ITINERARY

Wednesday, April 23, 2008 - Fly from USA to Dublin, Ireland

Depart Charlotte or your hometown and enjoy an overnight flight to Dublin with in-flight entertainment and meal service.

Thursday, April 24, 2008 - Dublin (Arrival and Sightseeing)

Tonight, a special “welcome” dinner is arranged at the hotel

Friday, April 25 - Dublin (Highlights)

Set off with a local guide who will show you around the prominent historic buildings and monuments of Dublin. Dublin is an ancient settlement, founded by the Vikings in the 9th century. The city has been molded through the centuries with many architectural styles, reflecting the economic, political and artistic influences. Stop to tour St. Patrick's Cathedral, which is almost as old as the city itself and famous for its connections with the brilliantly eccentric Dean Jonathan Swift.  Ambassador Brynn has arranged for a local expert to provide you an insider’s tour of Trinity College and the library, which is said to be one of the most beautiful in the world and houses many Gaelic treasures. The afternoon is free for independent activities, sightseeing, shopping and much more. In the evening you may like to sample Dublin's traditional pubs.
 

Lunch and dinner on an independent basis today.

Saturday, April 26 2008 - Bru' Na Boinne Visitor Center & Newgrange

Travel north to County Meath to enjoy the archaeological heritage of the Boyne Valley which includes the megalithic passage tombs of Newgrange and Knowth. The Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre contains extensive interpretative displays and viewing areas. The Tomb at Newgrange was built around 3200 B.C., covers a one acre area and is surrounded by 97 kerbstones, some of which are richly decorated with magalithic art. It is estimated that the construction of the tomb would have taken a work force of 300 at least 20 years to complete. Return to the hotel in late afternoon and enjoy the rest of the day and evening for independent activities and dining.

Lunch and dinner on an independent basis today.

Today’s excursion takes you towards the sea to Howth, a fishing and yachting port, and popular suburban resort on the north side of Howth Head. Its attractions are easily appreciated, particularly at the coast. Howth Head gives fine views of Dublin Bay and the Wicklow Mountains or Boyne Valley beyond.

A visit to Malahide Castle completes this lovely day. Set on 250 acres of park land in the pretty seaside town of Malahide,  Malahide Castle was both a fortress and a private home for nearly eight hundred years, and is an interesting hodge-podge of architectural styles. The Talbot family lived here from 1185 to 1973, when the last Lord Talbot died.

The house is furnished with beautiful period furniture together with an extensive collection of Irish portrait paintings, mainly from the National Gallery.  One of the more poignant legends concerns the morning of the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, when fourteen members of the family breakfasted together in this room, never to return, as all were dead by nightfall.

Lunch and dinner on an independent basis.

Monday, April 28, 2008 - Dublin

Lunch and dinner on an independent basis.

Drive across the Wicklow Mountains to see the 6th century monastic ruins of Glendalough, This settlement was the centre of Christian religious practice from the 6th until the 13th century. The visitor center houses a comprehensive exhibit detailing the history, archaeology, wildlife and much more. From the center you may set out on your own to explore the site which includes a round tower and two beautiful lakes. This excursion will also include a stop at the Avoca Woolen Mills which produces high quality woolens and also has a good café. Return to Dublin in the afternoon.

Lunch on an independent basis.

This evening enjoy a farewell dinner at the 16th century Abbey Tavern which overlooks Howth Harbor and is famous for its traditional Irish music and tasty Irish cuisine.