One day before the tour – Arrive in Shannon, Ireland. On your own, sleep, tour the Bunratty Castle right down the street from your B&B.

Day 1 – Met the tour bus at the B&B’s and headed for West Cork with stops at Adare and Cork where we visited the English Market.  Our first dinner together was in our hotel and afterwards we, Moors and McCumber, entertained the group and the local pub patrons in private mini-concert.

Day 2 – Today we visited The Irish Famine Heritage Centre. This is in memory of almost 2 million people who died in the Great Hunger of 1845 – 1850. We lunched in the beautiful village of Glandore and then went to the Drumbeg Stone Circle. This is one of the most important ancient sites in Ireland. We went to Clonakilty tonight and took part in our first IRISH SESSION. We listened to some great Irish ballads and of course some of us also contributed to the session.

Day 3 – We go to Mizen Head today, which is the most southerly point of Ireland. There is an Interpretive centre here, which is very interesting. We lunch in Crookhaven, by the water and also spend some time on Barley Cove Beach, weather permitting. There is an alternative to this day for people who are interested in Irish History. We do the Civil War Trail. This area was the hotbed of the Irish Civil War, 1921 – 1922 and we can explore battles etc., and look at the life of Michael Collins. Tonight you will be set free to explore the pubs and restaurants in the town.

 

Day 4 – Today we move to County Kerry. Our first stop is in Bonane, which is just accross the Cork/Kerry border. there is a wonderful craft shop here and the owner will take us on a short visit to the farm, where we will learn how to cut peat and most important, we will get a lesson on how to make POTEEN. This is mountain dew, Irish Style. We then drive along the Ring of Kerry, which is one of the most famous drives in the world. We drive through Killarney, we don’t stop here as it is a tourist trap and head out the Dingle Peninsula to Ballyferriter, which is where we will be staying for the next 3 days. It is just 6 miles to Dingle. Ballyferriter is just a charming little village. Tonight, we have a private concert in the hotel with Pauline Scanlon, who is, (in my opinion) the best female singer in Ireland.

 

Day 5 – Today we do the Slea Head Drive. this is my favourite drive in Ireland. The scenery is breathtaking. We will visit some ancient sites and walk on a couple of beaches before visiting the Blasket Island Centre. tonight, we go to Dingle, where we will hear some great Irish music.

Day 6 – Today is a rest day but there are many activities available for the fearless and brave. There is, golf, horse riding, trekking, canoeing, boat trips, fishing etc. available and dingle is also a great town for browsing. For some, it is just a day of catching up on lost sleep. Tonight we will have an Irish music session in the hotel.

Day 7 – We are on the road again today to Co. Clare, (God’s own county) It’s back home for me, as I live here. On the way, we drive through Tralee and then get the ferry across the Shannon Estuary. We will visit the world famous Cliffs of Moher and also see the wonderful St. Bridgets Well. Our hotel will be in Doolin, which is the Mecca of Irish traditional music, (that’s the reason I live there) We go to McDermotts Pub famous pub tonight and will be entertained by my favourite Irish group, Foolin’ in Doolin featuring Blackie O’Connell on the unique Irish Uilleann (elbow) Pipes.

Day 8 – We go by ferry today to Inis Oirr, which is one of the Aran Islands. We will be going back in time 300 years today. This is a day not to be missed and we finish our day with a cruise UNDER the Cliffs of Moher. This is INCREDIBLE. Tonight we experience more Irish music in one of Doolin’s great pubs.

Day 9 – This is our last full day in Ireland and we keep the best for last. We travel on to the Burren today, which is a 250 square mile Limestone region and meet with my friend P J Curtis, (please google him) P J has many hats. He is Ireland’s best musicologist, a writer and historian, We spend a wonderful day with P J. Tonight, our last night, we spend a couple of hours over dinner talking about our trip and then head out to learn how to SET DANCE. This is a uniquely Irish style of dancing, not quiet like RIVERDANCE, but think Riverdance and you will get the idea. this is also a wonderful night.

Day 10 – This morning we head for Shannon Airport and our flights home………………….BACK TO REALITY

Cost for the 2012 tour is $2,150 per person based on double occupancy in 3 star hotels. We will do our best to match up room mates if preferred. Single rooms are an additional $400 total per person for all 9 nights. The fee also includes all ground transportation, all lodging. including full breakfast. We also provide 3 evening group meals, and the cost for our featured Irish musicians, poets, writers, etc. Guests pay for their own flights to and from Shannon International Airport, all lunches, 6 dinners on your own, ferries and optional activities, and, of course drinks, tips, etc.

A $500 deposit is required to hold slots after confirmation from me. Deposits are non-refundable generally unless we have a waiting list and can fill your spot. Balance is due in two payments, June 1st and August 1st.

Ireland does require a passport.

So let me know if you want to join us. We look forward to sharing Ireland with as many of you as possible.

Thanks for the interest.

Best, James and Kort

e-mail James