Christmas in a Castle

OUTLINE ITINERARY

This is a three-stop tour of Ireland based on an itinerary incorporating Dublin, The Midlands and Galway. Your first night in Dublin's downtown Georgian district where you are free to do some last minute Christmas shopping and soak up the festival atmosphere. You will follow with a wonderful three nights in one of Irelands finest hotels, Kinnity Castle an intimate property in a magnificent setting.

Finally two nights in Galway to end the trip in the cultural capital of Ireland noted for its many lively bars and restaurants.

23rd December 2004 - Depart USA

Arrive into Dublin airport where you will pick up your rental car at the Hertz desk at the airport. At the heart of Georgian Dublin the 3* Mont Clare Hotel is your base for your first night. It is located within walking distance to some of Dublin's greatest landmarks including the National Art Gallery, Trinity College, and Merrion Square. You can spend the first day exploring the shops of Dublin and perhaps doing some last minute shopping in the prime shopping District of Grafton Street. Apart from shopping the festival atmosphere in Dublin is magic with Carol singers on the streets and the Christmas decorated shop windows of Brown Thomas and Clerys also worth a visit.

24th December - Christmas Eve

Today you will travel south from Dublin to Co. Offaly in the heart of Ireland to your dream stay at 4* Kinnity Castle. This is a 12th century beautifully restored mansion overlooking mountains and forests on its own country estate and gardens. Arrive on Christmas Eve to enjoy warm mince pies and mulled wine in a rosy log fire setting. Then relax and listen to the Christmas choir followed by a traditional Irish music session in the Dungeon bar. Kinnitty is a unique blend of Old World elegance with an excellent standard of service and comfort to make your Christmas one to remember.

25th December - Christmas Day

Awake on Christmas morning where optional extras are available for your to choose from - from early morning hacking and trail riding up the Slieve Bloom mountains to falconry or clay pigeon shooting, or just relax and enjoy your luxurious surroundings. Enjoy a late brunch, gifts from Santa and a piano recital. Dine in the great hall of the O'Carrroll's that evening to a spectacular Christmas banquet followed by a traditional Irish session in the Dungeon bar.

26th December - St Stephens Day

On St. Stephen's day enjoy a late brunch and relax in the afternoon to music in the Dungeon bar. Alternatively you can take a drive to visit the nearby attractions of Lough Derg and the historic towns of Roscrea and Birr. In the evening Table d'hote dinner will be served in the dining room. 27th - December Galway

On leaving Kinnitty travel west to Galway where you will spend your final two nights in the 4* Galway Bay Hotel in Salthill. The hotel is situated on a beautiful beach overlooking the famous Bay and also has all the advantages of a city location. Galway is a city, a county, and an experience to be savoured and remembered. The chemistry of a vibrant, young university city, together with the wild wonder of its hinterland and islands is a wonderful place to soak up the post Christmas atmosphere.

28th December - Galway

Galway city is the perfect base for exploring the Connemara region. There are numerous places of interest within driving distance of the city including the picturesque villages of Roundwood, Recess and Cliften. You may also like to visit Connemara National Park situated near Letterfrack, the park covers some 2000 hectares of scenic countryside, rich in wildlife on the slopes of the Twelve Pins.

29th December - Return Flight Home

Today you will return your rental car to Shannon airport and take your departure flight to the US. We hope that you have a wonderful journey and a safe flight home with lots of warm festive memories of Ireland to cherish.

Slan Abhaile - Safe Home!

€1,070.00 Euro per person sharing a twin/double room € 395.00 Euro single room supplement

PRICE - LAND PORTION OF THE TRIP ONLY.

INCLUSIONS (Available from 23rd - 29th December 2004)

1 nights accommodation at the Mont Clare Hotel, Dublin 3 nights accommodation at Kinnity Castle, Co.Offaly. 2 nights accommodation at the Galway Bay Hotel, Galway. Full Irish breakfast daily Mulled Wine & mince Pie reception at Kinnity Castle on December 24th Table d'hote dinner in Kinnitty Castle on December 24th Christmas Choir and Traditional Session in the Dungeon Bar on December 24th. Gifts from Santa and piano recital on Christmas Day at Kinnitty Castle. Christmas Day Brunch and Banquet at Kinnity Castle. Traditional Music session on Christmas day at Kinnitty Castle. Table d'hote dinner on December 26th 7-day car rental Opel Corsa Manual Transmission or similar including unlimited mileage and CDW insurance All Taxes