AUGUST 9 - 19, 2019
Experience Ireland as one of the neighbors! We will explore it’s incredible landscape and unmistakable musical and literary heritage. An adventure worthy of any bucket list! $2945 includes four-star hotels, 9 breakfasts and 5 dinners.
Put your deposit down before February 2, 2019 and get $150 off per person! 

​CLICK HERE TO REGISTER or for MORE INFO

For 20 years, all over the country, people have been asking me to show them the Ireland that I know . . . the island of saints and scholars and Guinness. Thanks to Brian and Kristen Bigley, I'm delighted that it's finally happening. 
- Tomáseen Foley

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Your TOUR IRELAND hosts, Kristen & Brian Bigley

Having toured and traveled in Ireland several times in the past, Kristen & Brian Bigley are eager to share their enthusiasm and experience as they invite you to join them in this exciting adventure in 2019! They're honored that Tomáseen Foley, native Irish storyteller, is accompanying them as the tour guide this year.
Brian Bigley has studied the Irish uilleann pipes for nearly 25 years as a player, as well as a maker, of the instrument. He has toured North America and Europe extensively as both a musician and a dancer, appearing in shows such as Tomàseen Foley's A Celtic Christmas, the Omaha Symphony's Celtic Journey, and the Apollo's Fire Countryside Concert Series. In 2002 and 2003 Brian competed with great distinction at the World Irish Dance Championships held in Glasgow and Killarney. He has recently released his fourth recording of traditional Irish music Dance the Town Green in conjunction with the New York School of Irish Dance.
Violinist Kristen Bigley has been playing the violin for 23 years. She studied classical violin at the University of Akron and Youngstown State University. Kristen often performs with small local ensembles in both classical and folk genres, but most of all loves teaching violin/fiddle to local musicians out of her home near Cleveland, Ohio. 
Kristen and piper husband, Brian, live near Cleveland, Ohio with their dancing children, James and Kathleen, where they have formally started a family business sharing their love of music and manufacturing traditional Irish instruments, The Bigley Music Workshop LLC.

ITINERARY - AUGUST 9-19, 2019
(Note: The itinerary has been changed slightly. The first overnight will be in Dublin instead of Dingle to accommodate higher demand and lengthy travel from the United States.)

​AUG 9: depart the united states

​Depart your home town and take an overnight flight across the Atlantic. Enjoy in-flight entertainment and meal service as you travel to start your vacation.

AUG 10: dublin arrival

After landing at Dublin Airport, complete customs and immigration formalities. Your CIE Tours driver/guide will welcome you to Ireland and escort you and your luggage to the coach. Next, set off with a local guide who will show you around Dublin. The city has been molded through the centuries with many architectural styles, reflecting the economic, political and artistic influences. Stop to visit the National Museum on Kildare Street to see the Tara Brooch, Ardagh Chalice, Shrine of St. Patrick’s Bell, Cross of Cong and many priceless works. Then, continue on to visit Trinity College to see the Book of Kells, an 8th century illuminated manuscript of the gospels and see the Old Library. After, motor a short distance to your hotel, check in and enjoy some free time before meeting your fellow travelers for dinner in the hotel restaurant.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT: STEPHENS GREEN HOTEL, DUBLIN
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AUG 11: GLENDALOUGH VISITOR CENTRE

This morning, drive south of Dublin to see the delightful scenery of the Wicklow Mountains. This mountain range runs north to south across County Wicklow with its highest peak, Lugnaquilla, at 3039 feet. The entire mountain region is frequented, especially on weekends, by Dubliners, for its scenery and outdoor recreation. Then, continue on to visit the 6th century monastic ruins of Glendalough. The visitor centre explains how St. Kevin founded this settlement at a time when Christianity was burgeoning throughout Ireland. Return to your hotel in Dublin in time to dine with your group in the hotel restaurant.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT: STEPHENS GREEN HOTEL, DUBLIN

aug 12: BLARNEY CASTLE & WOOLLEN MILLS

Leaving Dublin, journey into Blarney, where you can climb the battlements of Blarney Castle and kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence.” Then, visit the Blarney Woollen Mills, which has an excellent range of Irish products. You will also have time to browse around the village, charmingly set around a large village green. Next, set off to explore a section of the breathtaking Ring of Kerry. The scenic drive will take you to plenty of stops at strategic locations, where you can take photos. Along the way, travel through Kenmare before pausing at Moll’s Gap, which overlooks the three lakes. Continue to Ladies’ View for more spectacular view of Killarney’s lakes and mountains. Transfer to your hotel in Killarney, check in and settle into your room. You may like to rest or explore some of the town before dining with your group in the hotel restaurant.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT: GREAT SOUTHERN HOTEL, KILLARNEY

aug 13: muckross house & gardens

After breakfast, visit Muckross House, and elegant 19th century mansion set beside the tranquil Muckross Lake. A guided tour will fill you in on some local history and the family ties to the United States. Enjoy the elegant rooms and rich furnishings before strolling through the gardens. After your visit, return to your nearby hotel and enjoy the balance of the afternoon at your leisure to relax, shop or sightsee. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for dinner in the hotel restaurant.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT: GREAT SOUTHERN HOTEL, KILLARNEY

aug 14: DINGLE PENINSULA

Today, discover the beauties of the Dingle Peninsula, once described by the National Geographic Traveler as “the most beautiful place on earth.” Drive along the south shore of the peninsula for plenty of vistas of heathery mountains, sandy stretches of beach, stunning green landscapes and rocky headlands. Pause at strategic locations to admire the views and take photos. Next, stop to enjoy lunch at John Benny’s Pub, a place known for its traditional music sessions. Who knows what might happen? After, returning to your hotel in Killarney and enjoy some free time before meeting your fellow travelers for dinner in the hotel restaurant.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT: GREAT SOUTHERN HOTEL, KILLARNEY​

aug 15: cliffs of moher

Departing Killarney, drive into the village of Adare, famous for its attractive main street of thatched houses and colorful gardens. Stroll through the village and take some photos before continuing your journey along the coast of scenic County Clare. Next, stop to visit the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most beloved natural landmarks. See magical vistas, overlooking the shimmering Atlantic Ocean along with Ireland’s Western coastline. After your visit, travel into the lively city of Galway, check into your hotel and settle into your room. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure for independent activities and dining.
OVERNIGHT: PARK HOUSE HOTEL, GALWAY

aug 16: GALWAY SIGHTSEEING

After breakfast, join a local guide for a gentle walking tour of Galway. See the medieval city walls, Lynch’s Castle and the narrow streets. Return to your nearby hotel, where the balance of the afternoon is spent at your leisure. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for dinner in the hotel restaurant.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT: PARK HOUSE HOTEL, GALWAY

aug 17: BRU NA BOINNE VISITOR CENTRE & KNOWTH

Leaving Galway, travel into County Meath and stop to visit the Boyne Valley Visitor Centre. While here, learn about the nearby passage tombs of Newgrange and Knowth, constructed over 5,000 years ago. Then visit the actual tomb of Knowth, which is similar in size to Newgrange. After, continue your journey into Meath, check into your hotel and settle into your room. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure to sightsee, shop and dine on your own.
OVERNIGHT: JOHNSTOWN HOUSE HOTEL, MEATH

aug 18: DAY AT LEISURE

​Today, journey into Drogheda and enjoy the entire day at leisure to attend The Fleadh Cheoil, the world’s largest celebration of Irish music, language, song and dance. Return to your hotel in Meath for a free evening.
OVERNIGHT: JOHNSTOWN HOUSE HOTEL, MEATH

aug 19: return to the united states

​All too soon, your vacation has come to its final day. Transfer to Dublin Airport in good time to check in for your flight. You may do some last-minute shopping at the duty-free stores before boarding your aircraft and flying across the Atlantic Ocean back to the United States.

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