Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Ireland

Ireland, is an island in north-western Europe which has been divided politically since 1920. Most of the island is made up of the Republic of Ireland. The remainder is Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom. The name “Ireland” applies to the island as a whole, but in English is also the official name of the independent state, since 1937. Thinking of Ireland conjures up beautiful images of ancient sites, lush countryside and majestic coastlines.

Location

North-West of Europe

Population

6,197,100 (as of 2008)

Language

English and Irish Gaelic

Capital of Republic of Ireland

Dublin

Capital of Northern Ireland

Belfast

Religion of Republic of Ireland

Roman Catholic

Religion of Northern Ireland

Protestant Catholic

Currency of Republic of Ireland

Euro

Currency of Northern Ireland

Pound Sterling £

Day 15 - Departure from Dublin

Board your flight at Dublin’s International Airport to fly back to Montreal. Your journey will end at 9 am local time, and transport you back home. You will fly again with Continental, and connect in Newark. At 4:40 pm the same day, you will be back in Montreal, in North America, with millions of souvenirs and feelings!

Day 14 - Dublin

On the first visit of the city some days ago, you had a tour of Guinness Storehouse. But on this last full day in Ireland, you will have the chance to visit the Old Jameson Distillery! It is located in the heart of Dublin, and you will be asked to get there on time for the tour. Your guided tour of the distillery will include information to re-live the story of John Jameson & Son through the history, discover the time honoured secret of how three simple ingredients – water, barley and yeast – are transformed into the smooth golden spirit that has always been and continues to be Jameson Irish Whiskey. After the Tour, all visitors are rewarded with a Jameson signature drink and lucky volunteers are selected to participate in a tutored whiskey comparison. Much more attractions are offered in Dublin, that you could visit and enjoy to discover more and more this majestic country. On this last night in the city, take a last walk close to water to keep the best memories from this journey.

Day 13 - Dublin

Start the day with a city and castle tour. You will be provided by the departure point at destination and will be asked to get there on time for the departure. Wander through the beautiful estate of Malahide Castle, which some parts dates from the 12th century, and absorb the fresh sea breeze and breathtaking views of Dublin Bay. The visit to the Castle will include a guided tour of it with time to wander around the craft shops and castle grounds. Continuing with a scenic drive along Dublin’s spectacular northern coastline pass through the picturesque fishing village of Howth. The trail back to Dublin includes a 10 minute stop at Howth summit for breathtaking views of Dublin Bay.

This tour will be only 3h30/4hours, so you be able to relax in this entertaining city, and think about all the beautiful sightseeing during the day.

Day 12 - Galway - Dublin

In the morning, you are invited to visit Galway Atlantaquaria. You will visit it on your own, and discover the marine wildlife following your preferences. It is considered as Home to the country’s largest display of marine and fresh water life with 150 species to see. Like mentioned previously Galway is considered as the most “Irish” city in Ireland, and it is gonna be hard to forget it, but your adventure will bring you back to Dublin. You will be invited to take the Irishrail train on the Intercity service. Your train will leave at 5pm and arrive Dublin at 7:40 pm. Enjoy this last ride in the evening on the train. Again, you will stay at the same hotel as the first time, so after arriving the city, get yourself there to check-in. Take some time on that evening to visit this city on your own, and maybe try one of our recommended restaurants/pub.

Day 11 - Galway

Get to know Galway under an another view. This morning you will be leaving on a 2hours walking tour of is Galway City. It will be leading you to see all the must see locations of the city.Our knowledgeable local Guides will show you the History and Culture of this Vibrant Medieval City.

After your tour, you will enjoy the city on your own.

Day 10 - Galway

It’s already time to leave Cork and visit an another city. Next stop: Galway! However, before leaving you will be able to enjoy a nice last walk around the city, because your flight will be only in the afternoon. Your flight will be provided again by Aer Arann. The flight will not even length an hour, and you will arrive to Galway in the middle of the afternoon. Get a transfer from the airport to the Maldron hotel. Again you will stay there, but now in a different city.

Galway is the fifth largest and the fastest growing city in Ireland. Galway is nicknamed Ireland's Cultural Heart and is renowned for its vibrant lifestyle and numerous festivals, celebrations and events. It does also has a reputation amongst Irish cities for being associated with the Irish language, music, song and dancing traditions. It is sometimes referred to as the 'Bilingual Capital of Ireland', although like all other cities in the Republic of Ireland, the vast bulk of the city's inhabitants converse mostly in English.

The rest of your day will be free, and you will be able to do some sightseeing and discover this new exiting city.

For the rest of the day you will be on your own, so we recommend you maybe experience in this city something really authentic. You could get to enjoy a pub experience at Naughton's Pub (Tigh Neachtain). Neachtain's is right in the middle of the City and has been run by the Neachtain family since 1894.