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Featured Tours
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IRELAND - FOOTSTEPS OF ST. PATRICK -
IRELAND - FOOTSTEPS OF ST. PATRICK -
IRELAND - FOOTSTEPS OF ST. PATRICK -
IRELAND - FOOTSTEPS OF ST. PATRICK -
IRELAND - FOOTSTEPS OF ST. PATRICK
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Tour designed to your Church Member's specifications.
Minumum group size 20.
Individuals please inquire.
The story of St. Patrick has fascinated the world for centuries – his legacy clearly seen around the island of Ireland. Experience the intriguing aspects of Irish Culture as we trace the path of Christianity, in the footsteps of one of the world’s most beloved saints. Be inspired by the ancient heritage as you explore the abbeys, monasteries and medieval sites, all which have been carefully preserved. Experience an authentic Ireland.
Group Tours will be designed and priced to your specifications. Minimum group size 20 passengers. Please see our suggested inclusions and itinerary to get a feel for how wonderful following the footsteps of Saint Patrick will be.
If you are not part of a group but are interested in the tour please give us a call to discuss options.
Sample INCLUSIONS – tailor this tour to your Church Members
9 Nights Accommodation - tailored to your group
Services of professional English speaking local guide and local experts
Services of Further Afield Travel and Tours leader
All tours and admissions at no extra cost (highlighted)
All customary gratuities for guides and sightseeing events
Optional Air inclusion from Toronto with transfers
9 Full Breakfast, Welcome and Farewell dinners
Tailor the tour to include additional lunches and/or dinners
SAMPLE ITINERARY – tailor this tour to your Church Members
Day 1 - Overnight flight to Dublin
Depart North America on your overnight flight to Dublin
Day 2 - Dublin • Newcastle, Co. Down (WD)
Arrive Dublin, voted twice the friendliest city in Europe, as well as being crowned UNESCO City of Literature.
Our journey begins as we set off for County Down. The story of Ireland starts here in the words of Saint Patrick himself - here we will begin exploring Patrick’s life and legacy.
Newcastle, County Down, is comprised of sweeping valleys, hidden lakes, history soaked hills, and dominated by the Mourne Mountains in the horizon - one of the most beautiful corners of Northern Ireland and the heartland of our Saint.
Discover: While its not known when Patrick first visited the Hill of Tara, he certainly saw the High Kings’ power. While Celtic festival fires were burning on Tara, the High Kings forbid other fires in the area. At the time, the Hill of Tire, located 43km north of Dublin, was the ceremonial capital of the High Kings. They practiced Celtic paganism and believed Tara to be both the dwelling place of the gods and the gateway to the Otherworld. Patrick confronted the Druid King Laoghaire by lighting a paschal (Easter) fire on the Hill of Slane. The High King confronted Patrick who, according to legend and his Irish language skills, explained the Church’s paradox of the Holy Trinity. Convinced by the stranger, Laoghaire agreed to let Patrick continue his missionary work. Today the Hill of Tara remains a palpably sacred site with a wealth of remains including a Stone Age passage tomb and prehistoric burial mounds up to 5,000 years old.
Join your group this evening for a Welcome Dinner.
Accommodation: 2 nights
Meals: Welcome Dinner
Day 3 - Newcastle, Co. Down (B)
Discover: Saul Church is built on the site of Saint Patrick’s earliest place of Christian worship in Ireland, founded by the Saint in 432 AD. Originally made of wood, the church has been rebuilt many times – most recently in 1932 to celebrate 1500th anniversary of its foundation. Some early writers say that, when close to death, St Patrick was told by an angel to”return to the place from which you came, that is to Sabhall”, where he died on March 17th around the year 461AD. Close by on the crest of Slieve Patrick is the tallest statue of St Patrick in the world, built in 1932 to commemorate his landing in Lecale. The Statue was carved with the robes of the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Armagh but, in order to bring the faiths together, the face used for Patrick was that of the Protestant Archbishop of Armagh.
Discover: Outside Down Cathedral on the highest part of Cathedral Hill lies the grave of Saint Patrick, the apostle of Ireland. By the early medieval period Patrick’s grave had become an important site for the developing church and an important monastery had grown around it. At this time the tradition of the hill being the burial place of saints Brigid and Columcille had been added to the legend of Patrick, giving rise to the well-known couplet: “In Down, three saints one grave do fill, Patrick, Brigid and Columcille.”
Discover: Following the Saint’s death and burial on this elevated location, a small monastic community grew up around St Patrick’s grave, first recorded in 753 AD. The stone church and round tower of this monastery was noted in the Annals as being burned by lightening in 1016. The medieval Cathedral which we see today traces its origins to the Invasion of Ulster, when the Norman Knight John de Courcy ousted Rory MacDunleavy, the last King of the Dal Fiatach, and established a Benedictine order there in 1177. The site of Down Cathedral was an important location for Celtic worship for thousands of years before Saint Patrick brought Christianity to Ireland.
Meals: Full Irish breakfast
Day 4 - Newcastle, Co Down • Armagh • Donegal (B)
Discover: Set off to explore the city of Armagh, the ecclesiastical centre of the island. Hundreds of years ago, this is where St. Patrick chose to establish his original church. It is here, that two magnificent cathedrals stand, one Church of Ireland and one Roman Catholic. Saint Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral stands on the hill from which the City of Armagh derives its name – Ard Mhacha the Height of Macha. Less than half a mile away, on the neighbouring hill, is our sister, St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cathedral. Armagh owes everything to its traditional association with St Patrick.
Discover: To the west of Armagh City lies Navan Fort, the ancient “Emain Macha” of Irish history and legend and one of the earliest provincial capital of Ulster. It is a large earthwork on top of a drumlin and is thought to be the site of a pagan sanctuary. In early Irish mythological tales, Emain was the Head Quarters of the Red Branch knights. It is one of a small number of sites identified as a prehistoric provincial capital in early sources.
We continue our journey, making our way to Co. Donegal, perched on Ireland’s rugged northern coast where one -third of Donegal is official Gaeltacht territory, with Irish the lingua franca.
Accommodation: 1 night
Meals: Full Irish breakfast
Day 5 - Westport (B)
Discover: Croagh Patrick, overlooks Clew Bay in County Mayo and is considered the holiest mountain in Ireland. The tradition of pilgrimage to this holy mountain stretches back over 5,000 years from the Stone Age to the present day without interruption. Its religious significance dates back to the time of the pagans, when people are thought to have gathered here to celebrate the beginning of harvest season. Croagh Patrick is renowned for its Patrician Pilgrimage in honour of Saint Patrick, Ireland's patron saint. It was on the summit of the mountain that Saint Patrick fasted for forty days in 441 AD and the custom has been faithfully handed down from generation to generation.
Accommodation: 2 nights
Meals: Full Irish Breakfast
Day 6 - Westport (B)
Discover: Kylemore Abbey, built in the late 1800s by Mitchell Henry MP, a wealthy business man and liberal politician. The story of Kylemore Abbey is a truly remarkable one that spans over 150 year of tragedy, romance, innovation, education and spirituality. Built as a breathtaking Castle in 1868, it is now the Abbey and home of the Benedictine community of nuns.
This afternoon is an opportunity to enjoy the charming town of Westport.
Meals: Full Irish breakfast
Day 7 - Westport • Galway • Kilkenny (B)
Depart Westport, and travel to Galway city, where the past lingers in the air – traces of old Galway, including the city walls and the distinctive Spanish Arch, give the city an ancient atmosphere. Follow the salty air that breezes through the winding lanes to traditional shops and pavement cafés on a Guided Walking Tour of Galway.
Arrive Kilkenny, a captivating city in the centre of Ireland’s Ancient East. Famous for its majestic castle, a bustling craft industry, cobbled lanes and secret passages along with 1,000 years of history.
Discover: Visit the magnificent Kilkenny Castle which rises above the River Nore. Kilkenny Castle is one of Ireland’s most visited heritage sites. Stronghold of the powerful Butler family, it has a history dating back to the 12th century. Highlights include the Long Gallery with its painted roof and carved marble fireplace.
Accommodation: 2 nights
Meals: Full Irish Breakfast
Day 8 - Kilkenny (B)
Discover: The Rock of Cashel (Carraig Phádraig), more formally St. Patrick’s Rock, it is also known as Cashel of the Kings. Back in the 5th century, and the Rock’s association with Ireland's early Christian heritage, when it was also the Seat of the High Kings of Munster. It’s on this spot that St Patrick converted King Aengus to Christianity. Legend has it that during the baptism, St Patrick inadvertently placed his sharp-pointed crosier on the king’s foot under the water, causing it to bleed.
Discover: Learn about ‘the Great Hunger’ (an gorta mor, in Irish), the famine, one of the most traumatic times in Irish history. In 1845, the year of the launch of the Dunbrody ship, the famine struck Ireland. With the potato crop failing and food prices soaring, widespread starvation would soon force more than a million people to flee the country. So many people left, yet there were not enough passenger ships to carry everyone. Entrepreneurial merchants, like the Graves’, took the opportunity to fit out their cargo vessels with bunks to meet the extra demand. Between 1845 and 1851 the Dunbrody carried thousands of emigrants to North America. The Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience features an authentic reproduction of an 1840s emigrant vessel, alongside a popular interpretation of the Irish famine emigrant experience. Follow the footsteps of the those who left during the Great Famine with an interactive tour that takes you through the fateful journey made by so many Irish people.
Meals: Full Irish Breakfast
Day 9 - Kilkenny • Wicklow Mountains • Dublin (B)
Discover: Depart Kilkenny and travel to the Wicklow Mountains and a visit to Glendalough, ‘Gleann dá‘ Loch, meaning ‘Valley of two lakes’. Glendalough is a deeply tranquil and spiritual place that will still your mind, inspire your heart and fill your soul. The substantial remains of this important monastic settlement are certainly impressive.
Discover: Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. Upon arriving Dublin, we visit to Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, the National Cathedral of the church of Ireland. Saint Patrick’s Cathedral is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Ireland, and said to be the site where Saint Patrick Baptized Pagans dating back 800 years. The Cathedral has witnessed some of the most important developments and changes in Christianity in Ireland.
Accommodation: 2 nights
Meals: Full Irish Breakfast
Day 10 - Dublin (B, FD)
Discover: Walk through the cobbled stones of Trinity College, bringing visitors back to the 18th century, when the magnificent old library building was constructed and displays The Book of Kells. The Book of Kells (Trinity College Dublin MS 58) contains the four Gospels in Latin based on the Vulgate text St. Jerome completed in 384AD, intermixed with readings from the earlier Old Latin translation.
Afternoon at your leisure to explore Ireland’s capital, layered in history. Dublin is a living museum of history, with medieval castles and cathedrals, alongside a fine reflection of Georgian architecture.
Tonight join your fellow tour members for a Farewell Dinner with Traditional Irish entertainment.
Meals: Full Irish Breakfast, Farewell dinner
Day 11 - Dublin (B)
Depart this morning for Dublin airport for your flight home.
Meals: Full Irish Breakfast
Further Afield Travel and Tours can assist with optional pre or post tour extensions.
Rates and departure date to be determined by your Church Members.
TO RESERVE YOUR TRIP with Further Afield Travel and Tours, simply call our office or send us a request.
As space is limited on each departure, be sure to book early to avoid disappointment.
Note: Itineraries, hotels, ships, tours may change and be substituted and changes to the order of your tour during your trip due to uncontrollable factors. By acceptance of such tickets, coupons, contracts and exchange orders, the client agrees to the terms and conditions.
Information & Conditions
TOUR COSTS are per person and listed in CANADIAN DOLLARS. Prices are subject to change due to airfare increases, exchange rate fluctuations or other factors beyond our control. Cancellation Charges will vary among tour operators. Detailed cancellation information available on request and will be provided with booking confirmation. Penalties increase closer to departure. A Tour Leader will accompany all groups unless otherwise stated, based on minimum group size.
TRAVEL PROTECTION is valuable; we recommend out of province health insurance, cancellation insurance and baggage delay/loss. Further Afield Travel and Tours specialist will review your needs at time of booking.
SINGLE ROOM supplements apply and availability is based upon request.
BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE on most tours is limited to one checked suitcase per person plus a complimentary carry on bag. Airline fees may apply and subject to the terms of the airline.
NOT INCLUDED in tour costs: meals except as noted, passport and visa expense, alcohol and other beverages unless included, baggage handling fees, seat assignment, telephone calls and other items of a personal nature. Excursions are not included except as specifically noted in the itinerary.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Further Afield Travel and Tours Inc., and its tour operators act only as agents for the hotels, airlines, bus companies, railroads, cruise lines or owners of contractors providing accommodations, transportation or other services. Terms and conditions are subject to the tour operators, hotels, airlines, bus companies, railroads, cruise lines or owners of contractors providing accommodations, transportation or other services. Further Afield Travel and Tours and neither the companies affiliated in providing such services can be held liable or responsible, for any additional expense or liability sustained or incurred by the travel participant or their travelling companion(s) directly or indirectly for any loss, injury, accident or delay which may result from acts of God, acts of government, dangers incident to the sea, fire, wars (whether declared or not), civil disturbances, strikes, riots, thefts, pilferage, epidemics, quarantines, medical or customs regulations, changes, cancellation or delays in an itinerary or schedules beyond the control of Further Afield Travel and Tours and said suppliers of such services.
In the event a tour, cruise, cruise tour or other travel service is cancelled, Further Afield Travel and Tours responsibility is limited to a full refund. Further Afield Travel and Tours reserves the right to make changes to the itineraries, hotels, ships and tours, which we feel improve the tour or because of circumstances beyond our control.
This contract permits price increases. No price increases are permitted after the customer has paid in full. If the price increase is more than 7% except increases resulting from an increase in Retail Sales Tax or Federal Good and Services tax or Harmonized Sales Tax. The customer has the right to cancel the contract and obtain a full refund.
Further Afield Travel and Tours prices are based on current exchange rates at the time of literature printing. If the Canadian dollar fluctuates considerably, we reserve the right to adjust our prices to reflect the new exchange.
A valid passport is required for travel outside of Canada/USA. Passports must be valid for a minimum of 6 months after your return date. If a parent is travelling along with a child(ren) a notarized letter from the other parent is required. It is the customers’ responsibility to ensure that they have obtained the appropriate travel documentation. Entry into another country may be refused even if travel documents are completed. Further Afield Travel and Tours shall not be liable or responsible for any loss or damage resulting from improper or insufficient passports, visas or other documents.
As it is common for airlines to make changes to flight schedules; Further Afield Travel and Tours will make alternate arrangements for those passenger who have booked into an air inclusive group departure. Further Afield Travel and Tours cannot be held responsible for flights booked by passengers.
Further Afield Travel and Tours reserves the right to decline an individual at any time, for any reason, at our sole discretion. The Travellers should be in good physical condition. Those who require assistance must travel with a companion who is capable and totally responsible for the traveller needing assistance.
Living standards and practices at the destination may differ from those in Canada in respect to the provision of utilities, services and accommodation.
You will be advised of any health requirements to enter a country, however, we recommend that you check with your doctor or local health clinics for further protection. Further Afield Travel and Tours makes every effort to fulfill special meal requests, seating, dining preference, however these are requests and we cannot guarantee your request will be granted.
Travel protection is valuable; we recommend out of province health insurance, cancellation insurance and baggage delay/loss.
Through your payment to us for these travel services, you acknowledge your acceptance of our terms set forth in this notice. Thank you for booking with Further Afield Travel and Tours Inc. If you have any questions, please contact us.
Further Afield Travel is a retail travel agency licensed under the Ontario Government Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations, Travel Industry Act 2002 - Registration No. 50021919. Funds on deposit are protected by the Compensation Fund, administered by TICO (Travel Industry Council of Ontario) as defined by the Ontario Travel Industry Act 2002 and Ontario Regulation 26/05.
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