9 Day Tour with Kathi Dayon

Sunday, June 3rd - Monday, June 11th, 2012

Travel with Kathi Dayon, www.quiltinjoy.com, on this 9-day tour of Ireland visiting Dublin, Blarney, Killarney, the Dingle Peninsula, Adare, and we will be spending 4-days in the Galway area for the festivities that surround the very first International Quilt Festival of Ireland!

Package Includes: Round-trip airfare from the Chicago, IL airport, and transfers to and from the airport in Ireland.

Tour Includes: Private motorcoach, driver & guide, all breakfasts, some dinners, hotel accommodations in Dublin, Killarney, and Galway, a 3-day pass to the International Quilt Festival of Ireland, and sightseeing as listed in the itinerary.

View the trip itinerary

Sunday, June 3
We begin our 9-day tour of the Emerald Isle with an overnight flight from Chicago, IL to Dublin, Ireland. Dinner will be served on-board the plane. D

Monday, June 4
This morning before our arrival, we will be served a breakfast snack onboard the airplane. Upon our arrival into the Dublin Airport, we will be met by our driver/guide and brought to our private coach. We will drive through the city and enjoy a PANORAMIC TOUR OF DUBLIN. Although Dublin has blossomed into a modern, bustling city, it still retains the graceful, charmed atmosphere of an earlier time. The Georgian squares, terraces, and the walk along River Liffey are evidence of this. Following our tour, we will arrive at our hotel where we will check in and relax. The remainder of the afternoon is free for you to enjoy at your leisure. Tonight we will enjoy a special “welcome dinner” at our hotel before retiring for the evening. B, D

Tuesday, June 5
This morning after breakfast, we say goodbye to Dublin as we check out of our hotel and travel south to KILLARNEY. Along the way we will stop in the well-known village of BLARNEY. Here we’ll have a chance (for a nominal fee) to kiss the famed Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle. We will also visit and explore the Blarney Woolen Mills, renowned for Irish crystal, china, woolen clothing, and all sorts of wonderful souvenir items. This is one of the greatest shopping stores during our entire trip, so be sure you have your credit cards ready to enjoy some retail therapy! In the later part of the afternoon, we will arrive in the city of KILLARNEY and check into our hotel. The remainder of the evening is at your leisure. B

Wednesday, June 6
This morning, after a full Irish breakfast, we depart on a tour of the rugged Dingle Peninsula. Film goers will be reminded of scenes from the movie, “Ryan’s Daughter,” which was shot in this area, as we drive past little harbors and wide stretches of sandy beach, leading southward to Slea Head. This is the most westerly point in Europe, also known as “the next parish to America.” Vistas of the Blasket Islands and Dingle Bay delight the eye and Gallarus Oratory, a little beehive stone structure, more than 1,000 years old, conjures up visions of monks in early Christian times in this “land of saints and scholars.” We will return to Killarney later in the afternoon. For those who are interested, you can participate (for a nominal fee) in one of the most popular attractions here in Killarney, a Jaunting Cart ride! Whatever you decide to do, enjoy the rest of your afternoon and evening. B

Thursday, June 7
This morning after breakfast, we will check out of our hotel and head north to GALWAY. Along the way, we will stop at Ireland’s prettiest village, ADARE, famous for its thatched roof boutique shops. Following our visit, we will continue onto GALWAY and check into our hotel. Tonight, for those who have signed up to participate, the INTERNATIONAL QUILT FESTIVAL OF IRELAND kicks off with a very special Grand Reception. This special event consists of a champagne reception, a welcome presentation by festival director and Sew Many Places founder, Jim West, a keynote address by quilt legend Jinny Beyer, followed by a delicious formal dinner and a one-hour Riverdance review show by Trad on the Prom! Trad on the Prom is Ireland's #1 music, song and dance show. Their performers hold 15 World Titles and the show is one of the holiday highlights for thousands of visitors each year. Space is limited for this Grand Reception and cost is 125 Euros per person. Reserving your space early is highly recommended as this will sell out with no uncertainty! B

Friday, June 8
This morning following breakfast, we will have the entire day to enjoy at the INTERNATIONAL QUILT FESTIVAL OF IRELAND. Your admission ticket is included in with this tour package, so you can come and go at your leisure. There will be craft workshops and hands-on quilt classes to sign up for, exhibits to see, and all kinds of special attractions to make this a full day of quilting enjoyment! Whatever you decide to do, enjoy your day at this spectacular festival. B

Saturday, June 9
This morning after a delicious breakfast, you will have another opportunity to enjoy the festival (admission cost included). There will also be some special entertainment events in the evening that you can sign up for, from a river cruise along the Corrib River to a BBQ dinner and entertainment at the Wicked Thimble Pub! B

Sunday, June 10
Today is your final day to enjoy the festival (admission is included) and all it has to offer. Following breakfast this morning, for those who might be interested, we are offering an “optional tour” to a Connemara Marble Factory and also a visit to the KYLEMORE ABBEY & GARDENS. We will also stop along the way for a photo opportunity to see the bridge from the John Wayne movie, “The Quiet Man.” Cost for this optional tour is 45 Euros per person, and on a first come-first served basis. Tonight, we will drive to the famous BUNRATTY CASTLE for a medieval banquet and show! It will be a perfect way to end our tour of the Emerald Isle. B & Dinner at Bunratty Castle

Monday, June 11
This morning, following breakfast, we will say goodbye to the enchanting Emerald Isle and drive south to the Shannon Airport for our flight back Chicago. Lunch and a snack will be served onboard the airplane. B, L, Snack

Looking for the complete package with airfare? Contact us for pricing and options.

Ireland Tour Only Rate

$2,109.00* per person based on double occupancy

Rate is based no airfare or transfers to and from the airport. You will meet the group at the hotel to begin your tour.

RECEIVE 3% off the entire cost of your tour if you make a one check payment paid in full at the time of booking.

Make your reservation here or call us toll free at 877-887-1188.

*Please note: The prices we receive from the tour operators in Ireland are quoted to us in Euros and the prices of these tours reflect the Euro exchange at 1 Euro = 1.45 USD. As the Euro fluctuates, the price in USD can change. Upon final payment date the price in USD may be adjusted to reflect the current Euro exchange rate.

Depending on weather conditions and circumstances beyond our control, the itinerary, pricing and escorts are subject to change. We will make every attempt to adhere to the program, but we ask that you be flexible if alternative choices are made to enhance the schedule. Space is limited to 40 people and on a first come-first served basis. Terms and Conditions apply once first deposit is made and can be found here. Optional tour costs, craft workshops, and hands on quilting classes are not included in this price and must be paid with final payment. Gratuities will be accepted as a check only, and collected in March, 2012. Insurance is available and highly recommended. Single rates are available upon request and not as expensive as you may think. We are also very available to helping single travelers find a roommate, so please let us know if we can assist with that request.