The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are set to travel to Dublin, Ireland for a September 1, 2012 game versus the Navy Midshipmen. This will be the first time that Notre Dame will be making this trip to the Emerald Island. Sports Traveler has set up two new Notre Dame Fan trips to help fans get there. Our first two trips sold out in less than 3 months before the summer began. Due to the unbelievable demand, we have been able to secure additional hotel rooms and tickets to this once in a lifetime event.
Below are the itineraries that are now confirmed for Wave 3 and 4 of this historic trip!
Notre Dame vs Navy in Ireland - Trip #3 - this trip is departing Aug. 26, arriving Aug. 27
DAY 1 August 27, 2012 ARRIVE IN SHANNON IRELAND – BLARNEY – KILLARNEY (D) Welcome to Ireland. Upon arrival, you are met and begin your journey south towards County Cork for an optional visit to Blarney Castle with its magical stone that gives the gift of eloquence for a kiss. There is time to stop at Blarney Woollen Mills to shop before continuing on to bustling Killarney. The town on the lakes is famous for its lively pubs and open, cheerful atmosphere, full of what the Irish call “craic!” – Gaelic for fun. Tonight you enjoy dinner in your hotel.
DAY 2 August 28, 2012 THE RING OF KERRY (B)
Travel the road that winds around the beautiful Iveragh Peninsula, better known as The Ring of Kerry. It is undoubtedly one of the most magical places in all Ireland. Here mountains, valleys, lakes and sea blend into a landscape that is often breathtaking beyond words. A number of stops will allow you to marvel at the spectacular scenery; walk around the colorful village of Sneem and pause at Moll's Gap for amazing views of the Lakes of Killarney. Later the motor coach will return you to Killarney, where the balance of the day is free. Tonight you are free to explore the many fine pubs and restaurants in Killarney.
DAY 3 August 29, 2012 KILLARNEY – CLIFFS OF MOHER – GALWAY (B,D)
After breakfast, depart Killarney and travel north towards County Clare. Cross the Shannon estuary by ferry, and arrive at the Cliffs of Moher where a magical vista awaits you. The Cliffs are 214m high at the highest point and range for 8 kilometers over the Atlantic Ocean on the western seaboard of County Clare. O'Brien's Tower stands proudly on a headland of the majestic Cliffs. From the Cliffs one can see the Aran Islands and Galway Bay. Afterwards, travel across the Burren, a suddenly stark and barren landscape dotted with rare flora. It is a place of surprise and delight to botanists, archaeologists and ecologists alike and occupies an area of approximately 300 sq. kilometers. Onwards to Galway, a vibrant city with a great seafaring tradition. This evening you will enjoy dinner at your hotel.
DAY 4 August 30, 2012 CONNEMARA EXCURSION (B, D)
This morning, travel through one of Ireland's most unique landscapes and probably the best hidden treasure, Connemara. This area encapsulates every geographical feature in rural Ireland. Pause at Maam's Cross, at the crossroad leading to the four quarters of Connemara, before arriving in Clifden, a small fishing town in the far west of Ireland. After some free time to explore, you depart and make your way towards Kylemore Abbey, a castellated neo-Gothic mansion, occupied today by a Benedictine community of nuns. Afterwards, enjoy the trip back to Galway, where the balance of your day is at leisure. Enjoy dinner at your hotel, and then you are free to explore Galway's many fine Pubs.
DAY 5 August 31, 2012 GALWAY – DUBLIN (B, D)
You depart from Galway this morning, and travel across the midlands to Dublin. Upon arrival, you will enjoy a panoramic city tour, introducing Dublin’s grand architectural treasures, beautiful Georgian squares and history stretching back more than 1,000 years. Pause to visit the Guinness Storehouse, and enjoy a pint and the magnificent views of Dublin in the Gravity Bar. Afterwards, you will have some free time to enjoy the city on your own. Tonight you will enjoy dinner and traditional Irish entertainment in a Dublin pub.
DAY 6 September 1, 2012 DUBLIN GAME DAY (B)
Today you transfer to the stadium for the big game, when Notre Dame meets Navy.
DAY 7 September 2, 2012 DUBLIN – USA (B)
Farewell to Dublin and Ireland. Transfer to Dublin airport, where after check-in you will have plenty of time for your last minute duty free shopping. Your flight to the US arrives the same day.
Notre Dame vs Navy in Ireland - Trip #4 - this trip is departing Aug. 30th and arriving Aug. 31st
DAY 1 August 31, 2012 Arrive Dublin, Ireland (D)
Welcome to Ireland. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to your nearby hotel. After a short rest, an enjoyable panoramic city tour will be the starting point of your stay. The tour will introduce you to Dublin’s grand architectural treasures, beautiful Georgian squares and history stretching back more than 1,000 years. We stop to visit the Guinness Storehouse, and enjoy a pint and the magnificent views of Dublin in the Gravity Bar. Our next “must see” in Dublin is a visit to the seat of learning at the heart of Dublin – Trinity College. Walk across the cobbled squares to the old library and see one of Ireland’s greatest treasures including the famed 8th- century Book of Kells. Tonight you will enjoy dinner and traditional Irish entertainment in a famous Dublin pub.
DAY 2 September 1, 2012 Dublin GAME DAY (B)
Today you transfer to the stadium for the big game, when Notre Dame meets Navy.
DAY 3 September 2, 2012 Enfield – Trim (B, D)
Enjoy a leisurely morning. Today you will visit Trim Castle, the largest Anglo – Norman Castle in Ireland. The Castle 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). The remainder of your day is at leisure in Dublin. Perhaps explore the city’s stylish shops, galleries and museums.
Stroll through a park or relax in a café or pub. Dinner will be provided at your hotel tonight.
DAY 4 September 3, 2012 ENFIELD – KILKENNY (B)
You depart from Enfield this morning and travel towards Kilkenny, undoubtedly Ireland’s loveliest inland city. In medieval times this was a prosperous trading center and the narrow streets still follow ancient routes. This afternoon you visit Kilkenny Castle, built in the 13th century and home to the powerful Butler family for almost 600 years. Tonight you are free to explore some of Kilkenny’s many fine dining options and lively pubs.
DAY 5 September 4, 2012 KILKENNY – CASHEL – BLARNEY – KILLARNEY (B, D)
After breakfast, depart from Kilkenny and make your way towards Killarney. Pause in the small town of Cashel where you will have a photo stop and a chance to view the unforgettable Rock of Cashel. The dramatic limestone rock crowned with secular and religious buildings dominates the flat countryside for miles around. Continue south towards County Cork for an optional visit to the Blarney Castle with its magical stone that gives the gift of eloquence for a kiss. There is time to stop at Blarney Woolen Mills to shop before continuing on to bustling Killarney. The town on the lakes is famous for its lively pubs and open, cheerful atmosphere, full of what the Irish call “craic!”– Gaelic for fun. Tonight you enjoy dinner in your hotel.
DAY 6 September 5, 2012 THE RING OF KERRY (B, D)
Travel the road that winds around the beautiful Iveragh Peninsula, better known as The Ring of Kerry. It is undoubtedly one of the most magical places in all Ireland. Here mountains, valleys, lakes and sea blend into a landscape that is often breathtaking beyond words. A number of stops will allow you to marvel at the spectacular scenery; walk around the colorful village of Sneem and pause at Moll's Gap for amazing views of the Lakes of Killarney. Later the motor coach will return you to Killarney, where the balance of the day is free. Dinner will be at your hotel tonight.
DAY 7 September 6, 2012 KILLARNEY – SHANNON – USA (B)
Farewell to Killarney and Ireland. Transfer to Shannon airport,
where after check-in you will have plenty of time for your last minute duty free shopping. Your flight to the US arrives the same day.
To book your Notre Dame in Ireland 2012 Trip call 1-888-654-7755 today!