Pot O’ Gold
The Magic of Ireland
July 1 – 10, 2010

THE LUCK O’ THE IRISH

Blarney! Like the story about a Leprechaun who hid a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, and covered it with dross so that humans could never find it. Utter nonsense? Perhaps not, if the tale is viewed as a parable about Ireland itself—a priceless tourist destination that often has been obscured by inclement weather and political strife.
     It is said that Ireland, once visited, is never forgotten, and for once the blarney rings true. The Irish landscape has a mythic resonance, due as much to the country’s almost tangible history as its claim to being the home of the fairies and the “little people.” Sure, the weather may not always be sunny, but the dampness ensures there are fifty shades of green to compensate—just one of the reasons Ireland is called the Emerald Isle. It is also home to one of the most gregarious and welcoming people in Europe. With their curious tales, captivating conversation and unique way with a phrase—before you know it, they’ll be having you in for a cup of tea and a chat.
     In Ireland, the past is a living spirit. You’ll see it everywhere, and encounter it in the people you meet. Ancient relics remind you of a thrilling Celtic age of warriors and myth. Stately homes and medieval monasteries tell of times gone by. Modern architectural wonders offer a glimpse of the new, thriving society. But to appreciate the astonishing diversity of this island, all you really have to do is to look around you.
     Everywhere you go, you’ll find spectacular scenery that will stay with you long after you’ve returned home. Jigging an evening away to Irish folk music is one of the joys of a trip to Ireland. Most traditional music is performed on fiddle, tin whistle, goatskin drum and pipes. Almost every village seems to have a pub renowned for its music where you can show up and find a session in progress, even join in if you feel so inclined.
     Enjoy the capital city of Dublin for some culture, history, gay nightlight, a pint or two of ale, and much more! Kiss the Blarney Stone and walk the dramatic Cliffs of Moher. Wander the narrow medieval streets of Galway. Tour the old Viking trading port of Limerick, and stroll along the River Shannon. Explore abandoned castles and ancient monasteries, and visit Cong where the Irish movie classic “The Quiet Man” was filmed. Join Toto Tours in Ireland to discover the the magnificent scenery and sweeping views, the fascinating history, the friendly people, and perhaps a little “luck o’ the Irish.”

ITINERARY

Thursday, July 1, 2010
Departure

Take an overnight flight from your home city that is scheduled to arrive in Dublin, Ireland early tomorrow morning. Use the airport code DUB when searching for flights. Be sure to arrange your flight to arrive in the morning tomorrow so that you do not miss out on any of the day’s touring activities. Feel free to arrive in Ireland a day early if you would like more time in Dublin. We will be happy to make your hotel arrangements for you.

Friday July, 2, 2010
Arrival in Dublin

Take a taxi from the airport to our hotel, check in and get familiar with your surroundings. This afternoon we enjoy a half-day guided tour of some of the city’s most important sights. The tour includes O’Connell and Grafton Streets, Georgian Dublin, and Dublin Castle with entrance to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. While touring Trinity College we will be able to enter the Library to view The Book of Kells. This evening we get acquainted over cocktails and a Welcome Dinner at a restaurant near our hotel. Overnight in Dublin.     (Welcome Dinner)

Saturday, July 3, 2010
Free Day in Dublin

Today is entirely free to explore Dublin on your own, or take some optional tours out of town (these can be arranged through the hotel). Overnight again in Dublin.     (Breakfast)

Sunday, July 4, 2010
Enniskerry / Waterford

After an early breakfast, we depart Dublin to travel into the Wicklow Mountains, known as the Gardens of Ireland, and stop for a tour of Enniskerry, an elegant, picturesque village built to adorn the Powerscourt Estate. If the group would like, we can enter Powerscourt House and visit the gardens and waterfall (entrance fee to the estate is not included, and about $20). After free time for lunch, continue on to Kilkenny, where we enjoy a guided tour of the Kilkenny Castle. A visit to the Kilkenny Design Center is a perfect chance to shop for traditional Irish handicrafts, including crystal, pottery, china, jewelry, etc. We continue on to Waterford for overnight.     (Breakfast)

Monday, July 5, 2010
Lismore, Blarney & Killarney

Our first stop this morning will be in the town of Lismore for a view of Lismore Castle and a brief tour of the gardens. Continue to Cork City to tour the famous Blarney Castle and have a look at the Blarney Stone (kissing it is optional). The legend that anyone who kisses the Stone will be blessed with the gift of gab originates from Queen Elizabeth I, who became exasperated with Lord Blarney’s ability to talk endlessly without ever actually agreeing to her demands. After free time for lunch, continue on to the town of Killarney, where we stay for the night.     (Breakfast)

Tuesday, July 6, 2010
The Ring of Kerry

Beginning and ending in Killarney, the 110-mile circuit road around the Iveragh Peninsula, known as the Ring of Kerry, is one of Ireland’s premier excursions. We devote a full day to exploration of this circuit in a leisurely fashion, stopping frequently to enjoy the views and walking paths. In the spirit of Adventure Travel, the interests of the group and the suggestions of our guide will determine our course. At the conclusion of the day, we return to Killarney and enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant near our hotel.     (Breakfast / Dinner)

Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Ring of Dingle / Cliffs of Moher / Galway

We drive to Dingle this morning for a short tour of the Ring of Dingle, with some of the most spectacular scenery in Ireland. Next we drive to Killimer, where we board a ferry crossing from Killimer to Tarbert. From there we contine to Lahinch, a lovely seaside resort community, for lunch.
     After lunch we wend our way up the coast to visit the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most spectacular sights. Enjoy time for a walk along the cliffs, with the booming sound of waves crashing far below. Entrance to the new Visitor’s Center is optional.
     We continue driving along the rocky, winding coast of the Atlantic Ocean, passing through the quaint towns of Ballyvaughan and Burren. Arriving in Galway, we enjoy a panoramic tour of delightful Galway City, with its narrow streets, old stone and wooden shop fronts, good restaurants and busy pubs. It is the administrative capital of County Galway, and home to the local government, a university and regional college. The presence of these schools attracts musicians, artists, intellectuals and young people, who give the city a bohemian feel. After check-in at our coastal hotel, the evening is free to enjoy Galway as you like it.     (Breakfast)

Thursday, July 8, 2010
Cong / Leenane / Connemara / Clifden

After breakfast, enjoy a full-day of touring one of the most beautiful areas in Ireland. First take a short drive to Cong, a charming village that was the location for the 1952 film “The Quiet Man”, starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. Stop for a look around the village and also see the ruins of Cong Abbey and the grounds of Ashford Castle.
     Travel through part of Connemara National Park to the town of Leenane on Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord. Embark on a scenic boat ride for wonderful unspoiled views of the narrow inlet and misty hills. Our next stop will be in Kylemore for a view of Kylemore Abbey. On the return journey to Galway, drive through another section of Connemara via Clifden, stopping to view the abandoned ruins of Clifden Castle. Enjoy another free evening in Galway.     (Breakfast)

Friday, July 9, 2010
Bunratty Castle / Lough Gur

Enjoy an Irish Breakfast at our hotel this morning, followed by a full-day guided tour of some of the Shannon region’s most important sights. Our first stop is at the most complete and authentic medieval fortress, Bunratty Castle, and the neighboring cultural Folk Park. In the afternoon, we drive to Lough Gur to see examples of Stonehenge-like stone circles and the remains of ancient pre-Celtic communities dated back to 3000 B.C. Our day of touring ends with sightseeing in Limerick, including visits to St. Mary’s Cathedral and King John’s Castle. After some free time to settle into our hotel in Limerick, Toto Tours hosts a Farewell Dinner to celebrate the end of this magical tour of Ireland.     (Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)

Saturday, July 10, 2010
Departure

The tour officially concludes after breakfast at the hotel this morning. We will provide one group transfer to the airport this morning for those who are departing today. We can assist with reservations at our group hotel if you wish to extend your stay in Limerick     (Breakfast)