Ireland is celebrating all things Irish in 2013 with a year-long series of cultural events called The Gathering.
Athlone Travel鈥檚 Irish Pub and Folk Tour is an opportunity to explore the culture, food and music of historical and contemporary Ireland during this national celebration. Days are spent exploring various aspects of Irish history and culture while evenings focus on live music in small venues to experience pub life the way the locals do.
Running Sept. 19-28, the tour includes eight nights sampling the culture of southern Ireland, beginning with an exploration of Dublin. Sept. 20 is Culture Night in Dublin, and a wide range of cultural events take place and iconic cultural venues, buildings and cultural spaces are open for exploration free of charge. The day is packed with activities as part of Ireland鈥檚 The Gathering celebration.
Highlights of the tour include a visit to the Irish National Stud; glass blowing demonstrations at the House of Waterford Crystal; a visit to the Blarney Castle to kiss the 鈥淪tone of Eloquence鈥�; sheep dog demonstrations and a visit to Irish farming country; a visit to Kate Kearney鈥檚 Cottage for dinner, traditional Irish music and dancing; a visit to the Desert Village鈥檚 100 abandoned stone cottages; a tour and tasting at Kilbeggan Distillery and more.
Evenings in Killarney, Westport, Kilkenny and Dublin feature live, local music in pubs and restaurants.
The tour also explores some of the andscape that Ireland is famous for, including the Cliffs of Moher, the lakes and open country in Connemara and the County Kerry scenic drive.
The Irish Pub and Folk Tour includes airfare, taxes, accommodation, all breakfasts, most dinners as well as day excursions. Cost is $3,399 per person, based on double occupancy. Single rates are also available.
For more information or the full Irish Pub and Folk Tour itinerary, contact Elizabeth Smith at Athlone Travel at [email protected] or call 250-598-5252.
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