Back To Ireland with The Dubs!

This will be the big one!

Join us again as we tour Ireland:
28 March - 6 April 2008

Your specially arranged tour package of our emerald homeland includes roundtrip airfare from: JFK/DUB/SNN/JFK (*LAX, Chicago extra), plus eight (8) nights accommodations as follows (or similar):

• Dublin - Trinity Capital Hotel (2 nights)
• Waterford - Faithlegg Manor Home (2 Nights)
• Kinsale - Acton's Hotel (2 Nights)
• Killarney - International Hotel (1 Night)
• Ennis - Auburn Lodge (1 Night)

The Overall Package Includes:

• Live concerts with The Young Dubliners in Dublin, Waterford, Kinsale and Kilarney.
• Hang out with the band on nights off as we carouse the local scene
• Full Irish Breakfast Daily.
• Three Dinners with the band and group
• Late Afternoon Soup & and Sandwiches on Arrival in Dublin.
• Fully escorted sightseeing as per itinerary.
• Touring By Deluxe Touring Motorcoach.
• Services of Professional Irish Drive/Guide throughout.
• Services of Hammond Tours Escort throughout.
• Taxes and Service Charges, except gratuity to driver/guide.
• Professional Portfolio of Travel Documents.
• Big farewell dinner and party on the last night in Ennis

Day 1
March 28 Friday

USA to Ireland: Depart USA for overnight flight to Ireland. Dinner and in-flight entertainment is served shortly after take-off.

Day 2
March 29 Saturday

Dublin: We arrive Dublin Airport where after clearing customs we our met by our Driver/Guide and Hammond Tours Escort. En route to the hotel, we enjoy a panoramic tour of Dublin and its surrounding areas. You will be sure to see St. Patrick's Cathedral where writer Jonathan Swift gave his sermons, The G.P.O. on O'Connell Street scene of the 1916 Easter Uprising where the bullet holes still remain to this day. Drive through famous Phoenix Park where the Pope said Mass in late 70's and finally Trinity College which houses the 8th century manuscripts, The Book of Kells, still preserved as they were when the Monks produced them all those centuries ago. Make sure to visit Dublin's oldest Pub, The Brazen Head for a pint! Meet & Greet with Afternoon Soup & Sandwiches at our hotel. Then rock out at WHELANS with the first Young Dub show in Keith and Brens hometown. Overnight Dublin.

Day 3
March 30 Sunday

Dublin-Trim Castle-Dublin: After breakfast we depart Dublin traveling a very short distance to Trim Castle in County Meath. Trim Castle is an Anglo Norman Castle constructed over a thirty year period beginning in 1176 AD, making it probably the oldest Castle in Ireland, certainly one of the largest. It was built by Hugh de Lacy and his son Walter. Hugh de Lacy was granted the Liberty of Meath by King Henry II in 1176 in an attempt to curb the expansionist policies of Richard de Clare (Strongbow). Location of the movie Braveheart!(It also happens to be where Keiths cousins live) We return to Dublin where we have the afternoon on our own. Overnight Dublin. Dinner is on your own.

Day 4
March 31 Monday

Dublin-Wicklow-Waterford: After breakfast the tour starts over the Dublin Mountains and into the picturesque Sally Gap. Experience breathtaking views! Wicklow is widely known as the ''Garden of Ireland.'' It is in this area that famous film locations for Braveheart and Ballykissangel were and Avoca famous fit its woolens. We continue into the crystal city of Waterford for overnight at the luxurious Faithlegg Manor Home. Faithlegg House Hotel & Golf Club in Waterford is an 18th century mansion which has been sensitively restored to form the centre piece of a magnificent four star hotel. Dinner this evening at the Manor.

Day 5
April 1 Tuesday

Waterford-Cashel-Kilkenny-Waterford: After breakfast you may enjoy the Manor Home or join us on an optional tour. Our group departs and heads to Cashel with its imposing Rock. Legend has it St. Patrick crowned the High Kings of Ireland here in the 5th century. We continue on to Kilkenny, an ancient Medieval Town once home to many micro-breweries including the still-standing Smithwick's Brewery. It is located in the yard of a now ruined Abbey, carrying on a brewing tradition that apparently began with the monks of the afore mentioned abbey in the 14th century. We enjoy an optional inside visit to the completely refurbished Medieval Kilkenny Castle. We return to Waterford for overnight. Dinner is on your own. Optional Golf Day in Waterford ( includes club rental, but you must pre-reserve golf on your application! ).

Day 6
April 2 Wednesday

Waterford-Dungarven-Youghal-Blarney-Kinsale: Morning departure from Waterford has us traveling southeast to Dungarven. The town owes its foundation to the Anglo-Normans in the 12th century. Their motte and bailey castle at Gallows Hill to the west of the town still survives. Nest we pass through Youghal (pronounced Yawl) which is a designated Irish Heritage Town, and one of the few towns in Ireland where the mediaeval town walls still survive. The walled town is located where the great River Blackwater - the largest river in the south of Ireland - meets the sea. The town of Youghal dates from early Christian times and mirrors many facets of Irish History, blending the heritage of centuries with a modern Seaside Holiday. It is on to Blarney, known for its kissing stone and famous woolen mills, known the world over. We the arrive in Picturesque Postcard, Kinsale! Time to explore this area. Known as the ''Gourmet Capitol'' of Ireland, Kinsale is a haven for local artisans who produce and sell their wares locally in the quaint winding town streets. Be sure to have seafood here, a local favorite. Overnight Kinsale. Dinner is on your own with suggestions provided.

Day 7
April 3 Thursday

Kinsale: After breakfast, plenty of time on your own to explore this artist haven. Kinsale in County Cork is one of the most picturesque, popular and fashionable resorts of the south-west coast of Ireland. Famous for its beautiful yachting, sea angling, gourmet restaurants and golf. Time to explore this area. Optional Tour to Cobh Heritage Center today. The center depicts emigration from Ireland to the USA during the Great Famine of the mid 1800's. Dinner is on your own. Overnight Kinsale.

Day 8
April 4 Friday

Kinsale-Clonakilty-Skibbereeen-Bantry-Glengarriff- Kenmare-Killarney: After breakfast, we depart Kinsale for Clonakilty where castles dot the shores of the bay and The Catholic Church is a fine example of gothic architecture. Next stop is Skibbereen. Skibbereen is rightly known as the capital of West Cork. It is the ''hub'' from which the many ''sparkling jewels'' of the area can be reached. Bantry sits at the head of one of Ireland's most beautiful bays with a harbor that reaches right into the town center. We then head to Glengarriff. Located in the sheltered harbor of Glengarriff in Bantry Bay, in Southwest Ireland, Garnish Island is a small island of 37 acres known to horticulturists and lovers of trees and shrubs all around the world as an island garden of great beauty. Its sheltered position nurtures luxuriant Mediterranean flowers such as fuchsia and arbutus. We enjoy a ferry ride and tour of the island. It is then on to Kenmare. Known as Ceann Mara (Head of The Sea) by the ancients. We stop at the Irish Lace Center. Our journey makes its way to Killarney, Ireland's most popular southern town for overnight. Overnight Killarney. Dinner is on your own.

Day 9
April 5 Saturday

Killarney-Adare-Limerick-Bunratty-Ennis: After a full Irish Breakfast, we depart Killarney and travel north first stopping at Adare, once voted ''The Prettiest Village'' with its authentic thatched roof cottages. We continue through Limerick, Ireland's 3rd largest city and home to author Frank McCourt who wrote Angela's Ashes. Limerick is an area steeped in history. The origin of Limerick city dates back to the 9th century a site settled by the Vikings. Limerick City is known as ''City of the Broken Treaty,'' due to the treaty which was signed surrendering the city to William. The terms of the treaty included respect for the rights of Catholics were immediately breached. The treaty was signed on the Treaty Stone which can still be seen today. King John's Castle is a fortified 13th century Castle on King's Island' in the heart of medieval Limerick. The castle overlooking the river Shannon opens an exciting window on the lives and stories of the people through political upheaval, war and famine. Archaeological excavations open to the public roll back the mists of time to pre-Norman houses which predate the castle by 100 years, as well as siege mines, garrison and soldiers quarters and sallyport all found under the level of the present courtyard. The castle itself features an imaginative exhibition spanning the castle's history. We depart County Limerick and travel to Bunratty Village where we have time to perhaps visit the 900 year old castle or adjacent folk park. Enjoy a pint at 300 year old ''Durty Nellie's Pub'' next to the castle. It is on through County Clare to Ennis where we enjoy a Farewell Dinner at our hotel.

Day 10
April 6 Sunday

Ennis-Shannon-USA: After breakfast, we are transferred to nearby Shannon Airport. In the off-chance that you missed shopping opportunities, Shannon has a large Duty-Free Shop that you can visit once you are checked in for your flight. In the traditional Irish way we wish you ''Safe Home.''