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The Music & Magic of Ireland

The Music & Magic of Ireland

21 June - 15 July 2020

With the fantastic team of Karl Perigo, Marian Burns and Suzanne Lynch, we experience the music, the culture, the zest for life and have all the fun of the Irish. We see all Ireland has to offer from the bustling cities of Belfast and Dublin to the quirky individuality of Dingle, Kinsale and Killarney.

$17,485 NZD
per person
twin share
Single Room Supplement
- ADD $3,975 NZD
Initial Deposit On Booking
$2,000 NZD
Second Deposit Due 28 November 2019
$3,000 NZD
Final Balance Due 24 February 2020

The Music & Magic of Ireland

PLEASE NOTE:

This trip links with the Scotland trip. Please ask for the special price if you wish to book for both trips.

  • Imagine sitting in a friendly pub enjoying the catchy beat of great Irish music played by the local band, made up of the world’s most memorable characters. Marian joins in with the band who sit back and wait to see if she is any good. Then within minutes, one by one, they gradually start joining Marian, who is off like the flying fiddler she is! We all end up joining in, clapping, singing, laughing and having the time of our lives.

    From the breath taking scenic views along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, and the charming villages dotted across the lush, green Irish countryside to its modern, lively cities, there is something for everyone in Ireland.

    With the fantastic team of Karl Perigo, Marian Burns and Suzanne Lynch, we experience the music, the culture, the zest for life and have all the fun of the Irish. We simply feel like we have come home!

  • Sheraton Mall of Emirates Hotel

    Dinner and music fountains display.

    Free time to rest before our fabulous trip to Ireland.

  • Titanic Hotel

    Belfast is Northern Ireland’s capital. It was the birthplace of the RMS Titanic, which famously struck an iceberg and sunk in 1912. This legacy is recalled in the renovated dockyards’ Titanic Quarter, where we will be staying.

    HIGHLIGHTS include:

    “Wee Tram” tour of Belfast which includes wharf area and tour of SS Nomadic, the last remaining White Star Line ship.

    Welcome dinner in the old Chairman’s Office which includes music from hosts Karl, Marian and Suzanne.

    Walking tour of the old part of Belfast finishing with lunch at a local pub.

    A show if available at the Belfast Grand Opera House.

    EN ROUTE TO DUBLIN

    We stop at Carrickfergus Castle for a photo or two.

  • Brooks Hotel

    Dublin, capital of the Republic of Ireland, is on Ireland’s east coast at the mouth of the River Liffey. Its historic buildings include Dublin Castle, dating to the 13th century, and imposing St Patrick’s Cathedral.

    HIGHLIGHTS include:

    City Highlights Tour including Christ Church Cathedral, Viking World, Trinity College (Book of Kells), James Joyce Centre and many other fantastic sights in this wonderful city.

    Riverdance show.

    Visit to Glendalough Tower, the most famous of all the landmarks in County Wicklow, which was built almost 1,000 years ago by the monks of St Kevin’s Monastery.

    Free day to do your own exploring.

    Tour of the famous Old Jameson Distillery

    EN ROUTE TO KILKENNY

    Magnificent Irish countryside, stone walls, charming farmhouses, green, green, green everywhere. We begin to understand the term The Emerald Isles!

    Visit the iconic Rock of Cashel, one of the most spectacular tourist attractions in Ireland.

  • Lyrath Estate

    HIGHLIGHTS include:

    Free afternoon with time to wander around this medieval town in southeast Ireland. The town has deep religious roots and many well-preserved churches and monasteries.

    Dinner at the Kyteler’s Inn which is rumoured to be ‘haunted’ by the first owner Dame Alice Kyteler!!

    EN ROUTE TO KINSALE

    Visit and tour of the famous Waterford Crystal Factory which has been in production on this site for 200 years.

    Time to explore the charming seaside resort town of Youghal, known for its number of historic buildings and monuments within the town’s walls.

  • Actons Hotel

    Kinsale is a medieval town, designated as an Irish Heritage town. We will stay 2 nights here and explore traditional bars, beautiful buildings, narrow streets, shops and galleries.

    HIGHLIGHTS include:

    Visit Blarney Castle which was built nearly six hundred years ago. Over the last few hundred years, millions have flocked to Blarney. This might have something to do with the Blarney Stone and the legend that kissing it will give you the ‘gift of the gab!’ A chance to lunch and look at the fabulous Woollen Mills shops.

    Dinner at the hotel and time to wander in Kinsale plus visit a few of the local pubs and immerse yourself in the local Irish music scene.

    EN ROUTE TO KILLARNEY

    Visit to Bantry House and Garden with lunch.

    Visit to Kenmare with lace making demonstration.

  • The Ross Hotel

    Killarney is renowned for its natural beauty and has been a favourite tourist destination since the 18th century. Today, the Jaunting Cars still carry visitors around the scenic highlights and the picturesque laneways are as bright and colourful as ever, but the bustling streets are now lined with independent craft shops, small galleries, traditional pubs and fine restaurants.

    HIGHLIGHTS include:

    City Highlights Tour including Muckross House, one of Ireland’s popular attractions.

    Dinner and show, Gaelic Roots, at Killarney Avenue Hotel.

    A visit to Ross Castle, situated on the edge of Lough Leane, in Killarney National Park, County Kerry.

    A cruise on Lough Leane.

    Time to explore or perhaps purchase some beautiful Killarney linen or other Irish fineries.

    Dinner at Kate Kearney’s Cottage with local musicians.

    Full day tour to Ring of Kerry, one of Ireland’s most spectacular drives, including lunch at the Lobster Bar and Restaurant in Waterville.

    Time to check out the Irish pubs and the music scene, joining in with the locals

  • Dingle Benners Hotel

    This colourful fishing town is packed with eclectic eateries and traditional pubs where you’re bound to catch a lively traditional music session.

    HIGHLIGHTS include:

    Free time to enjoy this very quaint area. Time to walk and explore, shop and time to rest and maybe do some laundry!

    Lunch and music at John Benny’s Pub.

    Music with dinner tonight from our escorts.

    EN ROUTE TO BUNRATTY

    Visit to Adare Village with its Tudor-style thatch-roof cottages, an 1840s limestone courthouse and the ruins of three important church centres.

  • Bunratty Castle Hotel

    HIGHLIGHTS include:

    Time to explore the wonderful historic Irish village across the road from our hotel.

    Medieval feast, show and tour of Bunratty Castle.

    Travel the Atlantic Coast passing through Kilkee, a beautiful horse-shoe shaped bay, the entrance of which is protected by a stunning reef known as Duggerna Rocks.

    Visit to the fabulous Cliffs of Moher. Looming over County Clare’s west coast, the cliffs are 214 metres high at their highest point and range for 8 kilometres over the Atlantic Ocean.

    Lunch at the Shamrock Inn Hotel.

    EN ROUTE TO WESTPORT

    Drive to Galway, maybe a song or two along the way about the popular Galway Bay.

    • A short visit to this Old Township with a local guide and free time to enjoy this lovely city.

  • Westport Coast Hotel

    Westport is a town on the edge of an Atlantic inlet, on Ireland’s west coast. In the Georgian town centre, stone bridges link the tree-lined promenade on the banks of the Carrowbeg River. Rockfleet Castle and Burrishoole Abbey, both to the northwest, have ties to the 16th-century pirate queen, Grace O’ Malley.

    HIGHLIGHTS include:

    Daytrip and visit to the exquisite Kylemore Abbey and gardens. The abbey was founded for Benedictine Nuns who fled Belgium in World War I.

    Free afternoon to explore Westport Village.

    Dinner at a charming local pub, where our escorts will provide music alongside the pub’s band!

    EN ROUTE TO ASHFORD CASTLE

    Scenic drive passing through small villages, including the village of Cong where The Quiet Man was filmed.

  • Ashford Castle

    Dating back to 1228 and once the estate of the Guinness family, Ashford Castle first opened as a hotel in 1939. From the imposing exterior one enters a richly decorated interior that speaks of centuries of care and a love of fine craftsmanship. We enjoy a gourmet dinner and feel like a King or Queen surrounded by pure indulgence.

    HIGHLIGHTS include:

    Free time to explore this incredible 5 star castle and its 350 acre grounds.

    Time for wandering or falconry (own cost).

    Final night gala dinner with music in our baronial castle

This trip includes

  • Return Airfare: Auckland/Dubai/Dublin with Emirates.

  • 24 day fully escorted musical tour to Ireland.

  • Fabulous character accommodation in 4 & 5 star hotels and the odd castle or two.

  • Visits to numerous cities and towns including Belfast, Dublin, Waterford, Cashel, Kinsale, Killarney, Dingle, Adare, Bunratty, Galway and Westport.

  • Numerous traditional Irish musical experiences presented by local musicians and Karl, Marian and Suzanne, plus special Irish concerts and pub music visits.

  • All tours and entrances as listed in itinerary including Blarney Castle, Rock of Cashel, Ring of Kerry & Cliffs of Moher.

  • Special shows subject to availability including Riverdance and Gaelic Roots show.

  • Special flavours including visits to Irish pubs and experiencing local music, visits to historic castles including Blarney Castle, Titanic Museum, Jaunting Cars, Waterford Crystal Factory tour and lace making demonstrations.

  • Breakfast included everyday, 12 evening meals (including some at traditional pubs) & 6 lunches.

  • Hosted by the fantastic team of Marian Burns, Karl Perigo and Suzanne Lynch!

  • MODERATE WALKING TOUR

    This tour requires a better level of fitness with no wheelchairs or walkers. Generally, there may be times when we can’t get the coach close. We also will have much longer flights and long walks through airports.

  • PLEASE NOTE: No booking will be accepted for this trip without the initial deposit.

  • IMPORTANT INFORMATION

    • All trips are subject to change but any changes will be of equal or greater value.

    • Deposits refundable until final payment date minus any costs incurred, or an administration fee of up to $300.

    • Travellers need to be independently mobile and fit to travel.

    • Travellers are required to obtain comprehensive travel insurance for all international trips.

    Please refer to terms & conditions on our booking form.

PLACES WE STAY

Titanic Hotel, Belfast, designed in Art Deco and nautical themes, is situated in the legendary headquarters where the Titanic was designed and built.

Brooks Hotel, Dublin offers luxury accommodation in the heart of Dublin, ideally located to visit Temple Bar and Trinity College.

Lyrath Estate, Kilkenny is unlike anywhere else. Set amidst 170 acres of parkland, it is a definitive country resort hotel, located on the outskirts of Kilkenny City.

Actons Hotel, Kinsale is a boutique 4 star hotel overlooking the River Bandon and Kinsale Harbour.

The Ross Hotel, Killarney is a chic quirky, family-owned 4 star boutique hotel, in the heart of Killarney, close to the breathtaking Killarney National Park.

Dingle Benners Hotel, Dingle is an old-world boutique style hotel. With over 300 years of history, its rustic charm will captivate you from the moment you arrive.

Bunratty Castle Hotel is nestled in the heart of historic countryside, a short stroll away from the famous 15th century Bunratty Castle & Folk Park.

Westport Coast Hotel, Westport is located at the Quay village. This beautifully renovated heritage stone warehouse has an award-winning restaurant and spectacular views over Clew Bay.

Ashford Castle is a magnificent 5-star luxury hotel. Lovingly restored, it dates from 1228 and is set in 350 acres overlooking the picturesque shores of Lough Corrib.

MUSICAL HIGHLIGHTS

Special shows subject to availability including Riverdance and Gaelic Roots show.

 

Travel Insurance

Every customer is required to take out insurance for all international travel when taking a trip with Operatunity Ltd. 

DOMESTIC INSURANCE
Insurance for Domestic travel is currently available from many companies. Insurance for New Zealand trips is entirely at your discretion. Please email our office for our current recommendation if you wish our advice.


INTERNATIONAL INSURANCE
Insurance for International travel is currently available from many companies. For our trips overseas it is a requirement that proof of cover be sent to our office some time before departure from NZ. We can not accept travellers who hold no cover for international travel as per our term and conditions.
Please email our office for our current recommendation if you wish our advice. Email travelbookings@operatunity.co.nz Phone 0508 886 489

 

MOBILITY

Operatunity provides group senior travel and with this in mind we plan trips to suit our target market. But not every trip is created equal in terms of mobility. We want to give you the best possible experience but that will only be achieved if you are able to enjoy everything that our trips have to offer.
Most of our long haul trips require a better level of mobility. We will look after everyone as well as we possibly can, but we cannot look after one at the expense of the rest of the group. We also cannot have one person slowing the rest of group to the point where the group is not able to enjoy every experience we are able to provide.
With this in mind we have put a mobility clause into every trip. Under each explanation here I have popped a statement. Ask yourself if this is ‘you’, when booking on a trip.

None of the following mobility clauses preclude you from ordering a wheelchair at the airport if required.

1. GENTLE TOUR This tour will suit most people, even with a stick or a walker, but sorry not someone in a wheelchair. The activity level is gently paced, but you still need to be able to get on and off buses easily. There will be walking, but not a lot. “I love travelling, but at a gentle pace. I like to avoid stairs or too much activity, but I am able to get on and off buses easily.” 

2. EASY TOUR This tour will suit people with a stick, but not a walker. You will be required to walk to get from place to place and stand in museums, but it is designed to be an easy tour with lots of times to rest, travel on a coach and walk easy leisurely distances.  ”Walking is fine. I can get on and off a coach. I am happy to stand for an hour or two in museums and galleries and gently stroll through places of interest. I am happy to climb the odd set of stairs.” 

3. MODERATE WALKING TOUR This tour requires a better level of fitness with no wheelchairs or walkers. Generally, there may be times when we can’t get the coach close. In some of our Pacific Island tours we will need you to transfer onto a tender and walk on soft sand. We also will have much longer flights and long walks through airports. “I like walking at a moderate pace. I love to keep my days full and experience everything the tour has to  offer. Stairs, tender transfers and cobblestones don’t bother me.” 

4.  EXPLORING TOUR This is still a moderately paced tour, but you will be required to walk longer distances, walk on cobblestones and stand in museums. To really get the best out of this tour you need to be able to stand or walk for a couple  of hours comfortably, be it at a leisurely pace.  “I like to spend most of the day exploring. Whether walking historic neighbourhoods on cobblestones at a moderate pace or out and about on a coach, I want my days full. Stairs don’t bother me and I am keen to see and do as much as I can with the odd day off to recuperate.” 

  • Operatunity is a company specialising in music lovers tours to the senior market. Each trip has been especially planned to include music and arts experiences and has a level of friendliness and care which cannot be found anywhere else! Our trips are packed with features not found anywhere else

  • Yes we have lots of people who travel on their own. We endeavour to match you up with someone who lives close to you or is close in age to you. Often you will get a chance to meet with your matchup or ring them before you leave on your trip. You also may prefer to travel solo and pay the single supplement price. We travel as a happy band so there will be lots of chances to meet people. You will find fellow music lovers and those with other similar interests. In fact those like the nicer things of life so you will travel with like-minded people. It is also important to remember that our singers are our escorts so you will see at least a couple of familiar faces as you leave.

  • If you live outside of Auckland, we can arrange travel and accommodation on your way to meet up with our group. We have access and can book domestic airfares in conjunction with Air New Zealand international airfares. Plus we can book your pre and post tour accommodation if required.

  • It is compulsory for our international trips and highly recommended for our domestic tours. 

  • No as most airlines offer various special meals and any restaurants we visit are happy to accommodate special dietary requirements.

  • We seek to accommodate the needs of guests with disabilities whenever possible. However in most cases we are unable to take customers with walkers, wheelchairs or other mobility issues. Certain trips may be unsuitable due to walking or limited availability of accommodation with disabled facilities. We cannot be responsible for the care of customers suffering from significant cognitive illness (such as dementia). We ask such customers to consult with your doctor to obtain medical clearance. Guests needing assistance mustbe accompanied by an able companion who will be available to assist them and assume full responsibility for their wellbeing.

  • We ask that you can walk at least 100 metres unaided and be able to get on and off buses with little or no assistance. We cater for a senior market but it is important that you do not jeopardise the enjoyment of others by requiring more care and holding up the rest of the group. Talk to our office or staff at concerts and any advisory notes for individual trips to get a better idea of your suitability for each trip.

  • We stay at 4 and 5 star character hotels, avoiding package, tourist or big hotel chains. We choose  hotels with a more personal feel often with historic content or hotels of beauty and character, centrally located or in parks, by the water, or with beautiful gardens.

  • Breakfast is included daily, and many dinners and lunches are also included as per our itinerary.

  • There are no hidden costs. Included in the trip are tips, taxes, porterage, breakfast, meals where specified, inclusions listed in the itinerary, entry fees where listed in the itinerary, concert/show tickets where listed in the itinerary, tour escorts and local specialised guides. 

  • Some of our trips sell out very quickly and we recommend you make your booking as soon as you can to avoid disappointment. 

  • We will ask you to pay an initial deposit when making your booking. We will then follow up for a second deposit and then a final balance payment prior to travel.

  • All deposits up until final payment are refundable minus an administration fee of up to $500 plus any non-recoverable costs the company may incur.

    After final deposit refunds are unlikely and the refund becomes an insurance claim.

  • Our numbers vary from destination to destination, please contact our office for further information.  We have a minimum number required to operate a tour. Should minimum numbers not be met, a full refund will be made. 

  • For international trips, all guests must have a valid passport that does not expire earlier than at least 6 months beyond their intended stay. 

  • Music is a key element in making our experiences special. There are special experiences and events every day, such as themed dinners, impromptu concerts, music, art tours with art experts and garden tours with garden experts.

  • Most hotels now have internet connection and all hotels have telephones in the room or at reception. If using your mobile telephone check calling and text rates, and disable data roaming before leaving New Zealand. Consider purchasing a prepaid SIM card. And you can keep in touch using social media such as Facebook. We have a copy of your next of kin details in case of emergency and we are also happy to help out with texts, phone calls and emails if you can’t get in touch with your family and need to while away. We are also happy to help out with getting your phones, ipads and cameras to work if needed while away.

  • We spend less time travelling between regions, allowing more time to enjoy experiences when you arrive. We avoid one night stops and “conveyor belt” travel, so you really can capture the local colour and vitality of the region. Our trips are planned so that there is a balance of included activities and free time for you to relax or do some exploring on your own.

  • Contact Operatunity Travel 

    Phone toll free: 0508 886 489
    Mail your booking form to PO BOX 132 150, Sylvia Park, Auckland 1644
    Email: travel@operatunity.co.nz

  • Phone toll free: 0508 886 489
    Email: travelbookings@operatunity.co.nz

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