Press Kit

 Chamber Executive Director to see Green during Preliminary ‘Shades of Ireland Tour’

Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Executive Director goes to Ireland to experience Shades of Ireland tour available to the public this fall.

NORTH CONWAY-- Janice Crawford, the Executive Director of the Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce will depart on February 23 for a 10 day preliminary tour of Ireland to be offered to the public this fall. This executive director’s tour will offer insight as the directors follow the same action-packed itinerary offered during the ‘Shades of Ireland’ tour to depart from North Conway on November 2, 2010.

The ‘Shades of Ireland’ tour, presented by the Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce and Collette Vacations, is a 10 day comprehensive tour of Ireland guided by Gary Sullivan, longtime Mt. Washington Valley resident and owner of the White Mountain Hotel. Gary, who has personally guided more than 10 trips to Ireland, will unveil its charms by providing stops in Dublin and Limerick, a visit to the medieval city of Kilkenny, the Cliffs of Moher, an overnight Castle stay and more.

For $2,499 per person, this trip includes 8 nights lodging, round trip airfare from Logan International Airport including air taxes and fees, 13 meals including 8 breakfasts and 5 dinners, hotel transfers and round trip transportation directly from North Conway, NH. This exclusive tour offers guests the best of Ireland, without the hassle and all at an unbeatable price.

The Shades of Ireland itinerary at a glance:

Day One: Depart from North Conway, NH to Logan International Airport for an overnight flight into Dublin, Ireland.

Day Two: The tour begins in Dublin. Guests will enjoy a fun-filled Irish dinner with traditional entertainment (dinner included), before spending their fist night at The Burlington Hotel in Dublin.

Day Three: (Breakfast included) A sightseeing tour of Dublin will visit the St. Patrick’s Cathedral, O’Connell Street, Grafton Street, Phoenix Park and the stately Georgian town homes before ending the day with personal time to explore Dublin’s cultural offerings individually. Guests will enjoy an overnight stay in The Burlington Hotel in Dublin.

Day Four: (Breakfast and dinner included) Travel to Kilkenny to explore the medieval city before visiting the world-famous Waterford Crystal Factory. Later, guests arrive in the historic city of Waterford and enjoy a leisurely walking tour before spending the night in the Granville Hotel.

Day Five: (Breakfast and dinner included) Journey to the historic Blarney Castle, home of the famous Blarney Kissing Stone. Later, travel to Killarney, where guests will be treated to an Irish jaunting ride *weather permitting. A tour of the Muckross House will round out the day’s itinerary, before spending the night at the O’Donoghue Ring Hotels in Killarney.

Day Six: (Breakfast included) Travel along the Ring of Kerry noted as one of the most beautiful coastal routes in the world. A stop at the Gap of Dunloe will allow time for shopping for traditional Irish goods, before passing through picturesque villages, rugged mountain passes and along lakes and coastline. Guests will enjoy an overnight stay at the O’Donoghue Ring Hotels in Killarney.

Day Seven: (Breakfast included) In the morning, guests will experience a traditional Irish farm, by visiting the Molanna Dairy Farm before traveling on to Limerick. Once in Limerick, a city tour will showcase King John’s Castle and the Treaty Stone. Guests will enjoy an overnight stay at the Radisson SAS Limerick.   

Day Eight: (Breakfast and dinner included) The tour will journey to the stunning 700 foot high Cliffs of Moher, before traveling through the vast limestone landscape of Burren and through the Galway countryside. Guests will enjoy a brief tour of ‘The City of Tribes,’ before ending the day with an overnight stay at the Radisson SAS Limerick.

Day Nine: (Breakfast and dinner included) The tour will travel from Limerick to Tullamore, where a visit to the Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre will teach guests how traditional Irish whiskey is made before they enjoy a sampling. A farewell dinner will be celebrated on the magnificent grounds of Cabra Castle in Kingscourt, where guests will enjoy their last night in Ireland.

Day Ten: (Breakfast included) The tour will end in Kingscourt, where guests will be delivered to the airport for their return flight home. Guests will be picked up at Logan International Airport where they will be brought back to North Conway, NH.

*On some dates, alternate hotels may be used and the days of features are interchangeable.

Upon returning from her visit, Janice Crawford and Colette Vacations will be offering an informational travel night on April 15^th at the White Mountain Hotel and Resort for those interested. This travel night will discuss the details of the November trip as well as Janice’s experiences while on the tour. In addition, The White Mountain Hotel and Resort will be offering an Irish dinner special to set the mood. For $19 per person (plus tax and gratuity), this three course meal includes a choice of Traditional Sheppard’s Pie, Jameson Roasted Salmon or Irish roast of pork all served with root vegetables, Irish colcannon and specialty Irish brown bread. Guest can chose from Irish vegetable soup or a garden salad and top off the night with a dessert of Bailey’s Irish Cream cheesecake.

For more information on the ‘Shades of Ireland’ tour or to book your seat, call Laura Moorman at Travel Agents International at 603-356-5400. This trip will book quickly and limited spots are available, so reserve your seat today by calling 603-356-5400.

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