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A Week In... Ireland
Tauck Partners' Savings – Deduct $260 per person May – June and $190 per person July – October. Certain restrictions apply; ask at booking for details. If you have just a week to spend in Ireland travel with us to explore some of the Emerald Isle’s most notable places and most beautiful scenery during this comprehensive, eight-day journey. See the diversity of Ireland’s most famous scenic wonders. Experience charming small towns and sophisticated cities. See the castles, cottages, and verdant green countryside for which Ireland is justly famous. Visit and have lunch at a working dairy farm where you'll meet the family; explore the ruins of 6th-century Glendalough on a guided tour; and enjoy a private dinner, tour and "Shindig Night" at the Old Jameson Distillery. Multiple-night stays allow you to truly sample the warmth and charm of Ireland on this wonderful one-week Ireland travel adventure.
FYI – For as long as the Old Jameson Distillery has been in business, Irish cooks have found creative – and delicious – ways to incorporate Jameson’s fine Irish Whiskey into recipes. You just might sample Jameson Irish Whiskey Cake, Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding with Clontarf Cream Sauce, Honey-Glazed Bacon with Apple Whiskey Sauce or Jameson Cream Cheesecake with Blackcurrent Coulis on Tauck’s special evening at the distillery – in the meantime, check out the recipes, courtesy of Old Jameson Distillery.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
2009 Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Ireland
Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Dromoland Castle. A transfer is included from Shannon Airport to Dromoland Castle. Meet those who will share this Ireland travel experience with you at a welcome cocktail reception and dinner at your magnificent castle hotel this evening.
Meals: Dinner
Lodging: Dromoland Castle, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Ireland
Day 2: Behold the power of the Cliffs of Moher
The rugged Cliffs of Moher, looming above the pounding surf of the Atlantic Ocean far below, offer spectacular scenic vistas during a morning visit. In Ireland travel takes on a whole new meaning when you relax and spend the rest of the day enjoying the many amenities of your castle hotel, royally holding forth on 410 park-like acres.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Dromoland Castle, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Ireland
Day 3: Irish countryside delights via farm and field
Discover why farming has been an important part of life in the west of Ireland for centuries on a visit to Molanna Dairy Farm. Learn about the region's agricultural customs and traditions, have lunch, and meet the family who operates this working dairy farm. Then it's on to Ireland’s beautiful lake district and the city of Killarney, for a two-night stay at a hotel situated on sumptuous grounds surrounding castle ruins.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Hotel Dunloe Castle, Killarney, Ireland
Day 4: Around the Ring of Kerry
Nothing is more indicative of Ireland travel than the world-famous Ring of Kerry. Enjoy ever-changing scenic views on the drive – a craggy seacoast, sparking lakes, mighty mountains, peaceful glens and charming villages await you today. Return late afternoon to the hotel for the remainder of the day spent as you wish.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Hotel Dunloe Castle, Killarney, Ireland
Day 5: The Blarney Stone, rail to Dublin, and a night of distillery fun
Attempt to kiss the ancient stone, reputed to bequeath the legendary Irish gift of gab to those who are successful, at 15th-century Blarney Castle. Travel first class on the City Gold train across Ireland’s tranquil countryside to the capital city of Dublin for a three-night stay. For tonight, Tauck has arranged a very special private evening at the famous Old Jameson Distillery, where you'll enjoy dinner, a private tour revealing the whiskey distillery process, and a "Shindig Night" featuring traditional Irish entertainment.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: The Westbury Hotel, Dublin, Ireland
Day 6: Dublin’s fair city
No Ireland travel week would be complete without an exploration of Dublin’s fair city. See the intricate, glass-laced doorways of its charming Georgian houses; visit inside the library of ancient Trinity College to see the amazing Book of Kells; and take an opportunity to explore more of the city on your own – and perhaps visit a friendly, lively pub to sample a pint of its most famous locally made product, Guinness Stout. Your hotel, The Westbury, is set right in the heart of the city, just steps away from famed Grafton Street.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: The Westbury Hotel, Dublin, Ireland
Day 7: Secrets of Glendalough
Set deep in a valley within the scenic Wicklow Mountains just south of Dublin, the ruins of this 10th-century village are amazingly well preserved and truly remarkable. Discover the site and its secrets on a guided tour before returning to Dublin midday for an afternoon to explore as you please. Share memories of your Ireland travel with your traveling companions at a farewell dinner this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: The Westbury Hotel, Dublin, Ireland
Day 8: From Dublin, Ireland travel home
We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home as Tauck's one-week Ireland travel sojourn concludes. Tour ends: Dublin. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from The Westbury Hotel to Dublin Airport; allow a minimum of 2 ½ hours for flight check-in.
Meals: Breakfast
If Ireland is your dream destination, and you have one week in Ireland
travel with Tauck to fulfill your dreams!
Prices
8 Days from $3,360 plus airfare
| Double | Single | Triple | |
| 2009 Price per Person |
$3360 | $4382 | $3213 |
17 meals included.
Tauck Partners' Savings – Deduct $260 per person May – June and $190 per person July – October. Certain restrictions apply; ask at booking for details.
International Airfare is additional. Call Tauck for special rates on international air for travel originating in the U.S. (subject to availability).
Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before your tour begins and about our comprehensive Guest Protection Plan.
Need to Know
Inclusive Prices
Tour prices are per person in U.S. dollars. All hotel accommodations, motor coach transportation, First Class accommodations on the City Gold train from Mallow to Dublin, special dinners, sightseeing, admissions, luggage handling and the services of the Tauck Director, local guides and drivers are included. A representative of Tauck will meet you at Shannon Airport and provide transportation to the Dromoland Castle, regardless of the day and time of your arrival, provided you have furnished us with accurate flight information at least two weeks prior to the start of the tour. Tauck will also provide transportation from The Westbury Hotel to Dublin International Airport regardless of the day and time of your departure. Please allow at least 2 ½ hours for flight check-in.
Hotel Accommodations – The tour price includes all hotel accommodations with private baths. The Tauck standard is to provide the best available hotels without sacrificing value. Although the quality may differ slightly from place to place, our commitment to your comfort is unwavering. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels. Triples are two-bedded rooms with a rollaway cot where available and are not recommended for comfort. King beds are not available in most hotels; a king-type bed usually consists of two single beds pushed together which are made up separately with one headboard. Some two-bedded rooms may have two single – not full or queen - beds.
Meals – Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary.
Tauck Director – A Week in… Ireland is conducted by a Tauck Director who remains with the group throughout the tour. Your Tauck Director is a professional, fully trained employee of Tauck.
Gratuities Included – All gratuities for restaurant and hotel staff and local guides are included.
No Options Sold – Your Tauck Director will assist you with information on free-time activities based on honest opinion and guidance but will not sell you anything. This means better value and a more relaxed, pleasant experience for you.
Meals – Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary.
Tauck Director – A Week in… Ireland is conducted by a Tauck Director who remains with the group throughout the tour. Your Tauck Director is a professional, fully trained employee of Tauck.
Gratuities Included – All gratuities for restaurant and hotel staff and local guides are included.
No Options Sold – Your Tauck Director will assist you with information on free-time activities based on honest opinion and guidance but will not sell you anything. This means better value and a more relaxed, pleasant experience for you.
Not Included
Airfare to the tour departure point and from the tour ending point is not included. Airfare may be purchased from Tauck for travel originating in the United States.
Hotel Rooms Before and After Tours – To avoid jet lag and possible flight delays, you may wish to make hotel arrangements for the nights preceding or following your tour. As a service, Tauck will book additional nights for you on a space-available basis using special rates only available through Tauck. Hotel room charges will be added to the tour cost. If you wish to spend additional nights, please consult the Extend This Journey section on this website and discuss it with the reservations agent when you book your tour.
Luggage Responsibility – Although every effort is made to handle your luggage carefully, we cannot be responsible, assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft, or fair wear and tear through hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is important for your own self-interest and protection that you make certain you have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities. Please refer to the Tauck Protection Plan for more information.
Personal Expenses - Phone calls, room service, alcoholic and bar beverages, laundry, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa fees and services, individual airport transfers and other optional or incidental extras are not included and may be significant.
Tauck Director and Driver Gratuities - The customary gratuities to the Tauck Director and driver are not included. Gratuities should be extended on a voluntary, individual basis and not as a group.
Additional Information
Airline Security Measures - In the U.S., you must provide identification in the form of a passport at the time of airport check-in for travel to international destinations. Your passport name must match the name on your tour reservation and airline ticket or you may be denied boarding.
If you are traveling from an airport outside the jurisdiction of the U.S, you will need to determine what travel documentation and identification is required for that particular airport.
Due to heightened security regulations, certain items such as a metal nail file, pocketknife, cigarette lighter, or tweezers, and some liquid, gel, and aerosol items may not be permitted in your carry-on luggage. Please call your airline prior to departure to obtain current information on non-permissible carry-on items and recommended airport check-in times.
You may also visit the U.S. Transportation Security Administration Internet website to obtain more information on acceptable identity documentation and prohibited luggage items by clicking here.
Air Services – Airfare may be purchased through Tauck for travel originating in the United States. By using Tauck's air services, you agree that Tauck, in purchasing, selling or otherwise arranging air transportation, is acting only as your agent and is not liable or responsible for any accident, death, personal injury, illness, property damage, delay or other loss or expense of any nature whatsoever arising directly or indirectly out of any act of God, or any actions or omissions (including any failure to provide services) or default of, any carrier. All carriers are independent contractors and are not owned, managed, controlled or operated by Tauck. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between yourself and the airline (and not Tauck), even if purchased through Tauck. Tauck is not liable for, and does not assume responsibility or accept claims with regard to, seat assignments, schedule changes, flight changes, cancellations, claims for a refund or reimbursement of airline ticket fees, or any other loss incurred by you for any reason whatsoever (including, without limitation to, bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar relief from creditors). Tauck must handle ticketing for Tauck's special fares, which are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed until reserved. Special fares cannot be combined with any other promotional offer. Tauck's air services can only be purchased in conjunction with a Tauck tour. Tickets or e-ticket numbers will be mailed with final documents. If you cancel or change your air before or after departure, all airline cancellation and change fees will apply.
Holiday and Museum Closures – Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or the many religious, state and local holidays locally observed.
Itinerary Changes and Price Flexibility – Tauck pledges to make every effort to operate your tour as advertised. Tauck reserves the right to alter or curtail the itinerary, or substitute sightseeing, hotels, and/or conveyances as deemed necessary. Any savings realized by these changes will be refunded to you. Any resultant added expense will be covered by Tauck. Although not expected, prices on this website may be modified due to unexpected significant external factors not forecasted at the time of publication.
Journey Start and End Times are provided at the time of booking. The tour begins with a welcome reception at 6:00 PM at Dromoland Castle in Newmarket-on-Fergus on the first day of the tour. You or your booking agent will be advised of any change to this schedule. When making flight arrangements, allow sufficient time to claim luggage and clear customs in order to join the tour on time. The tour ends at check-out time at The Westbury Hotel, Dublin on the last day of the tour. We suggest you allow at least 2½ hours for check-in.
Membership will be granted to all persons. Tauck reserves the right to terminate the tour of any person who is abusive of others or whose behavior disrupts the tour.
Photography on Tour – Occasionally, we will use photographs taken by fellow guests or your Tauck Director on your tour for promotional purposes. If you prefer that your photo not be used in any marketing activities, please notify your Tauck Director at the start of your tour.
Air Services – Airfare may be purchased through Tauck for travel originating in the United States. By using Tauck's air services, you agree that Tauck, in purchasing, selling or otherwise arranging air transportation, is acting only as your agent and is not liable or responsible for any accident, death, personal injury, illness, property damage, delay or other loss or expense of any nature whatsoever arising directly or indirectly out of any act of God, or any actions or omissions (including any failure to provide services) or default of, any carrier. All carriers are independent contractors and are not owned, managed, controlled or operated by Tauck. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between yourself and the airline (and not Tauck), even if purchased through Tauck. Tauck is not liable for, and does not assume responsibility or accept claims with regard to, seat assignments, schedule changes, flight changes, cancellations, claims for a refund or reimbursement of airline ticket fees, or any other loss incurred by you for any reason whatsoever (including, without limitation to, bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar relief from creditors). Tauck must handle ticketing for Tauck's special fares, which are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed until reserved. Special fares cannot be combined with any other promotional offer. Tauck's air services can only be purchased in conjunction with a Tauck tour. Tickets or e-ticket numbers will be mailed with final documents. If you cancel or change your air before or after departure, all airline cancellation and change fees will apply.
Holiday and Museum Closures – Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or the many religious, state and local holidays locally observed.
Itinerary Changes and Price Flexibility – Tauck pledges to make every effort to operate your tour as advertised. Tauck reserves the right to alter or curtail the itinerary, or substitute sightseeing, hotels, and/or conveyances as deemed necessary. Any savings realized by these changes will be refunded to you. Any resultant added expense will be covered by Tauck. Although not expected, prices on this website may be modified due to unexpected significant external factors not forecasted at the time of publication.
Journey Start and End Times are provided at the time of booking. The tour begins with a welcome reception at 6:00 PM at Dromoland Castle in Newmarket-on-Fergus on the first day of the tour. You or your booking agent will be advised of any change to this schedule. When making flight arrangements, allow sufficient time to claim luggage and clear customs in order to join the tour on time. The tour ends at check-out time at The Westbury Hotel, Dublin on the last day of the tour. We suggest you allow at least 2½ hours for check-in.
Membership will be granted to all persons. Tauck reserves the right to terminate the tour of any person who is abusive of others or whose behavior disrupts the tour.
Photography on Tour – Occasionally, we will use photographs taken by fellow guests or your Tauck Director on your tour for promotional purposes. If you prefer that your photo not be used in any marketing activities, please notify your Tauck Director at the start of your tour.
Preparing To Go
Air Conditioning – The Westbury Hotel in Dublin and motor coaches are air-conditioned for your comfort.
European air conditioning should be considered as a climate-control system; most have three settings for the fan, plus a "cool" setting. Very few of the European systems actually have a temperature setting. In general, the amount of cool air that is produced from a European air conditioning system may be less than what you may have in your own home.
ATM and Credit Cards - We recommend that you contact your bank in advance of departing for this tour to determine whether you will be able to use your ATM and credit cards while traveling. When contacting your bank, notify them of your travel dates so that they will anticipate charges being made outside of your hometown and do not suspend your cards for what may appear to them to be “suspicious” charges. We also recommend that you make a photocopy of the front and back sides of your ATM and credit cards to leave behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your cards are misplaced, lost or stolen.
Clothing and Packing – The weather in Ireland is moderate. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is flexible and allows for layering. Casual, cotton clothing is recommended. A light sweater or jacket will provide warmth on a chilly early morning walk or a late night stroll. The Emerald Isle owes its name to its precipitation, so rain is to be expected anytime.
In Europe, especially in finer restaurants, it is generally customary to dress somewhat formally. Slacks or a dress for women and a jacket and tie for men are acceptable dining attire. It is advisable to avoid wearing jeans, sneakers or shorts for dinner. You may also wish to dress up a bit for the welcome reception and the farewell dinner, but by all means be comfortable.
You will find a hair dryer located in your hotel guest room. Irons and ironing boards are available upon request. Valet laundry and dry cleaning services are also available for a fee.
We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor’s prescription (or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you), a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed.
Following is a list of recommended items to pack for your trip to Ireland:
ATM and Credit Cards - We recommend that you contact your bank in advance of departing for this tour to determine whether you will be able to use your ATM and credit cards while traveling. When contacting your bank, notify them of your travel dates so that they will anticipate charges being made outside of your hometown and do not suspend your cards for what may appear to them to be “suspicious” charges. We also recommend that you make a photocopy of the front and back sides of your ATM and credit cards to leave behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your cards are misplaced, lost or stolen.
Clothing and Packing – The weather in Ireland is moderate. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is flexible and allows for layering. Casual, cotton clothing is recommended. A light sweater or jacket will provide warmth on a chilly early morning walk or a late night stroll. The Emerald Isle owes its name to its precipitation, so rain is to be expected anytime.
In Europe, especially in finer restaurants, it is generally customary to dress somewhat formally. Slacks or a dress for women and a jacket and tie for men are acceptable dining attire. It is advisable to avoid wearing jeans, sneakers or shorts for dinner. You may also wish to dress up a bit for the welcome reception and the farewell dinner, but by all means be comfortable.
You will find a hair dryer located in your hotel guest room. Irons and ironing boards are available upon request. Valet laundry and dry cleaning services are also available for a fee.
We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor’s prescription (or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you), a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed.
Following is a list of recommended items to pack for your trip to Ireland:
- Sports jacket and tie for men
- Casually-elegant outfits for women
- Short and long sleeve shirts
- Shorts, slacks and jeans
- Tee shirts
- Socks
- Light sweater
- Light-weight jacket
- Comfortable yet sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in
- Raincoat and rain hat
- Collapsible umbrella
- Swimwear
- Gym wear
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
- Insect repellent
- Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and plenty of film
- Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your hotel room while traveling
Elevation – The maximum elevation on this tour is approximately 1,600 ft (488 m).
Health – A Week in … Ireland involves a considerable amount of walking. You should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances over uneven terrain, as some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. The visits to the Cliffs of Moher and Glendalough are challenging due to the steep climbs and long walk involved in the sightseeing. The visit to Blarney Castle is somewhat more challenging, with a steep climb up a narrow, winding staircase if you wish to kiss the stone. For the most part, however, the amount of walking you do at the various sites and towns is at your discretion.
Most hotels do not have special handicap access rooms. Dromoland Castle does not have elevators but there are guest rooms at ground level. Dromoland Castle has a handicap lift to the floor where the welcome reception will be held; the floor is also accessible by climbing 20 to 30 stairs depending on the actual room assignment.
We regret that we cannot provide you with individual assistance for walking, dining or other personal needs. If you need such assistance, you must be accompanied by an able companion who will help you.
If you are interested in sporting activities, opportunities to play golf are available at Dromoland Castle, Hotel Europe and Hotel Dunloe Castle. You may rent clubs and purchase golf balls but you will have to bring your own footwear. If you are interested in playing golf at any of these facilities, please advise your Tauck Director at the beginning of the tour so that tee times can be booked for you in advance to avoid disappointment.
Tennis facilities and fishing opportunities are available at Dromoland Castle, Hotel Europe, and the Hotel Dunloe Castle. You will have the opportunity to swim in the pool at each of the hotels used on this tour. Any expenses incurred in conjunction with these optional activities are at your own expense.
Ireland has introduced a ban on smoking in all enclosed places of work in Ireland. This includes all bars, night clubs, restaurants and hotels. Although the public spaces within the hotel are non-smoking, you may request a smoking guest room at your hotel.
Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.
If you have a medical condition which might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify Tauck as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.
If you are a U.S. citizen, no vaccinations are currently required for travel to Ireland. For complete vaccination and inoculation information, contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour, prerecorded "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 877-394-8747 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on on to the CDC Internet website at www.cdc.gov.
If you are a citizen of another country, please contact an embassy or consulate of Ireland to determine what vaccination(s) may be required for your travel.
Luggage Restrictions –
Health – A Week in … Ireland involves a considerable amount of walking. You should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances over uneven terrain, as some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. The visits to the Cliffs of Moher and Glendalough are challenging due to the steep climbs and long walk involved in the sightseeing. The visit to Blarney Castle is somewhat more challenging, with a steep climb up a narrow, winding staircase if you wish to kiss the stone. For the most part, however, the amount of walking you do at the various sites and towns is at your discretion.
Most hotels do not have special handicap access rooms. Dromoland Castle does not have elevators but there are guest rooms at ground level. Dromoland Castle has a handicap lift to the floor where the welcome reception will be held; the floor is also accessible by climbing 20 to 30 stairs depending on the actual room assignment.
We regret that we cannot provide you with individual assistance for walking, dining or other personal needs. If you need such assistance, you must be accompanied by an able companion who will help you.
If you are interested in sporting activities, opportunities to play golf are available at Dromoland Castle, Hotel Europe and Hotel Dunloe Castle. You may rent clubs and purchase golf balls but you will have to bring your own footwear. If you are interested in playing golf at any of these facilities, please advise your Tauck Director at the beginning of the tour so that tee times can be booked for you in advance to avoid disappointment.
Tennis facilities and fishing opportunities are available at Dromoland Castle, Hotel Europe, and the Hotel Dunloe Castle. You will have the opportunity to swim in the pool at each of the hotels used on this tour. Any expenses incurred in conjunction with these optional activities are at your own expense.
Ireland has introduced a ban on smoking in all enclosed places of work in Ireland. This includes all bars, night clubs, restaurants and hotels. Although the public spaces within the hotel are non-smoking, you may request a smoking guest room at your hotel.
Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.
If you have a medical condition which might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify Tauck as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.
If you are a U.S. citizen, no vaccinations are currently required for travel to Ireland. For complete vaccination and inoculation information, contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour, prerecorded "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 877-394-8747 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on on to the CDC Internet website at www.cdc.gov.
If you are a citizen of another country, please contact an embassy or consulate of Ireland to determine what vaccination(s) may be required for your travel.
Luggage Restrictions –
Checked Luggage – General
While it is common that airlines allow passengers to check more than one piece of luggage per person, space constraints during your Tauck journey make it difficult to accommodate extra luggage. We ask that you limit your checked luggage to one average size suitcase per person.
In addition, airlines have adopted more strict policies in enforcing size and weight limits. Luggage exceeding maximum restrictions may require expensive overage fees, frustrating and hurried re-packing at the ticket counter, or even risk being left behind.
Many carriers require checked luggage not exceed a weight of 50 lbs (22.7 kg) per piece. Airlines revise luggage policies frequently and often without notice; therefore, Tauck cannot be held liable to the weight limit listed above. We urge you to check with your airline before traveling to determine current weight and size restrictions. It is also important to note that restrictions for luggage size and weight may vary with the same airline based on the class of service you select. First and Business Class ticket holders may have different restrictions than Coach Class travelers.
Tauck World Discovery cannot be held liable for additional fees or inconveniences imposed by the airline due to luggage size, piece or weight policies.
Please be sure to attach your Tauck luggage tag to your suitcase before leaving home.
Carry-on Luggage – General
Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.
For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and only those items you need handy during the day such as purses, make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or in the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may not be accessible during daytime travel.
Travel Document Requirements – If you are a U.S. citizen, you will need a valid passport to enter Ireland; however, you do not need a visa for the short duration of this tour. Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.
If you are a citizen of another country, you should contact an embassy or consulate of Ireland to determine what travel documentation is required.
We strongly recommend that your passport be valid for six months beyond the completion of your tour. Also, we recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship, as well as both sides of your driver’s license. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.
Travel with Children
Age Recommendations – Children 5 years of age or older at the time of travel are welcome on this Tauck journey. Based upon our experience with family travelers, for each itinerary we have a minimum recommended age to encourage comfort and enjoyment for all of our guests. All children must be accompanied on activities by a parent or guardian. At least one guest in the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older in order to make a reservation.
Babysitting – Tauck journeys are designed for adults and children to share the wonder of discovery together. However, our guests have occasionally inquired about babysitting services. If you are interested, your Tauck Director will put you in contact with the appropriate hotel staff with whom you may make babysitting arrangements, to ensure your precise needs are met. There is usually an additional fee for these services. Many hotels do offer babysitting services that may be arranged on site; however, babysitting services are not guaranteed at all of our hotels. Please note that our Tauck Directors are not responsible for providing babysitting services.
Safety and Welfare Responsibility – We welcome the participation of child travelers on our exciting excursions. For safety and security purposes, children under 18 years of age must be booked into a room with at least one accompanying adult. If you are traveling with a child on a Tauck journey, you have the sole responsibility for ensuring that that the child with whom you are traveling follows all rules of safety throughout the tour. By traveling with Tauck, you release Tauck, Inc. and our partners of all liability for any risks and/or injuries to the child with whom you are traveling.
Special Travel Documentation for Children
Authorization for Travel
If you travel into or out of the U.S. with children under the age of 18, you should be aware of the following: because of increasing incidents of child abductions in disputed custody cases and because children are at risk as possible victims of child pornography, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strongly recommends that unless the child is accompanied by both parents, you should have a note from the child's other parent (or, in the case of a child traveling with grandparents, uncles or aunts, sisters or brothers, or friends, a note signed by both parents) stating that the parent(s) not traveling acknowledge that the parent(s), family members, etc. who are traveling into or out of the U.S. with the child have permission to do so.
CBP also suggests that this note be notarized. While CBP may not ask to see this documentation, if they do ask, and you do not have it, you may be detained until the circumstances of the child traveling without both parents can be fully assessed.
If there is no second parent with legal claims to the child (deceased, sole custody, etc.) any other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, birth certificate naming only one parent, death certificate, etc., would be useful.
All children who are U.S. citizens should also have a certified copy of their birth certificate or baptism record for ID. Children over the age of 14 are also required to have a photo ID.
Many other countries also share this concern for children who travel without both parents. To ensure smooth travel, Tauck requires all guests to comply with the travel regulations of each country visited. This information is available from each country’s consulate.
Authorization for Emergency Medical Treatment
In the unlikely event of a medical emergency, a medical facility will require permission from the child’s parents to provide treatment. Therefore, we strongly suggest that you bring along a letter from both parents authorizing emergency medical treatment for their child.
Tauck is not responsible for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for any travelers, including children traveling without both parents. While there is no definitive format or standard for these letters, click here to view a sample letter for guardians or one parent traveling with a child.
Destination Information
Cell Phones - We understand and appreciate the value of instant communication when we travel; it keeps us in touch with friends and family, and it's a reassurance in the event of an emergency. However, the use of cell phones can be disruptive to a tour and to other guests who are enjoying their vacation. As a courtesy to others, we ask that you refrain from using your cell phone during motor coach travel, during group functions, when sightseeing and when the Tauck Director is addressing the group as a whole. There are usually many opportunities to make or receive calls at times when it does not affect others.
Please contact your cell phone carrier to determine whether your service extends to Ireland.
Currency and Exchange Rates - The currency in Ireland is the Euro (EUR) which is divided into 100 cents. Currency can be exchanged at banks, exchange bureaus and all the hotels used on this tour. ATM's are widely available. Credit and debit cards and travelers’ checks are also widely accepted.
To obtain up-to-date currency exchange rates, you may want to check your local newspaper or log on to the Internet website www.oanda.com.
Customs and Tax-Free Shopping – You should familiarize yourself with Ireland’s specific required customs declarations before you travel. In general, you are not permitted to bring live plants, fresh fruits and other produce items into most countries.
Ireland – Revenue: Irish Tax & Customs
If you are a U.S resident who will be returning to the U.S. at the end of the tour, current regulations permit bringing back $800 worth of items duty-free, as long as you physically bring them with you. There are limits to the amount of alcohol that can be a part of this exemption. Certain restrictions apply to unaccompanied goods mailed from abroad to the United States. Please call your local customs office or consult the government's customs regulations as contained in their publication entitled Know Before You Go.
If you are a resident of another country, you should refer to your own country’s rules and regulations regarding customs and duty-free shopping to ensure compliance upon your return.
Currently, Ireland levies a 21% Value Added Tax (VAT) on most consumer goods and services. (The tax may be higher on luxury items and lower on basic goods.) As a rule, if you are not a resident of the country in which the purchase is made (or of the country’s intergovernmental economic community, e.g., the European Union), you may be entitled to a VAT refund and should inquire about the refund policy where you shop.
Electrical Current – The electrical current in Ireland is 230 V, 50 Hz, AC. The plug type is “G” and uses three rectangular blades – the same plug that is used in Great Britain. If your electrical devices do not conform to this standard, you will need to bring the appropriate converters and adapters.
Internet Access is available as indicated below:
Dromoland Castle - Complimentary access in rooms and first 15 minutes in business center
If you are a resident of another country, you should refer to your own country’s rules and regulations regarding customs and duty-free shopping to ensure compliance upon your return.
Currently, Ireland levies a 21% Value Added Tax (VAT) on most consumer goods and services. (The tax may be higher on luxury items and lower on basic goods.) As a rule, if you are not a resident of the country in which the purchase is made (or of the country’s intergovernmental economic community, e.g., the European Union), you may be entitled to a VAT refund and should inquire about the refund policy where you shop.
Electrical Current – The electrical current in Ireland is 230 V, 50 Hz, AC. The plug type is “G” and uses three rectangular blades – the same plug that is used in Great Britain. If your electrical devices do not conform to this standard, you will need to bring the appropriate converters and adapters.
Internet Access is available as indicated below:
Dromoland Castle - Complimentary access in rooms and first 15 minutes in business center
Hotel Dunloe Castle – No internet access in rooms; Access in public areas for a fee
The Westbury Hotel – Complimentary access in rooms and public areas
Time Zones – Ireland is located in the same time zone as Coordinated Universal Time (or Greenwich Mean Time) From late March through October, Ireland switches to Daylight Savings Time and is 1 hour ahead. To determine current time in major cities around the world, we suggest you log on to the Internet website www.timeanddate.com.
Weather – The weather in Ireland can be variable, alternating between wet and cool days, and sunny and mild days. The climate is generally moderate throughout the country, tempered by the Atlantic Ocean Gulf Stream. Average high temperatures from April through October range from 55 to 65˚F (13 to 18˚C) and the average low temperatures range from 40 to 55˚F (4 to 13˚C). Ireland, like other European countries, has experienced unusually warm spells in recent summers. Ireland’s greenery owes its notoriety to the frequent rainfall. Generally, the southwestern coast of Ireland receives the most rain as can be noted in the fact that Killarney has 70% more rain per year than Dublin.
Time Zones – Ireland is located in the same time zone as Coordinated Universal Time (or Greenwich Mean Time) From late March through October, Ireland switches to Daylight Savings Time and is 1 hour ahead. To determine current time in major cities around the world, we suggest you log on to the Internet website www.timeanddate.com.
Weather – The weather in Ireland can be variable, alternating between wet and cool days, and sunny and mild days. The climate is generally moderate throughout the country, tempered by the Atlantic Ocean Gulf Stream. Average high temperatures from April through October range from 55 to 65˚F (13 to 18˚C) and the average low temperatures range from 40 to 55˚F (4 to 13˚C). Ireland, like other European countries, has experienced unusually warm spells in recent summers. Ireland’s greenery owes its notoriety to the frequent rainfall. Generally, the southwestern coast of Ireland receives the most rain as can be noted in the fact that Killarney has 70% more rain per year than Dublin.
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Average Temperature
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Shannon, Ireland
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Killarney, Ireland
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Month
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Hi/Lo ºF
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Hi/Lo ºC
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Hi/Lo ºF
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Hi/Lo ºC
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January
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47 / 37
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8 / 3
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52 / 32
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11 / 0
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February
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47 / 37
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8 / 3
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52 / 33
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11 / 1
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March
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51 / 39
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11 / 4
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53 / 35
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12 / 2
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April
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55 / 41
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13 / 5
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57 / 37
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14 / 3
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May
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60 / 45
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16 / 7
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63 / 42
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17 / 6
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June
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64 / 50
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18 / 10
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65 / 47
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18 / 8
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July
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67 / 54
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19 / 12
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69 / 50
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21 / 10
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August
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66 / 53
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19 / 12
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70 / 48
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21 / 9
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September
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63 / 50
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17 / 10
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66 / 47
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19 / 8
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October
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57 / 46
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14 / 8
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61 / 43
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16 / 6
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November
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51 / 40
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11 / 4
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55 / 38
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13 / 3
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December
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56 / 39
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13 / 4
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52 / 36
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11 / 2
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Dublin, Ireland
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Month
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Hi/Lo ºF
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Hi/Lo ºC
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January
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46 / 37
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8 / 3
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February
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46 / 37
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8 / 3
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March
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49 / 38
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9 / 3
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April
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53 / 40
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12 / 4
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May
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58 / 44
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14 / 7
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June
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63 / 49
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17 / 9
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July
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66 / 53
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19 / 12
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August
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66 / 52
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19 / 11
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September
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62 / 49
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17 / 9
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October
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57 / 46
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14 / 8
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November
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50 / 40
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10 / 4
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December
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47 / 38
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8 / 3
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Average Rainfall
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Shannon, Ireland
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Killarney, Ireland
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Month
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Inches
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Millimeters
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Inches
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Millimeters
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January
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3.9
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99
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6.6
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168
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February
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2.9
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74
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4.8
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122
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March
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2.7
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69
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4.8
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122
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April
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2.3
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58
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3.0
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76
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May
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2.4
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61
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3.5
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89
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June
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2.6
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66
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3.2
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81
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July
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2.9
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74
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2.9
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74
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August
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3.5
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89
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4.4
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112
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September
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3.3
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84
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4.9
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124
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October
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3.8
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97
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6.2
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157
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November
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3.8
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97
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5.8
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147
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December
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2.5
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64
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4.2
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107
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Dublin, Ireland
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Month
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Inches
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Millimeters
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January
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2.7
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69
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February
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2.0
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51
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March
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2.1
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53
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April
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2.0
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51
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May
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2..2
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56
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June
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2.2
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56
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July
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2.0
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51
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August
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2.8
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71
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September
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2.6
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66
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October
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2.8
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71
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November
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2.5
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64
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December
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3.0
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76
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To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, www.weather.com.
If You Have to Cancel
Cancellation Fees – Regardless of reason, cancellations of confirmed bookings result in Tauck incurring costly penalties and cancellation fees from our travel and hotel providers. Therefore, if you have to cancel a confirmed booking, Tauck will charge you a cancellation fee according to when your cancellation notice is received in its Norwalk, CT office. To help limit your liability, Tauck offers a Tauck Protection Plan.
If you choose to purchase Tauck’s Guest Protection or Cancellation Fee Waiver, you will have your cancellation penalties waived. Click here for more details.
If you choose not to purchase the Tauck Protection Plan, you will incur cancellation penalties per person as follows:
60 days or more before departure
$600 per person (the amount of the deposit)
59-8 days before departure
$900 per person
7-1 days before departure
$1,500 per person
$600 per person (the amount of the deposit)
59-8 days before departure
$900 per person
7-1 days before departure
$1,500 per person