Notre Dame vs. Navy Emerald Ireland Classic Tour
(Aug. 30 – Sept. 08, 2012)

Deluxe Self Drive 10-Day Emerald Tour From $1,995 per person sharing

With Dublin hosting the Notre Dame/Navy football game next Sept. 1 (2012), now is the time to start planning that dream Ireland vacation. Begin your tour in the bustling capital of Dublin and enjoy the much-anticipated football game at the new Aviva Stadium. Then explore Ireland’s majestic castles, glorious gardens, spectacular coastline, and vibrant history and culture. This self-drive independent itinerary is an excellent way to enjoy the small Irish towns and villages at your own pace. An estimated 40,000 people attended the last “Emerald Isle Classic” in 1996, and this game is sure to draw another huge sold out crowd to Dublin and Aviva Stadium.

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• Dublin’s Fair City & Notre Dame vs. Navy
• Notre Dame Vs. Navy Deluxe Escorted Tour
• Notre Dame vs. Navy Emerald Ireland Classic Tour

Please keep in mind that we can customize a tour to your particular needs. Perfect for families, small groups and couples traveling together. For groups of four or more we highly recommend a private driver/guide with private transport.

Itinerary

Thursday, Aug. 30: Arrive in Dublin

Settle in at your 4-star Dublin hotel (3 nights) and get a feel for the city. Irish hospitality abounds in Dublin’s excellent pubs and restaurants.

Friday, Aug. 31: Day of Leisure in Dublin

People-watch and relax with a Guinness, join a “literary pub crawl,” or explore Dublin attractions: Trinity College and the Book of Kells, Dublin Castle & St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Guinness Storehouse, trendy Grafton Street, or the Dublin Writers Museum.

Saturday, Sept. 01: Join the Fans at the Notre Dame/Navy Game – Aviva Stadium

The last time Notre Dame and Navy squared off in Ireland, in 1996, over 40,000 fans attended the game, including at least 10,000 Americans. Aviva Stadium reopened in May 2010 and has a 50,000 person capacity, so there’s plenty of space for what surely will be another tremendous game.

Sunday, Sept. 02: Dublin/ Kilkenny – Waterford

Depart Dublin this morning. Head south to visit Kilkenny, Ireland’s best example of a medieval town. It is beautifully situated on the river Nore, which forms the moat of its magnificently restored castle. You may take a guided historical walking tour to include St. Canices and Black Friary. Enjoy lunch at Kytlers Inn.
Drive to Waterford and visit the famous Crystal Factory to see how the renowned pieces of glass are created. Each piece is hand blown and carefully sculpted. Overnight at an exceptional 4-star hotel in Kilkenny.

Monday – Wednesday, Sept. 03, 04, & 05: Cork / Kinsale / Killarney / Ring of Kerry

Tour Cork City and include a visit to the Shandon Bells, the gothic style University College, St Finbarr’s Cathedral, City Market and the Crawford Art Gallery. Perhaps head to Blarney to see the castle and kiss the famous stone of eloquence. Shop at the Blarney Woolen Mills. Visit the Titanic Exhibition at Cobh.
Continue to Kinsale, one of Ireland’s most picturesque sailing and fishing towns with a reputation for fine food. Continue west to Killarney for a 3-night stay.

Today tour the world famous Ring of Kerry. For centuries artists and writers have celebrated this kingdom of Kerry, where the contrasting mountain, lake and coastal scenery is at its most spectacular. This trip promises some of the most celebrated scenic attractions in Ireland with rugged landscapes, antiquities and attractive villages. From Waterville you can see the Skellig Islands, once raided by the Vikings in 810 A. This former monastery is now home to one of the biggest gannet colonies in the world. Continue along the ring to the lovely market town of Kenmare. Continue back to Killarney on one of the most scenic drives you will ever experience. Enjoy some traditional Irish music tonight at a local pub. Drive to the Gap of Dunloe, see Kate Kearney’s Cottage. Then visit the magnificent gardens and Killarney lakes at Muckross House and Gardens. Take a cruise on the lakes which are located in the Killarney National Park. Lough Leane, the largest of the lakes has approximately 30 islands nestled in its waters. The best general view of the lake may be had from Aghadoe.

Thursday, Sept. 06: Adare / Limerick / Bunratty

Depart Killarney and drive to the picturesque village of Adare. Enjoy a walk among the scenic ruins and visit Adare Manor. Continue to Limerick and see King John’s Castle. Then drive west to Bunratty Castle. The castle was built in 1425 and carefully restored in recent years with authentic furniture, stained glass and tapestries. Bunratty Folk Park is a recreation of a typical 19th century Irish Village including thatched cottages. Enjoy 2 nights at your 4-star County Clare hotel.

Friday, Sept. 07: Burren / Cliffs of Moher

Enjoy a great day of touring in County Clare where you will visit the magnificent Cliffs of Moher which stretch dramatically 700 feet above the Atlantic for miles of coastline. We recommend a stop at Ailwee Cave to see the underground river and waterfall. Explore the lunar-like Burren region, famous for its unique flora and fauna, geology, and archaeology. Visit Ennis, once or Ireland’s leading traditional music towns and a fine example of a heritage town. Perhaps enjoy a medieval banquet at Bunratty Castle tonight.