2022 Ireland - Optional Activities

  • TUESDAY, June 21 -- 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM.

    Includes: Admission to Trinity College (the Book of Kells and Old Library Exhibition), Self-guided visit to Christ Church Cathedral, 2-course pub lunch, and visit to St. Patrick's Cathedral.

    Trinity College, founded by Queen Elizabeth I in 1591 is known for its distinguished alumni, including Oscar Wilde, William Congreve, Oliver Goldsmith, Braham Stoker, as well as its 3 million volumes gathered over four centuries. The library's Long Room, constructed in the 19th century, preserves Trinity College's most valued treasure, the 8th-century Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript of the four Gospels of the New Testament, created around AD 800 by monks on the Scottish island of Iona.

    Christ Church Cathedral (founded c.1028) stands as the centerpiece of Dublin's evolution into a dynamic city. Follow the steps that bring you beneath the cathedral and explore the medieval crypt, one of the largest in Britain & Ireland, and the earliest surviving structure in the city. Quick stop for lunch in one of Dublin's traditional pubs.

    Saint Patrick's Cathedral has been at the heart of Dublin and Ireland’s history for over 800 years. It's the largest Cathedral in the country and since Saint Patrick baptized Christian converts over 1500 years ago, this holy site has been a place of spiritual encounter for countless generations. It is the final resting place for one of Ireland's most famous men, Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver's travels and Dean of the Cathedral.

    Cost: $115/pp. Includes group transportation plus 2-course pub lunch.
    Optional tour charges will be billed to your credit card prior to the trip.

    Please indicate # of participants below.

  • TUESDAY, June 21 -- 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM.

    The Merry Ploughboys Live in Concert is widely regarded as the best traditional music show in Dublin and also as a must see for any visitor to Dublin city. The show kicks off at 8:00 pm and is a highly entertaining performance of live traditional Irish Music, Song and Irish Dancing. From start to finish, this is a show based on fantastic interaction between the performers and the audience. A pub owned and run by musicians.

    Cost: $100/pp. Includes group transportation, plus dinner.
    Optional tour charges will be billed to your credit card prior to the trip.

    Please indicate # of participants below.

  • WEDNESDAY, June 22 -- 2:00 PM - 6:30 PM.

    Your trip to Ireland is not complete without visiting Dublin's #1 tourist attraction, Guinness Storehouse. While in Dublin, you can learn all about Guinness' rich history. As you walk through each floor you will learn what into making a perfect pint of Guinness. The Storehouse offers a unique experience where visitors get to explore the world of Guinness through a fascinating exhibition that uses words, music, images, sounds and smells to bring to life the rich splendor of the Guinness story across seven floors. The best part of the visit is always the tasting - where better to savor a perfectly poured pint of the black stuff than sitting high above Dublin’s historic rooftops? Broaden your horizons with 360 degree views across the city's magnificent skyline from the Gravity Bar.

    The Teeling Whiskey Distillery is a unique destination for whiskey fans and anyone with an interest in Dublin's long association with Irish Whiskey. Located in the heart of Dublin City Centre, The Teeling Whiskey Distillery is the first operational distillery in the city in over 125 years and home to the Spirit of Dublin. Enjoy a fully guided tour of the distillery followed by a tasting. An expert will tell the intricate history of the rise and fall and revival of whiskey in Dublin and its place in Irish culture.

    Cost: $95/pp. Includes group transportation plus tastings.
    Optional tour charges will be billed to your credit card prior to the trip.

    Please indicate # of participants below.

  • THURSDAY, June 23 -- 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM.

    No trip to Dublin would be complete without a visit to Malahide Castle, 30 Minutes north of Dublin city center nestled in a 260-acre estate dating back to the 12th century, home to the Talbot family. The Estate began in 1185 when Richard Talbot, a knight who accompanied Henry 11 to Ireland was granted the "lands and harbor of Malahide." It was home to the Talbot family for 791 years from 1185 to 1976. The estate survived such losses as the Battle of the Boyne, when fourteen members of the owner’s family sat down to breakfast in the Great Hall and all were dead by evening.

    The castle is packed with furniture and paintings, highlights are a 16th century oak room with decorative carvings and the mediaeval Great Hall which has family portraits, a minstel's gallery and a painting of the Battle of the Boyne.

    After your visit to Malahide Castle you will take the short trip to the nearby coastal village of Howth. There are so many things to do in Howth - browse, walk, hike, eat, shop, fish, observe and discover. This is a living, breathing fishing village, and many Dubliners come out to buy their fresh fish at the harbor.

    Lunch will be in a village restaurant. After lunch in the village, you will be whisked to the top of Howth Head where you will enjoy some magnificent panoramic views over Dublin Bay, Lambay Island (where the Vikings first landed in 795ad), the Martello Tower and the Baily Lighthouse.

    Cost: $115/pp. Includes group transportation plus 2-course pub lunch.
    Optional tour charges will be billed to your credit card prior to the trip.

    Please indicate # of participants below.

  • THURSDAY, June 23 -- 7:00 PM - 12:00 AM.

    Enjoy an evening visiting the local pubs in Dublin's Temple Bar District. You'll be transported from the K-Club to Dublin, where you'll spend 4 hours at your leisure exploring the Temple Bar District. Return transportation provided to the K-Club.

    Cost: $40/pp.This optional activity is group transportation only.
    Optional tour charges will be billed to your credit card prior to the trip.

    Please indicate # of participants below.

  • FRIDAY, June 24 -- 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM.

    For generations Wicklow has been called The Garden of Ireland and it is no wonder why. Located 30 minutes south of Dublin City Centre, Wicklow’s landscape is unique and unforgettable. From 3000 ft. mountains to sea cliffs, sandy beaches, rolling pastureland, hidden lakes, bogs, and friendly villages, the Garden of Ireland has it all.

    You'll start by heading to the 18th century Powerscourt House & Gardens, which has been described as having some of the most beautiful gardens on the planet. Set against the backdrop of the great Sugarloaf Mountain, Powerscourt is stunning in every season. From the ornate Italian Gardens, to the formal walks of the Rose and Kitchen Gardens, there are many hidden treasures to explore. With over 200 varieties of trees, shrubs and flowers this 47 acres has something for everyone.

    The Gardens were laid out over a period of 150 years and were designed to create a garden that was part of the wider landscape, creating one of the most majestic vistas in Ireland. Fine statuary and ironworks collected from across Europe adorn these magnificent Gardens.

    After visiting the house and gardens, you will be escorted to the highest waterfall in Ireland before departing for a delicious lunch in an Irish pub.

    Cost: $100/pp. Includes group transportation plus 2-course pub lunch.
    Optional tour charges will be billed to your credit card prior to the trip.

    Please indicate # of participants below.

  • Responsibility Statement: The Vernon Company or any sponsoring company or organization maintain no control over the personnel, equipment or operations of any air, water, or surface carrier, hotel, restaurant, or other person or entity furnishing services, products, or accommodations as part of the trip. All of these suppliers are independent contractors. The Vernon Company and any sponsoring company or organization shall not be liable for any injury, damage, loss, expense, accident, delay, inconvenience, or irregularity which may be caused or contributed to (1) by any wrongful, negligent, or unauthorized act or omission on the part of any independent agents, servants, employees or contractors, (2) by any defect in or failure of any vehicle, equipment, instrumentality, service, product or accommodations which is owned, operated, furnished, or otherwise used by any independent suppliers (3) by any wrongful, negligent, or unauthorized act or omission on the part of any other person beyond the direct control of The Vernon Company or any sponsoring company or organization, respectively. During the trip, attendees may have the opportunity to participate in various group and optional tour activities, such as water sports and other athletic activities, contests, excursions, and side trips. The Vernon Company shall not be liable for any injury, damage, loss, expense, accident, delay, inconvenience, or irregularity arising out of or relating to said participation.