Join Ski Club of Sarasota members and fellow Florida Ski Council clubs on a sightseeing - with golf options - tour to Ireland. The trip departs from Tampa on September 17, 2012 to Dublin, and returns to Tampa on September 25th from Shannon. Sightseeing is diverse – scenic views of seas, lakes, mountains and countryside. Plus, discover a wealth of history while touring cities and villages between Dublin on the East, down around the Southwestern portion of Ireland to Shannon, with seven nights spent in four different cities and villages in Ireland. Sightseeing tours are included each day, with additional time to explore the quaintness of Ireland and shop on your own. Be prepared for being escorted around Ireland in a comfortable European Coach. Daily breakfasts and dinners are included. Just relax and enjoy! Those who wish to play golf will have the option on three days of being dropped off to play up to three of Ireland‟s links, being picked up and rejoining the group after golf.

In addition to Ireland, an optional four day pre-trip extension will be offered to Scotland, also departing from Tampa and meeting up with the basic group upon its arrival in Dublin. There is even a possibility of an optional post-trip extension to London, England. We are still planning the details of the pre-trip and post-trip extensions, but the tentative itinerary for the Ireland portion of the trip follows. We are limited to 30 participants, so send a $300 deposit to reserve your space! Click here to download the itinerary.

Proposed Itinerary:

DAY 1, Monday, 9/17/12: DEPART TAMPA, FLORIDA VIA DELTA OR CONTINENTAL
FOR DUBLIN.

DAY 2, Tuesday, 9/18/12: ARRIVAL – DUBLIN CITY TOUR - GUINNESS
In Dublin, our driver/guide will meet us at the airport for transfer to our hotel where we will be staying for the next 2 nights.

On the way in, sit back and enjoy a panoramic sightseeing tour of this historic city. There‟s so much of interest in Ireland‟s compact capital that it‟s impossible to list all the highlights, and what could be more special than Trinity College. Ireland‟s premier seat of learning founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth 1st of England is world famous for its library and the remarkable Book of Kells, a historic 9th century gospel manuscript. The 13th century castle, built on the site of the original Viking fortress, was a focus of English rule for over 700 years and now hosts many ceremonial functions. We will see the cathedrals and the delightful Georgian architecture which lends the city so much charm. Over the river Liffey is the delightful Halfpenny Bridge and on the south bank are Temple Bar, heart of Dublin‟s legendary night life, street theater and entertainment and the chic shopping of Grafton Street. Phoenix Park, like Central Park in New York City is a haven for recreation and the Customs House links Dublin‟s trading heritage with the prosperous Ireland of today.

This afternoon our sightseeing begins, with a visit to the Guinness Storehouse where we will learn about the fascinating history and traditional methods used in crafting Ireland‟s most famous export, Guinness. Located at the heart of St. James‟s Gate Brewery, the seven floors are designed around a central glass atrium actually mirroring the shape of a pint of the "black nectar." Floor by floor take a surprising journey through the past, present and future of this iconic beer, discovering the ingredients, the time, the craft and the passion in every glass. The visit ends in the Gravity Bar with a tasting and a lesson in how to pour the perfect pint while enjoying the superb 360 degree panoramic view of Dublin from the highest bar in the city – what better way to get to know our fellow travelers!

This evening we “take dinner” in the hotel.

DAY 3, Wednesday, 9/19/12: GOLF OR EXCURSION TO WICKLOW
This morning our group will visit County Wicklow. Our first stop will be Powerscourt House & Gardens.

GOLF GROUP
The golfers will leave the group here to play golf at the Powerscourt Golf Course (SEE GOLF OPTION). There are 2 Championship Golf Courses to choose from: the West Course and the East Course.

West Course: This new course was designed by David Mclay Kidd whose portfolio includes the acclaimed Bandon Dunes in Oregan. Like the East the West offers a variety of challenging holes presenting a fresh perspective on the stunning scenery of the Powerscourt Estate.

East Course: Following the contours of this mature and historic landscape, the talented golfer and successful Walker cup captain Peter McEvoy designed a testing and rewarding challenge for all levels of golfers.

EXCURSION FOR NON- GOLFERS
The rest of the group will visit the magnificent Powerscourt House & Gardens. The gardens stretch over 45 acres and its design reflects the desire to create a garden as part of the wider landscape. They are a sublime blend of formal gardens, sweeping terraces, statuary and ornamental lakes together with secret hollows. Take a stroll but don‟t miss the colourful Japanese Gardens, the Pepper Pot Tower and the Pet Cemetery. Afterwards you can visit the Palladian Powerscourt House which, though gutted by fire in 1974, has been reborn as wonderful tourist destination. See the exhibition on the house‟s history, enjoy some time in the terraced café or the shops of the well known Avoca Handweavers.

Afterwards the group will travel to Glendalough. “The Valley of the Two Lakes” - as the name says, is a monastic site beautifully situated amidst the Wicklow Mountains. St. Kevin founded a monastery here in the 6th century, which grew to become famous as a centre of learning throughout Europe when Ireland became known as the “Island of Saints and Scholars”. The surviving buildings date from the 8th and 12th centuries with a prominent round tower of 34m height. Standing amid the remains of this monastic settlement, one can feel the powerful sense of peace and tranquility. If you feel energetic enough, take a stroll around the lake.

On the way back to Dublin, the golfers will be picked up at Powerscourt. Return to Dublin for dinner and overnight.

DAY 4, Thursday, 9/20/12: DUBLIN –WATERFORD

We leave Dublin, first passing Enniscorthy, site of the last battle of the 1798 rebellion, then skirting the Blackstairs Mountains we come to New Ross, heart of the „Sweet Trinity of Rivers‟ an area of haunting natural beauty, of kings and castles, music and poetry, a land of legend.

We visit the John F Kennedy Arboretum, dedicated to the President‟s memory, and visit the nearby birthplace of JFK‟s great-grandfather, Patrick. The Kennedy Homestead, which celebrates the history of five generations of one of America‟s most illustrious dynasties, is still today farmed by his descendants.

We‟ll also see the Spirit of Ireland exhibition and Dunbrody Emigrant Ship a full size replica of the original Dunbrody which carried emigrant families to America between 1845 and 1870. You will understand life on board a sailing ship as it plied the Atlantic and explore the authentically recreated decks of this remarkable vessel. Actors dressed in period costume recall actual life stories. Immerse yourself in the soul of America‟s pioneers! You can also access a huge database of emigrants who sailed from Ireland, compiled from original 19th century ships‟ manifests in collaboration with Philadelphia‟s Balch Institute. If you have Irish ancestry from this period, your forbears are probably here.

Later we enjoy a tour of the Waterford Crystal, learning how the exquisite crystal products of this illustrious marque are produced. We see all aspects of the production from design to blowing the molten glass, and cutting and polishing of these intricate examples of hand-crafted beauty.

Continue to Waterford for dinner at our hotel and overnight stay.

DAY 5, Friday, 9/21/12: CORK – GOLF OR EXCURSION - KILLARNEY
This morning, we travel from Dungarvan to Fota.

GOLF GROUP
The golfers will stay at Fota to play a round of golf at the Fota Island Golf Course (SEE GOLF OPTION).

Golf on Fota Island dates from 1883 when a nine-hole course was laid out. The present Fota Island Golf Club was designed in 1993 and underwent major redevelopment in 1998 with all the greens being rebuilt and eight holes redesigned. In its short history, Fota Island Golf Club has hosted the Irish Club Professional Championship, the Irish PGA Championship and the Irish Amateur Open. It was venue in 2001 and 2002 venue for the Irish Open when it was won by Colin Montgomery and Soren Hansen respectively.

EXCURSION FOR NON GOLFERS
The non golfers will continue to Midleton, where they will visit the Jameson Experience. You can see for yourself how the legendary Jameson‟s Irish Whiskey is made -- soak up the history and surroundings, learning the secret art of making one of the world‟s finest drinks. Step back in time to the magnificent courtyard area, evoking the atmosphere of harvest time as farmers arrived with horse-drawn wagons piled high with grain. See the giant waterwheel which once powered all the distillery machinery and today still turns the cogs and wheels in the Mill Building. In the Brew House see the world‟s largest „pot still‟ in the world while at The Old Cooperage you can literally touch the Distillery‟s resonant past. Then complete the experience in the only way possible with a tasting, should you wish, of this celebrated whiskey.

We‟ll then travel to Blarney via the city of Cork, where our driver will take us for a short panoramic city tour before continuing our journey.

Then it's time for a "touch of the Blarney" as we visit the legendary Blarney Castle, home to the famous "Blarney Stone" where an enduring tradition holds that all who kiss it will be blessed with the gift of eloquence and a lasting way with words. No doubt by now you will have met enough of the delightful Irish people to believe that most must have kissed the stone already! For over 200 years, world statesmen, literary giants, and legends of the silver screen have joined the millions of pilgrims climbing the steps to kiss the celebrated Stone. Its powers are unquestioned but its history still creates debate – but you must await your turn to learn of its many stories and see if the magic works for you!

Pick up the golfers at Fota.

Continue to Killarney for check-in, dinner at your hotel and overnight stay.

DAY 6, Saturday, 9/22/12: RING OF KERRY

Sit back and enjoy the almost impossibly beautiful scenery that abounds in the magnificent Ring of Kerry, one of the world‟s most stunning coastlines. This world famous excursion is a non-stop pageant of breathtaking views across mountains and sea that has attracted visitors for centuries – but it is so much more than just a scenic experience.

Today also offers an amazing insight into the ancient heritage of Ireland; the Iron Age forts, the Ogham Stones, old monasteries and ancient rural communities, all set in a landscape carved out of rock by the last Ice Age 10,000 years ago. The spectacular peninsular itself pierces the wild ocean, with a coastline constantly changing from rugged headlands continually battered by huge Atlantic rollers, to vast bays hiding miles of deserted beaches while flocks of seabirds dive in their never-ending quest for fish.

Occasionally there is a picturesque fishing village and the backdrop is lush meadow bisected by dry-stone walls, studded by abandoned farmhouses with dark mountains in the distance, all combining to give a truly breathtaking scene. It is wondrous how the physical outline stands out from the vast expanse of the ocean with every inlet, channel or island being as distinct as it is on a map, giving a fantastic sense of scale to the whole scene. Then comes the spectacular scenic conclusion to the „Ring‟ as the road climbs into Ireland‟s highest mountain range, Macgillycuddy‟s Reeks, through Moll‟s Gap with its unusual rounded peaks to admire the stunning „Ladies View‟, a beautiful panorama stretching down over the stunning Killarney Lakes.

Before returning to our hotel, we will visit Muckross House – a magnificently restored Victorian mansion house once visited by Queen Victoria herself.

Perhaps enjoy a memorable ride on a traditional horse-drawn jaunting car (either here or back in Killarney) with the local „Jarvies‟ (coachmen) imbibing all who will listen with amusing observations on Ireland, Killarney and its people, life in general and anything else which takes their fancy.

Dinner at our hotel

DAY 7, Sunday, 9/23/12: DINGLE OR GOLF - ENNIS
Breakfast at your hotel. Depart for a day tour of the Dingle Peninsula.

GOLF GROUP
Play a round of golf at the Dingle Golf Links (Ceann Sibéal). (SEE GOLF OPTION)
The townland of Ballyferriter occupies a remote but very special and historic corner of Kerry. Sybil Head, Brandon Mountain, The Blasket Islands, Slea Head, the Pilgrims‟ Way, winding lanes ablaze with fuschia, sparkling beaches are all very special ingredients in the unique and dramatic landscape.

Amid it all sits Dingle Links, a course as beautiful as its setting. Each hole on this glorious links is carved from the natural landscape of one of the most unspoiled parts of Europe, with hazards laid down long before the game of golf was dreamt of, including a winding "burn" that twists and turns through the entire course.

EXCURSION FOR NON- GOLFERS
The Peninsula is justly famous for its sea-road with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, its prehistoric and early Christian monuments, its small Gaelic-speaking villages and miles of unspoiled fuschia hedges.

The coast road takes us past miles of unspoiled sandy beaches such as Inch Beach, where “Ryan's Daughter” was filmed, through the lively fishing port of Dingle, renowned for its seafood restaurants, and on to Slea Head, the most westerly point in Europe.

The clusters of beehive huts, small dome shaped dry stone huts built by the first settlers are also fascinating. Many of them are along the coast road from Dingle to Slea Head.

Visit the Blasket Centre - The Great Blasket Island off the Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry, is known for its historic, cultural and literary heritage. In the 1920's and 1930's, native Blasket writers produced books which have become classics of their kind.

As its young people continued to emigrate, the Blasket community declined. The island was abandoned in 1953 when only 22 inhabitants remained. The state-of-the-art Blasket Centre, on the mainland in Dun Chaoin, celebrates the islanders and their unique literary achievements. It is dedicated to the native Irish language.

Pick up the golfers at Dingle.

Transfer from the Peninsula via Tralee and Listowel, to cross the mouth of the Shannon River on the Tarbert-Kilimer ferry.

Continue to Ennis for dinner and overnight.

DAY 8, Monday, 9/24/12: BURREN – CLIFFS – BUNRATTY BANQUET

Breakfast at our hotel. Continue into the Burren region. The BURREN is a vast lunar landscape harbouring some 2000 species of rare plants and flowers.

Beneath the surface are unique rock formations dating back two million years. The towering Cliffs of Moher are a famous feature of County Clare and stretch for approximately five miles along the rugged coastline.

Visit Bunratty Castle and Folkpark - One of Irelands top visitor attractions, Bunratty Castle is the most complete and authentic medieval castle in the country. Built in 1425, it was faithfully restored in 1954 and has furnishings and tapestries which capture the mood and style of the times. The Folk Park, set in 26 acres, recreates 19th century Ireland. The Park features include a recreated village street, eight farmhouses, a watermill, blacksmiths forge, Macs pub and restaurant and a display of 19th century agricultural machinery.

Overnight in Ennis.

In the early evening, return to the Bunratty Castle, to join in the Banquet. The Bunratty Medieval Banquet offers a 4 course banquet based on Irish dishes of the time, with entertainment from the court of lords and ladies in the castle.

DAY 9, Tuesday, 9/25/12: DEPARTURE
After breakfast we will transfer to Shannon Airport for our flight home to Tampa.

HOTEL INFORMATION:

The details of the trip, including the actual hotels where we will be staying are still being finalized. However, the following hotels are ones we are considering at this time, and should be representative of our actual hotels on the trip.

DUBLIN -2 nights 4 STAR Maldron Hotel Cardiff Lanewww.maldronhotels.com
WATERFORD-1 night 3 STAR Treacy‟s Hotelwww.treacyshotelwaterford.com
KILLARNEY-2 nights 4 STAR Dromhall Hotel, Killarneyhttp://www.dromhall.com
ENNIS-2 nights 3 STAR Auburn Lodge Hotelwww.irishcourthotels.com

The cost for the basic trip is $2,495, +/- , per person, based upon double occupancy. Included in the cost is round trip air from Tampa (arrival city: Dublin/departure city: Shannon); airport transfers to and from hotels; 2 nights in Dublin, 1 night in Dungarvan, 2 nights in Killarney, 2 nights in Ennis; full Irish breakfast daily; dinner daily, including 1 Medieval Banquet at Bunratty Castle (subject to availability); motor coach for transfers between destinations; English speaking guide to accompany group; bus tour of Dublin; Tarbert Kilimer Ferry; entrances to Guinness Storehouse, JFK Arboretum, Kennedy Homestead, Dunbrody Emigrant Ship, Waterford Crystal, Muckross House, Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. Golfing options are available at additional costs, as shown below. Single supplement: Add $300.

ABOUT THE GOLFING OPTIONS
All rates are based on 2011 Greens fees and are based on a minimum of 4 persons. In addition to the fees listed below, there is a booking fee of €33. (about $48.), per course. This booking fee will be divided among all of the golfers.

GREEN FEES: (all prices in Euros)

POWERSCOURT GOLF CLUB: www.powerscourt.ie/golfclub
18 holes East or West Course: €78.
Pull cart: € 4.
Golf Cart: €35.
Club Hire: €40.

FOTA ISLAND GOLF CLUB: www.fotaisland.ie/
18 holes €65.
Pull cart: € 4.
Golf Cart: €40.
Club Hire: €40.

DINGLE GOLF LINKS www.dinglelinks.com
18 holes: €55.
Pull cart: € 3.
Golf Cart: €30.
Club Hire: €20.

Club membership is required. Checks payable to Ski Club of Sarasota should be mailed to leaders.
Initial Deposit: $300 per person due with reservation form sent to group leader.
Second Deposit: Trip leaders will email an invoice due by March 1, 2012.
Final Payment: Remaining balance due by July 1, 2012.
To reserve a spot on this trip:

Please download a trip reservation form, print it out, and mail it to the group leader at the address below. Include your deposit of $300 per person payable to "Ski Club of Sarasota". You will also need to submit a copy of the photo page of a current passport that will be current through March, 2013. (Most countries now require an expiration date on the passport that is at least six months beyond the dates of travel.) If you need to make application for your passport or renewal at this time, send in a copy as soon as possible after you receive the new one. If you are not a current member of the Ski Club of Sarasota, please also sign-up for membership.

Group Leaders: Jim Denhardt / 727-577-2074 / email: jdenhardt@aol.com
Barbara Rhawn / 941-349-71269 / email: skiclubsar@aol.com

Ski Club Of Sarasota
c/o Active Lifestyles
5976 South Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34231

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