Una McMahon
IRISH TRAVEL & CULTURE GUIDE
SPRING 2013
March 2013
UNA McMAHON: GATHERING UP NORTH
SEPTEMBER 3-14, 2013
Una McMahon, founder of Acorn Tours of Boston, is a well-known tour guide of historical sites throughout Massachusetts. In 2013, Una has put together her first tour of Northern Ireland, from which she hails, as part of The Gathering, a year long initiative from Tourism Ireland to bring visitors to Ireland. We spoke to Una recently about the tour.
What inspired you to put together the Northern Ireland tour?
Last Christmas, when I was having dinner with a group of friends from Ireland, the conversation veered to the Gathering, and we shared stories of not-to-be-missed scenic sites in Galway, Cavan, Kerry, Connemara, Donegal, and of course, Northern Ireland. I began thinking – why not organize a tour for visitors to experience the outstanding natural beauty of my home of Northern Ireland. As an added incentive, Derry-Londonderry, UK’s City of Culture 2013, has a number of arts and cultural events throughout the year. Lastly, my extended family centered in Counties Antrim and Tyrone is a ready and willing resource.
Tell us about the sites you’ve selected.
The scenic loop I’ve planned takes us through the breathtaking scenery of the Mountains of Mourne, which literally do sweep down to the sea, then on to the Glens of Antrim, with the natural scenic beauty of the rolling hills to the left and the majestic coastline on the right. Along the way, you hear wonderful stories of the early clans, including the McDonnells, McQuillans and O’Neills. Fionn macCumhaill (Finn McCool) also left his mark on the area! The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is next (pictured below), followed by the Giants Causeway. (See itinerary here)
With Derry-Londonderry as our base for the next three days, we’ll participate in Gathering festivities, and take a full day excursion to Inishowen Peninsula and Malin Head in County Donegal. A highlight of the tour is a specialty gourmet dinner prepared by Ireland’s acclaimed chef, Noel McMeel, at the 5-star Lough Erne Resort & Spa (pictured below). Guests have two overnights at the Resort. The tour concludes with a two-day visit to Dublin. Guests also enjoy a city tour of Derry-Londonderry, Belfast, and Dublin and a guided tour of the Titanic Exhibit in Belfast. Our native Irish tour guide is experienced, knowledgeable and entertaining.
Do you have a particular favorite stop along the trip?
I have so many favorite spots, it’s difficult to pick one. Growing up, our family always headed to the shores of Bundoran, Co. Donegal on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Today, I still am drawn to the shore, and find the Glens of Antrim (pictured below) so alluring, with the untouched natural beauty of the glens, the rugged coastline, and the small, inviting villages nestled along the way. To stand at the tip of Torr Head, with Rathlin Island to the North, the Sea of Moyle and the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland to the east is a wonderful experience.
What’s the one thing you want to convey to Americans about Northern Ireland?
There’s a lively, cultural buzz as well as a very international outlook. Northern Ireland has contributed enormously to the Arts – Seamus Heaney, Nobel prize winner, flutist James Galway, singer and songwriter Phil Coulter, playwright Brian Friel, plus actors Liam Neeson, Gabriel Byrne, Stephen Rea, and Adrian Dunbar.
The people here are very welcoming and helpful – in shops, museums, and around the cities. For me, Northern Ireland has wonderful stories to tell.
10 DAY TOUR - SEPTEMBER 3-14, 2013
The cost of this 10-day tour, with air flight, hotels, breakfast each day and 6 dinners included, is $2,495.00. As an added convenience, the flight is direct, Boston to Dublin.
For more information, visit acorntoursboston.com, or contact Una at 978-441-6855 or by e-mail at: info@acorntoursboston.com. Purchase ticets online here.