Celtic Heart Tours Presents:
The West Less Traveled, a 9-day tour of Ireland's spectacular southwest counties of Kerry and Cork. Now taking reservations for May 2012. *$1,795.00
Women wear many hats: Caregiver, comforter, confidant. You do so much for others, Celtic Heart Tours gives you the chance to do something just for you. Join us as we explore Ireland in a once-in-a-lifetime tour of the Emerald Isle for women only. It's your turn! Bring your mother, daughter, sister or best friend — or come on your own.
Small groups, shared lodgings
When we say small, we mean small. Each tour takes just 8 women. Solo travelers are welcome, even encouraged to attend. We will match participants with a roommate, so there is no single room supplemental cost. With just 8 members the tour group can better mingle with locals in small pubs, dine in cozy restaurants and form bonds of friendship that will last a lifetime.
Off the beaten path
Follow your heart with kindred sisters as Celtic Heart Tours takes you on the trip to Ireland that you've always dreamed of and more, complete with fairy tale castles, heartbreakingly beautiful landscapes and the friendliest people on the planet. And all in locales far off the well-trodden tourist trail.
Celtic Heart Tours is the only organized tour for women that will take you to the rugged Beara Peninsula, virtually passed over by the recent boom in development and tourism. The roads are too narrow for the large tour buses that rumble non-stop around the Ring of Kerry, and there are few large-group accommodations. The remote Beara Peninsula can't be matched for history, culture and archeology. You will learn about the ill-fated O'Sullivan clan, listen to traditional music in a small local pub and touch the tallest ogham stone in Europe.
Leave the driving to us
Driving in Ireland, on the left side of the narrow roads, is a nerve-wracking experience. Celtic Heart Tours takes the stress out of touring by contracting with a reputable Irish bus company that provides a spacious 16-passenger bus and knowledgeable Irish driver. It's leather-seated luxury with window seats for everyone.
Life in the slow lane
Celtic Heart Tours covers a relatively small area of Ireland, but we cover it well. We make frequent stops and travel short distances per day. There is time to relax and let Ireland seep into your soul. Three nights are spent on the Beara Peninsula, where the pace of life hasn't changed much since donkey carts hauled copper ore to the harbor a hundred years ago.
Sleep in comfort and style
Celtic Heart Tours has personally sleep-tested every accommodation used on the tours, looking for a good night's sleep, hot shower and a tasty breakfast experience. Accommodations will be in locally owned guesthouses or B&Bs within walking distance of pubs, restaurants and nightlife.
Highlights of the trip include:
- Welcome dinner with traditional Irish music.
- Tour of an elegant manor house and thatched village.
- Boat trip to Skellig Michael, a World Heritage Site off the Kerry coast.
- Exclusive guided tour of ancient sites on the Beara Peninsula.
- Walk the Beara Way and enjoy the panoramic vistas.
- Ride on Ireland's only cable car to a seldom visited island (weather permitting).
- Visit to a 12th century friary, where Celtic crosses still stand silent vigil.
- Day and night in the lively city of Cork, seat of "the rebel county."
Tour begins and ends at Shannon airport.
*Cost includes all accommodation, transportation (except airport transfer), Irish Trad Night at Bunratty Castle, all breakfasts, three dinners, all entry fees, trip to Skellig Michael with picnic lunch. Airfare not included. See registration page for more details.
Ask about discounts for four or more in one group booking.