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Ireland: Ancient & Archaeological
Exploration 2008
This
specialized tour features a well-respected archaeologist who will accompany
the group and share their vast knowledge and expertise. Enjoy a week
of sightseeing and an exceptional perspective that will enlighten you
on the archaeological wonders of Ireland. This itinerary is based on
a minimum group of 20 people. The tour can be customized for your Archaeology
Club, Historical Society or School Group.
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Included:
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Tour Dates
2008
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| Travel
Period |
Land
only Cost |
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- Six nights
first class hotels
- Full Irish
breakfast daily
- Five table
d'hote dinners
- Special dinner
with entertainment in Bunratty (Ceili)
- Services of
an experienced Irish driver/guide
- Admissions
as highlighted on the itinerary
- Porterage
of one suitcase
- All service
charges & local government taxes
- Isle Inn Tours
flight bag & luggage tag
- Deluxe document
holder with information package
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| May
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$2125* |
| Jun
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$2125* |
| Sep
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$2125* |
| Oct
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$1975* |
| Nov |
$1945* |
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Single Supplement: $
330
Departure
Tax not included
Legend:
B = Breakfast D = Dinner
*All
prices are per person sharing.
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ITINERARY |
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Day
1 |
Upon arrival
into Dublin you will meet your Professional Archaeology guide
who will escort you to the waiting Motorcoach. En route to
the hotel you will stop for tea and scones at Malahide
Castle. Enjoy an informative driving tour of Dublin as
you make your way to the hotel. Check into the hotel and freshen
up before your first excursion to the National Museum.
Here your guide will provide you with a lecture on Ireland
in the Bronze and Iron Ages with special emphasis on gold
artifacts and bog bodies. You will be able to visit the rest
of this amazing museum independently and can walk back to
the hotel at your leisure. Dinner will be at your hotel this
evening. Overnight: Davenport Hotel, Dublin (B, D)
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| Day
2 |
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morning after a full Irish breakfast you will begin the day with
a visit and tour of Trinity College to view the Book of Kells.
The Book of Kells is a world famous illuminated manuscript of
the early Christian period in Europe. It was first thought to
have been created in Iona Scotland. Now it is believed that the
great book was written in Kells and transported to Iona with the
first holy settlement there. Afterwards you will begin the journey
to Co. Cavan to visit the Hill of Tara and Trim Castle.
The Hill of Tara has been the epicenter of Irish culture
for thousands of years. Here you will tour the great hill, examine
its many components and discuss its long evolution from sacred
burial ground to a center of royal ritual to a symbol of the Irish
nation. Trim Castle, built by Hugh de Lacy in the 12th century,
is situated in Co. Meath. One of the finest examples of a Norman
period keep, you will tour the castle and grounds and enjoy the
spectacular views from the castle parapets. Dinner will be at
your hotel this evening. Overnight: Cabra Castle, Cavan (B,
D). |
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3 |
Today will be spent at Loughcrew with lessons in site
drawing and lectures on the Neolithic passage tomb culture
of Ireland. Loughcrew is rich in historical, archaeological,
religious and natural interests. One of ancient Ireland's
major roads passes through Loughcrew, crossing the great Road
of the Chariots nearby. Dinner will be at your hotel this
evening. Overnight: Cabra Castle, Cavan (B, D).
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| Day
4 |
Today you travel
west toward Roscommon. Here you will visit the Cruachan
Ai Centre where you will tour the Rathcroghan Mound, Rath
Beg, Rath Mor, Rathnadarve, and Oewynegat Cave. This is Connaught's
royal landscape where Queen Meave and King Ailill plotted
their war against the Ulaid and Cuchullain from Ulster. There
is a degree of hill walking involved and you will cross onto
farmlands. You will discover it is well worth the adventure
though! Your archaeology guide will lecture on the Bronze
and Iron Ages of Ireland and the Tain. Dinner will be at your
hotel this evening. Overnight: Abbey Hotel, Roscommon (B,
D).
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| Day
5 |
Continue the
westward journey with stops to visit the monastic sites of
Clonmacnoise Abbey and Boyle Abbey; two of the most important
ecclesiastical sites in Ireland. Your guide will lecture on
the coming of Christianity to Ireland and how it changed the
culture of the island. While the rest of Europe languished
in the Dark Ages, Ireland flourished. Dinner will be at your
hotel this evening. Overnight: Abbey Hotel, Roscommon (B,
D).
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| Day
6 |
Journey to
Limerick for a tour of King John's Castle, then onward
to the Village of Adare. Your guide will provide a lecture
on medieval Ireland, Cromwell, and the English occupation
of Ireland giving a final word on the Famine. You will arrive
at your hotel and have time to prepare for an evening of true
Irish entertainment and dinner at the Bunratty Ceili. Overnight:
Bunratty Castle Hotel, Bunratty (B).
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Day
7
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Following a
full Irish breakfast you will drive a short distance to the
airport for your flight home. (B)
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