We begin our Ireland Quilt Tour, departing Chicago O’Hare Airport for an overnight flight to the SHANNON AIRPORT. Dinner will be served on board the plane. D

This morning we will arrive at the Shannon Airport. We will be met by our Irish driver/guide who will take us to our first-class hotel in the charming town of KILLARNEY. Along the way, we will see lakes and fells as we travel southwards. Our route will take us through the market towns of Castleisland, Abbeyfeale and Newcastle West and the quaint old world village of Adare, with its gentle ruins and thatched cottages. There will be time to enjoy lunch here and then continue our drive to our hotel. We will arrive at our first-class hotel, the KILLARNEY PLAZA, and check in. The remainder of the afternoon is free for you to enjoy at your leisure. A special “welcome dinner” and orientation meeting will take place at the hotel with Annie Kistenfeger and our special guest, Rita Fishel. B, D

After a hearty Irish breakfast this morning, we will depart on one of Ireland’s most popular and beautiful drives, the RING OF KERRY. Traveling from Killarney, we come to the town of KILLORGLIN, famous for the “Puck Fair.” We will continue our drive along the coastline of the broad Iveragh Peninsula, through the towns of Glenveagh, Cahirciveen, Waterville and Sneem. The scenery includes spectacular wind-swept cliffs, still lakes, lost valleys and rocky mountains blended amongst the awesome beauty. As one looks around it is easy to agree with the old Irish saying, “Even if a man has only a small bit of earth here, he has a lot of the heavens.” From Sneem, we will continue via “Ladies View” back to Killarney. It may even look like parts of the landscape are quilts just waiting to be made. Later in the day, we will enjoy a delicious dinner back at our hotel. Tonight there is a possibility we may be joined with quilting ladies from the Killarney area and learn more about their quilt guild and quilting lifestyle. Rita and Annie will host an entertaining Show & Tell with everyone. B, D

This morning, following a full Irish breakfast, we have an Optional Day Trip To MUCKROSS HOUSE AND GARDENS, THE LAKES OF KILLARNEY and the charming little town of KENMARE. Muckross House, a 19th Century Tutor mansion set in beautiful landscaped grounds and surrounded by 11,500 acres with uninterrupted view of the lakes and surrounding scenery is an experience not to be missed along with the Charming town of KENMARE. This Optional tour costs $42.00 per person

For those not going on the optional private tour you have the day free on your own to see the town or relax at your own leisure. Dinner will be served back at the hotel. Tonight, Rita will teach a fun quilt project for our group! B, D

This morning, after our full Irish breakfast, we depart on a tour of the rugged Dingle Peninsula. Film goers will be reminded of scenes from the movie, “Ryan’s Daughter,” which was shot in this area, as we drive past little harbors and wide stretches of sandy beach, leading southward to Slea Head. This is the most westerly point in Europe, also known as “the next parish to America.” Vistas of the Blasket Islands and Dingle Bay delight the eye and Gallarus Oratory, a little beehive stone structure, more than 1,000 years old, conjures up visions of monks in early Christian times in this “land of saints and scholars.” We will return to Killarney later in the afternoon. Dinner will be served back at our hotel, and the remainder of the evening is free. B, D

This morning we say goodbye to Killarney as we check out of our hotel and travel north to the city of DUBLIN. On our way, we will stop off in the little village of Blarney, Here we’ll have a chance (for a nominal fee) to kiss the famed Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle. We will also visit and explore the Blarney Woolen Mills, famous for Irish crystal and china, woolen clothing and all sorts of wonderful souvenir items. We will continue our drive north arrive and check into our 5-star, deluxe hotel, the WESTBURY HOTEL, where we will stay for the next three nights. Although Dublin is a modern city, it still retains the graceful, charmed atmosphere of an earlier time. The Georgian squares and terraces are evidence of this. Our hotel is just a few yards from the very popular Grafton Street and unbelievable shopping. You’ll have an opportunity to enjoy Dublin and all its nightlife on your own. B

This morning, following a hearty breakfast, our tour will take us to the Garden of Ireland, County Wicklow. We leave the city behind and head for the heathery hills of the Wicklow Mountains that spring up at the edge of Dublin’s southern suburbs. We drive south through Enniskerry to Glendalough where St. Kevin founded his 6th Century monastic settlement. From there we will travel to Avoca, made famous by Thomas Moore’s song, “The Meeting of the Waters.” Enjoy the roads that wind through the mountain passes, cross over the high glens, and thread their way to the sandy beaches. We will visit a wonderful yarn mill and have an opportunity to shop in their quaint gift shop. Tonight you have another opportunity to enjoy Dublin on your own. Maybe you’ll visit a singing pub or just sit back and have a leisurely evening back at our hotel. B

This morning after breakfast, we will be met by a local guide who will give us a tour of the city, starting with a visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Our guide will provide an informative talk about the church and we will have an opportunity to be inspired by the incredible tile floors that will remind you of familiar quilt patterns. We will drive through the Phoenix Park, a photo stop at Dublin Castle, and a stop at the Guinness Brewery, where we will drop off any beer lovers so they can take a tour on their own. The afternoon is free for you to shop or independently explore on your own. There are plenty of fascinating places to visit, including the famous Trinity College to view the Book of Kells. Whatever you decide to do in the afternoon, enjoy yourself. Tonight we will all enjoy a special “farewell dinner,” and bring our quilt adventure in the Emerald Isle to a close. B, D

This morning, following breakfast, we will say goodbye to the Emerald Isle and drive to the DUBLIN AIRPORT. We will check in for our flight back to Chicago’s O’Hare Airport. B