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Premier is planning a trip for US sheep folks to Ireland. Why not join us on a trip of a lifetime?
Hi folks,
For a few months now we have been working closely with the agricultural tour company that assisted us with our previous trip to the UK. We have been debating the details, researching hotels and planning our route in Ireland. We are happy to share with you what we have put together. This, of course, is a working itinerary. If you have specific suggestions, please let us know.
The tour dates have been set for September 13th - 22nd. This means you will leave the USA on September 12th. You will make arrangements on your own to arrive at Shannon International Airport in the refreshingly small town of Shannon, Ireland. Departure will be out of the Dublin International Airport, just outside of Dublin, which is fast becoming a cultural and culinary destination in Europe.
This trip promises to be one steeped in history, adventure, local agriculture and famous Irish charm. Our tour of the Emerald Isle begins in Limerick, which is only a 15-minute drive from the Shannon Airport. We will explore the region surrounding Limerick, visit a sheep farm and hopefully a stud ram auction, and see the straight-out-of-a-postcard village of Adare.
From Limerick we will journey north along the coastline, stopping by the Cliffs of Moher, which plunge dramatically 700 ft into the Atlantic Ocean. We will also visit the unique Burren region and sightsee along the Galway Bay. Our overnight accommodation is the stunning Ashford Castle. From the castle, we will drive through the ruggedly beautiful Connemara region, tour the romantic Kylemore Abbey and visit a typical family-run sheep farm. Our group will then depart for individual overnight farm stays in the Sligo area, which promise to display Irish hospitality at its finest.
Our journey continues into the Donegal region of Ireland, complete with a stop at a Tweed Woolen Mill, a lowland sheep farm and a farm shop. We will cross over into Northern Ireland for an overnight stay in the coastal town of Portrush, then take a quick jaunt to Antrim to observe the International Sheep Dog Trials. The next day we will journey north along the Antrim coast road, taking in the spectacular scenery and "walk in the footsteps of giants" as we tour the world famous Giant's Causeway.
The last "leg" of our journey takes us south, back into the Republic of Ireland, to the capital city of Dublin. We will take a city bus tour of Dublin to get acquainted with the lively city, and then tour the Guinness brewery to learn all about the making of this famous national beverage.
A short drive from Dublin is Athy, host of the 2010 National Ploughing Championship. We are told by Irish experts that this is the agricultural event of the season. The event needs a minimum of 300 acres to accompany the competition, livestock exhibits and the huge village of trade stands. We have been assured that this event will not disappoint.
Our overnight accommodations feature mainly 3 - 4 star hotels. We will stay 2 nights at the Strand Hotel in Limerick, which features comfortable beds and black-out curtains-perfect for the jet-lagged traveler. The next hotel can barely be called a hotel, but more of an "experience". Ashford Castle is situated on the mouth of the River Corrib on 350 acres. It was featured in the John Wayne movie classic "The Quiet Man", and has hosted many notable guests, including President Ronald Reagan, Senator Edward Kennedy, John Wayne, Brad Pitt, Pierce Brosnan, HSH Prince Rainier III of Monaco and Princess Grace.
In sharp contrast to Ashford Castle, our next overnight will be at individual farms in the Sligo area. Irish families will welcome you into their homes and give a glimpse into Irish life beyond the shadows of castles. Our next overnight in the quaint town of Portrush has spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. During our 2-night stay in Belfast, we will lodge at the Park Inn, which is a modern, cheerful hotel in city center. Our hotel in Dublin is also modern, posh and near city center, yet away from the noise of the "pub district".
Please see the accompanying tour route and "Itinerary at a Glance" for more information. As you will see on the map, we are taking in over half of the Emerald Isle. You may wonder why famous sites like the Ring of Kerry, the Blarney Stone and Waterford Crystal Factory are not on our itinerary. Quite simply, the above sites are beautiful however they are in a tourist-laden region. To give you an honest and accurate glimpse of Irish life & agriculture, we felt we must "go with the sheep" and journey into the northern part of the country that is still sustained by agriculture and livestock.
The price for the trip is $2,650 per person.
This includes:
- 9 nights in 3 -4 star hotels.
- (This is based on 2 people per room. A single supplement fee is available, or two singles can share a room with two beds.)
- 9 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 5 dinners.
- Modern air-conditioned touring bus for the operation of the tour.
- Guided sightseeing tour of Dublin.
- Entrances to: Kylemore Abbey, Giant's Causeway, Guinness Brewery.
- All local sightseeing per the itinerary.
- All farming and technical visits as indicated within the itinerary.
- Tax and service charges for included services.
Not included in the price of the trip:
- Air fare to and from Ireland
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities to accompanying staff
- Hotel porterage
- Travel insurance
We have had tremendous interest in this trip. We urge you to book early to reserve your seat! A 20% trip deposit will be due to Premier by May 1, 2010, and the remaining 80% is due to Premier by August 1, 2010.
Please contact either Stephanie Sexton or Cheyenne Miller at Premier to reserve your seat or if you have any questions.
Stephanie Sexton
(800) 282-6631
ssexton@premier1supplies.com
Cheyenne Miller
(800) 282-6631
cmiller@premier1supplies.com
P.S. Parts of Ireland remain wild and untamed. This trip would be potentially difficult for folks dependent upon the use of canes or walkers. For more information, contact Stephanie or Cheyenne above.
