Highlights of our 2009 trip...

Last year we went to County Donegal. Here are some highlights:

Irsh phone booth

In Bunratty, Co. Clare, even the dogs are friendly.

Turf

If you come on our tour, you'll find out what this is.

Stoned

In Ireland, everybody must get stoned.

Rest

Vacationing in Ireland isn't all go, go, go -- there's time for relaxing, too.

CHECK BACK... WE'LL BE POSTING MORE PHOTOS...

 

Picture yourself in a bus by the Shannon...

Ireland is just this much short of paradise if you're into music. It's on the other side of paradise if you're into music, beer, fantastic landscapes and fabulous, friendly people.

Dave Kleiner and Dave Sherman (and their better halves Doreen Sherman and Liz Pagan) toured this way last year, and it was great. Many times was Dave Kleiner heard to remark, "This is the best vacation I've ever had!"

Maybe you're the kind of person that doesn't usually do tours (we weren't). But this particular tour is truly enchanted. The size is intimate and the tour leaders (under the direction of the redoubtable Tom Pigott) know places that are off the beaten path as well as the best pubs for music.

What's the deal?

Dates: Tues., July 27 -- Thurs., August 5

Itinerary: We will visit some of the highlights of southwestern Ireland: Mizzenhead Drive (the most southern point of Ireland), The Dingle Peninsula, the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, the Aran Islands (weather permitting).

And we'll also explore the culture and traditions of Ireland: an Irish Language overview; cutting turf and making poteen, learning about the famine at the Skibbereen Heritage Center.

And in the evening, we'll visit the best local pubs for music listening and playing.

Each day there will be time for walking/hiking.

Lodging: We spend the first three nights in Clonakitly, Co. Cork, the second three in Tralee, Co. Kerry, and the third in Liscannor, Co. Clare. Details to follow.

There will be health clubs -- which means a pool -- at the first two hotels. So bring your bathing suit AND a bathing cap (if you don't have the latter, you'll be required to buy one).

Food: Full Irish breakfast is included every morning. There will be three group dinners (table de hote). You'll be on your own for the rest of the dinners -- plenty of choices for traditional Irish fare as well as more exotic cuisines. You are also responsible for your own lunches; the bus will make a lunch stop at a place where you can get sandwiches or fast food.

Music, Music, Music: The tour will include some listening but also plenty of participatory music experiences.

Each location will follow this format:

One night Yankee Caravan (the Daves and Liz) will be featured in performance. On the second night, we'll go to hear Irish music at a local pub sesshin. Usually, after the session, we'll be able to participate in a kind of round-robin. The third night will be open. We bet you'll go right back to the pub for more music.

Pubs are in walking distance from lodging, so you can stumble home whenever you want!

And singing on the bus is also encouraged.

Travel arrangements: Flight is not included, but Dave Kleiner will be keeping his eyes on fares and let people know when it looks like the price is right to book.

Make your reservations to Shannon Airport in time to be picked up in nearby Bunratty at 9:30am on Tues., July 27.

We STRONGLY suggest flying early in order to spend Monday night in Bunratty.

Bunratty is a short taxi ride from Shannon Airport. You can work on your jet lag... see a few local sites (Bunratty Castle and Folk Park is in walking distance)... play music in the pub in the evening (also in walking distance)...

We will be arranging a special rate of 40 Euro at one of the many hotels/B&Bs in Bunratty; details to follow.

You will be picked up in Bunratty at 9:30am on Tuesday, July 27 by our tour guide, Brendan, in a luxurious 26-person coach that will loft you gently, as if on a cloud, over the bog roads that crisscross the Irish countryside.

You'll be delivered back to Shannon airport on Thursday, Aug. 5.

Cost: $1995 includes ground transportation, lodging in small hotels, all breakfasts , 3 dinners and incidental admissions (except optional Aran Island ferry -- the trip is optional; the ferry is not).

To reserve a space: Deposit of $500 is due January 31. Second deposit due March 1st. Final payment due May 1. There is a $350 single supplement, but if you want to room with someone we'll try to make it happen.

We expect this tour to sell out fast, so reserve ASAP!

Contact: Dave Kleiner, (973) 429-0288 or daveytheK@aol.com