Breakfast is included daily.  Other meals as indicated by L (Lunch) and D (Dinner).

September 13, 2021 – OFF TO DUBLIN! We welcome travelers from all over the world, however, if departing from the USA, most flights are overnight and our exclusive “Free to Fly” program allows you to depart from the city of your choice, using mileage plans or points if you prefer, and you do not have the hassle of having to meet up with a group at an appointed airport. You may leave from where you want and when you want. We welcome guests from all over the world and our “Free to Fly” program makes it simple for everyone. If departing from the USA dinner should be served on your flight with a light breakfast before arrival in the morning. D, B

September 14 – DUBLIN ARRIVAL: After landing at Dublin Airport, you will complete customs and immigration formalities. After making your way to the hotel, you are free to settle into your room. You may like to rest or explore some of the city on your own before we meet for a welcome dinner with our group. Breakfast should be served on your flight prior to Dublin arrival.

This evening we will enjoy dinner in a historic Irish pub followed by Irish entertainment. It is a wonderful way to begin our incredible Irish journey together. D

September 15 – Following our delicious breakfast, we will set off with our famous local guide whose unique and humorous style will enhance our walking tour through the city where we will see 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. After lunch we will visit unique quilt shops in the area to start the tour off right!  B

September 16 – Today is your day to explore Dublin on your own. With so many sights and things to see, this is your opportunity to see the things you wish at your own pace.  B

September 17 – Following breakfast, we will depart Dublin and travel north along the coast to Drogheda. We will continue north, driving through the towns of Dundalk and Newry and past the scenic Mourne Mountains driving into Belfast which is situated on the deep inlet of Belfast Lough surrounded by hills. On our way we stop in a charming village outside of Belfast to enjoy the area and visit a dear friend’s special eclectic emporium known for vintage quilts and upscale Irish theme gifts.  As time and weather allow we will visit one of the local gardens.  Once we’ve checked into our Belfast hotel the balance of the day is for individual pursuits. B

September 18 – Today, we’ve arranged a special visit at a living history museum, the focus here is on ways of life and traditions of the people of Northern Ireland. We will be enjoying time with the textile curator as she shows us several early Irish quilts in their collection. Following our time here, we will make our way back to the hotel via Belfast’s (and mine) favorite fabric shop. The evening is free for sightseeing, shopping and independent dining. B

September 19 – This morning, we will drive north to experience one of Ireland’s popular scenic routes along the coast road. Here you’ll see the “Nine Glens of Antrim” which offer wonderful views of mountains, valleys and coastline. We will stop to view the Giant’s Causeway, an impressive area of hexagonal columns formed over 60 million years ago by cooling lava and has given rise to many legends.

We will return to the city for a tour and learn more history about the infamous ‘troubles’.  Once we are back at our hotel the remainder of the day is free for us to explore the lively city. B

September 20 – Departing Belfast we will drive south then west across Ireland through the fertile midland region, dotted with farms and marketing towns, where we can see how many Irish people make a living from farming, which is of great importance to the Irish economy. In the afternoon we be stopping at 2 wonderful quilts shop before arriving in Galway where we will stay the night. Enjoy the balance of the day at leisure for individual pursuits.  B

September 21 – A wonderful and active day is planned as we drive around the shores of Galway Bay and through the Burren Country, an unique region of limestone hills where many rare flowers thrive in the sheltered crevices.

We will stop at the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, a wall of rock that plunges 700 feet to the churning Atlantic Ocean below. Our day will conclude in the charming seaside town of Dingle where we will stay for the next three nights. We will gather for dinner at the hotel and later meet with a group of Irish quilters. B, D

September 22 – After breakfast this morning we will embark on a tour of the town of Dingle. With a population of only 1200, Dingle serves a larger population of the surrounding countryside. Situated below Slievanea Mountain, the town faces comfortably onto a sheltered harbor. For a number of years it has been possible to rely on a resident dolphin named Fungie showing up for tour boats operating from the harbor. As a market town and fishing port, Dingle has long been well supplied with pubs and many opportunities to hear traditional Irish music.  

As we travel on the beautiful and noteworthy Slea Head Drive we will discover the beauties of the Dingle Peninsula, made famous by David Lean’s movie, “Ryan’s Daughter.” This is one of the most beautiful areas in all Ireland and is packed with history from about 500 BC. Driving along the south shore of the peninsula will enjoy vistas of heathery mountains, sandy stretches of beach and rocky headlands. We will make frequent stops at strategic locations to admire the views and take photos. Along our way we will be able to look across the bay to the Blasket Islands and Dunmore Head. Not to be missed, we will stop at the Blasket Center.

After our sightseeing tour, we enjoy lunch at a wonderful (and our favorite) Irish Pub and then will have some time to visit the a local quilt shop before returning to our hotel. B, L

September 23 – We’ve traveled a long way since our adventure began and today is a free day for us to relax, unwind a little and enjoy the beautiful Dingle Peninsula. From walking, to bicycling to fishing, there are many activities that await. For those that wish you may take an optional quilting class from 9-12 (see below). B

September 24 – We’re off to the Blarney Castle where you will have an opportunity to climb the battlements and kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence”. The remainder of our day will be in the Blarney area so take the afternoon to shop in their famous Mill store or take a nice walk in the lovely gardens and parks nearby. B

September 25 – After leaving the Blarney area this morning, we will visit the House of Waterford Crystal to learn about their special glass blowing and cutting process and to see their one-of-a-kind masterpieces. Continuing north through the Irish countryside to Dublin we will check into our city center hotel and freshen up before a farewell dinner with our fellow travelers. Many choose to extend their Dublin stay with a few additional nights at our hotel and we are happy to make those arrangements for you.  B, D

September 26: All too soon, our Irish vacation has come to an end. Following  breakfast, you may arrange transportation to the airport with the hotel.  Those from the USA, please leave in plenty of time as US customs is in the Dublin airport.  Once you are cleared, be sure you stop for shopping at some wonderful airport duty free shops (with great prices) before boarding your flight home. B