Kennedy's Kitchen

Up Here It’s Different

A Musical Adventure with Kennedy’s Kitchen

through Donegal, Derry and Belfast

October 11 - 20, 2023

We are working on a price . . . below $3200 is our goal.   Per Person, Double Occupancy from Chicago

Day by Day Itinerary

Fri., Oct. 11 – CHICAGO / DUBLIN                   (I)

Today we depart Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport on the non-stop flight to Dublin

Sat., Oct. 12 – DUBLIN / DONEGAL                (D)

After landing at Dublin Airport our Driver/Guide will welcome us to Ireland.  Leaving the airport we’ll journey into the Irish countryside, stopping along the way at the ruins of the Creevelea Friary in County Leitrim. Founded in 1508, the remains of this extensive friary include the church, the cloister and domestic buildings.  Next, we’ll journey to the town of Sligo, a vibrant coastal town known for its literary and musical heritage, and closely associated with W.B. Yeats’s poetry, prose, and drama.  We’ll have time for a pint at Hargadon’s Pub, before heading north for a stop at Drumcliffe, at the foot of Benbulben, to view the final resting place of Yeats.  Afterward we’ll head out for Donegal Town in County Donegal, where joHn’s family roots run deep.

Sun., Oct. 13 – DONEGAL                                  (B)

Today we explore the wildest part of the Wild Atlantic Way, as we take in some of the raw beauty of County Donegal, including the astounding panorama of the Slieve League Cliffs, which are three times the height of the better known Cliffs of Moher.  Words fail to capture the majesty and sheer height of the cliffs, which are the tallest sea cliffs in Europe.  This might be a good day to pack a lunch to hike and explore a bit further along the cliffs.  This evening we’ll be treated to music from joHn and Chris at The Reel Inn, with some local musicians.

Mon., Oct. 14 – DONEGAL                                 (B)

After breakfast today we’ll embark on a drive through the Blue Stack Mountains. The scenery is            magnificent, with mountains, valleys, streams and waterfalls cascading down toward the Wild Atlantic.  This afternoon we’ll soak up more beautiful scenery on a Donegal Harbor cruise that travels around the seven Green Islands.  Voted the “coolest place on the planet” by National Geographic, there is only one place to really soak up what Donegal Town has to offer, and that’s by boat! 

Tues., Oct. 15 – DONEGAL / DOWNINGS    (B,D)

This morning we’ll say goodbye to Donegal Town and head north to Downings.  We’ll stop at Grianan of Aileach, a hilltop stone fort dating from 1700 BC, where we’ll enjoy breathtaking views of three counties and the rugged Donegal coastline.  Depending on time and weather, we’ll enjoy a leisurely drive up to Downings, choosing the route that suits best - there are no bad options!  Tonight we will enjoy a relaxing dinner at our hot

Wed., Oct. 16 – DOWNINGS                          (B,L)

After breakfast this morning, we’ll set out to visit Glenveagh National Park, the second largest         National Park in Ireland, home to Glenveagh Castle grounds, Lough Veagh, and much of the Derryveagh Mountains. Here we’ll see some of the most beautiful scenery in all of Ireland, which is surely one of the reasons Lonely Planet has voted Donegal one of the 10 best regions in the world to visit in 2024. Tonight, it’s back to the local pub for a mighty music session

Thur., Oct. 17 – DOWNINGS                             (B)

Today is free to explore and find your own adventures, creating memories to last a lifetime. There are so many things to do in Downings:  horseback riding; fishing; hiking; golf; kayaking;          cycling… or just relax and enjoy  music at one of the local pubs. Weather dependent, and for those interested, we’ll arrange a lovely cruise featuring music and more breath-taking scenery.  And of course, more music in the local pub.   

Fri., Oct. 18 – DOWNINGS / BELFAST       (B,D) 

“Adieu to you dark Donegal, my dear old native land, in dreams I always see your hills, your      towering mountains grand…” This morning we say goodbye to Donegal and head into Northern Ireland.  Our first stop is the city of Derry where we’ll have a walking tour of the Derry Walls with our guide, Ruairi O’hEara.  Then it’s off to County Antrim where we’ll visit the Giant’s Causeway, a mass of 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns formed over 60 million years ago.  Then we’ll continue along the coastal drive to Belfast via the famous Green Glens of Antrim. This evening we enjoy a group dinner at our hotel.     

Sat., Oct. 19 – BELFAST                                    (B)

After breakfast we’ll set off on our guided city tour; we’ll see the raw side of Belfast city and its colorful, often tragic, history, as we make our way up the Falls Road and down the Shankhill, the main Catholic and Protestant areas that were home to the bloody battle grounds. We’ll also visit Crumlin Road Gaol to discover over 150 years of history in Northern Ireland’s only remaining Victorian era prison. Then we’ll head to Titanic Belfast, a fascinating and moving interactive experience. Explore the shipyard, walk the decks, travel to the depths of the ocean and uncover the true legend of Titanic in the city where it all began. Tonight is our last night before leaving the Emerald Isle, so we’ll be sure to enjoy music and more craic before settling in for the night.

Sun., Oct. 20 – BELFAST / DUBLIN / CHICAGO    (B,I)

All too soon our Up Here It’s Different tour comes to an end.  This morning we make our way to Dublin Airport in plenty of time to check in for our non-stop flight to Chicago.

* * * Welcome Home * * *

Meal Codes

I = In-flight meals    B = Breakfast    D = Dinner 

The Vacation Price Includes:

Economy-class air transportation by scheduled airline service

Transportation by deluxe private motor coach with  accompanying Driver/Guide

First class hotel accommodations

Irish breakfast each morning at the hotels, and meals as shown in the Day-by-Day Itinerary

Sightseeing as detailed in the Day-by-Day Itinerary including applicable entrance fees

Luggage handling for one suitcase per person at the hotels

Taxes for included ground services and airline fuel surcharge and taxes

The Vacation Price Does Not Include:  Items of a personal nature such as passport fees and destination   entry requirements; luggage handling at airports; gratuities to the Driver/Guide and Tour Guide(s); meals other than those stated above; and Travel Protection.