Overview
Features
Optional Excursions
Overview (Return to top)
Ireland is a land of constantly changing colors, magnificent and varied landscapes, rugged mountains, imposing valleys, lush green fields, deep blue lakes, and sandy beaches unlike any country anywhere else in the world. It’s a land full of folklore and legend, where the genuine warmth, humor, and friendliness of the local people will leave a lasting impression. We invite you to experience it for yourself from these exciting destinations: Kilkenny and Killarney.
Kilkenny
Undoubtedly one of Ireland’s loveliest inland cities, Kilkenny’s long and colorful history has left its mark in its landscape and historical architecture. This medieval city is proud of its heritage, evident in its many beautifully restored buildings and well-preserved castles and ancient abbeys. Kilkenny is small and compact enough to explore on foot, and full of fascinating historical buildings, contemporary shops, design galleries, and restaurants.
Killarney
Not far from Ireland’s southwest coast lies Killarney, a sheltered Camelot-like town, surrounded by 23 square miles of idyllic lakes, mountains, islands, castles, waterfalls, and parklands. Set at the foot of Ireland’s highest mountains and along the edge of superb lakes, this colorful town is bustling with splendid shops, pubs, and excellent restaurants. It’s a town you will not forget.
Priced from $1,644 plus air
GoNext
For reservations or additional information, contact:
Jan Breitman [jbreitman@alumni.iastate.edu]
Iowa State University Alumni Association
Phone: (515) 294-6526 direct or (877) ISU-ALUM toll-free
Fax: (515) 294-9402
Features (Return to top)
• Seven nights first-class accommodations in Kilkenny and Killarney
• Full Irish breakfast daily
• Scenic transfer between Kilkenny and Killarney
• Deluxe motorcoach transportation throughout the program with an experienced and knowledgeable Irish driver/guide
• Luggage handling and related tipping
• Local taxes
• Attentive service from an experienced Go Next program manager
• Comprehensive pre-departure information
Airfare program includes:
• Round-trip transfers between airport and hotels via deluxe motorcoach, as well as related luggage handling and tipping
• Taxes and airline fuel charges
Optional Excursions (Return to top)
Killarney:
Dingle Peninsula
Spectacular seascapes await you as you begin your trip through the Dingle Peninsula. Visit the extraordinary Inch Beach made famous by the movie Ryan’s Daughter. Travel the Slea Head drive, one of Ireland’s most scenic routes with wonderful views of the Blasket Island. Explore fascinating antiquities from ancient Iron Age forts to early Christian huts and visit the lively, colorful village of Dingle.
Muckross House and Gardens
The famous Jaunts of Killarney (traditional pony and trap) transport you into Killarney National Park to the imposing Victorian mansion, Muckross House. Tour this stately home where Queen Victoria stayed during her visit in 1861 and enjoy the wonderfully landscaped gardens.
Kinsale and Blarney
Visit Kinsale, one of Ireland’s prettiest small towns with its maze of narrow streets lined with charming Georgian and Victorian Buildings and quaint shops. Continue to historic Blarney Castle with its legendary stone, renowned for bestowing the gift of eloquence to all who kiss it, and the village of Blarney, home to the famous Blarney Woolen Mills.
Kilkenny:
Dublin
Founded by the Vikings a thousand years ago, Dublin is a cosmopolitan city with a strong 18th Century Georgian flavor. See St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the General Post Office, Phoenix Park, Europe’s largest enclosed park, and visit Dublin Castle. Enjoy free time to explore the many museums, shop on Grafton Street, or visit Trinity College, home of the ancient Book of Kells.
Waterford Crystal Factory
Witness the creation of a Waterford masterpiece as local craftsmen skillfully transform molten sand, lead, and potash into exquisite crystal. Search for that special gift as you admire the display of the world’s finest crystal in the factory showroom.
Glendalough
This historical monastic site was founded by St. Kevin in the 6th Century on the lush, wooded, slopes of the Wicklow Mountains. Explore the many ruins and well-preserved round tower of this ancient settlement. Continue through the Vale of Avoca, whose beauty was captured by the Irish poet Thomas Moore, to the charming hamlet of Avoca, which is famous for its hand-woven colorful tweeds.
