Chan's Review of CIE's "Taste of Scotland and Ireland Tour" May 2010

Highlights: After landing at Glasgow airport (one night in hotel Thistle), and after a “quick” city tour the next morning,we  left for Nairn where we visited the Urqhtful Castle. (One night in hotel Newton).  On our way to Edinburgh we visited the battlefield of Culloden and the Edradour Distillery, Scotland’s smallest distillery. (Two nights in Hotel Marriott Dalmahoy). In Edinburgh, we took a city tour and Edinburgh castle tour. 

 

We then took a ferry across the narrow channel between Scotland and Ireland to Larne (just outside of Belfast) and drove to Dublin.  (Two nights in Hotel Burlington).  In Dublin, we visited Dublin Castle and the Guinness factory.  On our way to Killarney, stopped at Blarney castle and kissed the famous “stone of Eloquence” and visited Blarney Woolen Mills.  On the second day we took a scenic tour of Ring of Kerry (two nights in hotel Killarney Plaza) and then drove to the Cliffs of Moher (one night in hotel Bunratty castle).  In Bunratty, we attended once again the Bunratty Castle for a medieval-style banquet.  In the morning, on our way to Dublin ,we visited the Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens.  (One night in hotel Ashling).

Saturday/Sunday May 8/9, 2010.  From JFK, New York we flew on Delta/KLM Airlines Flight #9357 at 12.45am.  (Scheduled to leave at 6.30 pm, was re-scheduled for 9 pm, left the hanger at 9.15 pm and after staying on run-way to take off – left at 12.45am)  Arrived at Amsterdam after 7 hours.  Staying in a 777 jumbo plane packed with 280 passengers, no water allowed (because we were told that if you drink water, you have to go to bathroom and while we are in queue for take off – we were 43^rd in line to take off – we are not allowed to get-up etc.).  It was a horrible experience to stay in the plane for 3 hours and 25 minutes, because while taxiing on the runway, there is no proper air circulation.  But it was amazing that not a single person panicked or complained.

We missed the connecting flight, took the first available flight and arrived in Glasgow 6 hours late.  This caused us to miss our first day of the tour.  Not only that but because our luggage did not arrive with us, we had to purchase a few essential items from the local stores, for which we had only 30 minutes (because it was Sunday and all stores closed at 6pm).  We were able to buy essential items, and, due to our good luck, our luggage arrived around 10.15pm, which was very good news, particularly for the fact that our tour was supposed to leave Glasgow the next morning and we would be without our luggage for a couple of days.

That evening, we joined our CIE group at 7pm for a drink and dinner, where we met our group leader/guide/driver George along with other members of our tour.

Monday May 10, 2010.  Today’s weather was sunny and clear.  Breakfast at 7am and left hotel at 8.15am for our next journey.  Because a total of 10 people missed the first day tour of Glasgow, our guide gave us a quick tour of Glasgow city.  Glasgow is the largest city for business activities with a total population of 1.3 million people – 1/3^rd of the total population of Scotland. 

Once we departed Glasgow we traveled alongside the famous Loch Lomond, renowned in song for its unsurpassed beauty.  We traveled across the Rannoch Moor and through the valley of Glencoe, notorious for the Campbell massacre of the Clan Macdonald in 1692.  Continued through Fort William and stopped in Fort Augustus before driving beside Loch Ness to enjoy delightful scenery and keep an eye out for “Nessie”.  Visited Urquhart Castle to see the ruins of what was once the largest castle in Scotland and enjoyed scenic views over the loch.  Continued to Narin where our hotel Newton was located.  This was once a summer residence of Charlie Chaplin.  We arrived in our hotel Newton at 6pm for one night’s stay.  This evening, after dinner, we were entertained by a Scottish piper and step dancers – a real test of Scottish culture.

Tuesday May 11, 2010.  Weather was sunny and cold (50F).  This morning went out to take pictures of the beautiful view surrounding our hotel, including of Highland Cattles (cattle with long hair).  Breakfast at 7.30 and left Hotel at 8.30am.

Our very first stop was the Culloden Visitor center to learn about the Battle of Culloden where Bonnie Prince Charlie was defeated by the British army in 1746, changing the traditional way of Highland clan life forever.  Here we took a tour of the exhibition and watched a short movie of the battle.  Just a side note; the kilt was originally designed by Scotland for battlefield (bag pipe did not originate in Scotland).  Kilt is a more of a ceremonial dress than formal. 

We left Culloden at 10.30am and continued south through the Gramplan Mountains to visit Edradour distillery, Scotland’s smallest, and learned how whisky is distilled and sampled some. 

At 12.30pm we arrived in the town of Pittochary and had lunch in an Indian restaurant called Prince of India.  Left at 1.40pm to continue our journey south to Edinburgh and checked in to our hotel Marriott Dalmahoy located on a golf course a few miles from the city center for 2 nights’ stay.  In the evening we had dinner around 7.20pm, at the cozy Beehive Inn for an informal pub dinner, where almost every one had fish and chips (supposed to the the best in Scotland).  After the dinner we joined a local guide, Stewart, for a fun walking tour to discover the haunts of Edinburgh’s many colorful characters.  Returned to our hotel at 11pm.

Wednesday May 12, 2010   The day started with light rain and fog and later the sun came out.  We ate breakfast at 7am, left hotel at 8.20am for Edinburgh city tour including the main attraction – Tower of Edinburgh Castle.  We drove along the one of the main streets called Princess Street and through the gracious, wide streets of the 200 year old Georgian New Town.  We saw the compact medieval section along the Royal Mile where some houses reach 11 stories tall.

After that we visited the Edinburgh Castle, which dominates the city center and contains the Scottish Crown Jewels and Stone of Scone.  We completed our tour around 12.30pm and stayed in the city to explore further the Princess Street.  Had lunch, did some shopping – mainly purchasing some woolen items and walked around the main business areas etc.  Back to our hotel at 5pmand dinner at the hotel.

Thursday May 13, 2010:  Woke up with great weather and a really beautiful morning.  Breakfast at 7.30 and left hotel at 9am.  We headed south through part of the Southern Uplands and along the coastline – enjoyed the beautiful scenery.  Later at Cairnryan took a ferry ride across the narrow channel between Scotland and Ireland to Larne (just outside of Belfast).  Took quick city tour of Belfast and drove south to Dublin where we checked into our hotel Burlington, located in the Georgian section of the city. This evening, went for dinner with family (one of our friend’s family who lives in Dublin) and friends in an Indian Restaurant called “The India Gate”.  Returned to our hotel at 12 midnight.

General note about Scotland.  Scotland’s economy – ship building, manufacture of technical product, agriculture related industries (25% of the land is being cultivated), fishing industry also big part of the Scotland economy. (Fishing rules are designed by and governed by the law of Europe).  Scotland has a great surplus of oil and gas, especially in the northern part of Scotland (6% of the working people are employed by oil industries).  One of the biggest businesses is whisky making.  Almost 1/3^rd of the Scotland workforce work in this field.  Manufacturing computer is also big business.  Another big and important part of economy is tourism.  About 250,000 people are employed or connected with tourism industry.  Another big industry is farming, mainly raising lambs etc.  Unemployment is 2.5% (this is 2007/2008 numbers, current numbers are much higher).  Minimum wage Is 5.23 pounds per hour.

Friday May 14, 2010:  The day started with a little rain, however, it got sunny right at the time we left our hotel.  Breakfast at 7am and left for the city tour of Dublin at 9am, given by our local guide.  Passed Trinity College, where the book of Kells is housed; Dail Fireann, where the government meets; and rows of Georgian houses with gaily-colored doorways (took pictures of all types of colorful doors).  Arrived at Dublin Castle at 10.15am for a guided tour of the castle.  In this castle we observed the elegant State Apartments, which are filled with elaborate Waterford Crystal chandeliers and furnishings. 

After this we went to one of the main attractions of Dublin, i.e. Guinness factory for a self guided tour and a pint. After that we did some shopping and walked around the business district areas of Dublin, including experienced/took ride on the “Hop-on Hop-off” bus.  Back to hotel at 4.30pm.  Left hotel at 5.45pm for a great evening full of entertainment and fabulous/Irish specialties dinner at the

Tylor’s Three Rock Pub, which was followed by a lively show of Irish songs and step dancing.  Returned to our hotel at 12midnight.

General note about Dublin:  Dublin is the capital of Ireland with a population of 1.5 million people.  It is the fastest growing city in Europe.  Economy depends on Computer industries (it is considered “a silicon valley” of Ireland).  Tourism is another big industry.  Manufacturing and consuming whisky is another big business (there are 750 pubs in the city Dublin alone).  Dublin is contributing a great deal in the field of education and technical training.  Agriculture is also a big part of Dublin’s economy.

General note about Ireland:  Ireland is a small country.  32,000 sq. miles with 4 major provinces; North, South, East and the West and 32 counties – 26 in Ireland and 6 in Northern Ireland (under British jurisdiction).  In southern Ireland 90% are Catholics and 10% Protestants while in Northern Ireland 60 % Protestants and 40% Catholics.  National flag: the green color represents Roman Catholic; the orange color – protestant and the white represents peace and friendship.  Ireland’s national emblem is harp on a blue flag/background color.

In Ireland, elderly people are very well taken care of.  The reason is simply what they did for their country.  Retirement age is 65 for every body and everyone gets a pension at the age of 66.  In addition to state pension every body gets full medical/dental coverage and free transportation.  The Ireland of the 21^st century is a vibrant and culturally rich and ethnically diverse country with an entirely youthful and optimistic outlook – over half of the population is under 30 years of age.

Saturday May 15, 2010:  Woke-up to a beautiful/sunny morning.  Breakfast at 7am, left hotel/Dublin at 8am for our journey to Blarney castle & beautiful Killarney – through the center of Ireland.  Took a quick coffee and homemade scone break at 9.30am and later stopped to view the stately Rock of Cashel.  Continued to south to visit Blarney Castle and kissed the famous “stone of Eloquence”.  Also visited the Blarney Woolen Mills and did some shopping and found really quality Irish made goods, including woolen sweaters, scarves, and household decorating items.  We also enjoyed homemade soup and sandwich for lunch.  Drove through the County Kerry where we took pictures of beautiful lakes and mountains.  Arrived at our hotel Killarney Plaza for 2 nights.  After dinner we strolled on the Main Street until 10pm.

Sunday May 16, 2010:  Woke-up and the weather was raining.  However, by the time we left our hotel it became clear and beautiful.  Breakfast at 7am and left hotel at 8am.

Today we are exploring the beautiful winding roads with breathtaking sights of mountains and coastal views – on the Ring of Kerry.  Stopped near the Gap of Dunloe to see Essence of Kerry, an audio-visual presentation.  Met a local farmer for a test of farm life with a sheepdog demonstration of herding flocks.  Crossed to Valencia Island by bridge to visit the Skelling Experience which describes the austere lives of early monks on the nearby islands.  Continued through Waterville and stopped in Sneemn to admire brightly-painted houses.  Paused at Moll’s Gap for stunning views and took guided walk around Muckross Gardens before returning to Killarney at 5pm, to our hotel, in time to relax for dinner.  Had a pint of Guinness before dinner at 7.30pm and then took a walk in town.

Monday May 17, 2010:   Woke-up with a beautiful day – sunny and clear.  Breakfast at 7.30am and left hotel at 8.40am.  Drove toward the town of Tarbert for a ferry ride across the River Shannon Estuary.   River Shannon is the largest river in Ireland, 231 miles long.  There are many power generators along the bank of river, generating plenty of electricity.  We took the ferry while staying on our bus.  Passed the town of Tralee Tinley, where a “Rose of Truly” festival takes place in every August.  Every girl of Irish descent can take part in the festival/competition.  The winner has to have all kind of talents – besides beauty.  The prizes are normally an educational scholarship.

Note: Types of roads in Ireland. N= National – under country authority.  R = Regional, under state authority and L = local road, under the authority of local government.

After getting off the ferry, continued to the Cliffs of Moher, a spectacular wall of limestone that reaches 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean.  Spent 3 hours, took a walk up the hill to get the complete view of Cliffs of Moher.  Had lunch and did some shopping.  Arrived at our hotel Bunratty castle at 3.15pm, located very close to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.  Some of us visited the 200 year old Durty Nelly’s pub and had pint of Guinness.   At 5.15pm we all went together, in a short bus ride, to Bunratty castle for a memorable medieval style feast, where food served at a long table (no utensils allowed) and the “lords” and “ladies” of the castle entertained us throughout the evening.  Returned to our hotel Bunratty Castle for overnight stay.

Tuesday May 18, 2010:    This morning we started our day with rain.  Breakfast at 7.30am and left hotel at 9am – toward our way to Dublin.  At around 10.30am stopped for a coffee and homemade scone and left at 11am. 

Note:  In old days – in golden days, in Ireland this is the food schedules:  full breakfast with coffee.  Around 10am coffee and scone.  Lunch is the biggest meal with dessert.  Then there is an afternoon tea, following at 6pm another round of tea with a heavy snack and finally around 9pm tea with light snack.

After coffee and scone, we continued our journey, past the outskirts of the town of Limerick and through the midland region of Ireland to Kildare.  Here visited the Irish National Stud to learn about horse breeding and saw some of the valuable animals. Then toured the lovely Japanese Gardens, considered the best in Europe. The design was done in 1908 in classical Japanese manner and represents the “life of Man” through the selection and placement of trees, shrubs and rocks.  Arrived in Dublin hotel Ashling at 4pm.  At 5pm took a long walk (almost an hour walk) to the main street of Dublin, O’Connell Street.  Had dinner in the city and took “tram” back to our hotel.

This evening we said good-bye to our tour guide/driver George.  Also said good-bye to all our new friends, some of which came from Texas, California, Chicago, Minnesota, Tennessee, New York and New Jersey.

Wednesday May 19, 2010.  This morning was very nice – sunny and clear morning.  Breakfast at 7.30am and car service, which was provided by CIE, took us to airport at 9am.  It is 30 minute ride from Dublin and arrived at the Dublin airport at 9.30am.   Our flight left on-time, at 12.30pm.  It was very smooth flight and arrived at JFK, New York a bit early i.e. 2.35pm instead of 2.45pm.  Our van picked us up at 4.30pm and we arrived home at 6pm.

Our tour of Scotland and Ireland was a complete success, including the weather, except the very first day, where we experienced a big delay at airport and missed our first day of the tour.  However, we learned many things:  How airport security has changed over the years, particularly in the situation where there is delay, how strictly they follow the rules.  Also how people have changed as passengers i.e. how to stay calm and cooperative. Learned how to handle the situation if you miss the flight, your luggage doesn’t arrive with you, what to do without luggage when your tour is moving the next day to different city, etc.

Not only my friends but the entire group of our tour was very pleased with CIE management, programs and their tour guide.  Hotels were very nice, good service and at very convenient locations. 

Scotland and Ireland are very much gifted countries as far as natural beauty is concerned.  People are very nice and very much cooperative and warm.  We all felt that may be we could learn how to relax and take it easy in our day to day lives so that we may not get stressed out all the time.