IRISH EXPERIENCE

A JOURNEY TO THE EMERALD ISLE

DESIGNED AND OPERATED BY CLUB EUROPA FOR

WATERLOO CATHOLIC YOUTH MINISTRY

WATERLOO, IOWA

A typical Irish High Cross at Clonmacnoise

Day 1 Transatlantic flight from the United States to DUBLIN / Ireland

xx:xx pm: Flight xxxx departs Chicago ORD (inflight meals)

Day 2 ARRIVAL: Dublin > WESTPORT

xx:xx am: Arrival at Dublin Airport DUB

Meet and greet by driver /guide

(Time will be allowed to exchange money at the airport)

Services of private motorcoach begin with drive to the Westport / Knock area (140 miles/3.5hrs)

Stop in Clonmacnoise, an early Christian site founded by Saint Ciaran in the 6th century on the banks of the River Shannon. The site includes the ruins of a cathedral, eight churches

(10^th -13^th century), two round towers, three high crosses and a large collection of early Christian grave slabs.

Lunch en route is on own

Arrival at hotel is scheduled for late afternoon, check-in and time to relax and unwind

Dinner at hotel or local restaurant is on own.

Overnight / WESTPORT-KNOCK AREA

Day 3 WESTPORT / KNOCK AREA

Breakfast at hotel

Visit of KNOCK

It was in Knock that a vision of the Blessed Virgin is said to have appeared on the gable wall of the small local church in 1879. Pope John Paul II came to Knock in 1979 to celebrate the centenary of this event. The small church is still there, however, a large Basilica has now been built to cater for the great number of pilgrims.

Drive from Knock to Croagh Partick, the mountain that dominates the town of Westport.

St Patrick is said to have spent time fasting here; it still attracts thousands of pilgrims on the

last Sunday of July.

Visit of Ballintubber Abbey, located between Knock and Westport

When St Patrick brought Christianity to Ireland in c.441AD, he founded a church at Ballintubber. The present

Abbey was founded in 1216 by King Cathal O'Conor. It is the only church in Ireland still in daily use that was founded by an Irish king. Ballintubber Abbey is known as "the Abbey that refused to die". Through its many vicissitudes, including burning by Cromwell's army in 1653, the Abbey has remained a place of worship

despite years of continuous attacks and religious repression,

Dinner is on own

Overnight / WESTPORT-KNOCK AREA

Day 4 WESTPORT AREA > KILLARNEY

Breakfast at hotel

Drive past Galway through the Burren and along the scenic coastline along the

Cliffs of Moher, across the Shannon Estuary, to the small harbor town of Killimer

Ferry boat from Killimer to Tarbert (20 minutes)

Lunch (en route, perhaps in Tarbert) is on own

Continuation from Tarbert to the town of Killarney

Dinner at hotel or local restaurant is on own.

Overnight / KILLARNEY AREA

Situated in County Clare and bordering the Burren Area, the Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland's most spectacular

sights. Standing 230 metres above the ground at their highest point and 8 km long, the Cliffs boast one of the most amazing views in Ireland. On a clear day, the Aran Islands are visible in Galway Bay as well as the valleys and hills

of Connemara.
To the south of the cliffs is Hag's Head and the cliffs reach their highest point just north of O' Brien's Tower. The

Tower was built by Cornelius O' Brien, a descendant of Brian Boru, to impress female visitors. The seastack, Breanan Mór, stands over 70 metres above the foaming waves. You are advised to dress warmly when visiting the cliffs because

of the cool Atlantic winds blowing in from the ocean.

Day 5 KILLARNEY and DINGLE PENINSULA

Breakfast at hotel

Day excursion around the Dingle Peninsula

Lunch in one of the small towns such as DUNQUIN or DINGLE TOWN is on own

Return to Killarney and free time to visit the town and the nearby National Park; perhaps

for renting a horse carriage (here called ‘jaunting cars’) or rowing across the Lake to Innisfallen Island - the ruins of the monastery go back to the 7th century.

Between 950 and 1350 the ‘Annals of Innisfallen’ were compiled here by monks.

Dinner is on own

Overnight / KILLARNEY AREA

Dingle Peninsula (Irish: Corca Dhuibhne) in County Kerry and is the most westerly point of the Republic of Ireland.

The peninsula is named after the town of Dingle and is the location of numerous prehistoric and early medieval remains,

for example the Gallarus Oratory in the very west of the peninsula near the village of Baile an Fheirtéaraigh in Ard na Caithne.

The peninsula exists because of the band of granite rock that forms the Sliabh Mish mountain range. Ireland's highest mountain outside MacGillycuddy's Reeks, Mount Brandon at 952 m, forms part of a beautiful high ridge with stunning views over the peninsula and North Kerry.

The western end of the peninsula has produced a number of regionally notable authors and poets, such as Ó Siochfhradha, and

Peig Sayers, among others. This is the most western part of Ireland, and the village of Dún Chaoin is often jokingly referred to

as "the next parish to America".

Muckrock Castle in Killarney

Killarney's popularity stems from the valley in which it is nestled -- a landscape of lakes and mountains so

spectacular that Brendan Behan once said, "even a mad man would be ashamed to eulogize it." Exploring the

valley’s glories is easy: just walk (or drive) from the town parking lot toward the cathedral, and turn left. In a

matter of minutes, you'll forget all that Killarney stress amid the quiet rural splendor, as the town sits at the

edge of the 25-sq.-mile Killarney National Park. Here the ground is a soft carpet of moss and the air is fragrant

with wildflowers. Cars are banned from most of the ferny trails, so take a hike or hire a "jarvey," an old-fashioned horse-and-buggy. Within the park's limits are two estates, Muckross and Knockreer, and the remains of major medieval abbeys and castles. The park holds three lakes: the first, Lower Lake, is sometimes called "Lough Leane" or "Lough Lein," which means "the lake of learning." It's the largest, more than 4 miles long, and dotted with 30 small islands. The second lake is aptly called the "Middle Lake" or "Muckross Lake," while the third (and smallest)

is simply "Upper Lake." The most noteworthy of Killarney's islands, Innisfallen, seems to float in the Lower Lake.

Day 6 KILLARNEY > LIMERICK AREA

Breakfast at hotel

Drive from Killarney to Limerick (75 miles): visit of Bunratty Folk Park (entrance included)

On the quaint castle grounds Bunratty Folk Park recreates rural and urban life in 19th century Victorian Ireland. There is an extensive array of vernacular buildings; indicative of all of the social strata from the poorest one roomed dwelling to Bunratty House, a fine example of a Georgian residence for the gentry. Traditional jobs and crafts are also represented, milling, the forge, pottery, printing, baking, farming etc.

Costumed characters recreate the traditions and lifestyle of a bygone age animate the Folk Park. The characters include the Bean a Ti (woman of the house), R.I.C. policeman, Schoolteacher, Blacksmith and so on.

Lunch is on own

Dinner at hotel or local restaurant is on own.

Overnight / KILLARNEY – ENNIS AREA

Limerick is the third-largest city in the Republic. Strategically located on the banks of the River Shannon, the town was founded as a Viking settlement in the 10th century and grew in importance over the centuries. For many years, it struggled with endemic poverty, but today it is a busy place with a serious focus on business, and its shiny new office buildings stand as evidence. It is working hard to throw off the grim legacy bestowed by Frank McCourt's best-selling book Angela's Ashes, which described in excruciating detail his miserable childhood there. It certainly has the feel of a tough old town, and the area around where its most impressive sights are located -- the riverside Medieval Heritage Precinct dominated by the 13th-century King John's Castle -- is no exception.

Day 7 LIMERICK > DUBLIN

Breakfast at hotel

Drive from Limerick towards Dublin

Visit of the Rock of Cashel, located 45 miles southeast of Limerick

Free time for lunch (on own) in the town of Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a medieval city of 24,000 people acclaimed internationally as a centre for craft and design. Technology, tourism, and food processing are the main industries in the county. Each year Kilkenny hosts a number of international festivals and the city is a very popular tourist destination.

This medieval city is characterised by many beautifully restored buildings and winding slipways - it is small

and compact enough to explore on foot, yet full of fascinating historical buildings and contemporary shops, design galleries and restaurants.

The ancient town was named after the 6th century monk St Canice. His memory lives on in the beautifully restored St Canice’s Cathedral, overlooking the city in the thirteenth century. Kilkenny Castle , one of the most magnificent castles in Ireland was built by the Normans who arrived in the city during the 12th century.

Arrival in Dublin around late afternoon

Dinner at local restaurant is on own.

Overnight / DUBLIN

One of the most visited sites in Ireland the Rock of Cashel sits to the north of the town of Cashel, and it combines spiritual grace, mysterious beauty, and scenic elegance. It is one of Ireland’s most pectacular archeological sites.

The word ‘cashel’ is an anglicized version of the Irish word ‘caiseal’, meaning ‘fortress.’ The Rock of Cashel rises as a giant, circular mound 200 feet above the surrounding plains and meadows. A cluster of ruins are nestled on its crown. The largest structure is the remains of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Built in the 13th century, the cathedral was destroyed by fire in 1495 and later restored. However, when Cromwell’s forces brutally overwhelmed Ireland Cashel Rock was destroyed once more. Hundreds of townspeople had sought refuge from the British soldiers within the cathedral walls and were burned to death when Cromwell’s men set fire to the building. For the people of Ireland Cashel Rock serves a reminder of foreign brutality, spiritual strength, and Irish courage.

The legendary origin of the Rock of Cashel dates back to approximately 432 AD. According to legend, St. Patrick arrived in Cashel in AD 432 and baptized King Aengus, who became Ireland’s first Christian ruler. During the baptism, the devil hurriedly flew over Ireland and, hindered by the Slieve Bloom Mountains, the flying fiend took an enormous bite out of the stony peaks. After he reached the opposite side of the mountains, the devil spat out his mountainous mouthful and inadvertently formed the Rock of Cashel. The legendary origin of the Rock of Cashel, then, also explains the gap (known as the Devil’s Bite) in the Slieve Bloom Mountains, which can be seen to the north of the rock.

Besides tales explaining the legendary origin of the Rock of Cashel, other stories exist that link this location to the emergence of the shamrock as an Irish symbol. According to legend, during the baptism, St. Patrick plucked a shamrock to explain the mystery of the Trinity and so gave Christian Ireland a powerful new emblem.

Day 8 DUBLIN

Breakfast at hotel

Panoramic sightseeing tour of Dublin with local, licensed guide

Entrance is included to Trinity College, founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I, housing

one of the country's greatest treasures: "The Book of Kells", an illustrated book created

by monks in the 8th century

Also included: inside visits of St. Patrick's Cathedral, Ireland's largest church, and Christ Church Cathedral

Free time for lunch (on own)

Dinner is on own

Overnight / DUBLIN

The Book of Kells is one of the masterpieces of Western art and a symbol of Irish nationalism. Where it was produced is controversial. Some scholars suggest Iona, the island monastery founded by St. Columba. It is thought to have been the work of several individual scribes over many years, likely before A.D. 806. The manuscript was held at Kells until 1661 when it was moved to Dublin where it remains as the chief treasure of Trinity College Library.

Day 9 DUBLIN

Breakfast at hotel

Drive to Newgrange or Knowth, 30 miles NW of Dublin

Entrance fee to Visitor Centre included

Newgrange is one of the best examples in Western Europe, of a type of monument known to archaeologists is a

passage-grave or passage-tomb. It was constructed around 3200BC, according to the most reliable Carbon 14 dates available from archaeology. This makes it more than 600 years older than the Giza Pyramids in Egypt, and 1,000 years more ancient than Stonehenge !

Newgrange was built in a time when there was only stone, not metal, used as an everyday material for tools

and weapons. In 1993, Newgrange and its sister sites Knowth and Dowth were designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO because of their outstanding cultural legacy.

Free time for lunch (on own)

Return to Dublin early / mid-afternoon

Free time for last minute shopping and / or further sightseeing

Farewell dinner at local restaurant is included

Overnight / DUBLIN

The Georgian façade of Trinity College in Dublin

Day 10 RETURN TO THE U.S.

Breakfast at hotel

xx:xx am: private coach for transfer from hotel to Dublin Airport

Return flight to the U.S.

xx:xx am: flight xxxx leaves Dublin Airport DUB (inflight meals)

xx:xx pm: arrival at Chicago O’Hare Airport ORD

INCLUDED ARE :

P EIGHT overnights at tourist class hotels in convenient locations

twin or double occupancy (an occasional triple or quad may be available)

all rooms with private facilities

Brochures / websites of hotels will be provided prior to final reservation

P All breakfasts

P Two dinners

P Services of deluxe long distance motorcoach throughout

P Services of driver / guide

P Sightseeing with local, licensed guides as noted

P Entrance fees as noted in the itinerary

P Both airport transfers with local assistant

P All applicable local taxes

P Gratuities to driver/guide

P Andy Benz of Club Europa is available for a preparatory meeting

Jonathan Swift, the author of ‘Gulliver’s Travels’, was Dean at St Patrick’s Cathedral from 1713-1745.

The original structure has been rebuilt on a number of occasions, and the 300 ft long interior (the longest in Ireland) contains many historic relics. The above portrait shows St Patrick's in the background.

NOT INCLUDED ARE :

P Drinks with dinners

P Meals other than mentioned

P Luggage handling at hotels (not included for cost savings)

P Airport transfers in the United States

P Expenses of personal nature such as passport, laundry, insurance, souvenirs etc...

RATES :

Per person, based on twin or double occupancy

Minimum 40 participants $ 2690.00

PLEASE NOTE :

The above proposal is valid until May 1, 2008

No reservations have been made and space is subject to availability at time of booking.

The above rates are based on prices, tarrifs, taxes and exchange rates as of March 2008.

Scheduled for June 2009, the tour will be recalculated when flights become available,

which will be in mid-August 2008

(Airlines give out group airfares 300 days prior to departure.)

Upon receipt of your verbal consent to the itinerary and rates, we will send you our

contract, which contains payment deadlines, deposits, refund policy, etc.

There are no visa requirements for U.S. citizens visiting Ireland.

However, you need a valid passport !

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION TO DAY 9:

Aerial photo of Newgrange with Knowth in the background

Knowth / Newgrange is one of the best examples in Western Europe, of a type of monument known to archaeologists

as a passage-grave or passage-tomb. It was constructed around 3200BC, according to the most reliable Carbon 14 dates available from archaeology. This makes it more than 600 years older than the Giza Pyramids in Egypt, and 1,000

years more ancient than Stonehenge !

Newgrange was built in a time when there was only stone, not metal, used as an everyday material for tools

and weapons. In 1993, Knowth, Newgrange and Dowth were designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO because

of their outstanding cultural legacy.

The Hill of Tara (National Monument) has a whole series of grass covered earthworks. Nothing remains of the timber

or wattle-and-daub buildings of the Celtic period, the finest of which were said to have doors set with precious stones

and furnishings of gold and bronze. To be able, however, to begin to appreciate the importance of Tara, visitors are recommended to see the video film shown in St Patrick's Church.
The central area of the complex, the Rath of the Kings, is surrounded by a great rampart, the Royal Enclosure. In the middle of this enclosure are two small circular earthworks, Cormac's House and the Royal Seat. Near Cormac's House

the coronation stone (Lia Fail) is supposed to have stood, of which legend has it that it used to sound when the right king ascended it. Nearby is a memorial stone commemorating Irish rebels killed in the 1798 Rising (erroneously known as the coronation stone), as well as a modern statue of St Patrick, who is said to have converted High King Laoghaire. To the north, still within the enclosure, is the "Mound of the Hostages," a passage grave dating from 1800 B.C. in which were found the remains of 40 cremated corpses. On their accession the kings of Tara were accustomed to take hostages from the noble families of their kingdom, in order to ensure their loyalty. After their death, certainly not always natural, they were buried in the Mound of the Hostages.

South of the Rath of the Kings we come to another earthwork, the Rath of King Laoghaire, and abutting it on the north is the Rath of the Synods (second-fourth century), a living area, once surrounded by a ring-wall, which was badly mutilated at the beginning of this century by British Israelites seeking the Ark of the Covenant.
Farther north two parallel earthworks 600ft/180m long and 100ft/30m apart have a depression between them, traditionally identified as the Banqueting Hall. An old print shows a banquet in progress, with the high king's guests seated in order of rank and dignity. Archaeologists believe, however, that this feature may have been the ceremonial approach to a cult site. To the west of the Banqueting Hall lie other earthworks known as the Rath of Gráinne and the Sloping Trenches, probably cult sites.