VW Chamber hosting Ireland trip this fall

VW independent/submitted information

Let’s begin to see the world together this October 18-25 when the Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce, in association with Collette Travel, sponsors “Irish Splendor,” an eight-day trip to Ireland.

Savor a true taste of Irish splendor when spending the night in a stately castle and having dinner in Ireland’s oldest pub. Learn to pour the perfect pint at the Guinness Storehouse, stand in awe on the Cliffs of Moher, tour rollicking Dublin, and share a conversation with the locals at a pub featuring traditional Irish entertainers.

Sip on the “Water of Life” at the Tullamore Whiskey Distillery, visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, explore the spectacular Dingle Peninsula, and drive the Slea Head road for majestic coastal views. Gaze upon the historic Rock of Cashel, visit the famous Blarney Woolen Mills and the Gap of Dunloe, where one can shop for traditional Irish goods.

Meet a local family and enjoy tea and scones at their farm and kiss the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle. From the breathtaking sights of Kerry to the historic Rock of Cashel, gaze across the countryside and culture of Ireland.

“Irish Splendor” is an upcoming community travel trip offered by the Van Wert Chamber in partnership with leading Chamber travel partner Collette Travel. In addition to the remarkable stops on the tour, a variety of services are included to make this trip one of pure leisure.

Round-trip transportation will be provided to travelers directly from Van Wert to Dayton International Airport. Collette will handle all flight and hotel arrangements, as well as luggage transfers between hotels. Ten total meals are also included in the tour, including six dinners and four breakfasts at pricing of $3,249 per person for double occupancy.

Here’s a look at the trip details:

Day 1: Tuesday, October 18, overnight flight — Experience a true taste of “Irish Splendor” on a trip that combines fabulous accommodations, stunning scenery and sumptuous food. Return to times gone by during an unforgettable tour of the amazing Emerald Isle.

Day 2: Wednesday, October 19, Dublin, Ireland — The tour begins in rollicking Dublin. Join fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at the Brazen Head, Ireland’s oldest pub. (D)

Day 3: Thursday, October 20, Dublin — Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Dublin, the “Fair City.” Take in O’Connell Street, Grafton Street, Phoenix Park, and the city’s magnificent rows of stately Georgian town homes. Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, which dates back to the 13th century. The tour concludes at the Guinness Storehouse, where tour members will learn about the brewing process that creates this beloved beverage. This is the chance to discover the training and technique needed to pour the perfect pint and to enjoy one! The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax in one of the world’s most vibrant cities. Take advantage of the opportunity to explore the cultural offerings of delightful Dublin on one’s own. (B)

Day 4: Friday, October 21, Dublin-Killarney — Experience the customs and daily life of a traditional Irish family during a memorable farm visit, complete with homemade tea and scones. Continue on to the town of Cashel for views of the historic Rock of Cashel, the reputed location where St. Patrick preached and converted the King of Munster. Next, journey to historic Blarney Castle and the opportunity to kiss the famous Blarney Stone. Legend has it that those who kiss the stone are bestowed with the gift of eloquence. Tour members will also have time to shop at the famous Blarney Woolen Mills, the world’s largest Irish gift store. End the day in charming Killarney. This evening, it’s diner’s choice … the dinner is included and tour members can choose the perfect spot from a “menu” of Killarney’s great restaurants. (B, D)

Day 5: Saturday, October 22, Killarney-Dingle Peninsula-Killarney — Set off this morning to follow what is perhaps Ireland’s most majestic coastal route — the stunning Dingle Peninsula. Stop at the Gap of Dunloe and shop for traditional Irish goods handcrafted by local artisans. Travel to the town of Dingle and then drive the beautiful Slea Head Road, where some of the country’s most spectacular landscapes are found. (B)

Day 6: Sunday, October 23, Killarney-Cliffs of Moher-Dromoland — Depart Killarney and travel across the countryside of Kerry. Journey to the stunning 700-foot-high Cliffs of Moher for awe-inspiring views of the mighty Atlantic and the Aran Islands. Then travel through the vast limestone landscape of the Burren, known for its stark beauty and Neolithic tombs. Continue past scenic countryside to the fairy-tale setting of Dromoland Castle, regarded as one of Ireland’s finest hotels. Overnight in this castle and toast the magnificent trip during a fabulous dinner. (B, D)

Day 7: Monday, October 24, Dromoland-Tullamore-Dublin — Enjoy a relaxing morning at the castle before returning to Dublin. En route to Dublin, visit the Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre and learn how Irish whiskey is made and enjoy a tasting. This evening, join fellow passengers for a farewell dinner and toast the end of a wonderful journey. (B, D)

Day 8: Tuesday, October 25, Dublin-Tour Ends — The tour ends today. Head home with a lifetime of Irish memories. (B)

This trip is open to the entire community: business owners, families, retirees, etc. For more information about the “Irish Splendor” tour or to reserve a spot, call the Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce at 419.238.4390, email chamber@vanwertchamber.com or go to www.vanwertchamber.com.