Learn to Bake Irish Bread & Scones

Fall Trip to West of Ireland

     Learn to bake traditional Irish brown bread and scones - and taste the yummy results at Galway's Cobblestone Café. This is just one of many “hands on” activities that are part of the 7th Annual West of Ireland Coastal Tour, October 19-25, led by travel writer Patricia Preston, author of 14 books on Ireland. The trip is priced at an “early bird” fare of $1,599 including airfare from JFK-NY Airport, if booked by July 1st. Afterwards, the price is $1,699 from JFK.
     Other activities include a session of toe-tapping Irish music; a cruise on Killary Harbor, Ireland's only fjord; a ferry ride across the Shannon River; a horse-drawn jaunting car ride in Killarney; and an optional course in knitting traditional Aran sweaters.
     The itinerary travels through the heart of Ireland's scenic west coast including Galway, Connemara, the Burren, Cliffs of Moher, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula and Adare. 
     In addition to airfare, the price covers accommodations at 4-star luxury hotels for 5 nights; 11 meals; welcome drink; fully escorted sightseeing program via CIE Tours International luxury motorcoach including admissions to Kylemore Abbey, Cliffs of Moher; Blasket Islands Heritage Centre, and Skellig Heritage Centre; all porterage, service charges, and taxes.
     An added dimension of the tour is on-the-scene advice and tips from Pat Preston, a New York-based author who has made over 200 trips to Ireland and is known as the “Ireland Expert.” Her web site offers free advice to all Ireland-bound travelers, www.IrelandExpert.com.
     On the tour, Pat also writes and uploads a daily Blog, with photos of all participants, so folks at home can follow the tour's activities.  “It's an instant post card for all,” Pat says.
     This tour, which will be the 28th tour led by Pat Preston to Ireland, can also be purchased on a land-only basis at $1,159, along with independent airfare or frequent flyer miles.
     For more information, contact Patricia Preston, 22 Tee Lane, Red Hook, NY 12571; tel. 845-758-1232; e-mail: patpreston@mac.com and web site: www.IrelandExpert.com.