Christmas in Cork and Kerry

OUTLINE ITINERARY - 23RD - 29TH DECEMBER

You will spend your first four nights in Cork City, at AA hotel of the Year 2004, Hayfield Manor. The atmosphere will be electric as the city embraces itself to become European City of Culture in 2005. Your final two nights will be in Killarney at the lovely Killarney Plaza Hotel in the town centre. Killarney is a lively hub of activity at the centre of the most famous region in Irish tourism, the Ring of Kerry.

It has many fine restaurants, and pubs that should have a festive atmosphere second to none. From Killarney you can take the picturesque Ring of Kerry tour or ride in the jaunting cars to Muckross House and Gardens. Both hotels have all the warmth and personal attention to detail that will make your Christmas one to remember in a wonderfully festive atmosphere

23rd December - Arrival

Arrive at Shannon Airport to be greeted by your private Driver for your transfer to Cork. After the hectic pace of pre-Christmas life a stay at the 5* Hayfield Manor Hotel noted for its excellent comfort, service and hospitality. It is a veritable oasis of calm set on a six-acre site one mile from the centre of Cork City. After being escorted to your guestroom you will have time to relax and become familiar with your Christmas home.

You are free to enjoy your first afternoon in Ireland exploring the many fine shops and soaking up the pre-Christmas atmosphere of Cork City. You are at your own leisure this evening to dine in one of Corks many wonderful restaurants.

24th - Christmas Eve

Spend a leisurely afternoon wrapping those last minute Christmas gifts while enjoying the sumptuous award winning Afternoon Tea at the hotel. In the evening listen to local carol singers before you are served candlelit dinner in the elegant dining room. After evening mass you are invited to return for mulled wine and warm mince pies by the crackling fire and recount some Christmas tales of old.

25th December - Christmas Day

Gather in the lounges for a champagne reception by the roaring open fires and Father Christmas will arrive with gifts for the children. Traditional Christmas lunch is served in the award winning Manor Room Restaurant whilst the resident pianist plays seasonal tunes throughout. Spend the afternoon at a gentle pace - enjoying a stroll in the gardens perhaps, or playing a traditional board game. Later in the evening a magnificent Christmas buffet will be served for you to relax and enjoy at your leisure.

26th December - St. Stephen's Day

A magnificent late Jazz Brunch served until early afternoon so you can pop down at your leisure. Afterwards why not relax in the indoor heated pool, outdoor Jacuzzi or enjoy a massage that you can book directly

with the hotels reception. In the evening why not explore the city of Cork noted for its fine cathedrals and eclectic diversity on buildings. You can experience how the people of Cork are preparing for the privilege of being European Capital of Culture in 2005.

27th December - Killarney

Your chauffeur will arrive at 10.00 am in the morning to bring you to Killarney where you will spend the remainder of your trip at 4* Killarney Plaza Hotel in the centre of town. The Plaza is luxury four-star establishment with a wonderful spa facility. From outside the hotel you can take a jaunting car to visit Muckross House and Gardens. This 18th century house is one of the finest in the country that has been restored to its former glory. Stroll around the lovely gardens and or along the lake Shore of Muckross House. In the evening you are free to explore the town of Killarney noted for its many fine pubs and restaurants and experience the warm Christmas carnival atmosphere of this vibrant town.

28th December - Ring of Kerry Tour

There is an unspoilt nature to Ireland's most beautiful region and the Ring of Kerry provides many unforgettable sights and sounds. An essential part of any visit to Ireland, this tour circles

the magnificent MacGillycuddy Reeks - runs through its many passes and valleys along the shore of Dingle Bay and Kenmare Bay. You will visit the many picturesque villages such as Glenbeigh, Waterville and Sneem. Return via Ladies View, the famous Lakes of Killarney and through the Oakwoods of Killarney's magnificent National Park. The tour leaves Killarney at 10:30 am and returns at 5.00 pm that evening.

29th December - Transfer back to Airport

Your driver will pick you up in the morning for your transfer back to Shannon Airport in time for your return flight home with many fine festive memories of Ireland to cherish. We wish you a safe and pleasant flight.

Slan Abhaile - Safe Home!

€1,445.00 Euro per person sharing a twin/double room €430.00 - Euro single room supplement

PRICE - LAND PORTION OF THE TRIP ONLY.

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

4 nights accommodation at the Hayfield Manor Hotel, Cork 2 nights accommodation at the Killarney Plaza Hotel, Killarney Full Irish breakfast daily in each hotel Private Chauffeur transfers from Shannon Airport to Cork, Cork to Killarney and from Killarney to Shannon Airport. Afternoon Tea and Candlelight Dinner at Hayfield Manor Hotel on 24th December Mulled Wine and Mince Pies at Hayfield Manor Hotel on 24th December. Champagne Reception at Hayfield Manor Hotel on 25th December. Traditional Christmas Lunch at Hayfield Manor on 25th December. Evening Buffet at Hayfield Manor on the 25th December. Jazz Brunch at Hayfield Manor Hotel on 26th December. Ring of Kerry Bus Tour on 28th December. All Taxes.