Ireland July 6-14, 2023 – Jefferson Choral Society

The meals that are included on the tour are specified for each date: Breakfast (B) and Dinner (D). Please be mindful that weather, traffic, or site renovations could alter the itinerary.

DAY 1 – Thursday, July 6
Meet at Timberlake Church by 12:45 p.m. for a 1:00 shuttle to Dulles. We will likely arrive at Dulles around 5:00 p.m. Our flight is Aer Lingus EI 0118 that departs at 8:55 p.m.

DAY 2 – Friday, July 7 (B, D)
Our arrival time at the Dublin airport is 8:45 a.m. We go to Bunratty where we experience a window into Ireland’s past and explore the acclaimed 15th century Bunratty Castle and the 19th century Bunratty Folk Park. The castle is the most complete and authentic medieval castle in Ireland. Built in 1425, it was restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendor and now contains mainly 15th and 16th century furnishings, tapestries, and works of art which capture the mood of those times. Lunch is on your own in Bunratty. Then, we go to Killarney where we check into our hotel and have dinner as a group at 6:00 p.m.
Lodging: Arbutus Killarney 5 nights - www.arbutuskillarney.com

DAY 3 – Saturday, July 8 (B) – 9:00 a.m. departure
The Ring of Kerry is one of Ireland’s best-known attractions on the southwest side of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. We will observe dramatic sea views, sheer cliffs, and ever-changing skies. Rural sheep farming is a way of life here, carried on in green fields and valleys divided by ancient stone walls. Our tour will take us through quaint villages and towns dotted along the coastal route with their old-world pubs, restaurants, and craft centers. The area is surrounded by Ireland’s highest mountain ranges reaching down to the wild Atlantic Ocean and perched on the very edge of the continent of Europe. We will drive through Killarney’s National Park with its world-renowned scenic locations such as Molls Gap and Torc Waterfall and home to Ireland’s only surviving herd of native red deer and the recently reintroduced rare white-tailed sea eagles. We end with a visit of the exterior of Killarney’s Muckross House and Gardens.

DAY 4 – Sunday, July 9 (B) – 9:00 a.m. departure
Today we visit the Dingle Peninsula, taking in Inch Beach, the scenic driving route of Slea Head with its magnificent views of the Great Blasket Islands, the wild Atlantic Ocean, and ancient Beehive Huts. We will also visit the Kilmalkedar Church and monastic site.   

DAY 5 - Monday, July 10 (B) – 9:00 a.m. departure
We go to Blarney Castle and Gardens where you will have the opportunity to kiss the Blarney Stone and be bestowed with the “Gift of Eloquence”. Don’t miss the beautiful gardens before heading to the Woolen Mills, Ireland’s largest shopping center. Lunch will be at the Woolen Mills before we return to Killarney. 6:00 p.m. rehearsal and 8:00 p.m. concert at the Church of the Sloes in Killarney – 5 minute walk from the hotel

DAY 6 – Tuesday, July 11 (B) – 9:00 a.m. departure
We visit Gougane Barra, located in a scenic valley and heritage site in the Shehy Mountains of County Cork. Then we go to the town of Glengarriff and take a boat trip to Garnish Island which is renowned for its walled garden and Martello tower. It is well known to horticulturists and lovers of gardens, trees and exotic flowers. Seal Island is close to Garnish Island which is home to a seal colony visible from the boat. We arrive back to Glengarriff for lunch in one of its many pubs and restaurants. We return to Killarney via the town of Kenmare with a visit to the ancient Stone Circle which is over 1000 years old.

DAY 7 - Wednesday, July 12 (B) – 9:00 a.m. departure
We go to Adare for free time to explore. Adare is a small village in County Limerick, Ireland, located southwest of the city of Limerick. Renowned as one of Ireland's prettiest towns, Adare is designated as a heritage town by the Irish government. Next, we go to the Cliffs of Moher, the most famous sea cliffs in Europe. The Cliffs of Moher are spectacular, rising 720 feet above sea level and offering stunning views of the Aran Islands. Lunch will be at the Cliffs before we drive to Dublin.
Lodging: Jurys Inn Dublin Christchurch 2 nights- www.leonardohotels.co.uk/hotels/dublin/christchurch
 

DAY 8 – Thursday, July 13 (B, D)
11:15-11:45 a.m. rehearsal and 1:30 p.m. concert at Christchurch Cathedral – across the street from the hotel
You are free to explore Dublin on your own when we aren’t singing. There is much to see, including the Book of Kells, Guinness Storehouse, Grafton Street, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. We will enjoy our final dinner on tour as a group. Our group dinner at the hotel is at 7:00 p.m.

DAY 9 – Friday, July 14 (B) – 8:30 a.m. departure for the airport
We fly home after a fun time exploring the Emerald Isle! Our flight is Aer Lingus EI 0117 that departs at 12:45 p.m. We arrive at Dulles at 3:40 p.m. Our estimated arrival to Timberlake is 9:00 p.m.