The Vanishing Horsemen: Irish Folklore

Loughareema lake lies in an area riddled with sink-holes, and it empties rapidly through these to underground watercourses, and can fill again quickly as rainwater drains off the surrounding bogs. The old road ran across the dry bed of the lake, and one dark night long ago, a Colonel McNeill, his coachmen and horses drowned when the driver misjudged the state of the water level. It is said that their ghosts still haunt the lake.

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Hotel Spotlight: Villa Casagrande

Villa Casagrande

Via Castelgluinelli 84 : Figline Valdarno, Florence 50063 : ITALY

Situated in an Italian villa dating from the 14th century, Villa Casagrande is located in the medieval town of Figline Valdarno, 25 kilometres from Florence. The 60 guestrooms are decorated in a style. The hotel is situated in its own grounds complete with traditional Italian garden and guests have the benefit of an indoor swimming pool, massage treatment room, sauna, fitness equipment and beauty services. For business visitors there are banquet facilities and conference and meeting rooms. Learn more about this Tuscan Villa.

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Elegant Ireland - Deluxe Escorted Tour

Deluxe Escorted Motorcoach Tour

Fantastic new Deluxe tour of Ireland - bringing you luxury at it's best. Enjoy Castle stays and deluxe accommodations, while touring some of the most scenic and breathtaking spots in Ireland.

Elegant Ireland - Escorted Tour Highlights

• 14 Meals - with Breakfast, Dinner and one Lunch
• Top Sights - with visits to Sligo, Donegal, Galway, Adare, Killarney, Dingle and Dublin
• Relaxed itinerary with luxury accommodations and deluxe touring
• Deluxe & Superior Hotels, drivers and entertainment
• No Hidden Extras

Elegant Ireland - Escorted Tour Includes

• Seven nights deluxe and superior hotels throughout 
• Full Irish breakfast daily, except day of arrival
• Six dinners including dinner and Irish cabaret show in Dublin
• Lunch at scenic Lakeview Restaurant in Killarney
• Welcome cocktail and get together on first night  
• Full sightseeing by Deluxe Touring Motorcoach
• Professional Irish driver/guide to escort you throughout
• Scenic boat cruise on the Lakes of Killarney    
• Horse drawn jauntin car tour in Killarney
• Visit to Rathbaun Farm to see an actual working farm, including coffee/tea and Irish Farmhouse scones
• Scenic tour of the Dingle Peninsula
• Admission charges and visits to Bellek China, Cliffs of Moher, Slieve League Cliffs scenic tour, Naitonal Stud Farm and Japanese Gardens, Trinity College and the Book of Kells, Guinness Storehouse and the Jameson Whisky Distillery 
• Porterage of one (1) suitcase per person
• Tips and taxes in Ireland. Gratuities to the driver/guide not included
• Celtic Tours flight bag and portfolio of travel documents    
  
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Hotel Spotlight: Dooleys Hotel

Dooleys Hotel

The Quay : Waterford, Co. Waterford : IRELAND

Dooley's City Centre Hotel, Waterford is a family run hotel in the heart of the Sunny South East. Dooley's Hotel is just a few minutes walk from the main shopping, business & cultural centres in Waterford. Learn more about this Waterford Hotel.


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Grafton Street, Dublin

Stretching from Trinity College to St. Stephen's Green, the pedestrian friendly Grafton Street in Dublin offers a break from museums and historical sites. But Grafton Street is more than just a thoroughfare between these two popular attractions, it is also Dublin's premier shopping street. Shoppers in Dublin will find everything from familiar brands to more unique items like quirky shoes and used books.

If the idea of shopping bores you to tears, Grafton Street is also known for its rambunctious atmosphere. The fact that it is closed to cars makes it a prime location for street performers to set up their acts. Grafton Street makes a great place to grab a bite to eat as well!

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Fairy Facts: Irish Folklore of Trees

There has always been a strong association in the Glens of Antrim between the hawthorn tree and fairies. Small, gnarled hawthorns, often of great age, survive on slopes and in fields where other obstructions to the plough have long since been removed. Stories abound of the misfortunes that have befallen those foolish enough to cut down a 'skeoch' as they are known. Some of the misfortunate have been 'struck dumb' or even had their  head turned back-to-front.

Twigs of hazel are flavored by water diviners and noted for providing protection against mischievous fairies. Alder, on the other hand, is feared for harboring water spirits and the ash is said to be the first tree that lightning will strike, and should be avoided during a storm.

The survival of beliefs and traditions within the Glens continues to enrich the cultural heritage of the area, and, although not everyone will admit to believing in fairies, few would dare to cut down a hawthorn tree.

Learn more about Irish folklore on your vacation to Ireland with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Hotel Spotlight: Palazzo San Lorenzo

Palazzo San Lorenzo

Via Gracco del Secco : Colle Val D'Elsa, Siena 113 - 53034 : ITALY

From a building of the XVII century, the Hotel distinguishes for its refined and elegant atmosphere, able to mix tradition and modern style. A lot of details attract the visitor’s eye: the remarkable breakfast room in the inside court with glass ceiling, the restaurant “Sopra le mura" in the ancient Chapel of the palace and the Wine-bar with panoramic view on the nice historical centre of Colle di Val D’ELSA Learn more about this Tuscany Hotel.

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2014 Celtic Dream - Escorted Tour of Ireland

Premier Escorted Motorcoach Tour

Our most popular escorted motorocoach tour continues to offer the best value. Choose this 13-day tour and experience the best of Ireland! Enjoy Dublin, Belfast, Donegal, Galway, Limerick, Killarney, Waterford and more! Yoru Celtic Dream is an exciting itinerary with no hidden extras!

Celtic Dream - Escorted Tour Highlights

• 21 Meals - Breakfast and Dinner
• Top Sights - with visits to Dublin, Belfast, Donegal, Galway, Limerick, Adare, Killarney, Blarney, Cobh and Waterford.
• Relaxed and updated itinerary for 2014
• Guaranteed departures
• Top Hotels & Entertainment
• No Hidden Extras

Celtic Dream - Escorted Tour Includes

• Excellent Hotels - with First Class and Superior First Class hotels throughout
• Full Irish breakfast daily, except day of arrival
• Dinner each evening except for one night in Dublin, including a traditional medieval castle banquet and traditional Irish entertainment and dinner in Dublin
• Full sightseeing by Deluxe Touring Motorcoach
• Professional Irish driver/guide to escort you throughout
• Visit to Rathbaun Farm to see an actual working farm, including coffee/tea and Irish Farmhouse scones
• Panoramic city tours of Dublin, Belfast and Derry/Londonderry
• Scenic drive along the Ring of Kerry and in Donegal
• Visits to: Whitefriar Church, Trinity College, Monasterboice, Titanic Belfast, Giant’s Causeway, Glenveagh Castle, Slieve League Cliffs, Belleek China Showroom, Rathbaun Farms, Cliffs of Moher, Cobh, Guinness Brewery Storehouse and Jameson Whiskey Distillery tour
• Porterage of one (1) suitcase per person
• Tips and taxes in Ireland. Gratuities to the driver/guide not included
• Celtic Tours flight bag and portfolio of travel documents
  
  
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Hotel Spotlight: Killarney Towers Hotel

Killarney Towers Hotel

College Street : Killarney, Co. Kerry : IRELAND

Enjoying a dominant position on Killarney’s College Street, the Killarney Towers Hotel offers guests all the luxury that you would expect from a modern and sophisticated hotel eloquently complemented by the ever-growing plethora of attractions that Killarney town has to offer. Learn more about this Killarney Hotel.

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Kells High Crosses

In 804, monks from St Colmcille’s of Iona, Scotland founded a monastery in the town of Kells, County Meath. There, the Book of Kells was completed in the 9th century. The monastery is also known for its round tower and high crosses.

The town of Kells in County Meath boasts ecclesiastical significance, as it was the site of a monastery founded in the 9th century by the monks of St Colmcille’s of Iona, Scotland. Not only was it the place where the famous Book of Kells was completed, but it also had a round tower and several significant high crosses, the remains of which can be seen today.

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Journey of a lifetime, Ireland's Causeway Coast

Set your spirit free with the journey of a lifetime.

To witness the drama of Ireland's Causeway Coast and Glens is to walk with the ancient spirits of its deep glens and experience a unique blend of majesty and sheer beauty. You won't just walk or drive through this land: you will take a journey of the spirit. This is a special place for a special holiday and your experience will be yours alone, for in this corner of the world we still believe in travelers, not tourists.

The diversity of this sculpted landscape, under wide bright skies and ever-changing light, is sharpened by the rare purity of its air, refreshing, invigorating. No need to rush it for as the say here, 'When God made time, He made plenty of it!'

And when you have wondered at the unsurpassed natural dramas of the Causeway Coast and Glens, from the golden sands to the purple-browed hills, you'll find they are matched by the man-made glories. Heritage, culture and visitor attractions abound. Ancient castles brood, their stones remembering long-gone nights of feasting and days of treachery and slaughter. Crumbling church ruins testify to the births, the marriages, the deaths of generations forgotten, their joys, their struggles. Romance is in that pure air.



If you're looking for contrasts, the attractions of the past are well matched by sporting, leisure and fun activities, by fabulous unspoilt beaches stretching endlessly, traditional family resorts, bustling and sophisticated towns with shops and restaurants for all tastes and pockets.

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Hotel Spotlight: Hotel Genio

Hotel Genio

Via G. Zanardelli : 28 (Piazza Navona), Rome : ITALY

This 4 stars Rome Hotel will offer you a very pleasant stay in an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere. This neo-renaissance building completely renewed has a wonderful rooftop terrace where you can have an overlook of the whole center of Rome and its monuments. The hotel has six floors served by an elevator. A conventioned garage is at the service of all guest who would like to enjoy Rome with private transportation. Learn more about this Rome Hotel.

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ISLE OF ARRAN ADVENTURE

Your Tour Highlights:

• Culzean Castle
• Robert Burns Country
• Brodick and Brodick Castle
• Isle of Arran Distillery and Brewery
• Machrie Moor stone circles
• Kintyre Peninsula
• Loch Lomond

Your Tour Includes:

• 4-nights accommodations (2 nts in Edinburgh and 2 nts in Brodick)
• Breakfast daily (except for morning of arrival)
• Arrival and departure transfers in Edinburgh
• 3-days of custom touring
• All service charges and hotel taxes
• Note: tip to your driver/guide when touring is not included.

Enjoy 2 independent days in Edinburgh (pre/post) with 3 days to explore the West Coast of Scotland - the Isle of Arran, Argyll and the Ayrshire coast. A unique opportunity to visit the Island of Arran: often known as Scotland in Miniature. You will discover stunning scenery, beautiful beaches, ancient castles, standing stones, picturesque villages, and great local food and drink. Stay 2 nights in Brodick on the Island of Arran with pre/post nights in Edinburgh. 

A Fantastic Tour - from $889 per person sharing twin room

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Hotel Spotlight: Greenhills Hotel

Greenhills Hotel

Ennis Rd : Limerick, Co. Limerick : IRELAND

The Greenhills Hotel is a superb family run Hotel in Limerick is uniquely located on the N18 just 1 km from Limerick City, 5 minutes from Thomond Park and so easily accessible via Shannon International Airport, 15 minutes drive. One of the leading 3 star hotels Limerick, The Greenhills is a perfect base to explore the South West just 1 hour from Cork, Kerry & Galway.

This Limerick hotel boasts luxury hotel accommodation in Limerick City, a restaurant & bar and state of the art leisure centre. The Greenhills Hotel is a neighbour of the famous Thomond Park - "the proud home of Munster Rugby" The Limerick GAA Gaelic Grounds are also adjacent to the Hotel making it ideal when looking for 3 Star Hotels Limerick. Learn more about this Limerick Hotel.

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The Connemara Trail, Ireland

The Connemara Trail near Loughrea in County Galway will take riders through unforgettable spectacular scenery, a hidden Ireland of abandoned villages and deserted coastal islands. Experienced or novice riders alike can enjoy this holiday.

The Connemara Trail and The Connemara Coast Trail in County Galway offer the best possible way to discover the Connemara region of Ireland by horseback. Riders can go off the beaten track as they travel mountains passes and woodlands, cross blankets of Connemara bog lands, navigate stony paths and maybe even swim with their horse in the Atlantic Ocean.

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Dublin Markets

Like to shop? You are going to love Dublin. No matter where you go, you will never be far from temptation. Dublin has always been a fashionable city and this is reflected in the wide choice and variety on offer to the visitor. A must for all shoppers is the central shopping area, which runs from O’Connell Street to Grafton Street. Here you will find one of the best shopping areas in Ireland for concentrated and specialty shopping, at competitive prices.

Dublin's Markets

Dublin's market scene is an eclectic mix that will suit every interest, from Farmer's Markets and Flea Markets to Designer Markets and Pop-up lunchtime markets. Dublin's market scene sells everything imaginable from high fashion and accessories  to custom designed solid silver to costume jewellery, from hair styling to fortune telling, with lovers of music, art, books, specialty ornaments, memorabilia, stamps and coin collections, cafés, and specialty foods all catered for!

Designer Mart at Cow's Lane
Cow's Lane, Old City Temple Bar , Dublin 2
This outdoor market showcases the very best of handmade craft & design produced by Irish and Ireland-based artists. Great for browsing for gifts, or a treat for yourself, the independent designers, craftspeople and artists are on hand to give you an insight into their craft and story behind any individual piece.

Georges Street Arcade
South Great Georges Street , Dublin 2
The Georges Street Arcade is a much loved landmark for Dubliners and Visitors alike retaining its architectural integrity, its unique shopping atmosphere and its special Dublin personality of warmth and humour. With over 50 shops and stalls the Georges Street Arcade has everything - cutting edge fashion for men/women and children, gifts galore, hairdressing, fortune telling, curios, collectables, and antiques.

Temple Bar Night Market
Temple Bar, Dublin 2
Dublin’s first art night market over the summer months of June, July and August, bringing artists and craft makers onto the streets of Temple Bar; Dublin’s Cultural Quarter.

Antique Quarter Francis Street
Martin Fennelly Antiques, 60 Francis Street , Dublin 8
Paris has the Left Bank and London has Portobello Road, now Dublin has its very own Antiques Quarter.

Art & Crafts Market
Art & Crafts Market, Newmarket Sq , Dublin 8
Don't pay through the nose for handicrafts in exclusive shops when you can purchase them straight from the artist in a fun market environment.

Ballymun Farmers Market
Irish Village Markets 7 Windsor Place Lanesville Monkstown Ave , County Dublin
The Ballymun Farmers Market runs every Thursday from 11am - 4 pm and is located on the new Ballymun Plaza, behind the Civic Centre.

Blackrock Market
19a Main Street, Blackrock, South Dublin
The market can boast of a unique mixture in new, second-hand and antique goods for the discerning buyer.

Dublin Flea Market
The Co-op, Newmarket , Dublin 8
The Dublin flea market promises to be a great day out with live music, food and plenty of bargains from vintage & second hand clothing etc. It takes place on the last Sunday of every month in The Co-op on Newmarket square, Dublin 8. There are 60 rotating stalls each month (40 indoor and 20 outdoor) selling everything from vintage clothes to second hand bikes, retro furniture and random odds and ends - pretty much everything you would expect to find at a flea market.

Ha'Penny Flea Market
The Grand Social, 35 Lower Liffey Street, Dublin 1
The Grand Social on Lower Liffey Street hosts a weekly Indoor Flea Market every Saturday from 12 noon till 6pm.

Liberty Market
Liberty Market , Meath Street, Dublin 8, off Thomas st. and the Coombe (Near Christ Church)
Dublin's world famous Liberty Market is located in the heart of Dublin's city centre just minutes from the famous Christchurch Cathedral.

Moore Street
Dublin 2
Scene of Dublin’s famous street barrow vendors. This colorful and lively street is a must for visitors who wish to experience a slice of life and get a flavor of Dublin through the wit of its people.



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Hotel Spotlight: Hotel Windrose Rome

Hotel Windrose Rome

Via Gaeta 39 - 00185 : Rome : ITALY

Hotel Windrose Roma offers 3 Star accommodation in central zone of Termini, walking distance from all parts of the historical centre. This classically designed and recently renovated Rome hotel offers a charming outdoor terrace, luxurious public areas, spacious guestrooms and a high standard of professional service. Learn more about this Rome Hotel.

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MAGICAL MULL - Escorted Tour of Scotland

Enjoy...

Enjoy 2 independent days in Edinburgh (pre/post) with 4 days bring you the Magic of Mull! Spending three nights in the prettiest harbor town, Tobermory. A fantastic new itinerary with Mull, Iona and the West Highlands.  

Your Tour Highlights:

• Glencoe
• Tobermory
• Dervaig, Calgary Bay
• Mull
• Ferry to Iona
• Kilmartin Glen
• National Park of Loch Lomond

Your Tour Includes:

• Transportation by top of the range 16-seat Mercedes mini coaches
• 5-nights accommodations (2 nts in Edinburgh (pre/post) and 3 nights in Tobermory)
• Choice of B&B or Hotel in Tobermory. Edinburgh based on Holiday Inn Express or Ten Hill Place or similar. Other properties may incur supplements.
• Breakfast daily (except for morning of arrival)
• Arrival and departure transfers in Edinburgh
• 4-days of custom touring per itinerary
• All service charges and hotel taxes
• Note: tip to your driver/guide when touring is not included.

A Fantastic Tour - from $1119 per person sharing twin
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Hotel Spotlight: Imperial Hotel

Imperial Hotel

Eyre Square : Galway, Co. Galway : IRELAND

Located in the heart of Galway City and the closest Hotel to Galway University NUIG, the Imperial Hotel Galway City has an impressive location. Flanked on all sides by high profile shops, restaurants and bars; Galway centre day or night, is a whirl of activity just outside the door! Learn more about this Galway Hotel.


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Slea Head Drive, Dingle, Ireland

The Slea Head Drive is a circular route, beginning and ending in Dingle, that takes in a large number of attractions and stunning views on the western end of the peninsula. The route is clearly labelled by road signs throughout its length. To properly enjoy the Drive, a half-day should be set aside for the journey.

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