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Centre For Travel Presents October 2-9, 2009$1,959 Per Person From Newarkplus Airport Taxes, Fuel Surcharges and Insurance Spiritual Director Father David ForadoriClick here to download the Reservation Application. |
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| Itinerary: Ireland is a country known for its stunning landscapes, vibrant colourful villages, ancient Celtic relics, lush green valleys and abandoned castles. As an ocean 'outpost' at the western edge of Europe, Ireland has a natural character quite different to the Contnental landmass. Its geology is remarkably varied, with rocks that range back over 2,500 million years. Once, long ago, Ireland was covered by ice, and the track of the glaciers can be read in the dramatic shapes f the mountains and the little drumlins hills of the countryside. Day 1 - Friday, October 2 - Departure from USA Departure this evening for your overnight flights to Shannon. Day 2 - Saturday, October 3 - Knock Arrive this morning into Shannon airport. You'll be greeted by your tour escort, and travel the scenic route northward via the Cliffs of Moher & the Burren. Visit the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland's top attractions. From the Cliffs, you'll see the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, The Twelve Pins, the Maum Turk Mountains in Connemara. The Cliffs of Moher are home to one of the major colonies of cliff nesting seabirds in Ireland, and this area has been designated as a Refuge for Fauna. You'll continue northwards through the Burren, and arrive into Galway City. Galway Bay is reputed to have been Columbus' final point of departure on his voyage of discovery. Continue to Knock to dinner and overnight. Day 2 - Sunday, October 4 - Knock Shrine After breakfast this morning, you'll spend today in and around Knock. During the last century and a quarter, it has distinguished itself nationally and inernationally by being Ireland's main centre of Marian devotion. The story of Knock began on the 21st August 1879 when Our Lady, St. Joseph and St. John the Evangelist appeared at the south gable of Knock Parish Church. The apparition was witnessed by fifteen people, young and old. From this miraculous occurrence Knock has grown to the status of an internationally recognized Marian Shrine. Pilgrims have been flocking to Knock, where cures of the sick and disabled have been reported. The personal pilgrimage of Pope ohn Paul II in 1979, commemorating the centenary of the apparition, inspired an even greater devotion to the Shrine and endorsed the indelible seal of Vatican approval. The large modern concrete church of Our Lady Queen of Ireland was built in 1974-76, and was raised to the status of basilica by the Pope on his visit three years after its completion. It is decorated by sculptures, Stations and a tapestry, all by a variety of Irish artists. Dinner and overnight in Knock. Day 3 - Monda, October 5 - Ballintubber, Mayo to Limerick This morning, you'll attend Mass in Knock, and afterward enjoy a full Irish breakfast at your hotel. Afterward, you'll travel towards Ballintubber Abbey, whose history goes back to pre-Christian times. When St. Patrick brought Christianity to Ireland he founded a church at Ballintubber. The Abbey has remained a place of warship despite years of continuous attacks and religious repression. Ballintubber retains an air of ancient beauty and spirtuality and has been restored with simple elegance. Continue south through Galway and toward Bunratty Village, Co. Clare. Here you will visit Bunratty Castle & Folk Park. Bunratty Castle is the most complete and authentic medieval fortress in Ireland. The castle stands peacefully in delightful grounds. Within the grounds of Bunratty Castle is Bunratty Folk Park, where 19th century life is vividly recreated. Set on 26 acres, the impressive park features over 30 buildings in a 'living' village and rural setting. Continue for dinner & overnight in Limerick. Day 4 - Tuesday, October 6 - Blarney, Cobh & Midleton After a full Irish breakfast, travel south towards Co. Cork and the village of Blarney. Here you will celebrate Holy Mass at the Church of the Immaculate Conception. Afterwards visit Blarney Castle. This historic castle is most famous for its stone, which has the traditional power of conferring eloquence on all who kiss it. Continue to Cobh to visit Cobh Heritage Centre - This unique Irish Port Town is situated on the southern shore of the Great Island in one of the world's finest natural harbors. Continue to Midleton for a tour of the Old Midleton Distillery & a journey through the story of Irish whiskey! Afterward, browse the exclusive Jameson merchandise outlet and craft shops or relax in the elegant atmosphere here. Later, return to your hotel for dinner & overnight. Day 5 - Wednesday, October 7 - Waterford and Cashel After our breakfast, we'll travel to Waterford City in the Southeast, the home to the world's finest crystal. Celebrate mass today at the Cathedral of the most Holy Trinity in Waterford City, the oldest Catholic Church in Ireland. You will then visit Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre. The Waterford Crystal factory tour will take you on a magical journey reflecting on 200 years of glass making. Visit the Rock of Cashel, a spectacular group. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight. Day 6 - Thursday, October 8 - Limerick--Lunch at a Farm in Kilfinnane & Bunratty Banquet After breakfast this morning, travel to Limerick city to celebrate mass at St. Mary's Cathedral, which was the ecclesiastical centre of the fortress for hundreds of years. The full title of this Cathedral is the "Cathedral and Parochial Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary." It was founded in 1168 by the last King of Munster, on the site of his Palace and is the oldest building in daily use in Limerick City today. Limerick is Ireland's third largest cty and has a beautiful location on one of Ireland's most picturewque rivers, the River Shannon. This bustling modern city has a rich medieval past, as well as the internationally renowned Hunt Museum with its exceptional art collection. Limerick also boasts a wonderful medieval precinct with the famous 800-year old King John's Castle. A bustling, vibrant and exciting destination, Limerick is packed with excellent shops and wonderful restaurants. After our visit to Limerick, we'll enjoy a visit including lunch to Molanna Farm in Lilfinnane, a working dairy farm. This farm has been in the same family for generations. Mrs. Fenton, the farmer's wife will prepare a lunch and Paddy Feton will tell you some stories from his youth, and offer insight about Irish customs and traditions. Later this evening you will attend the Bunratty Medieval Banquet and dicover an evening of enjoyment and fun in the splendor of a 14th century castle. The ladies & Butler of the castle welcome guests from the four corners of the world to join them at the Earl's Banquet. The entertainment provided by the superb Bunratty Singers is a fitting complimnt to a four course meal, a lively reception and fine wines throughout. Return to your hotel for your final overnight in Ireland. Day 7 - Friday, October 9 - Return to USA Alas it is time to bid farewell to Ireland. You will be transferred to Shannon Airport, where you will bid farewell to Ireland with beautifl memories and your return flight to the US. |
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