Irish American Club Tour 2015

Once again in the spirit of keeping things interesting and wildly entertaining, we have designed a very special tour of Ireland to explore the beauty and true character of the country.
On this year’s Irish American Club, we are covering a part of the country that is as complex as it is stunning. Beginning in Shannon and traveling North, we hug the rugged coast of the Atlantic bringing us into Donegal, Derry, and along the northern coastline and onto Belfast. (With an option to spend a few extra days in Dublin at the end)
The Club’s trip has grown into something very special over the years, as we explore the great sights and also blaze our own trail into some of the hidden gems as we go. This is not a typical tour, you will be offered much more independence, given much more free time and provided many opportunities to create your own special experience.
We hope you can join us!

 [cincopa AgDAjY8OSs9I]

Thursday October 8th
Depart Portland and head to Boston Logan as one big happy family. We will leave in the early afternoon and make our way across the Atlantic direct with Aer Lingus to the sunny shores of the Emerald Isle (a little optimism never hurt anyone).

Friday 9th
Let the games begin! Shortly after 7am we will make our way to the rather impressive Cliffs of Moher. I can’t imagine a better welcome to Ireland than standing 700ft above the wild Atlantic ocean below. Enjoy a little time here before moving on up along the coast to Galway for some free time to take in this wonderful city. After lunch we will head on out towards the Gaeltacht village of Spiddeal and along the Connemara coast to the mystic village of Clifden, where we will be hosted by the Hughes family at the beautiful Abbey Glen Castle. Your hosts will give a brief presentation, offer a welcome toast and we will enjoy dinner as a group this first evening.
Accommodation : Abbeyglen Castle, Clifden

Saturday 10th
After breakfast and maybe a short walk to freshen up and take in the views of Clifden, we travel on up to Westport in Co Mayo via the beautiful route known as the Sky Road, that offers spectacular views of an untouched Ireland. After a brief stop at Kylemore Abbey, on past Connemara National Park and Killary Harbor, we’ll continue through Delphi before taking the beautiful Doolough Pass Rd into Westport. All I can say is have the camera well charged, the whole day will just amaze you.
This evening you will be free to explore the beautiful town of Westport. We will be in Matt Molloy’s Pub if you’re looking for us, at least for the start of the night.
Accommodation: Castlecourt Hotel, Westport

Sunday 11th
This morning we head off towards Donegal, but not without a little focus on WB Yeats himself, 2015 is a whole year of celebrating the life of Yeats and what better way to commemorate than to pay your respects at his resting place in Drumcliff. From there we will stop into the world famous Beleek China for a fascinating look at how this highly sought after China came to be and just in case we don’t wear out every hour in the day upon arrival in Donegal we will make out way to Slieve League Cliffs that stand three times higher than the Cliffs of Moher! Absolutely incredible sight.
Accommodation: Central Hotel, Donegal

Monday 12th
Today we have another amazing adventure in store as we head North eventually crossing the border into the Northern Ireland into Derry, you will have the option of joining the tour on up to the most Northern point in the country as we explore the Inishowen Peninsula and Malin Head. Those of you that would prefer to relax and explore the beautiful city of Derry, are of course free to do so.
Accommodation: City Hotel, Derry

Tuesday 13th
With one full day to explore Derry and recharge the batteries, we will avoid the bus today as much as possible and enjoy the company of our local guide, who will explain the fascinating story that these walls tell. The remainder of the evening will be free or you can take a trip to Omagh and the Ulster American Folk Park the choice is yours.We will reunite in the evening and explore Derry by night.
Accommodation: City Hotel, Derry

Wednesday 14th
Another actioned packed day today as we make our way from Derry to Ballycastle the attractions along the way are just breathtaking, to get it going we will stop into Dunluce Castle, then try a little Uisce Beatha / Whiskey at the Bushmills distillery. From there it’s onto the dramatic views of the Giants Causeway and then the spectacular Carrick a Ride rope bridge! After such a day we’ll be ready to rest our heads in the small town of Ballycastle!
Accommodation: Marine Hotel, Ballycastle

Thursday 15th
This morning we take on the scenic drive down the Antrim Coastline designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and considered one of the most scenic drives in Ireland. We should be in Belfast in the early afternoon to let you begin your exploration of this fascinating city.
Accommodation: Europa Hotel, Belfast

Friday 16th
On this final full day we let you explore this amazing city for yourself, Belfast is bustling with options and an early start would be well advised. From the state of the art Titanic Museum, to the Black Cabs Tours of Catholic and protestant regions of the city. In the evening we will all meet up for one final hurrah!
Accommodation: Europa Hotel, Belfast

Saturday 17th
Homeward bound, we make our way down towards Dublin for our flight back to the US. That is unless you decide to stay with us in Dublin for a few days!

DOWNLOAD BOOKING FORM HERE
A deposit of $300 will be required to secure your space, Final payment is due June 1st.

Download hardcopy of itinerary here

This package is open to Members of the Irish American Club on a first come first served basis. Only 30 spaces will be are available, this smaller group has many advantages and allows us to do much more in a less obtrusive way. Book soon to avoid disappointment. It’s not a matter of IF we sell out BUT WHEN!