Page 12 - AAA Now! – AAA Central Penn – March/April 2020

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IRELAND – A LAND OF COLORFUL DIMENSIONS
TBy Judie Karhan
he country of Ireland, affectionately known as
The Emerald Isle, is a land of great historical and cultural significance. When you drive the narrow roads with their parallel stonewalls, you’re traveling through the same rolling hills that attracted the Iron Age Celts from Europe’s mainland hundreds
of years before the birth of Christ. The isle is also a place of enchantment, where leprechauns spring from folklore and the age-old myth that kissing the Barney stone will bestow one with the gift of eloquence lives on today.
Join CIE Tours and AAA Travel on a tour of this colorful country, beginning the explorations in Blarney, and winding through dramatic, ruggedly beautiful scenery before arriving in Dublin and the Aviva Stadium for game day of Aer Lingus’ classic Notre Dame vs. Navy college football playoff.
Following your arrival in Dublin, travel to Blarney, where you can climb the embattlements of Blarney Castle – a world famous landmark and one of Ireland’s greatest treasures – to kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence.”Venturing onward, visit the Blarney Woolen Mills, which sells a wide range
of quality woolen products; this family-owned mercantile has truly become an iconic symbol of the country. There will also be time to browse around the charming village, set around a large village green, before continuing on to the town of Killarney.
Discover the beauty of the Dingle Peninsula as you drive along the shoreline with its lovely vistas of heathery mountains, sandy stretches of beach, lush landscapes and rocky headlands, pausing at strategic locations to admire the scenery and snap some photos. This captivating region has been described by National Geographic Traveler as “the most beautiful place on earth.”
Leaving Killarney, drive along the coast of scenic County Clare and stop to admire the striking Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most beloved natural landmarks. These awe-inspiring cliffs rise 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, and are certain to leave
lasting impressions on admirers. Following your visit to the cliffs, take a short ferry ride across the River Shannon Estuary, and continue your journey through the Irish countryside before reaching the lively city of Dublin, Ireland’s cosmopolitan capital.
In Dublin, set off with a local guide who will show you around the city, which had been molded through centuries with many architectural styles reflecting the economic, political and artistic influences. Today, Irish prosperity is reflected in the city’s grand hotels, continental restaurants, bistros and pubs. The city tour takes you to Guinness Storehouse, where you
can learn about the
brewing process that
creates this beloved
beverage, then relax and
sip a pint of Guinness on
the rooftop bar. Built in
the style of the Chicago
School of Architecture
in 1904, the Guinness
Storehouse was originally
used as a fermentation
house. Today, the
property features a
multimedia exhibition
on everything from retro
advertising to the craft of
brewing.
Later that evening,
drive into the town of Rathfarnham to Taylors Three Rock to enjoy a pre-game tailgate party and a sumptuous dinner with your group. In the morning, rise for game day at the Aviva Stadium! Notre Dame will verse Navy for what is hoped to be an exciting event in this
sporting stadium with a capacity for 51,700 spectators. On the final leg of your journey, visit Malahide Castle, an ancient castle set outside the town of Malahide, where you will have time at leisure to
explore this quaint upscale town. After returning to Dublin there will also be time on your own to enjoy the city sights, shopping and dining. And be sure to stop into a local pub, where the playful banter
of friendly patrons flows freely. After all, for all of Ireland’s incredible scenic beauty, it’s the warmth and charm of the Irish people that is perhaps this country’s greatest draw.
AER LINGUS FOOTBALL CLASSIC
NOTRE DAME VS. NAVY
August 24-31, 2020 • $3,729* per person, dbl. occ.
HIGHLIGHTS: Lower sideline game tickets to Aer Lingus Football Classic (End Zone) • Cliffs of Moher • Killarney • Dingle Peninsula • Blarney Castle • Dublin • Malahide Castle
INCLUDED FEATURES: Free parking with round-trip transfers to Washington Dulles International Airport • Round-trip airfare to Dublin, Ireland • Round-trip transfers – airport /hotel • Six nights hotel accommodations • Services of a professional CIE driver/guide • Meals: 6 breakfasts, 1 dinner • Tailgate party dinner at Taylors Three Rock • All local taxes, hotel service charges & porterage for one suitcase per person • Services of a Discoveries Journey Manager
For more information and to make reservations, call 888-743-2944.
*Rates are subject to availability at time of booking and included taxes, fees and fuel surcharges which are subject to change. All pricing and included features are based on a minimum of 25 passengers.
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MARCH/APRIL 2020 – DISCOVERIES EDITION
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