Trip Overview

Dates: October 24th – October 31st, 2010

Who’s invited: Runners & their families, friends, supporters and anyone who just enjoys a great race during an amazing tour of Ireland

Price: $1,147 per person, 9 days/7 nights. Based on double occupancy

Details: Prices are per person based on double-occupancy and do not include air (please see flights tab).  Single occupancy surcharge of $50 per night.  Children rates (0-5) $297 per child, (6-11) $467 per child, (12) $797 per child when sharing with 2 adults.  Note: Tour will usually require an overnight departure on Saturday, October 23rd, 2010.  Pre-night Dublin is $128 per adult, $55 per child, post-night in Ennis (Halloween) is $99 per adult, $39 per child.

Payment Terms: $250 per adult, $150 per child deposit upon booking.  Full payment/balance required 60 days prior to departure.

Tenon Tours understands that some travelers are looking for the opportunity to travel with like-minded people, but also choose their own adventures. We created a distinct tour option for travelers who wish to go-it with their own schedule in mind.

This trip is designed specifically for those who will be visiting Ireland for the one and only Dublin Marathon and would like to experience the best that Ireland has to offer on a semi-escorted tour following the race.

From Dublin to Galway, Killarney to Ennis, you will get the chance to tour Ireland without a rigid travel itinerary that requires you to be in bed by 10:00PM and up by 7:30AM for the day’s activities. Much like the Tenon Tours group travel weeks, this Ireland tour package provides the necessary transportation, accommodations, tour and event schedules, but you choose how much or how little you wish to do, and more importantly, when you want to do it!

The Irish Immersion Tour sets Tenon Tours apart from other Irish tour operators by allowing you the opportunity to visit our featured hotels and explore the featured tours whether you are traveling alone or with friends. YOU have the power to choose your own travel dates, no matter what – a difference that puts Tenon Tours above all others.

How to Book and Pay

Specials and How to book-

Land Price

Adult- $1,147 per person*, double occupancy

Child-(0-5) $297 per child, (6-11) $467 per child, (12) $797 per child when sharing room with 2 adults

Pay-In-Full Special: Save $75 per adult and $30 per child if you pay your trip in full upon booking (Valid until April 22, 2010)

Payment Terms $250 per adult, $150 per child deposit upon booking.  Full payment/balance required 60 days prior to departure.

Booking

Step 1- Pay here: Payment is accepted via credit card, check or over the phone.

If paying by phone please call 1-866-998-3666 and press option 1

If paying by check please mail to Tenon Tours 40 Lowell St., Peabody, MA 01960 -Please send check with customer names, a contact email address, reference to 2010 Dublin Marathon and any traveling group you may be apart of.

If paying by any major credit card please use the following link

Payment Options

Adult Deposit $250.00 Child Deposit $150.00 Adult Full Payment, $75 off $1,099.00 Child (0-5) Full Payment, $30 off $286.00 Child (6-11) Full Payment, $30 off $456.00 Child (12) Full Payment, $30 off $786.00

Step 2- Passenger Form: Once the deposit is paid you will be re-directed to fill out a passenger form. One form must be submitted for each traveler. Once you hit submit/next traveler the form will refresh to add the next person.

Step 3- Terms & Conditions: Once signed up you will receive an email from travelinfo@tenontours.com in order to agree and e-sign the Terms & Conditions online. Your reservation will not be complete until this form is signed.

Step 4- Invoice: Once your reservation is complete you will receive an invoice with your balance and due date.

Step 5- Optional Tours: We suggest adding optional tours at least 2 weeks prior to departure. Space on these tours cannot be guaranteed unless purchased prior to departure. You may view available tours on the “Tours” tab above.

Step 6- Travel Documents: Your travel documents will be issued approximately one week prior to departure. These documents will be sent via email, nothing will be mailed. At this time you will receive the information on your hotels as well as all contact numbers for all accommodations and emergency purposes. You may forward this document email directly to your friends & family to keep them informed.

*Price subject to change, not locked in until deposit is received. Pricing is per person based on land-only, does not include airfare or $27 processing fee (adult), $19 (child). Single occupancy please add $50 per night, triple occupancy please deduct $60 per person.

**Note: Additional $100 adult & $50 child deposit due March 1st, 2010 for those who book prior to January 1st.

Inclusions

Your Irish Immersion Tour Includes -

• 7 nights in premiere city-center hotel accommodations
  • Pre/Post nights available
• Overnight stays in Dublin, Galway, Killarney and Ennis
• Airport transfers to/from airport and hotel or city-centre location
• Transportation between all towns (a variety of transportation services are used, please see FAQ tab)
• All hotel taxes/fees
• Traditional Irish breakfast every morning
• Tour Host** or Emergency Contact available 24/7
• Visit to the majestic Cliffs of Moher during private transfer from Galway to Killarney
• Access to the Dublin Marathon*, Monday October 25th
• Admission included to the Post Race Party, Monday October 25th.  Finger food served.
• Welcome parties upon arrival in Dublin and Farewell toast in Ennis**
• Complete offerings of tours and events (Please view Tours tab)
• Airfare available from most US departure cities (additional-see Flights tab)

*Purchase of trip does not register you to enter the race, please click here if you are interested in participating

**Included with 10 or more travelers

Request Info Reserve Trip

Itinerary

Take a look at the full itinerary and some of the many events and tours you can take advantage of during your Ireland vacation. Remember, the beauty of our trip is that it provides the necessary transportation, city-center accommodations, and featured tours and events, but is flexible enough to give you the power to pick and choose what it is that you really want to do on your Ireland trip. This means, if half of the group wants to check out the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, while the others spend the day shopping on O’Connell Street – that’s ok; Tenon Tours can make that happen!

-Saturday Dublin Pre-Night Available-

Day 1, Sunday: Arrive in Dublin, Ireland

Arrive in the early morning to Dublin International Airport, where you will get your airport transfer. You will have this day at your leisure to check out the shops on Grafton street, Trinity College, or start your 24 hour pass on Dublin’s hop-on/hop-off City Tour Bus. For those of you who would like to immerse yourself into the local sporting culture, the featured event will be a Gaelic Football or Hurling Match at Croke Park. Be sure not to miss tonight’s welcome party* hosted at a nearby pub where the Tour Host* will offer a short “Introduction to Ireland” while you get to meet the others traveling with you all week!

Day 2, Monday: Dublin – Marathon Day

After your full Irish breakfast at the hotel prepare for a great day at the race and get your viewing spot early. Tonight you have access to the post race party.

Day 3, Tuesday: Dublin to Galway

Spend the morning recovering from last night’s post race party or begin exploring the streets, shops, and pubs of Dublin. You may choose to join in a tour of the Guinness Storehouse and enjoy a complimentary pint in the top-floor Gravity Bar overlooking Dublin. If whiskey is more your flavor head over to experience the Old Jameson Distillery tour. This afternoon, board your coach bus for a relaxing ride through the Irish countryside to Galway on the west coast.

Day 4, Wednesday: Galway

For your day in Galway take advantage of one of our featured tours, visiting either the Aran Islands, Europe’s easternmost point where Gaelic is the first language of its residents and is considered the foothold of Irish culture, the Connemara region, well known and loved by artists for its unspoiled beauty.

Day 5, Thursday: Galway to Killarney

Wake up to your traditional Irish breakfast, pack up your room, and catch your transfer to Killarney. During this peaceful journey you will make a stop to visit the majestic Cliffs of Moher that stretch for 5 miles and are over 700 feet high . Once that sight is buried in your memory forever you will continue to Killarney . Check-in to your hotel before enjoying the rest of the afternoon at your own speed.

Day 6, Friday: Killarney

Another day to explore Killarney – you may join our trip around the Ring of Kerry or Dingle Peninsula, Ireland’s most popular scenic areas with the country’s highest mountains on one side and Atlantic coast on the other. Bike hire is also available or you may enjoy the local scene of Killarney, it’s always your choice! Tonight, take part in a local pub crawl with your mates.

Day 7, Saturday: Killarney to Ennis

This morning you can finish exploring Killarney before your mid-day transfer . Your options include a Killarney Highlights morning tour or try a Jaunting Cart Ride through Killarney National Park.Mid afternoon you will head to Ennis to check-in for your final stop and farewell toast with your host . Take full advantage of the serenity as you wind down from a wild week. Enjoy a walking tour of Ennis, visit the local pubs or take a trip to Bunratty and tour the Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. This evening you may want to hang around Ennis or travel to Bunratty for the “Medieval Banquet”, a dinner show to remember, before your last night may be one you forget!

Day 8, Sunday: Ennis to Shannon/Home

Say goodbye to Ireland and your new friends as we leave Ennis for Shannon to board your return flights home.
Safe travels and we’ll see you next year!

-Sunday Ennis Post-Night Available-

*Tour Host and Welcome/Farewell Parties are based on a minimum of 6 combined travelers traveling on the same week

**Bolded items are completely optional to give you the flexibility to spend your time as you choose! Please view the tours tab for more information and pricing.

Itinerary subject to change.

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Hotels

With a commitment to immersing our travelers into each city’s culture, Tenon Tours realizes the importance of selecting your accommodations to enhance your travel experience. Hotels are carefully chosen based on location and quality in an effort to meet your expectations and ensure your satisfaction. Locations are considered to provide the conveniences of the city’s attractions, local restaurants, pubs and public transportation. Whether it’s a boutique hotel or a large chain property, our Premiere hotels will always have a quality rating of 3 or 4 stars, as well as a Trip Advisor rating of 3 or higher.

Dublin Hotels

The Temple Bar Hotel (Standard)

The Temple Bar Hotel in Dublin features 129 guestrooms, dining and bar facilities. Additionally, many major attractions like infamous shopping on Henry Street, O’Connell Street and Grafton Street, Trinity College home to the Book of Kells are steps from your door. Just a short bus-ride to the Guinness Storehouse, the National Museum of Ireland and many of Dublin’s top visitor attractions, too.

Trinity Capital Hotel (Standard)

Whether for the hotel’s superb location in Dublin City centre or its striking contemporary interior, the Trinity Capital Hotel has it all. Completely remodeled and extended in 2007 the Trinity Capital Hotel now presents a boutique style hotel with a uniquely stylish twist around every corner.

Galway Hotels

The Western (Standard)

Standing proudly on Prospect Hill in the heart of Galway, the Western Hotel boasts a truly enviable location, steps from Eyre Square. With forty rooms available there is bedding in single, twin and double beds. Each room has a private bathroom, multi-channel TV, telephone and Internet access, tea and coffee-making facilities, hair dryer and toiletries.

Forester Court Hotel (Standard)

Galway’s Forester Court Hotel offers a fresh approach to city-center accommodations. Located just off Eyre Square, spend nights in the heart of all the most popular attractions. Offering 48 luxurious guestrooms, each is equipped with television, complimentary broadband access, and 24-hour room service for your convenience. No detail has been overlooked with this Galway hotel.

Killarney Hotels

The Killarney International (Standard)

The Killarney International Hotel offers the most up to date facilities within a truly luxurious setting. Facilities are of the highest quality and international standards. Located in Killarney’s town centre this old-world hotel provides a range of modern facilities with professional and friendly service with the elegance of a bygone age.

Ennis

Temple Gate Hotel (Standard)

The Temple Gate Hotel welcomes you to a charming family owned and run hotel in the heart of Ennis, Co. Clare. This hotel offers the perfect location to wander the cobblestone streets of Ennis or explore the West of Ireland. (5/7-night)

Hotels based on availability and may be substituted with hotels of similar rating and price

Request Info Book Now

Tours

Tenon Tours offers a wide range of optional featured tours and events that will make your Ireland vacation more memorable, or in the case of the Countrywide Pub Crawl, a lot less! These featured tours and events will be available for purchase both before you leave and when you arrive. Check out the list below; the town from which each tour leaves from is listed as next to the tour.

Countrywide Pub Crawl (Countrywide) -$25

We’ve planned an event that will surely challenge even the most loyal pub patrons! Visit our hand-picked selection of 20+ of the best pubs across Ireland! Don’t worry…you have seven full days to do this, so pace yourself and remember it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Visit all 20 and you’ll be rewarded!

Guinness Brewery and Sampling (Dublin) – $22

Join us for a tour and sampling at the Guinness Brewery, Ireland’s #1 International visitor attraction. Since opening in November 2000, the Guinness Storehouse has attracted over 4 million visitors from every corner of the Globe. Enjoy the tour of the Storehouse before sampling the goods at the top-level Gravity Bar as you catch a view of the city. (At Leisure)

Old Jameson Distillery (Dublin) -$22

You will discover the time-honored secret of how three simple ingredients – water, barley and yeast – are transformed into the smooth golden spirit that has always been and continues to be, Jameson Irish Whiskey. After learning about Jameson Irish Whiskey from the arrival of the Barley to Bottling it would be only fair for you to be allowed to taste it. At the end of the guided tour each visitor is offered a complimentary glass of Jameson. Your whiskey education does not stop there, as our guides select volunteers to take part in a Whiskey comparison tasting, demonstrating the subtle difference in taste between various types of Irish Whiskey and compare with leading Scotch and American Whiskeys. (At Leisure)

Jameson Shindig (Dublin) – $89

Join us for an Evening of fine food, song and dance along with a guided tour of the Distillery and a complimentary Jameson drink. This evening package is comprised of a guided tour, 4 course menu, & traditional Irish entertainment featuring The Shindig Players and Claddagh Irish Dancers. Irish “Shindig” Nights operate Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from April to October. (Dinner/Evening event)

Dublin City Tour Hop-on/Hop-off bus (Dublin) -$24

With 26 stops at Dublin’s top visitor attractions and a live guide there is no better way to see Dublin! This fun and friendly 90-minute tour is complete with live commentary by industry trained local guides. The tours depart every 6 to 20 minutes throughout the day and stops along the tour route include Trinity College, the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin Castle, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Kilmainham Gaol and the Old Jameson Distillery. (24 Hour Ticket)

Sporting Event at Croke Park (Dublin) – TBD

Forget Beckham, forget the Super Bowl…for any true-blooded Irishman, Gaelic Football, Rugby and Hurling are the only sports that matter, and they’re played with a vengeance all over Ireland – but nothing beats the live games at Croke Park with 82,000 screaming fans!

Dublin Bay & Malahide Castle Tour (Dublin) – $38

Your visit to Malahide will include a guided tour of the castle with time to wander around the craft shops and castle grounds, which span some 250 acres. Continuing with a scenic drive along Dublin’s spectacular northern coastline you will pass through the picturesque fishing village of Howth. The trail back to Dublin includes a 10 minute stop at Howth summit for breathtaking views of Dublin Bay. (Half Day Tour, 10:15am & 2pm departure times, 3.5 hours)

Tour of Connemara & Kylemore Abbey* (Galway) – $42

Connemara is an area of rugged landscape, bogs, and mountains, which is well known and loved by artists for its clear light and unspoiled beauty. This is the Ireland of your dreams and imagination with its rolling hills and mountains, sparkling lakes, and remote cottages. *Admission to the Kylemore Abbey is NOT included. (Day Tour)

Aran Islands (Galway) – $56

The Aran Islands are richly unique, offering landscapes of limestone, a stretch of cliffs facing the moods of the Atlantic, large boulders, rock formations, and beautiful beaches. It is also a place of immense cultural heritage and history where Gaelic is the first language of its residents. (Day Tour – includes round-trip bus from city center and ferry ride)

Cliffs of Moher (from Galway to Killarney) – INCLUDED (New)

Experience the sight that will forever be burned in your memory. This tour includes Ireland’s most spectacular sea-cliffs, the famous Cliffs of Moher, which are 700Ft high and extend for 5 miles. If you happen to miss everything else in Ireland (because of the pubs perhaps?), you cannot miss the Cliffs of Moher!

Ring of Kerry (Killarney) – $42

The Ring of Kerry is a famous area in the Southwestern corner of Ireland which offers a thoroughly magnificent drive through mountains and by lakes, historical buildings, and some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. (Day Tour)

Dingle Peninsula (Killarney) – $42

The Dingle Peninsula has some of the most stunning scenery Ireland has to offer, as showcased in films such as Ryan’s Daughter and Far and Away. (Day Tour)

Killarney Highlights (Killarney) – $32

On this half day tour visit the ruins of Aghadoe, Gap of Dunloe, Ross Castle, Muckross House & Gardens, Torc Waterfall and experience the spectacular views of the famed lakes of Killarney (Morning private tour prior to transfer)

Jaunting Cart Ride (Killarney) -$17.50*

Killarney Jaunting Cars is the perfect option to show you the hidden delights of Killarney. Choose from a tour of the Killarney Estate and Ross Castle or the Muckross Estate to the Muckross House and Gardens. (At Leisure) *based on 4 passengers per cart

Horseback Riding (Killarney) -$54 (1hr), $89 (2hrs)

These rides all go into the National Park here in Killarney, which can boast being, the largest and oldest National Park in Ireland. Ride though the Knockreer Demense, North of Lough Lein, (the largest of the three lakes in Killarney) and take in views of Ross Castle and Ross Island, along with panoramic views of Innisfallen Island & the McGillycuddy Reeks Mountain Range. The Kenmare Estate and the majestic mountains surrounding Killarney will all be appreciated. All rides are supervised by guides and are able to cater for all levels of riding experience. (1hr ride available at 10am, 2hr ride available at 9:30am)

Ennis Walking Tour (Ennis) – $18*

Experience a journey through time on our Guided Walking Tours through the winding streets of medieval Ennis! Hear tales of murders and hangings, famine and poverty, rebellions and riots. Learn about the mythology and legends of the town – from banshees to Biddy Early. Discover how the most powerful men from Irelands past were closely linked to the town – along with the intriguing stories and characters that shaped its history. The tour ends with a visit to a local pub to learn more about Clare’s unique contribution to the traditional Irish music scene. *Based on minimum of 4. Tour is set up privately for Tenon Tours Saturday at 5pm.

Bunratty Castle (Bunratty, from Ennis) – $20

Bunratty Castle is one of the most popular places to visit in the southwest, as it is the most complete and authentic medieval castle in Ireland. Built in 1425, and plundered on many occasions, it was authentically restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendour, with furnishings and tapestries capturing the mood and style of the times. (At Leisure, transportation to Bunratty not included)

Medieval Banquet at the Bunratty Castle (Bunratty, from Ennis) – $89

Join the Earl of Thomond in the splendour of the main guard of Bunratty Castle for a dinner experience not to be missed at the Medieval Banquet! The 4 course meal is a pleasant balance of contrasting Irish meat dishes served during the period and is accompanied with music and song. After dinner, you are invited to sit back, relax and enjoy the entertainment program, a selection of Irish medieval and traditional songs and instrumental music by 11 Entertainers. (Dinner/Evening Event, transportation to Bunratty not included)

Kilkenny Castle (Kilkenny) – TBD

One of the most instantly recognized buildings in Ireland, Kilkenny Castle has been an important site since Strongbow constructed the first castle, probably a wooden structure, in the 12th century. William the Earl Marshall built the first stone castle on the site, which was completed in 1213. This was a square-shaped castle with towers at each corner; three of these original four towers survive to this day. (At Leisure)

Day Tours meet at approximately 9 or 10am and return around 5 or 6pm. Optional Tours can be purchased up until the day prior to departure. Space on these tours can not be guaranteed if not purchased prior to departure. Prices are listed per person and based on current rates and exchange rates. Prices are not guaranteed until reservation is complete with deposit received.

FAQ’s

What do we mean by semi-escorted?

Our semi-escorted tour is one in which we arrange transportation from town to town, rather than having to drive yourself (self-drive), or having to be stuck on the bus with a tour group for the duration of your trip (fully escorted). We’ve found that, paired with a provided itinerary and optional tours, it’s the perfect way to combine the structure you need, with the flexibility you want!

What type of transportation will we use while traveling in Ireland?

Transportation will vary depending on group size, ranging from scheduled service coach transfers to private luxury motor-coach. While we don’t retain a single vehicle for the duration of your trip, we do work with several local transportation and tour suppliers to ensure comfortable, hassle-free transfers and sightseeing excursions. All transfers from Galway to Killarney & Killarney to Ennis are guaranteed private chauffeur-driven ! Some transfers and optional tour pick-up points may require up to a 5 minute walk.

What do you mean by scheduled service?

With scheduled transfers you will enjoy a ride on a luxury coach bus or train with service provided by a local Irish company such as Bus Eireann, CityLink, GoBus or IrishRail. Scheduled transfers can be updated to private transfers for an additional charge, please ask your sales representative.

Does my flight need to arrive or depart at any specific time? How do airport transfers work?

Your flight does not need to meet any specific time requirements though most flights from the U.S. do arrive early in the morning. Airport transfers are supplied by either AirCoach city-center shuttle, CityLink shuttle, hotel shuttle, pre-paid taxi or Bus Eireann.

What time of day will we depart each city?

Departure times to each city can differ, but are usually between 9am and 3pm. All departure times will be listed on your travel documents issued prior to departure from the U.S. so that you can plan our your days activities accordingly.

Will I have free time or will I have to stay with the group the entire time?

The foundation of our tour is the flexibility that is built into it! Other than transfers from town-to-town, it’s your vacation to spend as you please.

Will there be someone accompanying our group while we are on tour?

For most groups or weeks with 6 or more travelers your driver and tour host will be available throughout your journey to assist with check-ins, transfers, the Welcome Party and Farewell Toast, and optional tours and events, as well as any emergency situations that may arise. The host is also available for groups of 2 to 5 travelers from Galway through Ennis . In the event that there is not a full-time host, you will be provided with contact names and numbers in the event of an emergency.

Is our tour departure guaranteed?

Yes, all tours are guaranteed and will not be canceled due to a lack of travelers. Our flexible transportation contracts allow for us to run a tour with 2 or 20 people. This is not normally the case for many fully escorted tours that can be canceled or changed if not enough travelers book to fill a coach bus.

Who is this tour recommended for?

We recommend this tour for the active independent traveler who is looking for an alternative to driving themselves or a fully planned tour with no freedom & flexibility.

This tour is NOT recommended for those who require private transportation service at all times, all luggage handling, or have mobility issues such as wheelchairs, trouble walking or limiting medical conditions.

Is this not the type of traveling for you? Do you prefer a fully escorted tour? Just let us know! We have access to multiple fully escorted itineraries that we are able to offer at discounted rates.

Flights

I need to book a flight, what are my options? -

Option A: Book your own flight, Ticketing Fee: NONE

You are free to book your flight on your own so that you may keep your eye on the rates as they fluctuate prior to travel, pick the schedule you desire and pay when you are ready. We also leave this purchase up to you in the case that you would like to use frequent flyer miles or discounts you may have earned in the past. Please remember to double check your itinerary before purchasing a flight to make sure you have the correct arrival and departure airport as many of our tours require an arrival into Dublin airport and departure from Shannon airport when you leave. Another thing to keep in mind as you are booking your flight is that most flights to Ireland require an overnight flight departing the night before your scheduled tour start date.

Option B: Leave it up to Tenon Tours!

All flights purchased through Tenon Tours do require full payment at the time of confirmation and do incur a ticketing fee. Your rate will not be locked in until the Terms and Conditions are e-signed and the Passenger form is submitted online. All flights, unless otherwise informed, will be e-ticketed only requiring a voucher to be printed prior to departure. This e-ticket will be issued one week prior to travel. Please review your two choices:

Choice #1: Purchase an open ended ticket with Tenon Tours at the lowest rate available.

Ticketing Fee: $16 per person

With choice #1 Tenon Tours will inform you of the lowest rate available at the time you are ready to purchase a flight in full. Your flight information, departure times & airline, will be provided to you no later then 3 weeks prior to depature. Your ticket will be booked for the dates required and cities requested/needed. This option is not available if booking less than a month prior to traveling.

Choice #2: Purchase an exact flight with Tenon Tours at the current posted rate.

Ticketing Fee: $26 per person

With choice #2 Tenon Tours will review the current rate, schedule, times and airline with you upon purchasing your flight in full.