WANDERWOMAN® TRAVEL ADVENTURE TO IRELAND 2023
Women-only Small Group Tour to the Wild West of Ireland
In Search of Celtic Queen Granuaile
with special guest author Anne Chambers
Dates: August 7-17, 2023
Early Booking Price:$3996* Until March 8 – International Women’s Day
Single supplement $1099
Email us to reserve your spot.
11 days/10 nights fully escorted small group tour
This epic journey to Ireland includes: Excursions with author Anne Chambers and archaeologist Michael Gibbons – Privately guided tours and walks with local experts in the Burren, Cong, Westport, Clare Island, Connemara, and Medieval Galway – Admission fees as per itinerary – 10 nights accommodations in an awarding guesthouse, family run B&Bs and a small local hotel – 10 hearty Irish breakfasts – 2 lunches – 3 gourmet Irish dinners – Welcome teas/refreshments – Transfers – Lots of Laughs!
ABOUT THE TOUR
The itinerary of our women’s travel adventure to Ireland is based on the life of Grace O’Malley (Granuaile), a 16th century Irish pirate queen. This extraordinary Celtic woman commanded a fleet of 200 fighting men. She won castles by war and love. The trip is not a history tour per se, but history and local lore are woven into the tour itinerary providing a focus for our journey. As we traverse through the beautiful western regions of the emerald island, our travels will take us to magical places associated with Granuaile’s life and the many legends about her. Bestselling author Anne Chambers, biographer of Grace O’Malley, will join us for a special tour of “Grace O’Malley country.” Also local archaeologist Michael Gibbons will accompany us on an exploration of the archaeology and natural wonders of beautiful Connemara. We will stay at smaller properties including an award-winning guesthouse, a small Irish-style hotel, and two B-n-Bs with lots of Irish charm and warmth. The pace of the tour is leisurely with time to explore on one’s own to partake in optional activities such as horseback riding or evening concerts. The tour is limited to 8 to 11 women. This is a great trip for the first time visitor to Ireland as well as for returning visitors. We hope you are able to join us on this unique trip to Ireland!
See travel itinerary below
Author Anne Chambers
Ireland Women-only Small Group Tour Itinerary:
BALLYVAUGHAN 1 night
Our journey in Ireland begins at a lovely family-run B-n-B at the edge of the Burren. This is a magical place that tells of Ireland’s geological and ancient past. After checking in, we will gather for a welcome lunch and get acquainted with fellow travelers before heading out on a guided walking tour of the Burren and learn about this unique region. Visit a holy well, a ring fort, and an ancient Dolmen burial site dating back thousands of years. In the evening enjoy a welcome dinner of Irish specialties. Next morning we will travel by minibus to Westport, the heart of “Grace O’Malley country.” En route we’ll stop to tour to Dunguaire Castle, a 16th century tower castle, and the quaint town of Cong with the ruins of its historic cathedral and Ashford Castle, which once belonged to the Guinness family.
WESTPORT 3 nights
A guided walking tour of this picturesque 18-century town with its colorful houses situated on the shores of the Carrowbeg River will be our introduction to the region. The following day best-selling author Anne Chambers, biographer of Granuaile, will join us for an intriguing full day lecture-tour including visits to Rockfleet Castle, Murrisk Abbey, the Famine Memorial, the base of Croagh Patrick, and the Westport House. On the following day enjoy a hike up Croagh Patrick (optional). At the summit of this sacred hill, St. Patrick, the bringer of Christianity to Ireland, fasted for forty days and forty nights. From top of Croagh Patrick are fantastic vistas of Clew Bay. The next morning we’ll travel by local ferry to Clare Island, once the stronghold of the O’Malleys.
CLARE ISLAND 2 nights
This small island in Clew Bay has a magical air about it. We’ll stay at a simple family run B&B at the harbor near the ruins of an O’Malley tower castle. From here Grace O’Malley controlled Clew Bay. After “seafaring” (20 minutes) to Clare by ferry, enjoy a family-style welcome dinner. The next day we’ll explore of the island’s natural beauty and Neolithic past with our local guide. The western cliffs of this small island are among the most dramatic in the west of Ireland. Visit the ruins of the castle where Grace once lived and the Cistercian Abbey believed to be her final resting place. The Abbey dates back to the 13th century and has some of Ireland’s best-preserved medieval wall and ceiling paintings. In the evening enjoy local entertainment at one of the two pubs on the island. The next morning we will travel by ferry back to the mainland and then drive to Clifden through scenic Connemara. En route stop we’ll to take photos at Kelymore Abbey, which is perhaps one of the most photographed castles in all of Ireland.
CLIFDEN 3 nights
This pretty village perched on the edge of Clifden Bay will be our base for exploring Connemara. Mountains known as the Twelve Bens create a dramatic panorama. Our award-winning guesthouse is located just out of town at the bay within a 10-minute walk to quaint shops, restaurants, and pubs, which offer live music most nights. Those preferring to enjoy the peace and quite, and the natural beauty of the region can do so, and those that would like to sample some of the night-life are but a few minutes from great music and fun. On our second day in Clifden, archaeologist Michael Gibbons will join us for an interesting field trip along the rugged coast where the young Grace O’Malley began her married life and pirating career. On our last day full day in Clifden enjoy leisure time or optional activities such as riding along the scenic coastline on Connemara ponies and/or shopping. The next morning we will drive to Galway.
GALWAY 1 night
Upon arrival in this energetic university town rich is history and lore, we’ll explore the fascinating medieval heart of the city on a guided walking tour. In the afternoon there will be time to relax or perhaps shop for an authentic Claugdah ring before a special farewell dinner.
Next day, morning transfer to Shannon Airport.
Megalithic grave site, the Burren
Western coast of Ireland
Clare Island in the distance
Archaeological discovery
Discover Irish cuisine!
“Dear Erja, Thank you for creating a brilliant atmosphere (and magnificent itinerary) in which to mingle with fellow women travelers. This trip was personal, caring, delightful, ‘fun’ – I loved each of the specialized guides you brought together for us. Whether as a single traveler or with someone special, you cared for all of us – everyone was included.” Irene from CA
“It was a fantastic trip. I can’t imagine having experienced Ireland any other way now. The level of depth of history and archeology was an amazing addition to simply experiencing the gorgeous views! : ) The B&B’s, and our rooms, were fabulous…You did a great job in organizing a stimulating and fun vacation, perfect for my 40th celebration with friends! I enjoyed the rest of the group immensely as well!” Thanks, again, Valerie from TX
*EARLY BOOKING PRICE $3996.00 after March 8, International Women’s Day add $100 per person
Price is per person based on double occupancy. Email us to be notified once reservation open.
Single supplement: $1099.00
No single supplement if opting to share an room, roommates arranged for solo travelers.
Check out Aer Lingus for summer flights to Shannon, Ireland (SNN)!
GETTING TO IRELAND
The tour begins and ends at Shannon Airport. The price does NOT include airfare, but we happy to assist you with finding the best flights to suit your needs. Since airfare is not included, those wishing to use frequent flyer miles are free to do so-but please reserve your flights well in advance since space can be limited. Before making your flight arrangements please notify us of your plans.
MEETING PLACE
We will gather at Shannon International Airport in Ireland on the morning of the first day of the tour for a group transfer to Ballyvaughvan. If you would like to arrive a day early, the most convenient place to stay is the Park Inn at the airport. Rates start at € 100 per night without breakfast (rates are subject to change and are based on availability). We will gladly assist you with any post-tour arrangements including hotels, transfers, and additional sight-seeing options. The tour concludes at Shannon Airport on the last day of the tour.
RESERVATIONS
To reserve your space call or email Eurynome Journeys for an application form and terms and conditions. We will hold your space for up to two weeks at which time a $900 non-refundable deposit (add $100 for pre or post-tour options) per person is due along with completed and signed forms.
HIGHLIGHTS
Tour of “Grace O’Malley country” with best-selling Irish author Anne Chambers, biographer of Granuaile – Tour of beautiful Connemara with author, archaeologist Michael Gibbons – Burren walk – Ancient Dolmen – Ring Fort- Dunguairie Castle – Cong walking tour – Ballynahinch Castle – Westport House – Rockfleet Castle – Murrisk Abbey – Famine Memorial – Croagh Patrick – Cliffs of Clare Island -13th century Abbey – Westport walking tour – photo stop at Kelymore Abbey – Omey Island excursion, the food – summer in Ireland, and MORE! – Services of tour escort to take care of details so you can enjoy your vacation.
We’ll visit sites associated with the O’Malleys, O’Flaherties, Joyces, Brownes, Bourkes, D’Arcys, Lynches, MacMahons, Martins, and others. We hope you are able to join us on this special tour of Ireland!.
Note: This is an active travel vacation and is NOT suitable for those with limited mobility. This tour involves walking and requires a certain degree of physical fitness. Included walking tours range from one hour to four hours plus in duration and are easy to moderate in difficulty, mostly on even terrain with some inclines. The optional hike up Croagh Patrick is a strenuous 2 plus hours long climb up on uneven rocky terrain and then 2 plus hours down. Be sure to bring a good pair of walking shoes!
Eurynome Journeys reserves the right to change the itinerary and make substitutions at anytime to ensure the safety and comfort of the group or as deemed necessary by the tour director.
Photo courtesy of GreenWoodStudio
Learn about Grace O’Malley and Anne Chambers
Ms. Chambers’ book Granuaile: The Life and Times of Grace O’Malley, c. 1530-1603 provides a fascinating and inspiring glimpse into the life of this extraordinary Irish woman. Ms. Chambers does an excellent job painting a picture of life in Ireland during the 16th century and the role of women in Ireland through the ages. Anyone traveling to Ireland or interesting in Irish history and the role of women in Irish society will benefit from reading this biography. To learn more about Anne Chambers and the life of Granuaile, the Irish pirate queen visit www.graceomalley.com. Ms. Chambers has written numerous biographies and has appeared in documentaries about Granuaile.
Ireland Travel Resources:
Airlines providing service from the USA to Ireland Ireland include: Aer Lingus, USAir, Continental, and Delta.
Buses in Ireland Find schedules and purchase tickets for buses throughout Ireland
Irish Rail Service The train is a great way to travel in Ireland
Irish Heritiage and genealogy sites:
Irish Genealogical Society International
Irish Ancesters
Irish Roots Magazine
Info about Ireland:
Former President of Ireland: Mary McAleese Biography of Irish president.
“What a wonderful experince that surpassed all my dreams!
Carolann, FL, Ireland Tour 2013
“Erja, we think you and your team have cornered a very special Niche in the Travel Business. It was exactly what we were looking for.– Small, Stylish, and Scintillating! With many thanks, from all of us…
Dorothy and the “girls,” CA, Ireland Tour 2012
“I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the trip. You are very good at what you do. You took care of every detail so we could enjoy ourselves…It was a great adventure! Thanks again!”
Deborah, SC, Ireland Trip September 2010
“I had the BEST time on this trip!! Thank you for everything…meeting Anne Chambers, all the B&Bs and just for making the trip overall enjoyable. What a group we had!!! I hope to keep in touch with all of them.
Robin, MN, Ireland Trip August 2009
“The trip to Ireland in search of Granuaile was perfect and author Anne Chambers was wonderful!”
Kitty, Oklahoma, August 2006
LIVE, LAUGH & TRAVEL!™
Celebrating 20 plus Years of Specialty Tours & Women’s Travel Vacations and Retreats to Europe, US & Beyond!