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The Music & Magic of Ireland

The Music & Magic of Ireland

7 - 31 July 2019

Discover the real Ireland, an irresistible Ireland, with glorious countryside of green, green, green and low stone walls, rugged coastlines, majestic castles, quirky pubs and the friendliest people in the world! And best of all we do it with three wonderful, generous, fun loving, caring people: Marian, Karl and Alex to add layer upon layer to your enjoyment.

$17,485 NZD
per person
twin share
Single Room Supplement
- ADD $4,245 NZD
Initial Deposit On Booking
$2,000 NZD
Second Deposit Due 7 December 2018
$3,000 NZD
Final Balance Due 8 March 2019

The Music & Magic of Ireland

  • The irresistible charm of Ireland, its beauty and its engaging, charming people.

    Music and mayhem made by Marian Burns, Karl Perigo and Alex Milligan, our magnificent escorts.

    Be part of the action as we watch Marian join with the local bands in pubs throughout Ireland.

    Extraordinary musical experiences including River Dance in Dublin, Kate Kearney’s Cottage and Trad on the Prom show, and Gaelic Roots show.

    So many activities including Titanic Museum (Belfast), Kiss the Blarney Stone, Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher and Kylemore Abbey.

    4 and 5 star character hotels ranging from charming country inns to Ashford Castle.

    Experience the music, the culture, the zest for life and have all the fun of the Irish.

  • Sheraton Mall of Emirates Hotel

    • Dinner and music fountains display.

    • Free time to rest before our fabulous trip to Ireland.

  • Titanic Hotel

    Highlights include:

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

    • Visit and tour of the Titanic Museum.

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

    • Welcome dinner in the old Chairman’s Office which includes music from escorts Marian, Karl and Alex.

    Titanic The Musical or other show if available at the Belfast Grand Opera House.

    • Carrickfergus Castle photo stop.

  • Brooks Hotel

    In Dublin’s fair city where the girls are so pretty”.

    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.

    • Free day to do your own exploring.

    • Tour of the famous Old Jameson Distillery.

    ON ROUTE TO WATERFORD

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

    • The 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.

    • The healing cross of St Kevin.

  • Granville Hotel

    • Tour of the Waterford Crystal Factory.

    ON ROUTE TO KINSALE

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

    • Time to wander around Cashel whose rich history is reflected in its buildings from prehistoric paths to medieval monasteries, fortified town houses, and a Georgian Cathedral.

  • 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 (thank goodness Sue is not here, but maybe keep Marian away?!). 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.

    ON ROUTE TO KILLARNEY

    • Visits to towns of Skibbereen, where Jeremy Irons and Ireland’s richest man Tony O’Reilly live, plus Bantry and Glengarriff.

    • Visit to Bantry House and Garden with lunch.

    • Visit to Kenmare with lace making demonstration.

  • 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 Loch Lein.

    • 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 Scariff Inn.

    • Time to check out the Irish pubs and the music scene with Marian 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.

    ON 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 to the cute town of Ennis for shopping and to explore, including lunch at The Cloister Restaurant.

    • 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.

    ON ROUTE TO GALWAY

    • Visit to Thoor Ballylee Castle, also known as Yeats’ Tower as it was formerly owned by the poet Yeats.

    • Visit to Rathburn Farm for scone making demonstration, farm visit and lunch.

    • Drive around Galway Bay, maybe a song or two along the way?

  • Park House Hotel

    Galway City is unique among Irish cities because of the strength of its Irish language, music, song and dancing tradition.

    Highlights include:

    • Guided city tour of Galway.

    • Drive and visit to Kylemore Abbey and Gardens.

    • Trad on the Prom show, considered the number one Irish show in Ireland.

    • Free time to shop and enjoy this lovely city.

    • Dinner and music provided by us at a charming local restaurant.

    ON ROUTE TO ASHFORD CASTLE

    • Scenic drive via Rosscahill, with visit to Connemara for shopping and lunch.

    • Visit to Cong, where the film 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 in 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 and Galway.

  • Numerous traditional Irish musical experiences presented by local musicians and Marian, Karl and Alex, 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, Titanic The Musical, Trad on the Prom Show, and Gaelic Roots show.

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

  • Breakfast included everyday, 11 evening meals (including some at traditional pubs) & 6 lunches and 1 morning tea.

  • Escorted by the fantastic team of Karl Perigo, Alex Milligan and Marian Burns.

  • 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.

  • 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 $150.

    • 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 is situated in the legendary headquarters and drawing rooms where the Titanic was designed and adjacent to the shipyard where the Titanic was built. The rooms are inspired by the ‘Golden Age of Ocean Liners’, decorated in nautical and Art Deco themes.

Brooks Hotel, Dublin offers luxury accommodation in the heart of Dublin and is ideally located for touring Dublin, shopping on Grafton Street, visiting Temple Bar and Trinity College.

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

The Ross, Killarney is a cool, chic and real quirky, family-owned 4 star boutique hotel, in the heart of Killarney, mere footsteps from the breathtakingly beautiful Killarney National Park.

Dingle Benners Hotel, Dingle is an old-world boutique style hotel in the centre of the beautiful West Kerry town of Dingle. With over 300 years of history, the charm and elegance 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.

Park House Hotel, Galway is an upscale hotel in a grand Victorian-style stone building situated in the heart of Galway.

Ashford Castle is a magnificent 5 star hotel dating from 1228 is set in 350 acres, on the picturesque shores of Lough Corrib. With spectacular rooms, a wealth of activities and plenty of thoughtful touches, it offers Irish hospitality on a grand scale.

MUSICAL HIGHLIGHTS

Mad fiddling from Marian Burns and singing from the effervescent Karl Perigo and Alex Milligan.

Riverdance, Titantic the Musical, Trad on the Proms and Gaelic Roots (subject to availability).

 

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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