127 steps to kiss the famous Stone of Eloquence which, it is said, gives you the gift of the blarney! The castle was built in the 1 5th century and, together with the lovely village, is worth a visit

SOUTHEAST
Waterford
Famous for the Waterford Glass Factory, thousands of people converge here each year to see the most renowned crystal works in the world, whose products have made their way in to the wealthiest international households. In the town you can explore the handsome quays overlooking the peaceful River Suir.

County Wicklow
Known as the "garden of Ireland", it's hills, valleys, mansions and gardens make it a county of fascinating beauty and variety. The 6th century early Christian settlement at Glendalough is of outstanding historical interest and great beauty.

Dublin
Founded by the Vikings a thousand years ago, it's a cosmopolitan city with a strong historical flavor, particularly of the 18th century Georgian period. It's a bustling city of elegant hotels, restaurants, pubs and famous shops.

Malahide
In the popular seaside resort of Malahide you will find Malahide Castle. It was built in the late 12th century by Sir Richard de Talbot and held by that family until the late 1970's when it was acquired by Dublin County Council as a historical site. There are nearly 300 acres of grounds, including lovely gardens. The castle itself is in excellent condition and contains a remarkable assortment of Irish period furniture along with a collection of oils belonging to the late Lord Talbot of Malahide.

Kilkenny
Ireland's finest medieval city, Kilkenny is small and charming with some rare Elizabethan architecture and ancient by-ways, known as slips. The 12th- to 13th-century castle houses an art gallery. The town museum is in the Rothe House, a 16th-century merchant house. Rich with ecclesiastical buildings, the town has both 13th- and 19th-century cathedrals, a ruined 13th-century priory and two 13th- century abbeys.

NORTH
Giants Causeway, Bushmills No trip to Northern Ireland would be complete without a trip to this incredible spectacle, formed some 60 million years ago by a volcanic eruption. Many of the basalt columns are hexagonal, the tallest are some 36 feet high.
County Down Down is St Patrick's country His boat was swept into Strangford Lough and he came ashore on the Lecale peninsula. Many places have strong associations with the Saint. Saul, where he is said to have preached his first gospel and later died; the Struell healing wells and St Patrick's Grave at Down Cathedral, a special place of pilgrimage on 17 March.

North Antrim Coast The scenic A2 coast road provides a memorable experience. From Larne in the east the road clips the heads of the Nine Glens of Antrim on its way north, through charming sleepy villages. A minor coast road leads through wonderful cliffland scenery to the tiny rocky islet fishery of Carrick-a-Rede. Rejoin the A2 which continues to the Giant's Causeway and passes the 16th-century Dunluce Castle on its way to the Londonderry border at Portrush.

Remember what I said about tours of 20 people or more![b]