Page 8 - AAA Northampton County - AAA Now! Spring 2014

Spring 2014 8 3914 Hecktown Rd., Easton, PA • (610) 258-2371 •www.aaanc.com
Travel with someone
you trust ®
Upon arrival at the Dublin Airport, I was greeted
by Martina, a friendly Brendan Vacations tour
director. Once the rest of the tour group joined us,
we were transferred by motor coach to our hotel,
the Clyde Court Hotel in Dublin. This is a beautiful
4-star hotel just outside the city.
Following lunch, the group headed to downtown
Dublin where we were greeted by a local guide and
taken on a walking tour of the city. We crossed the
Ha’Penny Bridge, one of the many bridges on the
River Liffey, which flows through the center of
Dublin. It is a cast iron pedestrian bridge that when
first built cost half a penny to cross. We strolled
through Trinity College where we viewed the Book
of Kells as well as the beautiful and elegant
courtyards. The Dublin Castle and Christ Church
Cathedral were amazing sites to see. The lively
Temple Bar area is a popular tourist spot because
of its nightlife.
The next morning we traveled south, stopping in
Blarney on our way to Killarney. We had time to see
the Blarney Castle and, of course, kiss the famous
Blarney stone to receive the gift of eloquence.
Traveling on the Ring of Kerry was on the agenda
for the next day. Unfortunately, part of the road was
closed and we were unable to go all the way around,
but the scenery was spectacular.
Mountains, valleys, lakes, and the sea
all blended into one beautiful
landscape. We had our first and last
bit of rain this day while we stopped
by Torc Waterfall and then went
on a leisurely hike through the
Muckross Estate, a gorgeous 19th
century mansion.
The next day we had the chance to
experience some of Brendan’s smaller
vehicles fleet as we were chauffeured
to the magnificent Cliffs of Moher, rising 700 feet
above the Atlantic Ocean.
Then it was on to the highlight of my trip: the
historic and luxurious Dromoland Castle, located just
outside Newmarket-on-Fergus in County Clare. Set
on more than 375 acres, there was not enough time
to see or do everything this 16th century castle has
to offer, including a championship golf course, health
spa and archery. We had an elegant dinner this
evening in the Earl of Thomond Restaurant at the
castle. This is truly a 5-star property, with charming
rooms and suites.
Our last day in Ireland included the most incredible
experience – falconry in Dromoland Castle. We were
Brendan Vacations
Travel Agent Familiarization Tour of Ireland in October 2013
TRAVELNow! TM
By Christina Marangolo, AAA Northampton County Travel Agent
Two kids
12 & under
sTay free aT
riu ocho rios!
3 all-inclusive nights
from $514 per person
Rate valid for travel 5/1/14 – 6/22/14
Promotion Booking Window: now – 9/30/14,
Travel Window: 5/1/14 – 9/30/14
aaa MeMber benefiTs:
$30 credit toward purchase of optional tour*
“bounce back” discount offer for next trip
all-inclusive Package Price
is Per Person and includes:
3-night hotel accommodations in
an Ocean View Room • Roundtrip hotel
transfers • Hotel tax and service charges
All meals, drinks and snacks • Daily
activities • Non-motorized watersports
Nightly entertainment and more
Travel with someone you Trust ®. contact your
local aaa travel agent. call 610-258-2371,
click aaa.com or visit aaa northampton county,
3914 hecktown rd, easton, Pa 18045
Tours operated by Travel Impressions, Ltd. *AAA Member Benefit of $30 credit toward purchase of optional tour, valid
for minimum 3-nights and $1,200 per person spend. Tour must be purchased prior to departure. Rate is land only, per
person and based on double occupancy. Blackout, weekend, holiday and peak season surcharges apply. Kids must
share a room with two paying adults and utilize existing bedding. Rate and promotion are accurate at time of printing
and are subject to changes, exceptions, cancellation charges and restrictions. All advertised savings are reflected in
rate. Rate is subject to change based on currency fluctuations. Not responsible for errors or omissions in the printing
of this ad. Additional higher priced packages available. Valid for new bookings only. Travel Impressions materials
(including, but not limited to, names, trademark, service marks, logos, marketing materials, etc.) shall not be used,
reproduced, transmitted or distributed in any way, except with the express written consent of Travel Impressions. CST
#2029006-20, IOWA #758, NEVADA #2004-0029, Washington UBI #602 425 801. TG175-13_SH_12.2.12.
led on a “Hawk Walk” and learned about the history
of these beautiful birds. We were each given special
gloves to wear as the instructor called the hawks to
land on us. I wished we could have spent more time
here, but we needed to get back to Dublin for our
farewell dinner, which was enjoyed at The Pig’s Ear, a
casual restaurant in the heart of Dublin serving Irish
fare with a modern touch.
AAA Northampton County can plan an
unforgettable Ireland package for you. Whether
you are looking for a guided, locally hosted or
customized vacation, I am certain that you would
enjoy the friendly folks, their hospitality and, of
course, their beautiful country.