Shades of Ireland
Presented by
The Chamber will host a trip orientation night on Tuesday, Oct. 5 at 6 p.m.
at the San Luis Obispo City/County Library Community Room, 995 Palm St.
There will be a Collette Vacations representative present to answer any questions you may have. 
Though no trip commitment is required to attend, we are asking that you RSVP for the trip orientation night.
 
To RSVP for the Shades of Ireland trip orientation night, contact
Lindsey Haring at (805) 786-2760 or send an email

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE*
DAY 1
  Overnight Flight
DAY 2 - 3
  The Burlington Hotel, Dublin
DAY 4
  Granville Hotel, Waterford
DAY 5 - 6
  O'Donoghue Ring Hotels, Killarney
DAY 7 - 8
  Radisson SAS Limerick, Limerick
DAY 9
  Cabra Castle or similar, Kingscourt

*On some dates alternate hotels may be used.


Day 1: Thursday, March 24, 2011
Overnight Flight
The Emerald Isle, a land renowned for its “forty shades of green” is filled with rolling hills, warm people, stately castles and rollicking fun. Visit Dublin, Waterford, Killarney and Limerick as this comprehensive tour introduces Ireland's natural beauty, rich history and hospitable culture.

Day 2: Friday, March 25, 2011
Dublin - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in Dublin. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers at a fun-filled Irish evening complete with traditional entertainment.
Today Dinner is included.

Day 3: Saturday, March 26, 2011
Dublin 
Today, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Dublin, the “Fair City.” Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, O’Connell Street, Grafton Street, Phoenix Park and see the city's magnificent rows of stately Georgian town homes. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or explore the cultural offerings of delightful Dublin on your own.
Today Breakfast is included.

Day 4: Sunday, March 27, 2011
Dublin - Kilkenny - Waterford
This morning you travel to Kilkenny, one of Ireland’s most colorful cities, for the chance to explore this medieval gem. Later today you will visit the world-famous Waterford Crystal facility. Take a tour to learn how these exquisite treasures are crafted and marvel at the impressive collection of crystal in their glittering showroom. Arrive in the historic city of Waterford and enjoy a leisurely-paced walking tour.
Today Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Day 5: Monday, March 28, 2011
Waterford - Blarney Stone - Killarney 
Journey to historic Blarney Castle where you can take the opportunity to kiss the famous Blarney Stone. Legend has it that those who kiss the stone are bestowed with the gift of eloquence. In Killarney you will be treated to a time-honored Irish jaunting car ride*. A tour of Muckross House and Gardens offers a glimpse into the elegant lifestyle of the Victorian gentry. Explore some of the perfectly restored rooms of this magnificent mansion or stroll in one of the many gardens, spectacularly adorned with blooms.
Today Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Day 6: Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Killarney - Ring of Kerry - Killarney
Travel along one of the most beautiful coastal routes in the world, the Ring of Kerry. At the Gap of Dunloe, shop for traditional Irish goods handcrafted by local artisans. Enjoy pristine ocean scenery as you pass through picturesque villages. Continue on through rugged mountain passes into “Ladies View” where you will see breathtaking views of the Lakes of Killarney. Tonight, use your leisure time to sample a true taste of Irish culture.
Today Breakfast is included.

Day 7: Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Killarney - Limerick
Experience the customs and daily life of a traditional Irish family during a memorable visit to the Molanna Dairy Farm. Continue to Limerick where you will enjoy a city tour showcasing King John's Castle and the Treaty Stone while learning about the fascinating history of the "city of the violated treaty."
Today Breakfast is included.

Day 8: Thursday, March 31, 2011
Limerick - Cliffs of Moher - Galway - Limerick
A most interesting day is ahead of you. Journey to the stunning, 700-foot-high Cliffs of Moher for awe-inspiring views of the mighty Atlantic and the Aran Islands. Then, travel through the vast limestone landscape of the Burren, known for its stark beauty and Neolithic tombs. Continue past scenic countryside into Galway, where a brief city tour introduces “The City of Tribes.”
Today Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Day 9: Friday, April 01, 2011
Limerick - Tullamore - Kingscourt 
Today, travel across country on your journey to Tullamore where you will visit the Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre to learn how Irish whiskey is made and enjoy a tasting. Your day is then topped off with an overnight stay on the magnificent grounds of Cabra Castle, where you toast the end of a fabulous trip during your farewell dinner.
Today Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Day 10: Saturday, April 02, 2011
Kingscourt - Tour Ends 
Your tour ends in Kingscourt.
Today Breakfast is included.

 

March 24 - April 2, 2011

Highlights...
Dublin • Irish Evening • Kilkenny • Blarney Castle • Jaunting Car Ride* • Ring of Kerry • Killarney • Farm Visit • Limerick • Cliffs of Moher • Galway • Castle Stay •

10 Days • 13 Meals:
8 Breakfasts • 5 Dinners

Per Person Rates*:
Double $2,619
Single $3,069
Triple $2,589

*Included in Price: Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges of $100 (subject to increase until paid in full), Hotel Transfers, Round Trip Air from San Francisco Intl Airport.
Click Here for Details
*Not Included in Price: Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $200 per person.

Experience It!
Cabra Castle 

Cabra Castle stands on 100 acres of gardens and parkland, with delightful views over the Cavan countryside, famous for its beautiful lakes. Formerly known as Cormey Castle, the history of the castle dates back to the pre-Cromwellian times of the 16th century. The property was bought in the early 19th century by Colonel Joseph Pratt who rebuilt it, renaming it as Cabra Castle. Its long legacy lends a mature, cultured air to the castle which can be felt by strolling through the castle’s magnificent hallways and stairwells. Experience this history when you enjoy an overnight stay on the castle grounds. The rooms are outfitted to the highest standards with every comfort and modern facilities. The bar and restaurant offer views of the countryside famous for its lakes and fishing, as well as Dun a Ri Forest Park.

Click here for: Important Reservation Information.

For more information call
Lindsey Haring
San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce
(805) 786-2760

Please Note:
• Passport is required.
• To complete your vacation, we include roundtrip airport-to-hotel transfers when purchasing Collette airfare with your tour. If you have arranged for your own air, we are pleased to provide you the option of purchasing these transfers. Please note that all transfers will leave at pre-scheduled times.
• *Jaunting car ride is included, weather permitting. Single accommodations are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis. Collette air passengers will arrive and depart from Dublin airport. All Collette transfers will arrive into and depart from Dublin airport.
• On day 10, due to flight schedules, you may require an early morning departure from your hotel. Return flights should not be booked prior to 9:00 AM. This itinerary includes activities where moderate to heavy walking, possibly on uneven terrain, is required. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. For your comfort, we recommend bringing walking shoes.
• Days of features are interchangeable.
• This tour requires average physical activity. You should be in good health, able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven grounds and cobblestone streets.