Our trip to Ireland in 2009 is based in Dublin and The Burren, County Clare plus one night in Kilkenny. 

Dublin, the capital city of Ireland is famous for its theatre, nightlife, music and Guinness.The City of Dublin can trace its origins back over 1,000 years. From a small Viking settlement Dublin has evolved into one of the most vibrant capitals in the world. A city rich in cultural heritage, by walking the streets of Dublin you will see the many reminders from our past, from the beautifully illuminated Book of Kells dating from 800 AD, to our splendid Georgian architecture, magnificent medieval castles and fine cathedrals. Dublin’s glorious past is very much alive and Interactive. For those interested in history, architecture or art or for those who would just like to experience a slice of history, Dublin is truly the place to be! Website: Irish guide Ireland tourist information Dublin

The Burren or Boirean (barren place or stony district) is a classic example of Karst (limestone) upland on the
west coast of Ireland and is renowned for its geology, archaeology and botany. Our accommodation is in the Doolin area, the centre and mecca of Irish traditional music.

 Thursday, September 10, 2009 

• Depart from Toronto on Air Canada in the evening, non stop to Dublin.

 Friday, September 11, 2009 

• Arrive in Dublin in the morning
• Sightseeing around Dublin during the day
• Overnight in Dublin with dinner included

 Saturday, September 12, 2009 

• Day to tour Dublin on foot as organized by Greg Vincent
• Breakfast and dinner included today
• Overnight in Dublin

 Sunday, September 13, 2009 

• After breakfast we head for the heart of the Wicklow Mountains to visit the 7th Century village Glendalough where St Kevin founded a monastery in the sixth century [The English name Glendalough comes from the Irish Gleann Dá Locha which translates to "The valley of the two lakes".].
• We walk around one of the most beautiful lakes in Ireland [Walk: 9 km on tracks and board walk.]
• Then we journeying Kilkenny and overnight in Kilkenny.
• While B & B accommodation is available in Kilkenny there will be an opportunity for those who wish, to stay in an authentic 15th Century Tower House typical of those lived in by the old Gaelic chieftains. Foulksrath Castle, while retaining most of its original features, including stone spiral staircase, is now a same sex dormitory hostel.  Those wishing to take this alternative must confirm when booking the holiday. There will be a reduction equivalent to the difference in the price of accommodation for those doing so. NOTE: The hostel accommodation is comfortable but basic.
• Breakfast and dinner included.

 Monday, September 14, 2009 

• While most of the day is spent travelling to The Burren, we will break our journey at the Rock of Cashel. Admission fee of approximately 5 Euros is not included.
• Overnight in Doolin.
• This will remain our base for the rest of the holiday and breakfast, packed lunch and dinner are included until we return to Dublin

 Tuesday, September15, 2009 

• Cliffs of Moher from Doolin >
• The route follows the shoreline north of Doolin. Here the immense power of the Atlantic swells can be inferred from the massive limestone blocks, some more than 100 tonnes, that have been excavated from the cliffs. Beyond Doolin the walk southwards ascends gradually to the magnificent Cliffs of Moher.
• Walk: 10-11 km on limestone pavements and grassy cliff tops.

 Wednesday, September 16, 2009 

• Fanore to Ballyvaughan
• Today the walk starts at the beach at Fanore and follows the ‘green road’ above Black Head and the southern shore of Galway Bay, immortalised by the song of the same name.
• Walk: 13-14 km mostly on grass tracks. Some road walking - although the minibus will be available for those wishing to avoid the final section.

 Thursday, September 17, 2009 

• Sightseeing and visit to Ennis.
• Today we visit some of the archaeological monuments for which The Burren is renowned and,
• Ennis, the county town of Clare.

 Friday, September 18, 2009 

• Mullaghmore
• If there was only one picture epitomising the changing nature of the earths crust, it would be that of Mullaghmore Mountain.
• Today we climb to its summit at the modest height of 214 m (702 feet)
• Walk: 8-9 km over limestone terraces.
• Mullaghmore Mt. Ancient sub marine sedimentary limestone beds uplifted and folded by plate tectonics.

 Saturday, September 19, 2009 

• Inis Oir (Inisheer) - Inis Oírr Island, one of the three Aran Islands off the West Coast of Ireland
• Consistent with all of Greg Vincent’s previous trekking trips to Ireland, that have included an island visit, today we take a ferry trip to the Aran Island of Inis Oir (pronounced INISHEER).
• The boat journey can be rough and our trip is very much dependent on the weather. For this reason the fare is NOT included in the cost of the holiday.
• Walk (on the island): Various choices on stony and sandy beaches and surfaced tracks.
• See generalized map of islands here

 Sunday, September 20, 2009 

• A day to wind down with a walk over Aillwee Mountain (ascent 100m / 300ft) to the Great Bear Cave a spectacular cavern carved in limestone by water over millions of years. Admission fee to cave of approximately 17 Euros is not included.
• Walk: 4-5 km on surfaced track and limestone terraces plus guided tour of cave.

 Monday, September 21, 2009 

• Transfer from Doolin to Dublin
• This trip will take the better part of the day and on arrival we will overnight in Dublin.
• Breakfast and Dinner included

 Tuesday, September 22, 2009 

• After breakfast this morning we will depart for the Dublin airport.
• Our flight is scheduled for this morning and arrival back in Toronto around 1 pm.

Greg Vincent has led five trips to Britain and Ireland handled by Dave Southall. Greg has led hikes for the past thirty years in Canada, the United States, the Caribbean  and Europe. Although the walking part of the outings is important to Greg, he is very much interested in the human history, geology and flora of the areas he walks. When the day is done and the day's walk is discussed the whole experience of the walk is what keeps him wanting more. Greg's training as an Air Force navigator and Army artillery officer helps getting the group to the destination!

Dave Southall has been mountaineering in Great Britain and Ireland for more than 30 years and is the only combined Blue Badge Guide and qualified Mountain Leader (Northern Ireland Mountain Leader Training Board) in the country.  A former bank manager he was awarded a first class honours degree in Environmental Science (2006) and Master of Research degree by the University of Ulster. He is currently studying for a D. Phil in post glacial landscape evolution. He also holds a Certificate in Archaeology from the Institute of Lifelong Learning at Queens University, Belfast. He is hopeless at identifying birds and flowers.

• Air fare from Toronto to Dublin on Air Canada including all current taxes and fuel
• All hotel accommodations – hotel in Dublin and Bed and Breakfast in Kilkenny and Doolin including all taxes.
• Meals as listed – all breakfasts and dinners, packed lunches while in Doolin including all taxes and gratuities.
• Transportation from arrival in Dublin until departure other than in Dublin on second day when sightseeing is planned on foot.
• Services of Greg Vincent as tour leader from Toronto.
• Services of Dave Southall in Ireland to lead the walks and so on
• A pint of Guinness for the first person to tell Dave what is the link between Dublin, Doolin and England’s premier seaside town.

• Entrance fees to tourist attractions as these are a matter of personal choice.
• Ferry fares to Aran Island.
• Gratuities to local driver/guide in Ireland.
• Items of a personal nature (i.e. phone calls, alcoholic beverages, etc).
• Cancellation and or Medical Insurance (recommended).

• Cost per person based on sharing in a double room -- $3795.00
• Reduction in price for Hostel accommodation in Kilkenny is $25.00
• Deposit $500.00 per person at time of booking
• Final payment is July 20, 2009
• Insurance is highly recommended and quotes will be provided upon request

Contact: Judy Anger Goliger's TravelPlus, Waterloo 234 King Street South, Waterloo, ON N2J 1R3

Telephone: 519-741-0770 Toll free: 1-800-465-4437 Website: www.go.travelplus.ca

Contact Greg > here's how