Margaret of New Orleans Tour Itinerary
June 30, 2009 – July 8, 2009
Day 1, Tuesday, June 30th
After you arrive at the Shannon airport, you will meet Danny and our tour bus driver, Michael Rooney by the coach area at the airport. After gathering everyone, we will board our motorcoach to begin our journey. We will stop for tea and scones to rejuvenate ourselves before we head to the Cliffs of Moher. The Cliffs are among the most outstanding natural features of the west of Ireland. After spending some time enjoying the scenery of the cliffs, we will stop at St. Brigid’s well. Brigid was the goddess of the Sacred Flame of Kildare and the patron goddess of the Duids. She was the goddess of all things perceived to be of relatively high dimensions such as high-rising flames, highlands, hill-forts and upland areas; and of activities and states conceived as psychologically elevated, such as wisdom, excellence, perfection, high intelligence, poetic eloquence, craftsmanship, healing ability, druidic knowledge and skill in warfare This holy well is quite old and has an extensive history of miraculous cures and healing. We will continue on to Galway and check into our hotel. You will have time to relax or explore a little before we gather for a welcome drink and dinner.
Hotel: Ardilaun House Hotel – Galway
Day 2, Wednesday, July 1st
This morning after breakfast we will head to Rosayveel to board the ferry to Inishmor, the largest of the Aran Islands. We will spend the day exploring many of the historical and spiritual sights on the Island. Some of the highlights of the day will include: Na Seacht Teampall, Dun Aengus, and Teaghlach Einne. You will also have time to visit the shops in the village of Kilronan. We will return to Rosayveel in the afternoon on the ferry and take our motorcoach back to Galway in time for dinner and an evening of music.
Hotel: Ardilaun House Hotel – Galway
Day 3, Thursday, July 2nd
Today we will be exploring the beautiful countryside of Connemara, making stops at Connemara National Park, Kylemore Abbey, O’Flaherty’s Castle and Clifden. Connemara National Park encompasses over 4000 acres of Ireland’s natural beauty. The area is rich in wildlife and offers some of the most scenic countryside at the base of the Twelve Bens Mountains. You will have time to explore Kylemore Abbey and its walled gardens and enjoy lunch if you wish at their restaurant. At O’Flaherty’s Castle you will learn the history of the "Ferocious O'Flaherty's who were masters of West Connacht - the area between Lough Corrib and the sea - up to the 16th century. Build around 1500, this majestic castle is described as "by far the finest dwelling" upon any part of the shores of Lough Corrib, Aughanure is a well preserved example of a six story Irish tower house.
Hotel: Ardilaun House Hotel – Galway
Day 4, Friday, July 3rd
This morning after breakfast we will board the motor coach for our next destination of Drumshanbo, near Carrick on Shannon. Our first stop of the day will be Knock where we will visit Irelands National Marian Shrine. The Story of Knock began on the 21st August 1879 when Our Lady, St. Joseph and St. John the Evangelist appeared at the south gable of Knock Parish Church. The apparition was witnessed by fifteen people, young and old. From this miraculous occurrence Knock has grown to the status of an internationally recognized Marian Shrine. Our second stop of the day will be in Kilkelly where we will visit the cemetery where John and Elizabeth Hunt (from the Kilkelly Ireland song) are buried and other historical sites related to the song. Once arriving in Drumshanbo, you will have time to unpack, rest or explore before dinner.
Hotel: Ramada Hotel – Drumshanbo
Day 5, Saturday, July 4th
Today we will be travelling to Carrigallen, the birthplace of Margaret Haughery, the Angel of the Delta. We will be spending the day enjoying festival activities with community members and the organizers of the Margaret of New Orleans Project. Margaret Haughery (1813 – 1882) was a philanthropist known as “the mother of the orphans” in New Orleans, LA. In 1884, the city of New Orleans erected a marble statue of Margaret Haughery, one of the first statues in the United States to honor a woman.
Hotel: Ramada Hotel – Drumshanbo
Day 6, Sunday, July 5th
We have a full day ahead of us today. We will be travelling to Northern Mayo for the day to visit archaeological, historical and spiritual sites. At Ceide Fields you will experience a vast prehistoric landscape, a natural wild ecology of blanket bog, and dramatic cliffs and coastline. Today you will also follow in the footsteps of General Humbert when you visit Kilcummin Head on the west shore of Killala Bay. General Humbert’s French troops, along with their Irish allies, led the French invasion against the English forces. Another highlight of the day will be the beauty and mystical presence of Downpatrick Head. As time permits we will make additional stops to take in the beauty and history of northern Mayo before heading back to our hotel before dinner.
Hotel: Ramada Hotel – Drumshanbo
Day 7, Monday, July 6th
This morning after breakfast we will begin the last leg of our journey and head towards Dublin. Our first stop of the day will be at Ballinamuck, a small village that was party to momentous events during the 1798 rebellion. You will have the opportunity to walk on the battlefield where many of the courageous soldiers gave their life. We will also be stopping at the Hill of Tara, best known as the seat of the High Kings of Ireland. You will have some free time to explore this important religious and political site before heading on to Dublin. After checking into our hotel you will have time to explore, relax or enjoy a pint before dinner.
Hotel: Clontarf Castle Hotel – Dublin
Day 8, Tuesday, July 7th
Today we will spend the day exploring the largest city in Ireland. Our stops will include:
- Trinity College, one of the oldest centers of learning, dating back to the 16th century and the home of the Book of Kells.
- St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the National Cathedral.
- The Guinness Brewery and Hop Shop which tells the story of the Guinness experience over the years. The tour ends in the Gravity Bar with a pint and a great view of Dublin.
You will have the afternoon free to explore the shops and pubs of Dublin before spending our last evening of dinner and music together.
Hotel: Clontarf Castle Hotel – Dublin
Day 9, Wednesday, July 8th
After an early breakfast we will board our motor coach for the trip to the airport and our flights back to the US.
Tour Details
Your Tour Price includes:
- Accommodations for 8 nights
- 9 Irish breakfasts & 8 wonderful dinners
- Luxury Motor Coach Transportation
- Admission to all group activities and sites
- Taxes & gratuities for hotels & included meals
All for $2,450 per person sharing LAND ONLY*
Single Supplement $400
(Limited number of Single Rooms so book early)
*Due to the frequent in airfares, the price of the tour is LAND ONLY. Passengers are responsible for all airfares, departure taxes and airline surcharges.
Hy-Brasyl Musical Tours is happy to assist you with your flight arrangements and can recommend a flight to you.
Not included in tour price:
- Airfare
- Gratuities for your driver and guide
- Insurance per person
- Lunches not included on itinerary
For more information contact:
409-384-2376 • 337-564-4702
baeriksson@yahoo.com
To reserve your spot, mail your $500 deposit to:
Hy-Brasyl Musical Tours
P.O. Box 1615
Jasper, Texas 75951
Payment by check or money order
Sorry, no credit card charges available
Note: $100 of your deposit is non-refundable
Deposit due to hold your spot
2nd payment due by 3/20/2009
Final payment due by 5/22/2009
Reminder: This itinerary is subject to change
