Dublin,
Kilkenny, Cork, Dingle Coast & Killarney
Ken O'Malley moved to Los Angeles from his native
Ireland thirty years ago, but his passion for the history and
culture of this Emerald Isle runs deeply through the evolution
of his music.
Acclaimed
singer, musician, composer and storyteller in the grand tradition
of the ancient Celtic Bard, you won't find a more perfect host
for this 4 Star custom tour. Our last tour was a magical combination
that forged a new group of friends who love to travel and we
hope you will join us for another round of Irish culture.
Tentative
Itinerary -
May 22,
Tuesday: Arrive in Dublin
Failte! Welcome to Dublins Fair City
Arrive at Dublin
Airport and transfer on your own to The Morgan for a 2-night
stay. Situated in the heart of Temple Bar, this chic and contemporary
hotel offers an ideal location for enjoying Dublins nightlife,
as well a variety of luxury amenities for guests. After settling
in, you may wish to explore Dublin for the afternoon, the city
offers a variety of things to do and places to see, Visit
Dublin.com
is a great resource.
Ken's Tour
officially begins with a Welcome Gathering at the hotel at 7pm
(h'ors derves and cash bar) with the opportunity to meet your
tour guides and fellow travelers.
Overnight:
The
Morgan,
Dublin
May 23,
Wednesday: The Pulse of Ireland
This morning,
Ken will be your guide for a Walking Tour of highlights of the
City Centre. Scheduled to leave the hotel at 10am (plan for 2
1/2 - 3 hrs with a stop off for lunch), we'll walk the historic
streets of his childhood home, visit the Book
of Kells
at Trinity College and take a stroll down Raglan Road.
In the afternoon you are free to explore Dublin on your own or
in small groups.
The Zozimus Ghostly Experience was a big hit with
our last Spring Tour group. The tour starts at the Pedestrian
gate of Dublin Castle (within walking distance of the hotel see
map)
and runs about 1 1/2 hours. Price to be paid to the guide the
evening of the tour is 10 Euros each (tipping is encouraged at
the end of the evening if you feel you've been sufficiently frightened
out of your wits).
End the night
with a few brews in Temple Bar. The city has great music pubs,
where traditional and contemporary Irish music is played nightly.
Overnight: The
Morgan,
Dublin
Dinner: On your own
May 24,
Thursday: Kilkenny and Waterford Crystal
After shaking
the cobwebs from last night away meet your driver and begin your
tour of Ireland by driving to Kilkenny, the home of Smithwicks
and Kilkenny Beer.
Visit the dominating sight of Kilkenny Castle. Situated on the
River Nore, this intimidating castle dates back to 1192, and
carries with it a great deal of interesting history.
Across the street from the Castle is Kilkenny Design Center. Originally the coach
house and stables for Kilkenny Castle, this building is now home
to some of the best designers and craftspeople in Ireland.
Drive south to Waterford and The Waterford Crystal
Factory
where you can see the intricate processes involved in the production
of the world famous crystal.
Continue to
Youghal and Ahernes Seafood Bar for a 1-night stay. This
family owned hotel is located in the lively seaside town of Youghal.
The hotel has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, and of course
home to a very popular bar. Dine in the hotel this evening, followed
by a couple of drinks then explore the nightlife of Youghal.
Overnight:
Ahernes
Seafood Bar,
Youghal, Co. Cork
Dinner: Ahernes Seafood Bar
May
25, Friday: The Gift of The Gab and The Gourmet Capital
Depart Youghal
this morning and drive to Blarney. We'll visit Blarney
Castle,
where a kiss of the Blarney Stone is said to impart eloquence.
There will be time to shop at the Blarney Woolen Mills, where
you will find everything from clothing to crystal, all Irish-made.
Drive south to Kinsale, known as the gourmet
capital of Ireland. Enjoy lunch in this seaside town followed
by a walk along the beach. Get ready for the next stage of your
journey by driving through incredibly scenic west Cork into Co.
Kerry.
Then on to Dingle and check-in to the Dingle Skellig Hotel for
a 2-night stay. Enjoy an excellent dinner in the hotel this evening.
Overnight:
Dingle
Skellig Hotel,
Dingle, Co. Kerry
Dinner: Dingle Skellig Hotel
May
26, Saturday: The Dingle Peninsula
Explore the
ruggedly majestic Dingle
Peninsula
today; see some of the most breath-taking views in Ireland at
Slea Head and Connor Pass. This area that has remained a gaeltacht
(Irish-speaking region). Return to Dingle and consider a boat
ride in Dingle Harbor. If you are lucky you may see Funghi the
dolphin who has been a resident of the harbor for over 15 years.
This evening you may choose to dine in the hotel then visit one
of the many live music pubs Dingle has, playing live music every
night.
Overnight:
Dingle
Skellig Hotel,
Dingle, Co. Kerry
Dinner: On your own
May 27,
Sunday: Killarney Town & The Picturesque Village
After breakfast
drive into Co. Kerry and spend some time in and around Killarney
Town.
We'll take
a scenic drive through the Killarney
National Park
and see the Lakes of Killarney. See Muckross House and Gardens
and take a horse and jaunt ride through the Park. Absorb some
more of Irelands unparalleled scenery from Gap of Dunloe.
There may be time for an Irish coffee at Kate
Kearneys Cottage, named for a local who ran a speakeasy on the
property.
Continuing
north into County Limerick and the picturesque village of Adare, where you can still
see houses with thatched roofs. On to Adare Manor for a 1-night
stay. An opulent castle-like luxury resort built in 1832, the
Manor offers a variety of facilities and activities, including
an equestrian center, championship golf course, and leisure center.
Enjoy dinner
in the hotel this evening, followed by drinks in Adares
downstairs bar, The Tack Room, where the manors resident
musician plays piano and sings until the earlier hours of the
morning!
Overnight:
Adare
Manor,
Adare, Co. Limerick
Dinner: Adare Manor
May 28,
Monday: Slan Abhaile!
Transfer by
private driver to Shannon Airport and depart Ireland for the
U.S. Slan Abhaile!
Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to book add on options
such as ghost tours, golfing, fishing, hiking, or riding in each
city where our hotels are based. No tour of Ireland is complete
without the company of new friends and a few pints of Guinness.
Recommendations
from our Spring 2005 Tour -
Dear
Ken, Thanks for a wonderful tour. It was great and I hope to
be the first one to sign up for the next one. Carmen Sanderson
Ken, you've opened up the spiritual hearts for all of us,
this has been the greatest trip I've ever been on. Thank you
so much. Larry Brown
Ken, thank you for a wonderful time. It is so great to see
someone so passionate about their history, country, music and
life. A very memorable experience. Leslie Rhodes
AerLingus.com
for
direct flights to Dublin from selected US cities
Jan Morris
with CINETROPIC will serve as Tour Coordinator and is available
to answer any tour questions you might have. Cinetropic has organized
successful art inspired tours to Paris, France; London England;
and Los Angeles, CA. Cinetropic has evolved over the last 5 years
to attract a worldwide following of loyal travelers interested
in the arts. For more information - Cinetropic.com
jempoet@aol.com
Jan Morris
402.476.0075
Office Hours M-S 9 to 5pm CST
Take
the worry out of travel with
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KenOMalley.com
for
more information on Ken and booking contacts