Summary

 

Upon arrival in Dublin on Saturday, we will take the shuttle or taxis to our guesthouse, unpack and settle in. After freshening up, we’ll immediately embark on our Ireland adventure via the DART, the commuter train along Dublin’s coast (station right around the corner from our guesthouse). We will spend the afternoon exploring one or more of the many charming sea towns before meeting in Howth for our welcome dinner, after which we will take the train home and fall into bed for a refreshing and much needed night’s rest. The next day will be spent exploring Dublin, using the furnished Hop-On-Hop-Off (HO-HO) bus pass. A visit to Trinity College’s Book of Kells display is included, after which we’ll enjoy our first taste of pub grub at Dublin’s famous O’Neill’s Pub. The afternoon is free to visit Dublin’s many attractions on your own.

 

Bright and early Monday morning our Irish Tourist Board (Failte) certified guide Tim will pick us up at our guesthouse in Dublin. During the next two weeks our little group (12 maximum), escorted in our luxurious and spacious little motor coach, will discover the myriad beautiful, charming and mysterious sights, sounds, and tastes of the Emerald Isle, making a wide circle, primarily around the coast. ‘Must See’ locations, such as Cliffs of Moher, Kilkenny Castle, Ring of Kerry, Killarney, the ‘Quiet Man’ country of Connemara, and more will be interspersed with lesser known local gems, such as Cobh, Doolin, the Aran Island of Inish Mor, and New Grange, among many others. Tim knows them all, and together we have crafted an experience unlike any other to be found in the tourist industry, with a relaxed schedule of mostly two-night (and one three-night) stays. Take note that we will have 14 full sightseeing days, narrated by a wonderful and knowledgeable guide. And I (Drifter Sister) will be along to keep everything on track and running smoothly.

 

This tour is All Inclusive. You will be treated to three meals daily, including a glass of wine or beer (or other beverage) with dinner, and a few wine/cheese receptions before dinner. All of the activities mentioned in the Itinerary are included. Even gratuities to service people (and Tim) are included. You will not need to take out your wallet, other than to purchase a souvenir or two. Take a look at the detailed itinerary, and you will see what a special tour this is.

 

A pre-trip extension to Northern Ireland is also being offered.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Itinerary

 

Although every effort will be made to adhere to this itinerary, it is subject to tweaking as conditions dictate.

 

 

 

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Inclusions

 

Included

 

This tour is ALL INCLUSIVE

 

• All lodging as stipulated in the Itinerary*
• Entrance to All Activities as stipulated in the Itinerary*
• 3 Meals daily, plus several wine/cheese receptions
• 1 glass of wine (or other drink) with dinners
• Transportation in Luxury Mini-Motor Coach
• Tim - our extra-special Failte-Certified Guide
• All Gratuities
• Transfers to/from Airport
• Catch The Wind cap and/or luggage strap

 

Extras and Not Included

 

• Airfare to/from Dublin
• Optional Activities not on Itinerary
• Between meal snacks, Irish Coffees, etc.
• Alcoholic beverages that are not included with receptions and dinners
• Any personal expenses (i.e. telephone calls, laundry, etc.)
• Travel insurance (highly recommended)

 

*NOTE: Although every effort will be made to adhere to this itinerary, it is subject to tweaking as conditions dictate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accommodations

 

Our accommodations will be mostly family-owned guesthouses, which are like B&Bs, but with a few more rooms, interspersed by two small hotels (in Killarney and Kilkenny), and one large hotel for our final night near the airport. Along with a certain quality standard, they have been chosen primarily for their locations in small towns, in order to enhance the experience of fully enjoying the local people and ambience of Irish life. Full Irish breakfasts are included each morning.

 

 

 

Price

 

LET’S GO TO IRELAND, April 14 - 29, 2012 (4 Slots Remaining)

 

$4,800 per person, double occupancy

 

Single Supplement $1,000
(an attempt will be made to pair you with a roommate if you want, but there is no guarantee)

 

DEPOSIT AND FINAL PAYMENT DUE DATES

 

$500 Deposit due November 15, 2011, or upon sign up after this date

$4,300 Final Payment due February 15 or upon sign up after this date

 

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT

 

Sign up before November 15, 2011 to receive $100 Early Bird Discount
(will be reflected on Final Payment Invoice)

 

NORTHERN IRELAND PRE-TRIP EXTENSION, April 10 -13, 2012

(Includes 4 nights hotel, 2 meals daily, Deluxe Van or Motor Coach and Guide, Activities)

 

$1750 per person, double occupancy

 

Single Supplement $350

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All prices are based on a currency rate of euro 1.5 or less. If it goes above this rate, the price of the trip may go up.

 

Cancellation Policy: If you must cancel 120 days prior to departure (for any reason), you will be receive 100% refund of any monies you have paid to Drifter Sister, less any prepaid nonrefundable purchases made by Drifter Sister. If a cancellation occurs between 119 and 75 days prior to departure, you will receive a 75% refund of any monies you have paid to Drifter Sister, less any prepaid nonrefundable purchases made by Drifter Sister. In the case of a cancellation after 75 days prior to departure, a 50% refund of monies paid to Drifter Sister, less any prepaid nonrefundable purchases made by Drifter Sister, will be allowed only if the trip is full and a replacement can be found for you. Otherwise there will be no refund.

 

 

How to Book

 

How To Book

 

• Send an email of your interest to ihla@driftersister.com, or call Drifter Sister at 702-294-4365.

• Secure your spot by sending $100 Good Faith check (made out to Drifter Sister) to:

 

Drifter Sister
P.O. Box 60042
Boulder City, NV    89006

OR

 

Pay through PayPal

 

(For your convenience we offer this credit card payment option for the Deposits. However, for the Trip deposit, we must include PayPal's 2.9% fee.)

 

Select Payment Type

Good Faith Deposit $100.00 USD Trip Deposit $514.50 USD

 

• When the Good Faith deposit is received, sign-up paperwork will be sent to you via email. Please let me know if you would prefer it to be sent via snail mail.
• Deposit for this trip is $500, and is due upon sign-up.
• An Early Bird Discount of $100 applies to sign-ups prior to November 15, 2011.
• Final payment of $4,300 will be due on February 15, 2012. A separate invoice will be sent to you for this payment (adjusted for Early Bird Discount if applicable).
• All payments other than the Good Faith deposit (if made via PayPal) must be made by check.

 

NOTE: Your Good Faith deposit is applied to the cost of the trip, and is fully refundable if you must cancel for any reason. It also qualifies you for the Early Bird Discount if received prior to November 15, 2011.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FAQ

 

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GENERAL QUESTIONS

 

Q. Are there physical limitations for this trip?

A. Active adults of all ages are welcome. You will need to be able to get in and out of busses, trains, ferries and the motor coach, take care of your own luggage, and walk a lot. The ruins, castles and other attractions have stairs and uneven surfaces. The bedrooms in the guesthouses are often on the second, or even third floors, and often do not have elevators. I am sorry, but I cannot accommodate wheelchair-bound clients.

Q. Is there a limitation on luggage?

A. I strongly suggest you not bring multiple or large pieces of luggage.

Q. What is a reasonable size for luggage?

A. One medium-sized bag and one small carry-on per person. As you pack, remember that nothing fancy is planned. If you are a couple, each should have his/her own medium-sized piece of luggage, instead of sharing one big one.

Q. What is the dress code for this trip?

A. We will not be doing anything fancy, so casual is fine. Jeans or equivalent and casual tops and shirts are fine. However one or two nicer casual outfit(s) is appropriate for evening and special meals. Most churches do not allow sleeveless tops or shorts.

Q. What will the weather be like?

A. I can almost guarantee we will have rain, as Ireland is green for a reason (In April 2010 we didn’t have one drop of rain – but that could truly be considered a miracle). It will also still be cold this time of year. You will need a jacket, and an umbrella or raincoat. The following is provided as a guideline.

Average temps in April - hi 54, low 38, Precipitation: 2.4 inches

Q. Do we need airline tickets?

A. No. But remember to bring your flight e-ticket documentation to the airport with you, and keep it with you the entire trip. You will need it to do your initial check in, both coming and going. You should be able to log on to the airline web sites to print your boarding passes in advance if you like (within 24 hours of the flight). Don’t be alarmed, though, if it won’t let you; sometimes international flights must be done in person at the airport. You may also call the airline and give them your frequent flyer number to ensure you receive credit for your miles. Or be sure to have your frequent flyer number with you and do it at the airport upon arrival.

 

LODGING

 

Q. Do we all have our own bathroom?

A. Yes. The bathrooms are en suite at all locations.  

Q. Are the beds twins or doubles?

A. I reserve twin rooms for everyone (two twin beds) If you prefer a double, please let me know.

Q. Do we need to bring face cloths?

A. Yes. Face cloths are not provided. They are rarely provided in Europe. (Tip: consider cutting up an old towel into wash cloth sized squares. Bring a supply along, use one for a few days and then throw it out. Your luggage will get lighter each time, and you won’t have to worry about carting a damp wash cloth from place to place.)

Q. Are there hair dryers at the places will be staying?

A. Some may have it. Others will not. You will need to bring your own hair dryer.

Q. What about TP. I've heard the quality in Europe is not good.

A. Their TP is just like ours now

 

ELECTRONICS

 

Q. Is Wi-Fi available where we will be staying?

A. It may be available at some of the guesthouses, and both hotels. There may be a charge for it at the hotels.

Q. Is there a computer available where we will be staying?

A. There are computers for guests’ use at some of the lodging, but we can’t count on it, and may have to pay for using it.     

Q. Are electrical outlets different in Ireland?

A. Yes. You will need to bring an adaptor for UK. This can be picked up at most luggage stores, and K-Mart or Wal Mart, or ordered on line through TravelSmith.com or Magellan.com. You can get some practical advice from my website, www.driftersister.com and the website www.enjoy-europe.com. This is an excellent site. In addition to “Electricity in Europe,” check it out for articles on “Riding the Rails & Waves,” “What to Wear,” Driving the Roads in Europe,” “Communicating as You Travel,” and more. Converters will not be necessary for your electronic gadgets, however if you are bringing an American hair dryer and/or curling iron you will need a converter.

Q. Are there TVs?

A. Many of our lodgings will have TVs in the rooms.

 

MONEY

 

Q. What type of currency do they use in Ireland?

A. The Euro

Q. I heard that credit cards are not always accepted and that we should bring debit cards for the ATM machine.

A. I have never had (or known anyone who has had) a problem using their Visa card. I’ve noticed some merchants will not take American Express, though (Discover might be a problem, as well), but usually Visa and MasterCard are accepted everywhere. You will need some cash (euros) while there, and it is best to use your ATM cards to withdraw from the ATM machines. Remember to check that it is has a 4-digit pin number. Foreign ATMs won’t accept more than 4 digits.

Q. Should I get euros before I leave?

A. That’s up to you. If it’s convenient, through your bank, perhaps you might want to do so. But it’s not necessary, and I wouldn’t recommend it because there are usually fees involved.

Q. How can I get euros while there?

A. ATM’s are everywhere, so you should have a debit card that enables you to withdraw funds

-   Know your network

-   Cirrus (Master Card) and Plus (Visa) are the most common.

-   Make sure your checking account has enough funds in it to cover your anticipated withdrawals, just in case. The ATM’s don’t give you a choice of checking or savings, and they don’t transfer funds.

-  Check your daily withdrawal limit before you go so you will know how much you can take out in a day.

-   Check for fees imposed (so you won’t have any surprises). My credit union charges a 1% International transaction fee, banks may charge more. The ATM’s charge as well.

-   European ATMs accept only 4-digit pin numbers (no letters).  If yours has more than that, be sure you get it changed before you go.

-   This is very important. Let your bank and credit card company know you are going. Otherwise, they may put a hold on your card and/or not allow your purchases.

Q. What can I expect to spend?

A. This tour is all-inclusive, so you will have very few out-of-pocket expenses. Beverages other than those on the Itinerary, between meal snacks, and souvenirs should be the only things for which you will need money.

Q. What is the tipping etiquette in Ireland?

A. Restaurants – 10% if not included in the bill

  Baggage Handling:  1 Euro per bag

  Taxis – Just round up the fare

 

COMMUNICATING WITH THE HOME FRONT

 

Q. Are there phones in the rooms?

A. Some of the rooms will have phones.

Q. How can we get in touch with friends/relatives at home?

A. -   You can use your mobile or SmartPhone. (You will need to talk to your carrier about coverage and charges while in Ireland)

    -   I have a Netbook, which can be used for emails, which you are welcome to use when I am not using it. It must have a wi-fi connection available for this.

    -   I have a Magic Jack, which allows free calls to/from the U.S., which you are welcome to use for safe arrival and/or emergency calls. It also needs a wi-fi connection.

    NOTE: Please be advised that if you have important business to conduct while on this tour, it is your responsibility to make arrangements for communications.

 

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Photos

 

Testimonials

 

“Ihla is such an accommodating, helpful group leader. She is so pleasant to be around. Loved our wonderful guide, comfortable transportation, excellent food, congenial fellow travelers, gorgeous scenery, and organized trip [leader]. Also loved Cobh and Killarney.” – Ann A.

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“Would do it again with Ihla.” – Maggie V.

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“The trip to Ireland went beyond my expectations and I had a wonderful time that will never be forgotten! Tim was fantastic! Very informative. Loved seeing the animals, sheep herder and bird sanctuary, and of course the lambs. Loved the dinners… .” – Connie F.