The Emerald Isle is Calling You!
I just finished reading Mary Pat Kelly’s book, Galway Bay, that sheds light on the ancestors of today’s forty-four million Irish Americans. It is the story of one family’s struggle with the Great Starvation caused by the potato blight in the 1840’s and how they rose above near death to build a new life in Amerikay, as they called it.
Reading the book helped me understand why so many Irish Americans long to return to their homeland as my mother-in-law has done several times. So much of their culture and traditions were lost, including their language, in crossing the pond. Going back is a way to remember and tell the grandchildren stories of what it means to be Irish.
I hope I get to the Emerald Isle someday with my children and this new tour being released in 2012 sound like an ideal way to see the country.
Collette is adding Ireland’s Coastal Treasures, featuring Dublin, Connemarra, Galway, Bunratty Castle, Kinsale, Kylemore Abbey, and Killary Harbor; and Irish Splendor featuring Dublin, Dingle, the Guinness Storehouse, Blarney Castle, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and the Gap of Dunloe. Departures begin in May 2012.
“Ireland’s Coastal Treasures is designed specifically as a complement to our Shades of Ireland tour,” explains Liam Dunch, Collette Vacations Product Manager. “Apart from Dublin, it does not duplicate any of the same overnights or attractions making it ideal for guests who want to return.”
Collette’s Shades of Ireland tour has been a perennial favorite with travelers and is one of the company’s leading tours.
The Ireland’s Coastal Treasures tour includes two nights in the waterfront town of Kinsale; a tour and tasting at the Old Midleton Whiskey Distillery where Irish Whiskey is made; a cruise on Killary Harbor, the only natural fjord in Ireland; a visit to a local farm to learn about their daily life and enjoy tea and scones; a step aboard the Jeanie Johnston, a recreated famine ship; a drink in Europe’s official oldest pub with a trip to Athlone; a visit to Kylemore Abbey, home to Ireland’s oldest community of Benedictine nuns; a sightseeing tour of historic Dublin; and a chance to experience Galway’s nightlife. A special trip to the port of Cobh and the Cobh Heritage Centre is where Collette passengers will come to know the personal stories behind the millions of Irish emigrants who have carried their vibrant culture around the globe.
Ireland’s Coastal Treasures is 9 days, 11 meals, starting at $1649 per person, double, land only. For information on this tour, visit www.collettevacations.com or call your local travel agent.
posted by Melissa McKee
Collette Vacations
Tags: Collette, Collette Vacations, Destination Spotlight, Dream Destination, Escorted Tours, Family Travel, Family Vacations, Ireland
