Penn State Hazleton Dublin 2020

Depart from Philadelphia International Airport on American Airlines flight AA 722 at  9:15 PM.

Today arrive at Dublin at 8:55 AM, after clearing customs, meet with your guide and airport transfer coach. Transfer to your hotel and check in. Please note that check in may not be possible before 3:00 PM

Walking Tour with private guide 

Enjoy a Walking Tour of Dublin

Dublin is a city with a soul, a place that has not lost sight of the fact that people are more fun than museums and that genuine human interaction is not the preserve of small villages.  Founded in 841 by the Vikings, it is a city with an interesting past. Its many monuments tell of its history. Today, Dublin is the Cosmopolitan capital of the Irish Republic and a city of over one million people. Despite the many changes the city has witnessed during the last decade, it still remains a city ready to welcome all who wish to visit. Taking advantage of its compact size, the walking tour of Dublin allows visitors to soak in the atmosphere and buzz of the city, whilst enjoying an informative and entertaining tour.

After, visit Trinity College

Trinity was founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth 1st on grounds confiscated from an Augustinian priory and is the oldest university in Ireland. The Campanile, erected in 1852, was built on what is believed to be the centre of the monastery. Built to further the education of the ruling Anglo-Irish families, restrictions were imposed to prevent Catholic from attending courses. These restrictions were not fully lifted until the 1970’s. Trinity however admitted women in 1902, earlier than most British universities. Most of the main buildings off the main square were built during the Georgian period, some of which replaced older buildings. Within its walls, visitors will be able to admire Parliament Square and its 18th Century edifices. Trinity College has had many famous students such as Jonathan Swift and Samuel Beckett who later became a lecturer in French at the university. The inter-denominational Church is very much worth a visit.

Return to your hotel. Overnight, bed and breakfast at your hotel in Dublin

Today explore Dublin on foot with your guide.

This morning visit Dublin Castle

Originally built in the 13th century on a site previously settled by the Vikings, Dublin Castle functioned as a military fortress, a prison, treasury, courts of law and the seat of English Administration in Ireland for 700 years. Rebuilt in the 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, Dublin Castle is now used for important state receptions and presidential inaugurations. The state apartments, undercroft, chapel royal, craft shop, heritage centre and restaurant are open to visitors.

After, visit Chester Beatty Library

Manuscripts, miniature paintings, prints, drawings, rare books and decorative arts complete the library collection – all the result of the collecting activities of one man – Sir Alfred Chester Beatty (1875-1968). Egyptian papyrus texts, beautifully illuminated copies of the Qur’an, the Bible, European medieval and renaissance manuscripts are among the highlights on display. In its diversity, the collection captures much of the richness of human creative expression from about 2700 BC to the present day. The Library is located in the grounds of Dublin Castle.

Visit Christchurch Cathedral

Situated in the heart of the city, Christ Church Cathedral is Dublin’s oldest working structure, and has  welcomed pilgrims and visitors for almost 1,000 years. A working cathedral, Christ Church is renowned for its magnificent architecture and fascinating history. Admire the stunning stained glass and unique floor tiles of the cathedral nave. Learn the secrets of Strongbow’s tomb and uncover the amazing story of the heart of St. Laurence O’Toole, Dublin’s patron saint. Explore the Medieval Crypt, the largest in Ireland, and visit the Treasures of Christ Church exhibition featuring priceless silver and Ireland’s first copy of Magna Carta. Take a guided tour, climb up the medieval staircase to the Belfry and ring the famous Christ Church bells. Before departing, visit the Foxy Friar gift shop and browse the wide variety of beautiful gifts and crafts exclusive to Christ Church Cathedral.

Return to your hotel. Overnight, bed and breakfast at your hotel in Dublin

Coach & Guide 

Today enjoy a Tour of the Boyne Valley

The Boyne valley is without a doubt the most historical region of the whole island, therefore it is not surprising to find here the most important Irish monuments such as Newgrange, Knowth or Loughcrew Cairns. These are megalithic tombs, dating from 2500 B.C, located along the valley of the river Boyne. The river is also known for the famous Battle of the Boyne in 1690 between the Catholic King James of England and the Protestant King William. The victory of William over James had immediate repercussions on Ireland, some of which still influence Irish History today.

After, visit Bru Na Boinne 

Brú Na Bóinne Visitor Centre is designed to present the archaeological heritage of the Boyne Valley, which includes the fascinating megalithic passage tombs of Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth. The extensive exhibition includes a full-scale replica of the chamber at Newgrange as well as a full model of one of the smaller tombs at Knowth. The centre is the starting point for all visits to both monuments, and contains extensive interpretative displays and viewing areas. It also includes a café / restaurant.

Visits to Bru na Boinne have been further limited and a visit inside Newgrange may not be available. If not, a visit to Knowth and an exterior visit to Newgrange will be included. We will check availability upon your confirmation of the tour.

Visit Trim Castle

Trim Castle, the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland, was constructed over a thirty-year period by Hugh de Lacy and his son Walter. Hugh de Lacy was granted the Liberty of Meath by King Henry II in 1172 in an attempt to curb the expansionist policies of Richard de Clare, (Strongbow).  Construction of the massive three storied Keep, the central stronghold of the castle, was begun c. 1176 on the site of an earlier wooden fortress. This massive twenty-sided tower, which is cruciform in shape, was protected by a ditch, curtain wall and moat. The castle and its grounds was used as a location in the film “ Braveheart”.

Return to your hotel. Overnight, bed and breakfast at your hotel in Dublin

Today enjoy use of a half day coach for the Kilmainham Gaol visit with the balance of the day on foot.

This morning visit St Patrick’s Cathedral

Built in honour of Ireland’s patron saint, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral stands adjacent to the famous well where tradition has it Saint Patrick baptized converts on his visit to Dublin. The parish church of Saint Patrick on this site was granted collegiate status in 1191, and raised to cathedral status in 1224. The present building dates from 1220. The Cathedral is today the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland (a church of the Anglican communion). St Patrick’s is Gothic in style and its splendid interior is adorned with funeral monuments, such as The Boyle Family Memorial and the grave of Dean Jonathan Swift (author of Gulliver’s Travels). Swift was dean here until his death in 1745. 

After, visit Kilmainham Gaol 

Kilmainham Gaol is a former prison in Kilmainham, Dublin, Ireland. It is now a museum run by the Office of Public Works, an agency of the Government of Ireland. Today the building symbolises the tradition of militant and constitutional nationalism from the rebellion of 1798 to the Irish Civil War of 1922-23. Leaders of the rebellions of 1798, 1803, 1848,1867 and 1916 were detained and in some cases executed here. Many members of the Irish Republican movement during the Anglo-Irish War (1919-21) were also detained in Kilmainham Gaol, guarded by British troops.

Due to very strong domestic business Kilmainham Gaol has become a very difficult visit to book for international groups. We will not know if we are successful until the end of the year. The group should be advised that we may have to book an alternative visit if not possible, such as the GPO Witness History.

Spend the balance of the day at leisure. Overnight, bed and breakfast at your hotel in Dublin

OPTIONAL: Today join a public day trip to the Cliffs of Moher Supplement of $55 is not included

Return to your hotel. Overnight, bed and breakfast at your hotel in Dublin

Today depart to Kilkenny.

Upon arrival, visit Kilkenny Castle

One of the most instantly recognised buildings in Ireland, Kilkenny Castle has been an important site since it was built by the Anglo-Normans in the 12th century. The castle has been remodelled in Victorian times and set in extensive parklands which was the principal seat of the Butler family, Marquesses and Dukes of Ormonde. Due to major restoration works, the central block now includes a library, drawing room, and bedrooms decorated in 1830’s splendour, as well as the beautiful Long Gallery. A suite of former servant’s rooms is now the Butler Art Gallery, which mounts frequently changing exhibitions of contemporary art. The Parade Tower is the Castle’s conference venue.

Continue to Waterford and visit Waterford Crystal

The Waterford Crystal visitor centre has moved in 2010 to a magnificent new home in the heart of Waterford City. A unique highlight of a visit is the factory tour which gives an up close insight into the centuries-old tradition of Waterford Crystal making. Feel the heat of the furnace and marvel at the skills of the craftsmen. The factory tour includes the following traditional production areas; wooden mould making, crystal blowing and furnace, crystal cutting and quality inspection and finishing. After the tour visitors can browse the world’s most famous crystal in a lavish retail store, which houses the largest collection of Waterford Crystal found anywhere in the world. 

Return to Dublin. Overnight, bed and breakfast at your hotel in Dublin

Private visit to the Wicklow Mountains including stops at Glendalough and Powerscourt House and Gardens.

Return to Dublin.  Overnight, bed and breakfast at your hotel in Dublin

Today transfer to Dublin Airport for your flight back home. American Airlines flight AA723, departs at 11:20 and arrives Philadelphia at 2:10 PM