Cruise specialists

October 19-29, 2009

Itinerary

Mon, Oct. 19	UNITED STATES TO SHANNON Depart your hometown and take an overnight flight across the Atlantic. Enjoy in-flight entertainment and meal service as you travel to start your vacation.
Tue, Oct. 20	SHANNON ARRIVAL & GALWAY After customs and immigration formalities at Shannon Airport, your CIE Tours driver/guide will welcome you to Ireland and escort you to the motorcoach. Depart Shannon and drive west to the coast of Clare to view the Cliffs of Moher. This impressive wall of rock rises to almost 700 feet above the foaming Atlantic breakers. Continue along the coast road and through the Burren Country, a region of rounded limestone hills. Travel along the shores of Galway Bay and into the bustling city of Galway. Upon arrival embark on a panoramic tour to see the principal sights of the city. See the Spanish Arch in the Claddagh area, formerly a fishing village, the City Museum and the National University of Galway. Stop to visit Galway Cathedral, a modern Renaissance style building completed in 1965. It is made if limestone and marble from local quarries and contains statues, stained-glass windows and mosaics from contemporary Irish artists. Then check into your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. You may choose to relax in your hotel or spend some time around Eyre Square, the hub of the city. Most of the shops are within easy reach and there are also many quaint pubs where Irish traditional music is played. In the evening join your fellow travelers for dinner in the hotel restaurant. OVERNIGHT: HOTEL MEYRICK, GALWAY MEALS: DINNER & BREAKFAST
Wed, Oct. 21	CONNEMARA , “Connemara lady’ cruise & mayo Today tour Connemara and admire the sweeping views of boglands and misty mountains. As you drive along you will see many sheep that graze freely and also tracts of bogland where some people hand-cut peat for home heating. Travel through the Delphi Valley to the shores of Killary Harbour and view the beautiful Aasleagh Falls on the Erriff River. Take a short catamaran cruise aboard the “Connemara Lady” through Killary Harbour, which is Ireland’s only fjord. You can see great views from this narrow inlet, which is surrounded by hills and cliffs. Also observe the seabirds, seals and otters that live in the waters. After your cruise, continue your drive to the attractive village of Cong where the movie “The Quiet Man” was filmed with John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara in 1952. Following some free time, return to Galway to relax and freshen up before dinner. OVERNIGHT: HOTEL MEYRICK, GALWAY MEALS: DINNER & BREAKFAST

Thu, Oct. 22	CLONMACNOISE, MULLINGAR & DUBLIN Travel from Galway to the center of Ireland to visit Clonmacnoise. This monastic settlement was founded in 545 AD by St. Ciaran and is delightfully set on the banks of the River Shannon. Learn about the history of the site through an audiovisual presentation and take a walk around to see the ancient monuments and the entire area. Then journey across the rolling pastures of Ireland’s heartland to the greater metropolitan area of Dublin. On route a stop at the Mullingar Pewter Factory will show us the fine art of pewter design. Check into your hotel and enjoy the balance of the day relaxing or do some sightseeing on your own. In the evening you are free to choose from the many restaurants and pubs that Dublin has to offer. OVERNIGHT: DAVENPORT HOTEL, DUBLIN MEALS: BREAKFAST
Fri, Oct. 23	BOYNE VALLEY SIGHTSEEING &, NEWGRANGE Today drive north to see some of the magnificent countryside Ireland has to offer. Nowhere can you get a better cross-section of the best of Ireland's historic monuments than in the Boyne Valley. Visit the Hill of Tara, seat of the High Kings of Ireland, which was at the height of its power in the early centuries after Christ. It is also the site of a passage-tomb dating from the late Stone Age. All that remains today are huge circles of earthworks, which are impressive by their size and age. Next visit the Megalithic Passage Tomb at Newgrange, which was built about 3200 BC. The kidney-shaped mound covers an area of over one acre and is surrounded by 97 kerbstones, some of which are richly decorated with megalithic art. It is estimated that the construction of the Passage Tomb at Newgrange would have taken a work force of 300 at least 20 years. Return to Dublin where the balance of the day and evening are at leisure for independent activities and dining. OPTIONAL: THIS EVENING YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY OF ENJOYING A DINNER SHOW WITH OUR GROUP STARRING NOEL V. GINNITY AT THE TAYLOR’S THREE ROCK. PLEASE ADVISE AT TIME OF BOOKING. OVERNIGHT: DAVENPORT HOTEL, DUBLIN MEALS: BREAKFAST
Sat, Oct. 24	POWERSCOURT, AVOCA & WATERFORD This morning leave Dublin and travel south to visit Powerscourt Gardens. These splendid gardens contain specimens gathered from many countries and climates and encompass sweeping terraces, superb antique sculptures, and a circular pool with a soaring fountain jet. The gardens are set in a valley of the Wicklow Mountains and offer glorious views of both the gardens and the surrounding countryside with the distinctive Sugarloaf Mountain in the background. Then continue your drive to the village of Avoca where you will stop at “The Meeting of the Waters,” the point at which the Avonmore and Avonbeg Rivers come together to form the Avoca River. This “The Meeting of the Waters” inspired the 19^th century poet, Thomas Moore, to pen the often sung words: “There is not in this wide world a valley so sweet as the vale in whose bosom the bright waters meet.” After your visit, journey south through the pleasant scenery to Waterford, a riverfront city of Viking origins famous for its hand-cut crystal. After enjoying dinner at our hotel, a local guide will take us on a short walking tour through the older sections of Waterford. Walk along Merchant’s Quay where ships docked in former times and see the Clock Tower. Pass the Norman stronghold of Reginald’s Tower and stroll along the Mall to see the City Hall, Theatre Royal and many other places. OVERNIGHT: GRANVILLE HOTEL, WATERFORD MEALS: DINNER & BREAKFAST
Sun, Oct. 25	MIDLETON DISTILLERY, BLARNEY WOOLEN MILLS & KILLARNEY Depart Waterford this morning and travel along the south coast via the towns of Dungarvan and Youghal. We will be stopping at the Midleton Distillery to see how Irelands finest whiskey is made and perhaps you will partake in the tasting contest. Then drive through the outskirts of Cork to Blarney where you will visit the Blarney Woollen Mills, which has an excellent range of Irish products of all types. They will ship and insure goods such as Waterford Crystal for you. You will also have time to browse around the village, charmingly set around a large village green or choose to kiss the Blarney Stone. Then journey west through rugged countryside to Killarney, widely celebrated for its setting overlooking lakes and mountains. Upon arrival check into your hotel and enjoy the afternoon at leisure for independent activities. You may like to visit St. Mary's Catholic Cathedral with its soaring spire; the Franciscan Friary with superb stained glass windows; or the Transport Museum containing a fine collection of vintage cars. You may like to take a walk to Ross Castle on the shores of Lough Leane or a jaunting car ride to Muckross House. In the evening join your fellow travelers for dinner in the hotel restaurant. DINNER & OVERNIGHT: KILLARNEY PLAZA HOTEL, KILLARNEY MEAL: DINNER & BREAKFAST
Mon, Oct. 26	RING OF KERRY TOUR Today explore the Ring of Kerry ‑ 100 miles of marvelous scenery consisting of the highest peaks in Ireland on one side and a coastline scattered with golden beaches and rocky headlands on the other. Stop en route at the Gap of Dunloe to visit Moriarty's Shop that, since its’ establishment in 1964 by Michael and Margaret Moriarty, has developed from a tiny shop into a spacious, modern store with an array of merchandise unparalleled anywhere in Ireland. Moriarty's is now one of Ireland’s premier clothing and gift stores where the emphasis is on high quality, keenly priced merchandise and a customer service that is second to none. After some free time to browse the store on your own, travel through Glenbeigh and Cahirciveen and on to Waterville and the colorful village of Sneem. Stop at Moll’s Gap for a view of the three lakes of Killarney with the mountains and the town in the background. Next stop at Torc Waterfalls, a Kodak moment indeed. Return to Killarney where the evening is at leisure for independent activities and dining. OVERNIGHT: KILLARNEY PLAZA HOTEL, KILLARNEY MEALS: DINNER & BREAKFAST
Tue, Oct. 27	DINGLE PENINSULA TOUR Today discover the beauties of the Dingle Peninsula. Drive along the south shore of the peninsula for plenty of vistas of heathery mountains, sandy stretches of beach and rocky headlands. There will be frequent stops at strategic locations to admire the views and take photos. Stop for a visit to Inch beach, which has been chosen several times as a film location. Hollywood movies that are familiar household names include "Ryan's Daughter" and "Playboy of the Western World". With continuous barrage of long rolling waves that come crashing ashore, it is easy to see why this dramatic setting has been picked time and time again. Continue on to the town of Dingle for some free time to explore independently. Then drive to the western tip of the peninsula to Slea Head where the scenery becomes wilder as the influence of the open Atlantic Ocean strengthens. This excursion will give you excellent views of mountains and coastline looking over to the Iveragh Peninsula. Return to Killarney and enjoy our dinner at the hotel. DINNER & OVERNIGHT: KILLARNEY PLAZA HOTEL, KILLARNEY MEALS: DINNER & BREAKFAST

Wed, Oct. 28

ADARE, LIMERICK CITY TOUR & Bunratty Leave Killarney and drive north away from the mountains and into the fertile grazing lands of County Limerick. Stop in the village of Adare to view its main street with picturesque thatched cottages and colorful gardens. You will have an opportunity to take some photos. Continue your drive into Limerick for a panoramic tour of the city, which features the sights made famous in Frank McCourt’s biography, “Angela’s Ashes.” Pass the 13th century King John's Castle in the center of the town. This imposing fortress with its massive walls and towers has guarded the River Shannon crossing for the past 700 years. Then board the coach and cross the River Shannon to reach the village of Bunratty. Upon arrival check into your hotel where you will have some free time in the afternoon. You may choose to relax or explore some of the attractions near your hotel-choose from Bunratty Folk Park, Bunratty Village Mills and Durty Nelly’s Pub. In the evening join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner in the hotel restaurant. DINNER & OVERNIGHT: BUNRATTY CASTLE HOTEL, BUNRATTY MEALS: DINNER & BREAKFAST

Thu, Oct. 29

RETURN TO THE UNITED STATES Sadly, today your Irish vacation has come to its final day. Transfer to Shannon Airport in good time to check in for your flight. You may do some last minute shopping at the duty free stores. Then clear U.S. Immigration before boarding your aircraft and flying across the Atlantic Ocean back to the United States.

Join Andy Cooney on this ten (10) night MUSICAL TOUR OF IRELAND

October 19th thru 29th 2009

ONLY $1,999.99 per person

Your deluxe tour includes:

guided luxury motorcoach transportation throughout Ireland

full Irish breakfast served daily

9 nights accommodations

full dinner for (7) evenings

entertainment by Andy Cooney & friends

sightseeing admissions included

golf to be arranged directly with Andy Cooney

rates based on double occupancy

single supplement additional, only $499.00

dinner & show cost $75.00 p/p

deposit of $300.00 per person, at time of booking

FINAL PAYMENT DUE JULY 1, 2009

checks only, please, made payable to CRUISE SPECIALISTS

arrangements can be made from select air cities, additional

air tax, additional

hotels, itinerary, flights & taxes (subject to change)

fuel surcharge may prevail

trip subject to a minimum of 25 passengers

cancellation penalties......

from July 1, 2009 to 91 days prior a $100.00 per person

will apply, 90 days or less refunds will not be issued

space is limited

For Your Reservations

Call

CRUISE SPECIALISTS

of long island ltd.

(800) or (631) 499-2010

310 Commack Road

Commack, New York 11725