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What is the best time of year to travel?
Each year our summer itineraries are purposely planned for late May/early June and late August/early September. We
feel that each time is the best time and has its own distinct personality and advantages that provide a consistent
level of enjoyment. In May/June the days are long, the countryside is spectacular and ablaze with color and the gardens
are glorious. In late summer, the colors change on the valleys and glens and the days shorten, while the sky casts a
soft hue on the countryside and evening sun sets dramatically. Choose your own favorite time to travel and do consider
your interests when choosing an itinerary.
How often does it rain?
Ireland is green, green, green for a reason! Rain falls evenly throughout the year, with light frequent showers, (Irish mist)
throughout many days of summer. So it is wise to pack an umbrella and light raincoat. Having said that, spring and
summer do bring dry and warm days and one should plan on light layered clothing. Temperatures range in the 60's during
the daytime and fall into the 40's/50's at night. A typical weather report from Dublin might read, "Dry spells, misty
rain, showers likely, sunny periods throughout, windy and mild." You figure! While you cannot count on the weather, you
can count on the sunny dispositions of the Irish!
How many people are on each trip?
Our trips are limited to 16 people. Typically we host from 8 to 12 guests. This allows for personal interaction and
intimacy among the group, particularly when guests are invited into a private home. Our Irish hosts prepare to "great
lengths" to entertain our guests and prefer to "get to know" individuals personally as they are welcomed to each home
and entertained around a dining table.
What age are most travelers?
Age is no criteria to enjoying our trips, but a good level of physical fitness makes for more enjoyable travel. We have
entertained guests ranging in age between 45 to a young 90! The activities, events and venues presented are not
geared to the interests of children or to those with health, disabilities or weight issues that would curtail
normal activity.
Are all meals taken with the group?
No. Full Irish breakfast is included and served each day in the privacy of your room, with "room service," or at your
leisure in the dining/breakfast rooms of each hotel, whichever you prefer. The only time guests dine together are at the
first and last night's Welcome and Farewell Dinners and when invited guests in a private home. Some special "evenings out"
tend to be later than others. All other evenings, you may chose to dine independently, with most meals at the
dining room of your choice and at your preferred seating time. For local faire and meals, there are
opportunities to dine "in town" at the restaurants of your choice or at the hotels.
How much walking is there? Is there "free time?"
The level of activity is very personal and guests can be as active or inactive as they wish. Dublin city and quaint
towns are most interesting enjoyed on foot. You may walk as much as you like, on your own time. There are stairs in
many of the historic houses and buildings we visit, oftentimes important rooms and bedrooms are on the upper floors.
Though most of our hotels have elevators to upper floors, walking up stairs should not hinder normal activity.
Wheelchairs are not permitted. We travel at a leisurely pace, usually departing on Travel Days between 9:30 and 10:00 AM,
so that "early birds" can get in their morning walks/workouts and "sleepy heads" can catch more ZZZZ's and we generally
arrive at our final destinations between 4:00 and 5:00 PM. Travel Days are broken up with stops at interesting venues or
sights per the itinerary.
Leisure centers, spa treatments, gyms, swimming pools, and tennis are available at most of our hotels and there are
acres of beautiful country lane walks closeby. There is ample time for individual pursuits, from golf at championship
park and links courses, (guests may choose golf, leisure activities or the daily itinerary) to horseback riding and
fishing, hill walking, biking, tennis, archery, clay pigeon shooting, swimming and Spa
treatments, even spectacular scenic helicopter flights! The choice is yours!
How "dressed up" do I have to be? Do I have to bring a tuxedo?
Traditionally, Europeans tend to dress a bit more formally than their American friends, but for our travel holiday,
no tuxedo is necessary! Formal attire and long dresses are not suggested! Some occasions do call for "Dressy Dress,"
that simply means, cocktail attire for the ladies and a jacket and tie for the men. Most evenings call for "Smart Casual"
dress, gentleman wear jackets to dinner with open collar. Ladies can wear pants suits. There are "Casual dress" nights,
with slacks, open collar and sweater, for you to enjoy on your own. Most daytime travel is "Casual," with a jacket
requested at a select few invitational lunches. Denim jeans and jogging suits can be worn on casual travel days and around the
hotel premises, but are not appropriate when as guests in a private home or after 6:00 PM in the hotel dining room. The final itinerary, sent
prior to departure, lists the appropriate dress for each day and every occasion.
In the end, wear what is most comfortable and pack lightly.
What sorts of people take your trips?
IBS programs are broad based in their scope of interest and appeal.
The itineraries and standard of excellence of an IBS tour appeal to a select group of discerning, well-traveled
individuals, who enjoy camaraderie and social interaction and a full and active life rich with unique cultural
influences.
Though professional backgrounds generally range from business executives, retired CEO's and company owners to doctors,
artists, interior designers and music and arts patrons.
The tours highlight the decorative arts and important houses and estates through the personal interaction of owners and
curators. Guests may learn a variety of Irish national pastimes, from music and theatre, sports and games, to farming,
cookery schools, stud farms, gardens, cuisine, and meeting artisans and the finest craftspeople. But it's the people of
Ireland themselves, who will capture your heart and send you home as friends!
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