Autumn in Ireland ~ September 27 - October 10, 2023
Autumn in Ireland is a beautiful, colorful time of year. Most of the Summer tourists have gone home and the towns are returning to a normal pace. As a small group staying for two and three days in most of the towns, we will be able to experience even more local culture and enjoy first class accommodations as well. Pack your walking shoes as we will have plenty of time for exploring, strolling beaches, relaxing by a peat fire, getting lost, finding a new friend over a Pint. Sit back, unwind and enjoy the journey that awaits you.
(Small group tour based on 16-18 people) (Walking level - Moderate)
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The Fare Includes:~Exclusive transport by luxury motorcoach with a local driver/guide ~Meet and greet service with one group transfer upon arrival and departure at airport
~Water bottles on coach daily
~ First Class Hotel accommodation based on twin bedded rooms with private bath for 12 nights
~Full breakfast (11)
~Included Dinners at hotels (6)
Visits and admission to:
~Hillsborough Castle
~St. Patrick’s Grave and Visitor Centre
~Giant’s Causeway
~Visit to Derry city
~Atlantic Coastal Cruise
~ Triona Designs
~Visit to Drumcliff and Yeats’s gravesite
~Achill Island drive
~Sheepdog Experience
~Visit to Westport House
~Visit to Kylemore Abbey
~Farewell Dinner with local Harpist
~Baggage handling for one piece of checked luggage, gratuities for included meals, service charges and taxes
What is Not included on the Tour The land price of the tour does not include airfare to the tour departure point; excess baggage charges; items of a personal nature; meals not included on the itinerary; sightseeing attractions listed as “optional excursions” and gratuities to the Full time Motorcoach Driver. (Allow 10 -12 Euro per day per person)
Itinerary in Detail
Walking: - Moderate - Many of the attractions in Ireland will require walking in order to experience the moment and actual attraction. Be prepared to walk short distances as well as climbing of stairs if you are going through some of the castles and manor houses
Hotel Check In- Check-in time is approximately 2:00 p.m. and onwards. Most hotels will hold your luggage for you upon arrival, until your room is available. If you arrive on an early morning flight into Ireland, every effort will be made to obtain an early check-in at your hotel; however this is not always possible.
Wednesday, September 27th ~ Board your overnight flight (flight is not included in price.) Be sure to wear comfortable clothing with a light sweater or jacket as it sometimes gets a little chilly on the flight. Shoes that slip on and off easily are suggested for going through security checkpoints. We will have an overnight flight with dinner and continental breakfast served en route. Sit back, relax and sleep a “wee” bit - soon you will wake to “40 shades of green”
Thursday, September 28th ~Dublin airport arrival, Hillsborough Castle, New Castle
Upon arrival at Dublin airport we will go through customs, collect our luggage, and meet our Driver/Guide Mr. Tom O’Toole who will be waiting with a very warm “ Cead mile Failte” ( One hundred thousand welcomes!!) Some fresh Irish air will clear our heads and prepare us for the adventure ahead. We will travel North of Dublin to a town called Hillsborough in County Down where we will pay a visit to the famous Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. While exploring, be sure to stop by the Castle’s cafe for a taste of locally sourced menu items and baked goods. For more than 300 years, Hillsborough Castle has played host to some of Ireland’s most important visitors and has become a vital part of the island of Ireland's history. Members of the Royal Family stay at Hillsborough Castle when visiting Northern Ireland.
We will journey on to the lovely Slieve Donard Hotel which was once an old railway hotel. The Slieve Donard is within walking distance to the beach in the tiny town of Newcastle. You can enjoy the full service spa, (book early- www.hastingshotels.com/slieve-donard-spa/ for an afternoon treatment) indoor pool and health club or just relax in the pub over a lovely pint of Guinness. Dinner will be on the hotel grounds at the Percy French Bistro named after writer, artist and entertainer, Percy French, composer of the famous song "The Mountains of Mourne.” Dinner and Overnight: Slieve Donard Hotel & Percy French Bistro
Bushmills Inn
Friday, September 29th ~ Downpatrick, Carrickfergus, Bushmills Inn. Breathe in your beautiful surroundings and fresh ocean air, enjoy breakfast before our departure this morning. We can visit the town of Downpatrick to hear the story of Christianity in Ireland. It was within the coastal landscape that Saint Patrick brought his boat ashore on Strangford Lough, the largest sea inlet in Ireland. You can have time for photos of Down Cathedral - it is believed that Saint Patrick died here and his final resting place is beside Down Cathedral in Downpatrick. We will then follow the spectacular Antrim Coastline, renowned for its beauty and has been named one of the best coastal routes in the world. We will make a comfort stop in the seaside town of Carrickfergus where you will want to take photos of Carrickfergus Castle. For more than 800 years, Carrickfergus Castle has been an imposing monument on the Northern Ireland landscape whether approached by land, sea or air. We will depart for Bushmills Inn roaring peat fires, nooks and crannies, even a secret library set the tone. We can relax over dinner which will be followed by a Classic Bushmills Whiskey flight. After dinner you may want to have a nightcap and conversation in the Gas Bar. Dinner and Overnight: Bushmills Inn
Saturday, September 30th ,~ Giant’s Causeway, Derry visit, Millpark Hotel in Donegal
We can linger over our coffee this morning by a peat fire before departing the lovely Bushmills Inn. Be sure to wear your hiking shoes and have your cameras ready for some outstanding photos. The Giant’s Causeway is an impressive area of 40,000 hexagonal interlocking columns which were formed over 60 million years ago by cooling lava; at least that is what the scientific explanation is. Some may choose to believe the magical, mythical explanation that you will hear once we arrive at this magnificent site. You can choose to walk to the Causeway or take the shuttle which will cost a few pounds round trip. With myth and science still in our heads we will take time for more scenic photo stops before arriving in Derry City (also known as Londonderry). Here in Derry we can walk the Peace Bridge and see the 400 year old ancient walls that surround the city. We will drive through stunning countryside and winding mountain roads as we head for County Donegal and the Mill Park Hotel which is just a short walk from Donegal town. If time allows, you might want to go for a swim in the hotel’s pool before dinner. Dinner and Overnight: Millpark Hotel, Donegal
Sunday October 1st, ~ Free day in Donegal Town
As promised, this is an easy, relaxing tour for the most part so today is yours to enjoy as you wish. Either relax at the hotel or visit Donegal Town - a fairytale of a place with a charming harbor, beaches and remains of centuries past. Donegal is considered the largest little village in NW Ireland with approximately 3,000 population. http://www.welovedonegal.com/donegal-town.html Get out and explore Donegal Town where you will find an abundance of activities to enjoy - shopping and chatting with the locals are a must. There are many pubs and restaurants in the town where you can enjoy lunch and dinner on your own -Doms Pier 1 is a favorite. If needed, we can arrange a drop off transfer to town and then you can either walk back to the hotel when you want or get a taxi. Overnight: MillPark Hotel
Monday, October 2nd, Atlantic Coastal Cruise
After a leisurely breakfast we will get ready for a day of amazing beauty. Dress comfortably with good walking shoes, perhaps an umbrella and your cameras ready. We will visit a town called Killybegs known as the largest fishing port in Ireland. Here we will board the Atlantic Coastal Cruise boat. We will travel from Killybegs Harbour out to the base of the Sliabh Liag cliffs (Slieve League). Straight away you will experience the individual landscape of Donegal Bay, as Killybegs Harbour uniquely has two lighthouses. At almost 600m, Sliabh Liag cliffs boast Europe's highest accessible sea cliffs, and the best place to truly appreciate their magnificence is from the sea. You will see the Napoleonic Tower on the cliff top as we sail past numerous sea stacks and sheltered coves, caves and waterfalls, all holding their own history and secrets.
We may be lucky enough to meet a pod of dolphins with their young as well as other sea creatures along the way. We can journey to Ardara and the family run -Triona Designs to see demonstrations of the spinning, weaving and knitting of unique sweaters and jackets that you can claim as your own. We will return to our hotel late afternoon where you can choose to have dinner on your own either in town or at the hotel in the pub area. Overnight: MillPark Hotel
Tuesday, October 3rd, Mullaghmore, Sligo, Westport. We should be feeling very relaxed and ready for more towns and adventures after we enjoy breakfast. All packed up we will head for the tidy town of Westport. As we journey, we can stop in towns like Mullaghmore which rests in the shadow of Benbulben Mountain and is renowned as a surfers haven. We can also stop in Sligo town to visit the resting place of W. B. Yeats a well known famous Irish poet. On to Westport in County Mayo. Westport is home of the pilgrimage mountain, Croagh Patrick. Croagh Patrick is one of Europe’s best known places of pilgrimages. This mountain has provided a tough ascent for many pilgrims each year, some climbing barefoot in the memory of St. Patrick who spent forty days and nights fasting on the summit more than 1500 years ago. The town of Westport is a charming, vibrant town and has won the “Tidiest Town Award” many times over. Our hotel, the Wyatt, is right inside the town center so you can get out and check out the shops, cafes, and pubs before we enjoy dinner together at our hotel this evening. DINNER AND OVERNIGHT: Wyatt Hotel
Wednesday October 4th ~ Sheep Dog Demonstration, Achill Island
After breakfast we take a drive into the land of sheep. We will enjoy a Sheep Dog Herding experience at a family run sheep farm. The loyalty between dog and shepherd is an experience you will not soon forget and will warm your heart. Relax as we travel around Clew Bay reputed to have 365 islands to reach Achill Island, joined to the mainland by a bridge. Follow the Atlantic drive to capture wonderful and wild scenic views of steeply sloped mountains plunging into the shimmering Atlantic Ocean.
We will return to Westport where you may spend the afternoon relaxing in your hotel or exploring the attractive town which is just outside the doors of the hotel. In the evening you are free to choose from the many restaurants and pubs that Westport has to offer. Be sure to pop into Matt Malloy’s Pub on Bridge Street owned and operated by Matt Malloy of the famed band The Chieftains; you just might see the man himself. OVERNIGHT: Wyatt Hotel
Thursday, October 5th ~ Westport House
Enjoy breakfast and get ready to experience one of Westport’s gems, the Westport House. One of the few still privately-owned historic houses left in Ireland, Westport House was built by the Browne family whose connections to County Mayo date back to the 1500s and even relates them to the trail-blazing pirate queen and chieftain, Grace O’Malley. After our visit to the Westport House the afternoon is yours to continue exploring and to choose from one of the many pubs and restaurants for dinner on your own. Cobbler’s Bar within our hotel has delicious pub food and oftentimes live music if you need a night in. OVERNIGHT: Wyatt Hotel
Friday, October 6th, Leenaun, Galway
We will enjoy our breakfast and bid our Westport friends farewell until we meet again. Sit back and enjoy as we tour the majestic countryside of Connemara where winding roads give way to gentle streams and lakes. We will have a chance to taste one of the best Irish Coffee’s ever at the famous Gaynor's Pub in Leenaun on the shore of Killary Harbour where The Field was filmed.
We then depart for the Viking town of Galway. Galway is a robust University town tracing its proud Irish roots back to the year 1124. From a medieval trading port, drawing merchants from all over the known world including Christopher Columbus to what is now one of the fastest growing towns in all of Europe. We will be staying at the Park House Hotel right in the heart of town. You can get out and explore Galway or rest and relax in our beautiful surroundings. We will enjoy dinner together in our hotel’s dining room. Dinner & Overnight: Park House Hotel
Saturday, October 7th, Kylemore Abbey. Enjoy a delicious breakfast and get ready for a beautiful adventure today. We will all pray for clear skies as we will be traveling through more of Ireland’s majestic countryside. Winding narrow lanes that are sheltered by the slopes of the Twelve Pins give way to the shores of Fannon Pool where a 19th century neo-Gothic mansion known as “Kylemore Abbey” awaits our arrival. A guided tour of Kylemore Abbey will fill you in on the history involved in this place many describe as “most tranquil and peaceful.” Visit the chapel and the restored Victorian gardens, which have won many awards. Be sure to stop along the lake to just take it all in, enjoy the moment, and breathe in the peaceful surroundings. We will return to the energetic town of Galway in time for you to enjoy time on your own. There are so many pubs and restaurants to choose from for dinner on your own this evening, enjoy it all. OVERNIGHT: Park House Hotel
Sunday, October 8th, Athlone, Dublin City
Sean’s Pub, Athlone
Relax over breakfast before all is packed and ready for more adventure. Sit back and relax as we make our way to the town of Athlone right in the center of the midlands of Ireland and is also the largest midland town. You can have some time to take a short walk over the bridge to photograph Athlone Castle dating from the 12th Century. Stop by the beautiful St. Peter & Paul Cathedral, and be sure to make a stop at Sean’s Bar, to be the oldest pub in Ireland. We will continue on to Dublin, the Capital of the Republic of Ireland. Before checking into our city center hotel, we will make an introductory drive around Dublin to get you familiar with the sights and sounds. We will then check into our very welcoming Fitzwilliams Hotel where you can relax before choosing from one of the many pubs and restaurants for dinner on your own this evening. OVERNIGHT: The Fitzwilliam Hotel
Monday, October 9th, Dublin City Experience
Today is yours to do as you please. Either relax and get ready for the flight back home or get out and experience Dublin. Some may want to enjoy riding around on one of the Dublin Hop on Hop Off buses to see the town, others might just enjoy strolling and taking it all in. There are so many things to see and do in Dublin (www.visitdublin.com) so get out and enjoy. We will gather together in the pub for a farewell drink before going to our private dining room. Relax and unwind as we listen to the sounds of the beautiful Harp which is the symbol of Ireland played by Ann Tuite herself. Since the 13th Century, the Harp has been considered the heraldic symbol of Ireland.
Tuesday, October 10th, Home again to the United States
Our hearts are a little heavy today so we'll just have to leave a “wee bit” of our heart in Ireland with a promise to return one day. We have truly experienced beautiful coastlines, villages and towns, warm, friendly people, as well as the grand beauty of this very misty, mystical Island called Ireland. Be sure to wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off for going through security. We will transfer to Dublin airport in plenty of time to check in for our flight, clear security and claim any VAT funds. Dublin airport boasts superb duty free stores so we will have time to do a little last minute shopping before clearing U. S. immigration to board our aircraft that will take us west across the Atlantic to the United States.
PRICING based on small group of 16 - 18 maximum people
LAND ONLY: $3900. per person (Group air can be arranged through Martha’ Travel Corner). SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $600.00
DEPOSIT TO HOLD SPACE: $500.00 Per Person
RESERVATION APPLICATION
PLEASE ENCLOSE A COPY OF THE PHOTO PAGE OF YOUR PASSPORT WITH YOUR RESERVATION.
Please return to: Martha’s Travel Corner Telephone: 815/712-9048 ~ P.O. Box 1116~Oswego, IL 60543
Please reserve _________ places for me/us on the Tranquility Tour of Ireland
September 29 - October 10, 2023 Enclosed is my/our check in the amount of $_______________ ($500.00 deposit per person) non-refundable for the LAND ONLY portion of tour
Group Air can be arranged through Martha’s Travel corner upon request and requires a $100.00 deposit per person to hold group air space.
I would like information regarding Travel Guard Tour Protection__________
I decline Travel Guard Tour Protection___________________
Final Payment due for Land Portion: June 15, 2023 / Payment for Group Air is due by (flight and pricing details upon request)
Please make checks payable to: MARTHA’S TRAVEL CORNER. Payments can be made by credit card; however a 3.5% per transaction surcharge applies on all transactions. Please call with Credit card details
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Please check one: Twin room_______(Two beds) Double room ____ (one bed,) Single room______________(one bed for single)
I do not have a roommate but will share._____ If a roommate cannot be found, I will pay the single room supplement of $_850.00_________
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MARTHA’S TRAVEL CORNER
GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
To be sent in with deposits
Payment of your, non- refundable deposit to hold your space represents acceptance of the following terms and conditions:
Your Responsibilities: You are responsible for examining and verifying correct information upon receipt of documents. All security restrictions as mandated by the FAA must be strictly obeyed.
Airline Cancellation Refund: Penalties and restrictions vary for each fare type. There is a fee for change or cancellation on any air ticket. These can run as high as 100%. Also not included are items of a personal nature, telephone costs, laundry, and meals, admissions or entertainment not specified on itinerary.
Cancellation Charges: The bulk of the expense in planning and executing a boutique tour occurs prior to the start of the actual trip. For this reason cancellation charges depend on the length of time remaining prior to the start of a trip. Day of cancellation depends on the day Martha’s Travel Corner is in receipt of written notice with signature. Unexpected situations can arise therefore it is highly recommended that you purchase Tour Protection in case of a covered cancellation.
Following are penalties that can incur due to cancellations without Tour Protection.
1) Cancellations postmarked within 180 days of departure, penalty up to 10% of tour cost per person. 2) Cancellations postmarked within 120 days of departure, penalty up to 20% of tour cost per person.†
3) Cancellations postmarked within 60 days of departure, penalty up to 50% of tour cost per person.†
4) Cancellations postmarked within 45 days of departure, penalty 100% of tour cost per person.† No refunds will be made for unused or pre-purchased events.
Increases in Tour Costs: Tour prices are reflective of research, itinerary preparation, and planning with overseas hosts. In order to protect your price we recommend that you pay in full and on time. A deposit should be made as soon as possible to hold your place. The balance is normally due 100 days prior to the start of the tour.
Martha’s Travel Corner assumes no responsibility for injury, damage, death, loss, accident or delay which may be occasioned either by reason of defect or through the acts of default of any company carrying out arrangements for the tour or the flights. No responsibility is accepted for any additional expense due to delays, omissions, re-routing changes in schedule or other events resulting from improper health certificates, travel documents, an act of government authority or any local conditions such as; weather, seasonal variation, labor strikes, civil disturbances, political unrest or acts of God. All security restrictions as mandated by the FAA must be strictly obeyed. Your signature indicates that Martha’s Travel Corner has advised you of purchase of cancellation insurance. We make every effort to accommodate dining restrictions within reasonable limits. If your fitness or health is below average it is suggested that you travel with a companion. Medical expenses incurred on the journey will be your responsibility. Martha’s Travel Corner tours normally reside city-center in older cities or villages, and cobblestones or ancient pathways can make footing uncertain. Taxis are optional for group “walks” and are engaged at the individual’s expense. Martha’s Travel Corner reserves the right to terminate the tour of any person who is abusive of others or whose behavior disrupts the operation of the tour.
Hotel Rooms: Double rooms usually have one king size bed, Twin rooms generally have two single beds or a Queen and a single; Single rooms depend on the Hotel, and range from a single to a King. European standards are different for each hotel. Other configurations are on a request basis.All rooms have private baths and toilet facilities. Check in times are normally after 3:00 pm
Travel Protection Plan: Martha’s Travel Corner offers several different plans to choose from to protect clients in the event of cancellation, illness or theft of baggage. Passengers must pay the premium shown on the Travel Guard Policy with initial deposit. Details regarding Travel Guard Tour Protection are available upon request. With ongoing Covid19 cases, it is suggested to bring a face mask with you for situations where we cannot properly “social distance” and in places where it is mandatory to wear one. There are many types of Travel Protection Policies to choose from, however, unless you choose a Plan that will allow cancellation for “any reason” you cannot cancel and file for a refund unless you have a valid medical or covered reason.
Signature if you are declining Tour Protection: ________________________________Date_______________________
Signature if you would like Travel Guard Tour Protection information: ________________________________________
Martha’ Travel Corner, P. O. Box 1116, Oswego, IL 60543, Telephone: 815 712 9048
