Accompanying Persons Programme Introduction
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This programme is for all Registered Accompanying Persons
Welcome to you all!
Alison Wickham will be co-ordinating your visit. You can contact her when you are in Ireland on Mobile phone: +353 (0) 86 1755 149 or on gmail: abwickham@gmail.com at any time.
Alison is very much looking forward to meeting you and showing off beautiful Ireland, the land she has been calling home for the last 14 years. Theresa O’Sullivan will be assisting Alison on some of the tours. Theresa will be able to be contacted at Mobile number +353 (0) 87 2856 238.
This 2012 programme has been designed to ensure a relaxing break which will give you an introduction to life in modern Ireland and a taste of scenic and friendly West Cork, without too much exertion or long bus rides, yet plenty of time to meet old friends and make new.
Free time can be spent in your hotel’s spa and leisure centre or exploring the village of Douglas, near to Rochestown Park Hotel or historic Cork City. Enquire at your hotel for bus and taxi information.
The Cork Tourist Office at Grand Parade ( http://www.discoverireland.ie/Activities-Adventure/cork-city-tourist-information-office/48282, T: +353 21 4255100 ) is a good source of information should you be planning a more extensive stay in Ireland, or use this comprehensive website: http://www.discoverireland.com/ca-en/
Suggestions for your comfort
Ladies, save your summer dresses and high heels for the Gala Dinner. It is likely to be cool and possibly wet during the week. Casual clothing is the most appropriate for the trips. Smart casual, or better, is appropriate for all the dinners. For all the tours you will need walking shoes and warm, wind and rain proof clothing. Layers are great in this climate: if favoured with mild and sunny weather at some time in the day, everyone will celebrate, and you can easily remove some layers and leave them in the bus. A sun hat or glasses, and folding umbrella, are both useful.
Programme (Updated 25th May 2012 – please note changed pick-up times at Clarion and Gresham Metropole hotels)
Monday 28th May: Discover Cork City
Lesiurely morning at hotel or neighbourhood
11.00 Meet and greet in Atrium, Rochestown Park Hotel.
12:30 Meet for lunch together in Rochestown Park Hotel.
13:30 Depart for Cork by bus
14.00 Meet at Tourist Office for Cork and ride the Hop-On Hop-off bus
tour of Cork City.
17.30 Public bus to Rochestown Park hotel or walk back to city hotels at leisure.
No charge, but must be registered as an Accompanying Person.
Evening
Conference bus from City hotels to Rochestown Park Hotel.
Buffet dinner in the Atrium, Rochestown Park Hotel. (Wear comfortable shoes for the meet and greet buffet dinner as there will be limited seating.)
Tuesday 29th May: Cashel, Cahir, & Swiss Cottage
Notes:
The Rock of Cashel requires a moderate level of fitness and can be very cold and windy. If you prefer to admire the rock from below, you will be accompanied on a stroll through the town.
09:00 Bus departs Metropole Hotel and picks up at
09:10 Clarion Hotel then travels to
09:30 Bus booked to depart Rochestown Park Hotel to the Cashel on the motorway
11:15 – 12:15 Guided Tour of Rock of Cashel.
12.30 – 13.00 Travel by bus to Cahir.
13.00 –13:45 Stroll in Cahir town, and light lunch at Cahir House hotel. Short walk to Cahir Castle to arrive at 14:00.
14:00 – 15:00 Cahir Castle guided tour.
15:00 – 15.30 Bus to Swiss Cottage.
15:30 – 16.30 Tour of Swiss Cottage
16:30 – 17.30 Bus back to Rochestown Hotel via scenic route through Mitchellstown and Fermoy (no stops).
17:45 Drop off at Clarion Hotel
17:50 Drop off at Metropole Hotel
Cost €64.00 p.p.with entry fees and light lunch included.
Evening
Irish Country Market Dinner at the Rochestown Park Hotel. This is an outdoor mingle with market stall holders event – bring a wrap, comfortable shoes and a hands-free handbag.
Wednesday 30th May: Kinsale & Clonakilty
09:00 Bus departs Metropole Hotel and picks up at
09:10 Clarion Hotel then travels to
09:30 Depart Rochestown Park Hotel
10:15 – Arrive at Charles Fort view point in Kinsale for an overview of the history of this fascinating small town by Barry Moloney of top rated tours, Historic Stroll Kinsale http://www.historicstrollkinsale.com/.
10:45- 11:45 Then bus into the town and continue the tour on foot (no hills or steps involved).
12:00 - 12:30 By bus to scenic and special Old Head of Kinsale Golf Links.
12:30 – 13:30 Soup and sandwiches at Old Head of Kinsale Golf Links restaurant.
13:30 – 14:30 Drive to Inchydoney beach.
14:30 – 16:30 Horse and carriage tour of Clonakilty and shopping.
16.30 Travel back to Cork
17:30 Drop off Rochestown Park Hotel
17:45 Drop off Clarion Hotel
17:50 Drop off at Metropole Hotel
Cost €64.00 p.p.with entry fees and light lunch included.
Free evening for delegates and accompanying persons.
Thursday
Free morning for accompanying persons.
All technical tours for delegates and accompanying persons leave from the Conference Centre at Rochestown Park Hotel.
A boxed lunch will be provided prior to boarding buses.
Sheep tour departs at 11.00am.
Beef tour departs at 12:00noon.
Dairy tour departs at 12:45pm.
All tours return to Hotels by 18:00.
Buses from Hotel to Rochestown Park Hotel departing 18:45.
Evening
Gala Dinner at Rochestown Park Hotel
Pre-Dinner Drinks in Atrium starting at 19:00
Gather for dinner in Estuary Suite at 20:00
Speeches
Dinner
Entertainment
Buses back to Hotels
Friday
Free morning for accompanying persons
Conference Closes at 13:00 followed by light lunch
Useful General Information about Ireland
Morning refreshments are usually taken at 11am but will be at 10.30am for the conference.
Lunch is generally at 1pm
Afternoon break at 4pm
Close of business is at 6pm.
Shops are nomally open on Saturdays. Some shops and businesses in small towns close for lunch at 1pm and reopen at 2pm, or may have a weekday closing. Supermarkets, newsagents and garages usually remain open.
Supermarket plastic carrier bags are charged for, so a reusable cotton shopping bag is handy.
You can usually get a freshly made meat and salad filled roll at supermarkets and garages, and a hot drink.
In the summer many pubs have live music but normally it does not start until after 9.30pm.
Coffee shops and most pubs serve tea, coffee and food during the day time. You do not have to buy alcohol in a pub. If someone buys a round of drinks for their friends and includes you too, you will be expected to do the same when your turn comes. It is safer to say, “ Thank you, but I will look after my own drinks”.
Public toilets can be found in large stores, all hotels, pubs, coffee shops and most garages. There are not that many dedicated public toilets in public places.
Any questions? Alison will be delighted to help you, just email her at: abwickham@gmail com
If you would like something informal organised for you on the free days/times please also contact Alison direct.