ENCHANTING EMERALD ISLE
OLD-WORLD IRELAND COMES TO LIFE AS YOU JOURNEY ACROSS THE EMERALD ISLE ON THIS COUNTRY EXPLORER TRIP.
About this trip
What's included 7 NIGHTS Accommodation,12 MEALS, 7 breakfasts, 5 dinners (including Be My Guest)
The Trafalgar difference
CONNECT WITH LOCALS
Travel to 12th-century Ireland and explore the remains of the Lost Town of Newtown Jerpoint followed by a hearty Irish 'Be My Guest' dinner with the O'Connells and a spot of Eton Mess. (Day 6)
DIVE INTO CULTURE
Visit Strokestown Park House, a stately 18th-century mansion with walled gardens and woodlands, home to the Irish National Famine Museum. (Day 2)
LOCAL SPECIALISTS
For included sightseeing in Dublin, Westport and Killarney
Sightseeing highlights
WALKING TOUR in Killarney National Park and Westport
ORIENTATION of Galway and Killarney
VISIT EPIC - The Irish Emigration Museum, Strokestown Park House, Kylemore Abbey, Cliffs of Moher, Blarney Castle, Kilkenny Castle and Trinity College
VIEW St. Patrick's Cathedral, Galway Cathedral, the mountains of the Connemara and Torc Waterfall
SEE Dublin's Georgian Squares
SCENIC CRUISE across the Shannon Estuary
SCENIC DRIVE of the Ring of Kerry
Travel highlights
Daily breakfast and up to half your evening meals
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Ferry across the Shannon estuary
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Optional Experiences and free time
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Services of a professional Travel Director
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
Handcrafted Highlights
VIP entry to many sights
Itinerary:
Day 1
Arrive Dublin – Afternoon Sightseeing
A warm welcome to Dublin, a modern multi-cultural city that embraces its past and exudes an enduring sense of fun. Meet your 'Local Specialist' this afternoon for a guided city tour to view the elegant Georgian Squares and St. Patrick's Cathedral. A special Welcome Reception this evening sees you visiting EPIC - The Irish Emigration Museum.
Hotel - Clayton Dublin Airport
Included Meals - Welcome Reception
Day 2
Dublin – Strokestown – Enniscrone
Journey through the lush green countryside before your first stop at Strokestown where we will 'Dive Into Culture' at the Irish Famine Museum, delving into the stories of the 1840s famine. See the haunting pleas of starving tenants on the estate and the response they received, before continuing to Enniscrone.
Hotel - Ocean Sands
Included Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
Irish Traditions and Song
Tonight, you'll enjoy Irish hospitality in a cosy local pub. Experience the folk tradition and enjoy a drink while locals sing and play music for you.
Adult Price: €27.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
Luxurious River Shannon Cruise
The longest river in the British Isles, the River Shannon is immortalised in songs and legends. Come with us for a cruise on this majestic river, through the beautiful rolling countryside of counties Leitrim and Roscommon. You’ll also enjoy refreshments on the luxurious Moon River Pleasure Cruiser.
Adult Price: €31.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 3
Enniscrone – Westport – Galway
Travel to Westport and meet your 'Local Specialist' for a walking tour during which you'll learn about the town's heritage - from its settlement 5,000 years ago to modern-day times. Visit the Benedictine monastery of Kylemore Abbey, set against the striking backdrop of Lake Kylemore, and stroll through its walled Victorian gardens. We continue to Galway, the 'City of Tribes', where we'll view Galway Cathedral and spend the rest of the evening at leisure.
Hotel - Connacht
Included Meals - Breakfast
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
Galway Castle Banquet
Join us on a drive to Galway Castle where you'll begin your evening of medieval entertainment. This will be accompanied by a delicious dinner where wine will flow, and you’ll be treated to songs and the marvellous Irish art of story-telling.
Adult Price: €69.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
City of the Tribes Walk and Dinner
Join us on a stroll in the centre of the bustling medieval port of Galway. Then, we'll meet our Local Specialist who will enthral us with stories as we meander through the streets while taking in the main historical sights. Enjoy a hearty three-course meal with a choice of classic traditional Irish dishes. One drink will be included.
Adult Price: €49.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 4
Galway – Cliffs of Moher – Killarney (2 Nights)
The sheer Cliffs of Moher plunge dramatically into the Atlantic Ocean, providing endless ocean views which we'll have an opportunity to admire during a morning visit. Later, we cross the Shannon estuary by ferry to Killarney, our home for the next two nights. Spend a free evening soaking up some unforgettable Irish craic or delve into the town's centuries-old history.
Hotel - Killarney Towers
Included Meals - Breakfast
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
Irish Ceilidh Evening
The Irish Ceilidh epitomises how music and dance were enjoyed in rural Ireland, especially on festive occasions. The craic - welcoming, jolly, fun and informal - is accompanied with plenty of food and drink. There's no more enjoyable way to understand Irish culture.
Adult Price: €67.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 5
Ring of Kerry Excursion
Dramatic vistas are ours to enjoy as we circle the achingly beautiful Ring of Kerry - one of the most scenic drives on the Emerald Isle. See a soul-stirring landscape that has inspired poets, artists and writers for centuries, before returning to Killarney where you have the rest of the afternoon free to explore on your terms. Consider a leisurely guided walk at Torc Waterfall with a 'Local Specialist' taking you along the lakeshore and past the farmlands of the 19th-century Muckross Estate.
Included Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
Experience a Jaunting Cart Ride
Enjoy a traditional pony and trap ride through the beautiful Bourn-Vincent National Park. During your journey, your Local Specialist will share fascinating anecdotes about the area and Ireland.
Adult Price: €22.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 6
Killarney – Blarney – Kilkenny
Kiss the famous Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle and receive the 'gift of the gab'. Travel to County Kilkenny to discover the 12th-century town of Newtown Jerpoint and hear about the saint buried there, who inspired the legend of Santa Claus. Later, we meet local farmers Joe and Maeve O'Connell at their home, Belmore House, to 'Connect With Locals' over a 'Be My Guest' dinner and hear the tale of the 'lost' town.
Hotel - Kilkenny
Included Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
An Afternoon of Irish Fun and Music (Craic agus Ceol)
Take advantage of this opportunity to learn about the ancient sport of hurling at a local pub. Moving outside, you’ll enjoy a live demonstration by village locals and even have a chance to try your hand at this game, said to be the oldest and fastest field sport in the world. Later, live music will greet you on returning to the pub.
Adult Price: €27.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 7
Kilkenny – Dublin
Visit Kilkenny Castle, an Anglo-Norman stone castle that sits majestically over the Nore River. In the castle basement, you'll find the Butler Gallery, one of Ireland's most important art galleries outside of Dublin. Returning to the Irish capital, visit Trinity College and enjoy priority access to see the Book of Kells, said to be the world's most famous medieval manuscript. All that's left to say is a rousing sláinte or two while you indulge in a memorable Farewell Dinner, enjoying a fun night out at a classic public house in the city. Admire the authentic Victorian bar and walk up the original staircase from Trinity College, which was featured in the Michael Caine film 'Educating Rita'.
Hotel - Ballsbridge
Included Meals - Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Day 8
Depart Dublin
It's time to close the chapter on an unforgettable Irish holiday. We bid our newfound friends and Travel Director a fond farewell. Transfers are available. Conditions apply.
Included Meals - Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip
Book with your travel director when you travel
AVAILABLE ON DAY 2
IRISH TRADITIONS AND SONG
Tonight, you'll enjoy Irish hospitality in a cosy local pub. Experience the folk tradition and enjoy a drink while locals sing and play music for you.
Adult Price: €27.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
AVAILABLE ON DAY 2
LUXURIOUS RIVER SHANNON CRUISE
The longest river in the British Isles, the River Shannon is immortalised in songs and legends. Come with us for a cruise on this majestic river, through the beautiful rolling countryside of counties Leitrim and Roscommon. You’ll also enjoy refreshments on the luxurious Moon River Pleasure Cruiser.
Adult Price: €31.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
AVAILABLE ON DAY 3
GALWAY CASTLE BANQUET
Join us on a drive to Galway Castle where you'll begin your evening of medieval entertainment. This will be accompanied by a delicious dinner where wine will flow, and you’ll be treated to songs and the marvellous Irish art of story-telling.
Adult Price: €69.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
AVAILABLE ON DAY 3
CITY OF THE TRIBES WALK AND DINNER
Join us on a stroll in the centre of the bustling medieval port of Galway. Then, we'll meet our Local Specialist who will enthral us with stories as we meander through the streets while taking in the main historical sights. Enjoy a hearty three-course meal with a choice of classic traditional Irish dishes. One drink will be included.
Adult Price: €49.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
AVAILABLE ON DAY 4
IRISH CEILIDH EVENING
The Irish Ceilidh epitomises how music and dance were enjoyed in rural Ireland, especially on festive occasions. The craic - welcoming, jolly, fun and informal - is accompanied with plenty of food and drink. There's no more enjoyable way to understand Irish culture.
Adult Price: €67.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
AVAILABLE ON DAY 5
EXPERIENCE A JAUNTING CART RIDE
Enjoy a traditional pony and trap ride through the beautiful Bourn-Vincent National Park. During your journey, your Local Specialist will share fascinating anecdotes about the area and Ireland.
Adult Price: €22.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
AVAILABLE ON DAY 6
AN AFTERNOON OF IRISH FUN AND MUSIC (CRAIC AGUS CEOL)
Take advantage of this opportunity to learn about the ancient sport of hurling at a local pub. Moving outside, you’ll enjoy a live
demonstration by village locals and even have a chance to try your hand at this game, said to be the oldest and fastest field sport in the world. Later, live music will greet you on returning to the pub.
Adult Price: €27.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.