The Massachusetts State Police group, led by Michael ‘Okie’ O’Connor, are making a welcome return to Ireland for St. Patrick’s Day 2024.
This year, they will make their first foray north, staying at the exceptional Slieve Donard in Newcastle for 2 nights. After exploring Northern Ireland, they will head for the sunny south east and the Medieval city of Kilkenny for the next 3 nights. With a free day in Kilkenny and some touring of the region behind them, they will make their way to Galway for the final 4 nights of the trip. Marching in the Galway St. Patrick’s Day Parade. With time to get acquainted with Connemara and the underrated Clare Coast to round out the trip, it promises to be another special one.
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Highlights
- First time staying in Northern Ireland
- March in Galway St. Patrick’s Day Parade
- Private Cliffs of Moher cruise with entertainment
- Visit only permanent exhibition in the World about St. Patrick
- Rugged and wild Clare coast
- Free day in Kilkenny
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Inclusions & Extras
Payment Terms
$3,799 per person sharing
Single Supplement of $699 (very limited)
A non-refundable deposit of $500 per person is due when clients sign up.
Final payment will be due October 24th, 2023.
Places are filling up fast!
Flights
- Round-trip flights from Boston to Dublin (with possible return from Shannon)
Transportation
- 10 Days Luxury motor coach
- Services of an experienced Irish driver/guide
- Gratuity to the driver
Accommodation
- Slieve Donard, Newcastle (2)
- Rivercourt Hotel, Kilkenny (3)
- Salthill Hotel, Galway (4)
Breakfast and porterage (1 suitcase pp) included at each hotel
Meals
18 meals
Mayoral Welcome Reception with Whiskey Tasting
Attractions
- Guided tour of Castle Ward
- Game of Thrones (Winterfell) castle activity
- St. Patrick’s Centre
- Down Cathedral
- St. Patrick’s Grave
- Tour and tasting at Shortcross Distillery
- Dunbrody Famine Ship
- Enniscorthy Castle
- National 1798 Rebellion Center
- Private cruise beneath the Cliffs of Moher with live Irish entertainment and beverages
Not included in price
- Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
- Lunch
- Anything not indicated above
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*The itinerary will be updated in the coming weeks as we confirm details on flights and finalize some times/vendors.
March 10th – Depart Boston
You will make your way to Boston Logan Airport for your overnight flight to Dublin.
March 11th – Arrival in Ireland and Welcome Reception
Arrive into Dublin Airport this morning where you will meet your drivers and begin your journey. Enjoy breakfast at Garda Headquarters in Dublin before heading North to Newcastle, County Down. You will be staying at the inimitable Slieve Donard Resort and Spa for your first 2 nights in Ireland. Nestled at the foot of the Mountains of Mourne, the magnificent Slieve Donard stands among six acres of immaculate private grounds. It is also in the heart of Game of Thrones country and is the proud owner of one of the ten magnificently crafted Game of Thrones doors. Today is a day to relax and unwind but you will have a welcome reception with the Mayor of Newry, Mourne, and Down. There will also be a whiskey tasting from Two Stacks Whiskey with compliments from the local council.
Overnight at Slieve Donard Resort, Newcastle.
March 12th – Explore Co. Down
Today will be an action-packed day of touring as the group will explore the Mourne Coastal Route. This morning, visit Castle Ward for a tour of the castle before making the short walk to Winterfell Castle for an experience that will be fun for those who are fans of the show or have never heard of it. Stop off at Down Cathedral and St. Patrick’s Grave. Lunch today will be at Denvirs of Downpatrick. After lunch, you will visit St Patrick’s Centre to learn more about the man who this holiday is celebrated for. It will then be on to a distillery tour at Shortcross to end the day in style. Dinner will be back at Slieve Donard.
Overnight at Slieve Donard Resort, Newcastle.
March 13th – Newcastle to Kilkenny Rivercourt Hotel for 3 nights
Bid a fond farewell to Northern Ireland today and make your way to Malahide village, a little north of Dublin. Explore the village, Castle and grounds at your leisure and find a nice place for lunch. There’s also some great shops, pubs and a lovely coastal walk for anyone looking to stretch their legs. Our destination for the next 3 nights will be Kilkenny, a fun little ‘city’ some a rich history and some great pubs. Dinner this evening is at your hotel.
Overnight at Rivercourt Hotel, Kilkenny.
March 14th – Free day to explore Kilkenny
You are on your own today and free to enjoy the day in Kilkenny. Kilkenny is famous for it’s Medieval Mile – a discovery trail running through the centre of Kilkenny city linking the 13th-century St Canice’s Cathedral and the Anglo-Norman castle with much more in between. Take a guided walking tour or explore it on your own, visit the Castle, Cathedral, Medieval Mile Museum , Smithwicks Experience, or any other highlight you wish. Dinner will be at the hotel.
Overnight at Rivercourt Hotel, Kilkenny.
March 15th – Explore Wexford
Depart from Kilkenny City this morning and head towards Waterford to the Dunbrody Famine Ship. From here, you will be taken to the medieval Enniscorthy Castle. Take a tour and learn all about its history from the time it was built in the 13th century up to the present. Continue to the National 1798 Rebellion Centre. This heritage centre will introduce you to key figures of the Rebellion. When the group is done exploring, return to Kilkenny City. Dinner at your hotel.
Overnight at Rivercourt Hotel, Kilkenny.
March 16th – Kilkenny to Galway – Salthill Hotel for 4 nights
You will leave Kilkenny today for your final destination of Galway. The journey will take you through Athlone where you will stop off at Irelands Oldest Pub, Sean’s Bar. Take some time to explore Athlone town on the banks of the River Shannon before continuing on to Galway and the Salthill Hotel for 4 nights. Dinner will be at your hotel.
Overnight at Salthill Hotel, Galway.
March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day
You will march in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Galway today or be part of the crowd. The rest of the day is free to enjoy as you please.
Overnight at Salthill Hotel, Galway.
March 18th – Explore Connemara (optional) or Galway city
Following a long day yesterday, you will have the option of exploring Galway City at your leisure or joining the coach for a day tour around Connemara. Journey along the Wild Atlantic coast through Clifden, the unofficial capital of the area, to Kylemore Abbey, a beautiful Victorian Castle, stunning Neo Gothic Church, and the largest Victorian Walled Garden in Ireland all set in a 1000 acre woodland estate. Make your way deeper into Connemara to Leenaun before returning to Galway City this evening. Dinner will be at your hotel.
Overnight at Salthill Hotel, Galway.
March 19th – Explore Clare Coast
Today, the group will take a day trip into County Clare to visit the world-famous Cliffs of Moher. Entrance to the Cliffs is not included in the price but the group will enjoy a private cruise beneath the Cliffs of Moher with live Irish entertainment and beverages. This is a very special experience and a unique way to see the world famous Cliffs of Moher. Lunch will be at O’Connor’s in Doolin before returning to Galway for your final night in Ireland. Dinner will be at your hotel.
Overnight at Salthill Hotel, Galway.
March 20th – Return to Boston (Dublin or Shannon TBC)
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Slieve Donard Resort and Spa
March 11 for 2 nights
The Slieve Donard Resort and Spa is nestled at the foot of the Mourne Mountains and bordered by the golden strands of beach on one side and the renowned Royal County Down Golf Course.
Rivercourt Hotel, Kilkenny
March 13 for 3 nights
This Hotel is a favourite of many visitors to the area of Kilkenny including leisure as well as corporate guests. The Hotel offers all the lovely comforts of a 4 star Hotel, with stunning views of Kilkenny Castle from our riverside setting. Our unrivalled location with the city’s best views, is just minutes from all our vibrant city has to offer. The hotel also offers the benefit of fully secure car-parking right in the heart of the bustling Kilkenny city. Explore the Medieval Mile, enjoy a visit to Kilkenny Castle, experience one of the city’s many festivals and events, or simply relax in our beautiful city.
Salthill Hotel, Galway
March 16 for 4 nights
The 4-star Salthill Hotel in Galway is situated on the spectacular Salthill promenade with panoramic views of Galway Bay and the Clare Hills. Whether you are looking to book a romantic trip away, a family break or traveling for work, our award-winning hotel is just steps from the beach and is one of the only hotels in Galway with a leisure centre and gym. The perfect venue for your trip to Galway!
