Sunday, October 10, 2027 Dublin (Reception / D)
Independent arrivals in Dublin Airport. We have included return Dublin Express bus tickets in your package (see notes on included features) – gratuities at individual discretion.
This evening, join Tour Leader Marie Hvidsten and enjoy a welcome “meet and greet” reception and dinner at our hotel.
Overnight: Clayton Hotel Cardiff Lane, Dublin city centre
Monday, October 11, 2027 Dublin / Tipperary / Cork (B / - / D)
Meet our Coach and Driver - Irish Tour Manager for the duration of the tour.
Depart for Cork. On the way, we stop for a visit of the Rock of Cashel. Nothing can quite beat the spectacle of the iconic Rock of Cashel rising above County Tipperary’s Golden Vale like a fairytale castle. Silhouetted against the sky and overlooking the lush green fields of the surrounding landscape, it boasts more than 1,000 years of history at the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East. According to legend, the rock – a craggy limestone outcrop – was dropped here by the devil, but today it is home to one of the most impressive and important collections of medieval buildings in Europe.
We then continue to visit a sheep farm - Dualla House Sheep Farm, Cashel, Tipperary - Dualla House dates to 1798. The farm is 300 acres in size comprising two blocks of land. On the home farm of 236 acres keep 700 ewes and 180 ewe lamb replacements. Additionally, 42 acres of cereals mainly Spring or Winter Barley. On outside farm of 64 acres a neighbour dairy farmer, leases this land long term. Here our group will learn about farming sheep and how a working sheep farm operates from the breeding season in October to lambing in mid March.
We continue to arrive in Cork and check in to our central hotel for dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Maldron Hotel Shandon Cork City or similar
Tuesday, October 12, 2027 Cork (B / L / - )
Breakfast at the hotel and departure for a farm visit - Tim O'Leary Dairy Farm Cork. This farmer is the former Vice-President of the Irish Farmers Association.
Wednesday, October 13, 2027 Cork / Kerry (B / - / D)
Breakfast at our hotel and depart for Killarney. On the way we will visit Glen South Farm - Aine McSweeney is now the 4th generation farming Glen South. Committed to producing the highest quality beef. Everything is focused on the wellbeing and welfare of animals and controlling the impact on the environment. Their relaxed cattle have fresh food as required with an "a la carte" nutrition menu. Glen South meat carries full Bord Bia Quality Assurance. What makes Glen South Farm different is the foresight and confidence for the farm’s future and that of the Irish beef industry. The farm is currently home to a herd of 340 top quality heifers with a plan to increase to 1000 at full capacity. Taking an innovative step into the future, in January 2014 a Lely Vector automatic feeding system was installed at Glen South Farm - the first of its kind for beef cattle in Europe, in conjunction with a state-of-the-art handling system. Efficient beef production largely depends on feeding the herd consistently, timely and sufficiently. The assistance of the Vector delivers on all of the above. The consistent availability of fresh feed at the fence increases feed intake, growth rate and ensures a dependable quality and live weight gain.
We then continue to Killarney.
Overnight: The Dromhall Hotel or similar
Thursday, October 14, 2027 Kerry (B / L / - )
Breakfast at our hotel and a full day tour of the Ring of Kerry via Killorglin, Glenbeigh, Cahersiveen, Waterville, Coomakesta Pass with its magnificent views over Derrynane, home of Daniel O’ Connell, known as “The Liberator” to Caherdaniel. Travel on via Sneem, Moll’s Gap, Ladies View, Killarney National Park and along the Lakes of Killarney.
While on our tour we visit the Kerry Woollen Mills - Kerry Woollen Mills are one of the last remaining traditional wool mills still manufacturing in County Kerry. The company was founded over 300 years ago. The mill's machinery was originally driven by the River Gweestin, and its water was also used for washing and dying the wool.
Group lunch on the Ring of Kerry during our tour.
Late afternoon return to Killarney for an open evening.
Overnight: Killarney
Friday, October 15, 2027 Kerry / Clare / Galway (B / - / D)
Breakfast at our hotel and depart for Galway. To reach our destination, we will enjoy a quick Ferry crossing from Tarbert to Killimer on Shannon Ferries (20 minutes). Continuing, we then visit the Cliffs of Moher - One of Ireland’s most iconic sights; sheer cliffs soaring 214m above the waves on the wild west coast.
Walking the pathways along the 14km-long cliffs and gazing out at the wild Atlantic Ocean from the viewing platforms feels like experiencing the very essence of Ireland itself.
We continue our travel through the Burren famous for its Lunar-like Limestone landscape and its unique flora. About 20 species of Orchids grow wild here.
Late afternoon arrival in Galway for dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Menlo Park Hotel, Galway or similar
Saturday, October 16, 2027 Galway (B / L / - )
Breakfast and a full day tour of the circuit of Connemara – a tour loop of Connemara via Oughterard and Maam Cross. This landscape is a mixture of rivers, lakes, woodlands, rich meadowlands, rugged hills, dramatic mountains and as we near the coast we’ll stumble across a stunning unpolluted coastline of sandy beaches and blue waters. During our tour, we will visit Connemara Abalone (Mungo Murphy's Seaweed Co.) Connemara Abalone is an aquaculture company in the west of Ireland that is 100% dedicated to the cultivation of abalone. The abalone are born and reared in a state-of-the art aquaculture farm on the austere rocky shoreline where the Atlantic Ocean meets Galway Bay. Here they specialize in growing the premium Japanese species known as Ezo. Abalone are a highly prized shellfish delicacy, especially now that they have become scarce in most countries around the world where they used to be plentiful.
Lunch at the Kylemore Cafe and visit Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden.
The story of Kylemore – both Castle and Abbey – is a truly remarkable one. The twists of fate which its occupants experienced, from moments of romance and happiness to sadness and courage have all combined to create a fascinating history spanning over 150 years. Kylemore is home to a community of nuns of the Benedictine Order who came here in 1920 after their abbey in Ypres, Belgium was destroyed in World War I. Settling at Kylemore, the Benedictine Community opened a world-renowned boarding school for girls and began restoring the Abbey, Gothic Church and Victorian Walled Garden to their former glory.
Return to Galway for an open evening – maybe a walk along the promenade after dinner?
Overnight: Galway
Sunday, October 17, 2027 Galway / Derry (B / - / D)
Breakfast and check-out as we depart for Derry via Sligo. Our first visit today is to Barry Stephens Sheep, Suckler Cows and Potatoes, Galway – a family-run farm covering 350 hectares - 80 hectares of cereals (spring & winter barley + winter wheat), 25 hectares of potatoes. Potatoes are stored, packaged, weighed and graded on-farm, and sold to local supermarkets.
Monday, October 18, 2027 Derry / Antrim / Belfast (B / - / D)
Breakfast followed by a guided walking tour of the walls of Derry. Derry is the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland. The walls were built during the period 1613-1618 as defences for early 17th-century settlers from England and Scotland. The history of Derry city goes back to the 6th century.
We then visit the Tower Museum - The museum is located in Union Hall Place, within a historic tower just inside the city walls, near the Guildhall. The museum has two permanent exhibits; The Story of Derry which presents the history of Derry from its prehistoric origins to the present, and An Armada Shipwreck – La Trinidad Valencera which details the local shipwreck from the Spanish Armada. The Spanish Armada exhibits were split between the Tower Museum and Ulster Museum in Belfast. The top of the museum has an open-air viewing facility, which provides views of the city centre and the River Foyle.
Continue along the Antrim coast.
Here we visit the Giants Causeway - Renowned for its hexagonal columns of layered basalt, the Giant’s Causeway is the only World Heritage site in Northern Ireland. Resulting from a volcanic eruption 60 million years ago, this is the focal point of a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and has attracted visitors for centuries.
Our final arrival today in Belfast for dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Clayton Hotel Belfast or similar
Tuesday, October 19, 2027 Belfast (B / - / - )
Breakfast and meet our local Step-On Guide for a Panoramic City Tour of Belfast covering breathtaking architecture and feats of engineering, including the renowned Queen's University, the giant H&W cranes, Titanic's birthplace and Cathedral Quarter and Queen's Quarter. The tour takes in the dark Crumlin Road Gaol and the world-famous Belfast murals on the republican Falls road and the loyalist Shankill Road. During our tour we will visit the Titanic Experience Belfast - Titanic Belfast extends over nine galleries, with multiple dimensions to the exhibition, drawing together special effects, dark rides, full-scale reconstructions and innovative interactive features to explore the Titanic story in a fresh and insightful way; from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through her construction and launch, to her infamous maiden voyage and catastrophic demise. The journey goes beyond the aftermath of the sinking, to the discovery of the wreck and continues into the present day with a live undersea exploration centre.
Balance of the afternoon and evening are open for individual exploration.
Overnight: Clayton Hotel Belfast or similar
Wednesday, October 20, 2027 Belfast / Dublin (B / - / D)
Breakfast our hotel and departure for Dublin. On arrival, meet with a Local Step-On Guide for a panoramic sightseeing tour of Dublin, including O’Connell Street, Phoenix Park, Leinster House, Ha'penny Bridge, Georgean Houses and Dublin Doors. Here we will enjoy a guided visit of Christ Church Cathedral - The cathedral was founded in the early 11th century under the Viking king Sitric Silkenbeard. It was rebuilt in stone in the late 12th century under the Norman potentate Strongbow, and considerably enlarged in the early 13th century, using Somerset stones and craftsmen. A partial collapse in the 16th century left it in poor shape and the building was extensively renovated and rebuilt in the late 19th century, giving it the form it has today, including the tower, flying buttresses, and distinctive covered footbridge.
Of course, what visit in Dublin would not be complete without a tasting at the Guinness Storehouse!
The Storehouse was originally built in 1904 to house the Guinness fermentation process. The core of the building is modelled on a giant pint glass. The tour takes us step by step through the brewing process, finishing at the Gravity Bar where we will receive a complimentary pint of Guinness whilst enjoying the panoramic views over Dublin city.
Mid-afternoon is left open for sightseeing and shopping.
This evening we enjoy dinner and show (+ 1 drink per person) at The Merry Ploughboy.
Overnight: Clayton Hotel Cardiff Lane or similar
Thursday, October 21, 2027 Dublin departure (B)
Breakfast at our hotel. Independent transfers to the airport using the Dublin Express ticket include with the tour.
You may also extend your stay in Ireland or Europe.
Services included in the package price:
NOT Included:
Insurance
We recommend adequate travel insurance.
To ensure the quality of the tour, we are strictly limited to a minimum of 20 to a maximum of 30-travelers.
We welcome spouses or friends as long as one individual is an IAPAL Alumni.
Tour Cost:
Payment Requirements
Cancellation Penalties:
Air Fare
Our tour is based on land-only. We are happy to assist you with booking your international flights or you can arrange for your travel independently. Our land tour includes arrival and departure transfers in Dublin using the Dublin Express airporter bus (not group transfers). MULTIPLE departures daily. If you do not want the transfer(s), you can deduct $10 US per direction p.p.
Special Note:
Should we be able to find a replacement from waitlists for a cancelled passenger or other requests received for the land tour between date of booking and 31-days prior to date of departure, a flat $50.00 & HST p.p. administration charge will be accessed.
Other included services / sites
Meet: Marie Hvidsten, Tour Leader for this special Alumni Project:
Marie Hvidsten retired from North Dakota State University (NDSU) Extension in August 2021 where she was the Rural Leadership Specialist and Rural Leadership North Dakota Program Director for 19 years. Prior to her NDSU Extension position, Marie was the Corporate Learning & Development Manager at Digi-Key Corporation in Thief River Falls, MN, Curriculum Director for the Thief River Falls School System and a K-12 Music Teacher for the Plummer School System in Plummer, MN.
Marie is a lifelong learner whose mission in life is to help others become the best they can be. Marie enjoys gardening, especially flower gardening, reading, learning, and exploring nature.
Marie has been honored for her work as director of the North Dakota State University Extension Service’s Rural Leadership North Dakota program and in 2015, was recognized with the Outstanding Leadership Program Director Award by IAPAL. During her tenure as the RLND Program Director, Marie led tour to Brazil, Costa Rico and Panama, Thailand and Vietnam, Chile and has participated in a recent project to Ghana and, in 2027, Japan.
Marie lives in Dilworth, MN, has five children, 12 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
