KOSHER EXPERIENCES WITH
DENNIS & MALCOLM

28 August – 6 September 2012

TUESDAY 28 AUGUST DAY 1: ARRIVAL — TRANSFER TO YOUR HOTEL

Upon arrival at Dublin airport you will be met by your guide, who will have a sign “Dennis & Malcolm”. When everyone has arrived you will transfer to your hotel.

WEDNESDAY 29 AUGUST DAY 2: BALLINASLOE – CLONMACNOISE – ATHLONE

Today you will head westwards across the midlands to Athlone. Enjoy an HISTORIC CRUISE on the Shannon & Lough Ree. The Viking I takes you back 1200 years to when Viking Warbands roamed and pillaged in these waters. The cruise goes to Lough Ree and to the Monastic site of Clonmacnoise. With the strong Viking connection to Clonmacnoise, arrival or departure aboard a Viking Ship adds immeasurably to the visit. During the cruise to Lough Ree and its islands live commentary is provided, with tales of Viking treasure and return our hotel in Ballinasloe for overnight

THURSDAY 30 AUGUST DAY 3: CONNEMARA

This morning set out to explore the wilderness of CONNEMARA, a region which is populated largely by sheep and the native Connemara-Ponies. Here you will see some of the most majestic scenery of Ireland dotted with hundreds of small lakes. The stonewalls, tiny farms, isolated thatched cottages and heather covered hills are bounded by a sea coastline with many quiet sandy beaches. Visit KYLEMORE ABBEY–Kylemore Abbey’s greatest attraction is its location. Nestled at the base of Duchruach Mountain [1736ft] on the northern shore of Lough Pollacappul, in the heart of the Connemara Mountains, it is regarded as one of Ireland’s most romantic buildings. Today the Abbey is the monastic home of the Irish Benedictine Nuns and a renowned international girls’ boarding school. However, it was built in the 1860′s as a country seat for Mitchell Henry, the son of a wealthy Manchester merchant. We will join the shuttle bus service which takes us to our award winning restored 6-acre Victorian Walled Garden and Tea House. In addition to the garden visitors can visit our restored Glasshouses, the Head Gardener’s House, Workman’s Bothy and if we have time we will enjoy our beautiful Woodland, Wild Garden and Lakeshore Walks.

On your return journey you will stop in Moycullen and visit CONNEMARA CELTIC CRYSTAL. This family run business specialises incorporating unique Celtic designs and Gaelic motifs into ornate Irish Crystal. The tour gives you an insight into this traditional Irish craft and afterwards you can witness the creation of a unique piece of crystal by our master craftsmen. Return our hotel in Ballinasloe for dinner and overnight.

FRIDAY 31 AUGUST DAY 4: GALWAY CITY

Depart today for Galway city, and a full day of sightseeing and shopping. GALWAY, a medieval city, is a whirlwind of activity with pubs and restaurants, arts, crafts and culture, bursting with things to do and people to meet. A short orientation tour will include Eyre Square, the Court House, Salmon Weir Bridge, Cathedral, Claddagh Village and the Spanish Arch. Time at leisure in Galway city centre.

Return our hotel in Ballinasloe for Erev Shabbat Service, Dinner and overnight

SHABBAT 1 SEPTEMBER DAY 5: – DAY AT LEISURE

After morning services, we will have the afternoon to relax in the comfort of your first class hotel.

Luncheon & Dinner then overnight at hotel.

SUNDAY 2 SEPTEMBER DAY 6: – EXCURSION TO THE CLIFFS OF MOHER AND ARAN ISLANDS

In the morning you will travel through the magnificent landscape of the BURREN, a karst limestone region with a vast lunar like landscape. It is famous for its botanic variety harbouring many rare plants and flowers. Continue to the nearby famous towering CLIFFS OF MOHER, metres above the Atlantic Ocean at their highest point one of Ireland’s most spectacular sights. Standing over 200 and stretching for 8km along the rugged coastline, the Cliffs boast one of the most amazing views in Ireland. We will enter O’Brien’s Tower which will give us access to the rooftop area that offers the best photo opportunity of the Cliffs. From here you will cross the Atlantic to visit one of the Aran Islands, The three islands stretch across the mouth of Galway Bay. Fishing & tourism are the main industries. Old island traditions live on; the currach (a light tar-covered boat) is still used by some for fishing and for the summer races. Most island women knit the traditional Aran sweater and pass on the skill. Gaelic is the first language among the islanders but most are bilingual. Inish more is a paradise of flora and fauna but also a vast open-air museum, rich in archaeological and monastic sites. You will tour the island by minibus and visit the impressive stone fort Dun Aengus. After spending some time in the local village you will return by ferry to the mainland to join our coach.

Return our hotel in Ballinasloe for dinner and overnight.

MONDAY 3 SEPTEMBER DAY 7: LIMERICK

Depart today for a direct transfer to Limerick. Visit Bunratty Castle and Folkpark – One of Irelands top visitor attractions, Bunratty Castle is the most complete and authentic medieval castle in the country. Built in 1425, it was faithfully restored in 1954 and has furnishings and tapestries which capture the mood and style of the times. The Folk Park, set in 26 acres, recreates 19th century Ireland. The Park features include a recreated village street, eight farmhouses, a watermill, blacksmiths forge, Macs pub and restaurant and a display of 19th century agricultural machinery. Continue on to Limerick city for a panoramic tour.

From there we travel to Dublin for dinner and overnight.

TUESDAY 4 SEPTEMBER DAY 8: WICKLOW

Today we leave Dublin and travel along the southern coastline to Bray for a photo stop before continuing deep into the heart of Wicklow’s hilly countryside. You’ll be suitably impressed by the magnificent historic house and gardens of Powerscourt Estate. Dating back to the 18th century, Powerscourt’s gardens command views over the surrounding countryside, and the house is one of Ireland’s finest.

Your tour continues into the heart of the Wicklow Mountains to Glendalough. Glendalough is a truly spellbinding place, home to the impressive 10th-century Round Tower. After your guided tour of this beautiful spiritual site, you will have time to enjoy lunch, surrounded by some of the most beautiful countryside Ireland has to offer. Return our hotel in Dublin for dinner and overnight

WEDNESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER DAY 9: DUBLIN

This morning we will visit the DUBLIN SYNAGOGUE and JEWISH MUSEUM. From there we will enjoy a panoramic DUBLIN CITY TOUR and see the famous Georgian quarter which incorporates some of Dublin’s loveliest 18th-century streets, squares, and landmarks – most famous the colourful doors of Dublin. See the Parliament Building, Dublin Castle, Trinity College, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Phoenix Park, O’Connell Street and other landmarks. If time permits you will visit TRINITY COLLEGE, the scholarly home to many classical and contemporary Irish writers. See the world famous Book of Kells, an early Christian illuminated manuscript, handwritten and beautifully decorated by Irish monks. The magnificent old library hall “The Long Room” will also impress you. Return our hotel in Dublin for dinner and overnight

THURSDAY 6 SEPTEMBER DAY 10: DUBLIN

Transfer to Dublin for check in at airport and departure for home after a fantastic & memorable experience.

For those with an afternoon departure, you will be taken downtown for free time to walk around and have a last look at the sights and shops!

OUR HOTELS : Carlton Shearwater (www.carlton.ie)

Carlton Shearwater (www.shearwaterhotel.com) Is one of the newest Ballinasloe Hotels, is an exquisite 4 star hotel and spa resort. Ideally situated at Marina Point on the majestic River Suck, one of the most beautiful rivers in the country, this is the perfect retreat. Each room has air conditioning, direct dial phones, complimentary broadband access, digital TV & hospitality tray. The rooms are luxurious, and the hotel has a leisure & fitness centre with swimming pool which will make your stay with us a magical one. The hotel offers a range of soothing treatments and a team of expert beauticians that will ensure you look as good on the outside as we promise, to make you feel on the inside. All that’s left for you to do is sit back, relax and enjoy your stay.

Dunboyne Castle Hotel in Co. Meath. www.dunboynecastlehotel.com

With a sophisticated combination of traditional old-world opulence and contemporary design, Dunboyne Castle hotel in Meath, Ireland, sets a new precedent and fresh interpretation of a Luxury Castle Hotel in Ireland, only 11 miles from Dublin.
One of the leading Meath hotels, Dunboyne Castle stands on 2 acres of mature manicured lawns and gardens, the Castle’s most unique attribute is the peaceful oasis it offers guests while also located in such close proximity to Dublin’s City Centre, surrounding golf courses and near Dublin Airport. Beautifully restored, the historic mansion, once home to the Lord of Dunboyne, today serves as one of Ireland’s foremost exclusive hotels near Dublin. Every detail within this Castle hotel in Meath, Ireland, has been carefully considered, from its dazzling soaring interior to sumptuous soft furnishings

KASHRUT

All daily kosher meals will be freshly prepared in our own on site kosher kitchen by the No. 1 kosher cruise team of the renowned chef Malcolm Green, who will be supervised by Rabbi Shmuel Weiss. All meat glatt & cholav yisroel dairy products.

COST:

Euro1950Per person on a share twin basis if booked and deposited by 17 March

Single supplement: Euro400

Includes: Transfer from Dublin airport (must arrive before 2pm), Hotel accommodation, Freshly cooked kosher meals daily including lunch boxes when touring, Touring as per schedule, Entrance fees where applicable, Transfer to Dublin airport for departure.

Please note that if you do not participate in a tour, no refund is applicable.

Exclusions:

Airfares
Personal expenses
Travel Insurance: Highly suggested
Optional tours where applicable

There is a 3% surcharge for credit card payments.

Costs and arrangements are subject to change with or without notice