ATP Vacations' 11-day "Emerald Isle" Package Makes it Memorable

Whether Exploring the Family Heritage or Taking in the Riches of Ireland for The First Time

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. October 14, 2008

TORRANCE, CA, July 15, 2008. Across The Pond Vacations, well known for its customized vacations to Ireland and the U.K., is now putting their expertise to work at developing tours that allow guests some of the personalization that sets one vacation apart from another, at rates normally associated with pre-packaged and tightly structured trips. "The Emerald Isle," priced from $2,495 per person, double, is a perfect example of their efforts - 11 days exploring the counties of Dublin, Wicklow, Waterford, Cork and Clare, staying at 3 1/2 to 5-star hotels and guesthouses as well as a two-night stay in one of the most famous baronial castles in Ireland, Dromoland Castle. A rental car, daily Irish breakfast, some sightseeing, and the option to personalize the itinerary to include top highlights and attractions, are part of the package.

"There are no strangers in Ireland, only friends you've not yet met," is the subheading for this independent adventure and puts it in the proper perspective -- where daily encounters with these very friendly people adds to the experience as well as wonderful memories to be taken home. Participants arrive in Dublin for a three-night stay, combining free time explorations of Dublin Castle, St. Patrick's Cathedral or any of numerous other possibilities, with an included city sightseeing tour and Guinness Brewery tour, and a recommended day in Wicklow National Park and Glendalough Valley, taking in its magnificent landscapes, monastic ruins and idyllic walking trails.

Every participant is given sightseeing recommendations, along with maps and directions. A few of the many suggestions outside of Dublin include the Waterford Crystal Center in Waterford, Ireland's oldest city; County Cork's Blarney Castle where the Blarney Stone is available for kissing, Jameson Heritage Centre, and Kinsdale, heralded as the 'culinary capital of Ireland'; and visits to the coastal towns of Tramore and Dunvargan. Activities, all of which can be arranged by ATP Vacations, include golf, horseback riding, fishing, tennis, cycling, clay shooting and archery.

The final two nights are sure to evoke stories upon the return home: staying in a true Irish castle with a history that dates back to the 5th century and rebuilt in 1835. Dromoland Castle, considered one of Europe's top 5-star destinations, sits on 410 acres next to its own lake, offers an on-site spa, a variety of activities and the chance to feel like pampered royalty.

The "Emerald Isle," offered year-round, includes superior first-class and deluxe hotels and guesthouses, breakfast daily, seven-day car rental (automatic shift car with A/C), some sightseeing, a personalized itinerary, and trip specific maps and directions.