2024 A JOURNEY TO THE EMERALD ISLE

IRELAND & NORTHERN IRELAND

WITH MONICA BAYDA

May 12th - 31st, 2024

Unsplash Photo Credit: K. Mitch Hodge

ITINERARY

Day 01 Sunday, May 12: Depart Canada for Dublin, Ireland. See flight itinerary for times. Overnight flight to Dublin. D. 

Day 02 Monday, May 13: After clearing Irish Customs and Immigration, we will be welcomed by our driver Liam. We will then board Devitts motor coach for a trip to Dublin for a two-night stay. On the way, we will enjoy a guided tour of Malahide Castle. There will be free time to have lunch in Malahide too. We will arrive at our Dublin Hotel located on the ocean later that afternoon. Dinner at our hotel. 5:30 pm. B, D. 

Day 03 Tuesday, May 14: 9:00am This morning we will tour in Dublin where our local guide will introduce us to the Capital of the Republic of Ireland. A visit to Trinity College and the world-famous Book of Kells is included at 12:00 noon. Free time this afternoon to shop and/or to visit museums that Monica will suggest. This evening we will enjoy dinner and traditional entertainment at the “Irish House Party” starting at 6:30 pm.  B, D. 

Unsplash Photo Credits (L - R): Dave Herring, Andrei Carina, Gregory Dalleau, Gabriel Ramos

Day 04 Wednesday, May 15: 9:30am. We will say goodbye for now to Dublin and continue to Clonmel. On the way, we will stop for a visit at beautiful Glendalough. There will also be time to have lunch nearby. Upon arrival at Clonmel, we will enjoy a four-night stay at Hotel Minella. The hotel is situated on the River Suir with beautiful serene grounds and just a short distance from Clonmel. It has a lovely indoor pool so after checking in you can rest or enjoy a swim in their Leisure Center or we can just go for a stroll along the river bank. Dinner this evening at 6:30pm the Hotel Minella. B, D. 

Day 5 Thursday, May 16: After breakfast, we set out on a journey to Kilkenny for a guided tour of the Medieval Mile Museum at 10:30 am. After our Museum visit, we will have time to have a local lunch. We continue to the town of New Ross, Co. Wexford, where we will tour the Dunbrody Famine Ship at 1:30 pm where you learn about the plight of the starving Irish Immigrants during the famine of 1845. Dinner this evening at a local restaurant 7:00 pm. B. 

Day 06, Friday, May 17: After a hearty Irish Breakfast, we will depart for the town of Clonmel and enjoy a guided tour. The history of Clonmel goes back hundreds of years.  Clonmel was once a walled town and today you can see remains of this former medieval town. Our next stop is a visit to Monica’s village of Kilsheelan where we will enjoy a leisurely visit of this lovely little village. After our visit we will enjoy a noon hour lunch at Nagle’s Pub. Our afternoon will take us to Waterford City, home of the world-famous Waterford Crystal. A tour of the factory is at 2:00 pm where we can see the artisans at work creating the beautiful crystal pieces. We will return to the Hotel Minella via the scenic Copper Road. Dinner this evening at Ceili in the Kitchen with entertainment at 7:00 pm. B, L, D. 

Unsplash Photo Credits (L - R): Hamed Alayoub, Holly Landkammer, Holly Landkammer, Taylor Floyd Mews, Samuel Svec

Day 07 Saturday, May 18: 10:00am The Rock of Cashel is a very historical site and a must for everyone visiting Tipperary. We will visit the Heritage Site with tour commencing at 10:30 am. Later we will visit my father’s hometown of Fethard, where we can enjoy lunch at the world-famous McCarthy’s Pub at 12:30 pm which is a place that has not changed since it was built in the 1850’s. Many famous movie stars have visited this pub. On our return to Hotel Minella we will visit St. Patrick’s Well. This is a spiritual site for many, as it is a belief that St. Patrick himself baptised many into the Christian faith at this site. Dinner this evening at the Hotel Minella. B, L, D. 

Day 08 Sunday, May 19: 9:00 am Time to say good-bye to Tipperary as we leave for Counties Cork and Kerry. Our first stop will be at Cobh a seaport town and the last place the Titanic sailed from. A short visit in Cobh and then continue to Blarney Castle. For those of us who might be lacking in the “gift of the gab” well, we can obtain it by climbing to the top of Blarney Castle and kissing the stone of eloquence. Blarney is a very lovely spot and for those who love to shop, you will be very happy to visit the Blarney Woollen Mills where you can purchase every type of Irish souvenir. If an Aran Sweater is on your list, you will have lots to choose from. Lunch stop is in Blarney.  Later we continue our journey through scenic Cork and Kerry to Tralee for a three-night stay at the Meadowlands Hotel. Dinner at the Hotel. B, D. 

Day 09 Monday, May 20: 9:30am West Kerry also known as the Kingdom of Kerry is one of the most scenic areas of Ireland and a drive around the Ring of Kerry is a must. Here you will see quaint Irish Villages where the native language is still spoken. Lunch stop in Cahardaniel. Dinner this evening at the hotel. B, D. 

Unsplash Photo Credits (L - R): Dave Herring, LoveToVisitIreland, Jason Murphy, Dahlia E. Akhaine, Nils Nedel

Day 10 Tuesday, May 21: 10:00am This morning we will visit Muckross House and Farms. After our visit there we will drive the short distance to Killarney. Here we will have a lunch break and some free time to enjoy this little town. This afternoon a ride on a traditional Irish jaunting car will be at 2:00 pm.  After dinner at our hotel at 7:00pm. B, D. 

Day 11 Wednesday, May 22: 10:00am Depart Tralee for Co. Clare with our overnights at The Shamrock/Atlantic Hotel in Lahinch. On route we will stop at the quaint village of Adare with its thatched roof cottages and enjoy a driving tour of Limerick City with time to have lunch. We will then visit the Bunratty Folk Park at 2:30 pm; a place where you can enjoy travelling back in time to “Old Ireland”. We will check into our hotel that afternoon. At 6:30 pm, we will enjoy the dinner at a local restaurant. This area is part of the “Wild Atlantic Way.” B, D. 

Day 12 Thursday, May 23: This morning you can sleep in. Our start time will be 11:00am when we take a short ride to the Cliffs of Moher for our 11:45 am entry. Here you will really see the wild Atlantic pound the shores of this little Island. We will visit the interpretive center, enjoy some lunch, and for those of us who love to shop there is even a beautiful souvenir shop there. Return to Lahinch Point via Lisdoonvarna the famous Irish match-making town. We will also have a stop at Poulnabrone Dolmen an ancient neolithic site older than the pyramids of Egypt. Dinner at the hotel. B, D. 

unsplash photo credit: paolo gregotti

Day 13 Friday, May 24: 10:00am Depart for Doolin which is down the road from Lahinch. Here we will board the Ferry at 11:00 am for our Aran Islands experience. The Ferry ride is approximately 90 minutes to Inishmore. The Aran Islands to some are just rocks and stones, but you will be taken back in time when you visit this remote and ancient Island. A van tour is booked so you can learn about life on this barren Island. This Island is the home of the famous Aran sweater. We will be back on the mainland around 5pm. Dinner at the Hotel. 7:00 pm. B, D. 

Day 14 Saturday, May 25: 9:00am We depart for the town of Ballina, Mayo. On our way we will take a short coffee break in Galway City and continue through Counties Galway and into Mayo. We will drive through the quaint village of Cong. Our next adventure will be at 1:00 pm boarding the 80-passenger boat “The Inisfree” at Lisloughery Pier, one mile from the Village of Cong. Our boat and land tour will take approximately two hours. We will visit the magical island of Inchagoill and see the 5th century St. Patrick’s monastic site. This Island is considered one of Ireland’s hidden treasures. Here you will see the stone of Lugna which is ancient, however you can still see the inscription on it which dates to 450 A.D. and is believed to be the second oldest Christian inscription in Europe. We will end the day with check in and 7:00pm dinner at our hotel The Twin Trees. B, S, D. 

Day 15 Sunday, May 26: After breakfast, we will journey to the historical site called Dolmen of the Four Maols. From there, we will travel to the Sligo Town and have free time to enjoy lunch. After lunch, we will visit the Eagles flying Irish Raptor Research Centre at 2:00pm, where will enjoy these majestic creatures during or guided tour.  On the return trip to our hotel, we will briefly visit the religious site of Knock. Dinner at the hotel at 7:00 pm. B, D. 

Day 16 Monday, May 27: Today we leave Southern Ireland and head for the controversial and historical town of Derry, also known as Londonderry. On our way we will visit the burial site of one of Ireland’s beloved Poets W. B. Yeats at 10:30am. One of his most famous poems is Lake Isle of Innisfree. On the way to Derry, we will stop for lunch in Donegal Town. Our local guide in Derry will take us on a 2-hour tour where we will learn about the trials and tribulations of this now peaceful town. After our Derry Tour we will travel for about fifteen minutes to the lovely little town of Limavady. Here we will stay at the Roe Park Resort for three nights. Dinner at the hotel at 7:00 pm. B, D. 

Day 17 Tuesday, May 28: 9:00am After breakfast we depart for Bushmills Distillery for our 10:00am admission. After our tour we will drive a short distance to the spectacular Giant’s Causeway for our 12:45pm visit. Located on the fabulous coast of Antrim, this World Heritage Site is a result of volcanic activity that helped Finn McCool forge this wonder of the world some 60 million years ago. One must walk on those rugged columns to realize the power of nature. There is time for lunch here. After our visit to the Causeway, we will drive to Dunluce Castle for our 3:00pm admission. Dinner at the hotel. B, D. 

Day 18 Wednesday, May 29: 10:00am Today we will be sightseeing in Country Antrim, Northern Ireland with a local guide. Dinner at the hotel. B, D. 

Day 19 Thursday, May 30: 8:30am We depart Derry for Dublin. On our way, we will stop in Belfast where our local guide will relate to us the history of this beautiful city. After the tour we will visit the Titanic Museum arriving at 12:00 noon, where we enjoy a modern take on the construction of the famous ship Titanic. Lunch can be had at the Titanic Restaurant.  Later this afternoon we will head for the City of Dublin. Dinner this evening at our hotel. B, D. 

Unsplash Photo Credits (L - R): K. Mitch Hodge

Day 20 Friday, May 31: After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye to the beautiful Emerald Isle as we depart early for Dublin Airport for our return flight to Canada. See flight itinerary for times. B, L.


ITINERARY SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

 2024 A JOURNEY TO THE EMERALD ISLE

IRELAND & NORTHERN IRELAND WITH MONICA BAYDA

LOBSTICK TOUR INCLUDES:

  • Return flights between Saskatoon/Regina and Dublin. 

  • 2 Tour Directors for a worry-free tour. 

  • Devitts of Cashel Luxury Motor Coach and Driver. 

  • 19 Nights Hotel Accommodation. 

  • 18 Breakfasts of which 17 are full Irish breakfasts. 

  • 14 3-Course Dinners at Hotel or Local Restaurants. 

  • 3 Special Dinners with Entertainment. 

  • 3 Lunches, 1 Snack.

  • 19 entrance fees to attractions listed in the itinerary. 

  • 13 Scenic Visits to Irish towns and historic sites. 

  • Ferry boat to Aran Islands and island tour.

  • Boat ride to Inchagoill Island and tour.

  • Expert Local Guides in Clonmel, Londonderry, County Antrim, Belfast, and Dublin.

PRICES:

$7,789/person - double occupancy, taxes included.

Single Supplement: $1,600 extra/per person.

Deposit: $1,200/per person due at time of booking.

Final Payment Due: Feb 01, 2024.

Tipping:

3 Euros/day/person to Driver

1 Euro/person to Expert Guides

Tour Director: Monica Bayda

(H) 306.764.4828 monicabayda@sasktel.net

Lobstick Tours: Dana Bayda Owner/Manager

(W) 306.763.7415 (TOLL FREE) 1.800.665.0171 (C) 306.960.6955

dbayda@lobsticktravel.com info@lobsticktravel.com

OFFICE ADDRESS (BY APPOINTMENT ONLY): 2 - 17th Street East, Prince Albert, SK. S6V 1G5

 Medical Issues:

Please contact a public health nurse or international travel clinic regarding required booster shots or medications for traveling to Europe.

Insurance:

All passengers must have adequate out of country medical insurance to travel on this tour.  Passengers have the option to obtain insurance at their discretion.

Documents:

All passengers require a valid passport valid for 6 months beyond date of return to Canada.

Cancellation Policy:

Over 90 days - loss of deposit.

90 days to 60 days - 35% non-refundable.

59 days to 30 days - 50% non-refundable.

29 days to departure day - 100% non-refundable.