Join Matt Zembo on his Tour of Ireland!
Hello Everyone,
I am leading a history-focused group trip to Ireland through Hammond Tours in May of 2022. I have spots still available for those interested. These trips have been been a lot of fun in the past with a good mix of students, faculty, and members of the community participating. I am excited as there are some places on this itinerary I have not visited myself! I do try to pack in even more than you see on the itinerary below. If you went on any of my previous Ireland trips there is very little over lap with those past trips. If you have any questions please feel free to e-mail me at m.zembo@hvcc.edu.
Matt Zembo
$2,199 LAND ONLY PER PERSON
Air to be quoted closer to the trip. With Covid it has been hard to nail down a price so far in advance. I would say to be conservative plan on $600 to $800.
May 25-June 2, 2022
Day 1–Wednesday, May 25
USA to Ireland; depart USA for overnight flight to Ireland.
Day 2–Thursday, May 26
Dublin. After an early morning arrival in Dublin, we will be met by our driver guide to do some touring. On arrival we take a panoramic tour of the city. 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 remain to this day. Drive through famous Phoenix Park, where the Pope said Mass in the late 70’s, and then stop at Trinity College to walk the grounds. An optional inside visit will allow you to view the 8th century manuscripts, The Book of Kells, which is still preserved as it was when the Monks produced it all those centuries ago. This afternoon, you will have some free time to explore Dublin’s most famous street, Grafton St, in the bustling heart of the city centre. You will find the biggest range of pubs, shops and restaurants in the busy hive that surrounds it, a warren of side streets and alleys that is almost always full of people. Many of the city’s most important sights and museums are here, as is Dublin’s best-loved city park, St Stephen’s Green. Overnight at the Camden Court Hotel.
Day 3–Friday, May 27
Dublin – Cork. This morning after a big Irish breakfast we will start off for Cork. Along the way we will visit the Rock of Cashel. The Rock of Cashel is one of Ireland’s most spectacular historic sites: a prominent green hill, banded with limestone outcrops, rising from a grassy plain and bristling with ancient fortifications. Sturdy walls circle an enclosure containing a round tower, a 13th-century Gothic cathedral and the finest 12th-century Romanesque chapel in Ireland, home to some of the land’s oldest frescoes. It is a five-minute stroll from the town centre up to the Rock, from where fantastic views range over the Tipperary countryside. From here we will make our way to Kinsale to Charles Fort, a popular attraction which was constructed in the late 17th century on the site of an earlier coastal fortification. Charles Fort is a classic example of a star-shaped fort and has five bastions. The two seaward bastions, the Devil’s and the Charles’ were for defending the harbor and both are casemated – that is, they have gun embrasures inside as well as on top of the walls. Then it onto Cork for the evening. Overnight at The Imperial Hotel Cork.
Day 4–Saturday, May 28
Cork – Killarney. This morning after breakfast at our hotel we will make our way to Camden Fort Meagher, which is internationally recognized as being “One of the finest remaining examples of a classical Coastal Artillery Fort in the world”. For almost 400 years the fort played a key role as a strong strategic position for the defense of Ireland, the west coast of England and Wales. 65% of the fort is located underground in a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers. The fort is a prime location to watch ships passing through Cork Harbour, the second largest natural harbour in the world. After a stop for lunch, we will make our way to Cobh Heritage Center, over three million Irish people emigrated from this port. Learn about Irish Emigration story, trace your ancestors, hear about the ill-fated Titanic and the Lusitania, and immerse yourself in Irish naval and military history at Cobh Heritage Centre. Dinner and Overnight at The Killarney International.
Day 5–Sunday, May 29
Killarney- Ring of Kerry- Killarney. Today we will experience the stunning views of the Ring of Kerry.
In essence, the Ring of Kerry is the ring road that follows the coastal contours of Kerry’s Iveragh Peninsula. The Ring of Kerry is one of Ireland’s most famous circuits and a popular holiday route to drive. Much more than a simple driving route, the Ring of Kerry is an iconic destination wrapped in a stunning visual history, with diverse wildlife scattered across Ireland’s lush green hills. Then back to Killarney and time permitting we will stop at Ross Castle. A vision on the shores of Lough Leane, the 15th-century Ross Castle was built as a medieval fortress for an Irish chieftain named O’Donoghue and was said to be one of the last strongholds to fall to the brutal English Cromwellian forces in the mid-16th century. The ruin has been restored and features lovely 16th- and 17th-century furniture. Overnight at The Killarney International.
Day 6–Monday, May 30
Killarney – Galway. This morning after breakfast we leave Killarney and travel to the Cliffs of Moher. The cliffs are astonishingly impressive and staggeringly beautiful. The entirely vertical cliffs rise to a height of 700 feet, their edge falling away abruptly into a ceaselessly churning Atlantic. A progression of vast heads, the dark limestone marches in a rigid formation that is gob smacking, no matter how many times you look at it. On a clear day you’ll channel Barbra Streisand as you can see forever; the Aran Islands stand etched on the waters of Galway Bay, and beyond lie the hills of Connemara. Then onto Galway. Arty, bohemian Galway is renowned for its pleasures. Brightly painted pubs heave with live music, while cafes offer front-row seats for observing street performers. Steeped in history, for sure, but the city buzzes with a contemporary and cultured vibe as students make up a quarter of the population. Enjoy some free time this afternoon. Dinner and Overnight at The Imperial Hotel Galway.
Day 7–Tuesday, May 31
Galway – Aran Island (optional). After a full Irish Breakfast, we enjoy a tour of The Aran Islands. Inis Mór is the largest of the three Aran Islands and is the most developed in terms of tourist facilities. There are about 900 inhabitants on Inis Mór making it by far the most populated of the islands. The main village on the island is Kilronan, which has a quite large harbour that accommodates a vast amount of tourist travel to the island. Standing guard over Inishmore, Dun Aengus, 8km west of Kilronan, has three massive drystone walls that run right up to sheer drops to the ocean below. Believed to be up to 2000 years old, the fort is protected by remarkable chevaux de frise, fearsome and densely packed defensive limestone spikes. Displays at its small visitor centre provide context and a 900m walkway wanders uphill to the fort itself. We return to Galway. Those not taking the Aran Islands tour will have a free day in Galway. Overnight Imperial Hotel Galway.
Day 8–Wednesday, June 1
Galway – Dublin. This morning after breakfast we will start off for Dublin. Once we get to Dublin, we will stop at Kilmainham Jail. A threatening grey building, built in 1796, it is played a role in virtually every act of Ireland’s painful path to independence, and even today, despite closing in 1924, it still has the power to chill. The uprisings of 1798, 1803, 1848, 1867 and 1916 ended with the leaders’ confinement here. As a finale, prisoners from the Civil War were held here from 1922. Browsing the museum will give you excellent context and access to some of the former prisoners’ personal belongings and letters. The enthusiastic guides provide a thought-provoking tour of the eerie prison, the largest unoccupied building of its kind in Europe. The tour finishes in the gloomy yard where the 1916 executions took place. This afternoon you can explore Dublin on your own. Overnight at the Camden Court Hotel.
Day 9–Thursay, June 2
Dublin Airport. Today we make our way to Dublin Airport for your flight home.
Your tour package includes the following:
–Roundtrip airfare from NYC Area (Flights announced 100 days prior to departure) if purchased.
–Seven (7) nights accommodations as follows or similar:
Dublin–Camden Court Hotel – 1 Night **** www.camdencourthotel.com
Cork–Imperial hotel-1 Night **** www.flynnhotels.com
Killarney–Killarney International Hotel -2 Nights- **** www.killarneyinternational.com
Galway–Imperial Hotel-2 Nights *** www.imperialhotelgalway.ie
Dublin–Camden Court Hotel-1 Night **** www.camdencourthotel.com
–Full Irish breakfast daily
–Two dinners:
–Admission to Book of Kells, Cliffs of Moher, Cobh Heritage Center,
–Sightseeing as per itinerary
–Touring by Deluxe Touring Motor coach
–Services of Professional Irish driver/guide throughout
–Taxes and service charges, except gratuity to driver/guide
Cancellation Penalties: If written cancellation is received by Hammond Tour more than 120 days prior to departure, a processing fee of $250.00 per person will apply. From 120 Days or less prior to departure, a 100% cancellation penalty fee applies. We strongly recommend Travel Cancellation & Interruption Insurance. Please note: Hammond Tours and Matt Zembo are not responsible for any loss, damages or injuries that may happen while on the tour.
(For cancellation insurance, contact www.travelguard.com.
RESEVATION APPLICATION
Please reserve _____ seat(s) on your Tour of Ireland — May 25-June 2, 2022 (MZ052522)
I enclose a deposit of $ _________ ($250 per person)
Final Payment Due: 01/20/22
(Make check payable to Hammond Tours.)
NAME (as on passport):
D.O.B.:
Address:
Phone (cell preferred, but include home and/or work):
Email:
Room Type: Twin (2 Beds) / Double (1 Bed) / Single
YOU MUST PAY A SINGLE SUPPLEMENT IF NOT TRAVELING WITH A COMPANION. PLEASE ADVISE IF YOU NEED A ROOMMATE.
Single Supplement (limited availability): $499
ROOMMATE NAME (as appears on passport):
D.O.B:
Other passengers traveling with me (bus companions):
TOUR IS BASED ON A MINIMUM OF 25 PARTICPANTS.
AIRFARE IS NOT GUARANTEED UNTIL PACKAGE IS PAID IN FULL.
Send check and application to:
HAMMOND TOURS
34 Wedgewood Lane
Voorheesville, NY 12186
(518) 765-2056
0perations@hammondtours.com
Published: Fri, 03 Dec 2021 12:35:01 +0000 by m.zembo