ICONIC IRELAND AND ASHFORD CASTLE
SPEND A NIGHT IN STATELY ASHFORD CASTLE DURING THIS LEISURELY COUNTRY EXPLORER TRIP.
About this trip
What's included 9 NIGHTS Accommodation,15 MEALS,9 breakfasts, 1 lunch (Be My Guest), 5 dinners
The Trafalgar difference
CONNECT WITH LOCALS
Travel to 12th-century Ireland and explore the remains of the Lost Town of Newtown Jerpoint followed by an Irish 'Be My Guest' lunch with the O'Connells. (Day 3)
STAYS WITH STORIES
Dating back to 1228, iconic Ashford Castle has housed earls, princes and the dynastic Guinness family. Recently reopened after refurbishment, this award-winning hotel is one of Trafalgar's 'Stays with Stories' and is owned and operated by our sister company, The Red Carnation Hotel Collection. (Day 8)
DIVE INTO CULTURE
Visit a Connemara marble factory to see how this vivid green-coloured stone has been crafted into jewellery and figurines for generations. (Day 7)
LOCAL SPECIALIST
For included sightseeing in Dublin, Killarney and Ashford Castle
Sightseeing highlights
WALKING TOUR in Killarney National Park
ORIENTATION of Killarney and Galway
VISIT Powerscourt Gardens, St. Patrick's Cathedral and Trinity College in Dublin, Blarney Castle, Torc Waterfall, the Cliffs of Moher and Kylemore Abbey
VIEW Galway Cathedral
SEE Dublin's Georgian Squares
CRUISE on Lough Corrib
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)
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Optional Experiences and free time
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Ferry across the Shannon estuary
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
Services of a professional Travel Director
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
Handcrafted Highlights
VIP entry to many sights
Itinerary:
Day 1
Arrive Dublin (2 Nights)
The Emerald Isle puts its best foot forward in this iconic exploration of its soul-stirring landscapes. We kick off our epic journey along the walled gardens and rambling walks of Powerscourt Gardens - its sweeping terraces, ornamental lakes and over 200 varieties of trees and shrubs ensure it befits its status as one of the most beautiful gardens in Ireland. Enjoy a Welcome Reception this evening to get to know your fellow travellers.
Hotel - Clayton Ballsbridge
Included Meals - Welcome Reception
Day 2
Dublin Sightseeing and Free Time
Lyrics and legends await this morning as we join a 'Local Specialist' on a city tour to visit St. Patrick's Cathedral, where Jonathan Swift was once installed as Dean. We admire the colourful doorways in the stately Georgian Squares and stroll along the cobbled courtyard of Trinity College and enjoy priority access to see the Book of Kells. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to soak up the charisma of this city. Wander along Grafton Street and see its lively performers, stop for a pint of the 'Black Stuff' in Temple Bar or relax in St. Stephen's Green.
Included Meals - Breakfast
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
Dublin Dinner and Cabaret
Enjoy an evening of fine food and non-stop fun as Ireland’s history unfolds in a cabaret of comedy, song and dance. The cast will have you tapping your toes and joining in the show, all in the spirit of Irish humour. And you’ll even be served an Irish coffee to round off your dinner.
Adult Price: €72.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
Dinner in Dublin City
Come to one of Dublin's most locally-loved restaurant-pubs. You'll enjoy dinner and charming hospitality that this part of the world is renowned for.
Adult Price: €49.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 3
Dublin – Co. Kilkenny – Cork
We leave the hospitality of Dublin behind for County Kilkenny where we delve into the history of a 'lost' medieval town - Newtown Jerpoint. Take a step back in time to the 12th century and wander through its remains which are said to be the final resting place of St. Nicholas. Later, you'll join the O'Connells at their home, Belmore House. Embrace the peaceful rural setting - the perfect backdrop to 'Connect With Locals' over a 'Be My Guest' lunch. Inspired by Irish food and the warmth of our hosts, we continue south to the lively city of Cork, enjoying a free evening to discover its sights, sounds and flavours.
Hotel - Maldron Shandon
Included Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
Evening of Irish Entertainment with Pub Supper
Tonight, we'll travel by coach to a local pub for an evening of Irish entertainment with local musicians/singers including a good hearty Pub Supper.
Adult Price: €48.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 4
Cork – Blarney – Killarney (2 Nights)
Head to Blarney in pursuit of the 'gift of the gab'. Kiss the fabled Stone then head west to the lakeside setting of Killarney, our springboard to the enduring beauty of the Ring of Kerry.
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
Spend a leisurely morning exploring Killarney or join a 'Local Specialist' for a scenic guided walk at Torc Waterfall, strolling over wooden paths and lakeshore trails. Circle the scenic Ring of Kerry admiring its famous 'forty shades of green' and seeing first-hand the scenic landscapes that have inspired writers and poets for centuries.
Included Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
Gaelic Roots
A tour de force of traditional Irish song, music and dance, Gaelic roots showcases Ireland at its best. Using traditional instruments, Irish dance and time-honoured folk songs, this energetic show will have you tapping your feet and singing along in no time.
Adult Price: €34.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 6
Killarney – Cliffs of Moher – Galway (2 Nights)
Our up-close encounter with Ireland's ravishing beauty not yet at its end, we journey north stopping for a walk along the iconic Cliffs of Moher, an extraordinary feature of the famous Wild Atlantic Way. Admire the dramatic cliffs that rise 200 metres above the pounding Atlantic and survey the endless ocean views. We continue to Galway for a two-night stay.
Hotel - Maldron Sandy Road
Included Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
Irish Pub Culture and Song
Tonight we'll get the chance to experience Irish hospitality in the best folk tradition. We'll enjoy a drink while talented locals sing and play traditional Irish music.
Adult Price: €28.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
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 7
Galway Free Time
'Dive Into Culture' at the Connemara Marble Factory, watching master craftsmen carve Connemara marble. Then enjoy an orientation tour of Galway including views of the stone cathedral with plenty of free time afterwards to explore this vibrant city on your own.
Included Meals - Breakfast
Day 8
Galway – Connemara – Ashford Castle
A rugged realm of mountains, lakes, rivers and villages provides a stunning backdrop for our leisurely drive through Connemara - an unspoilt region of Western Ireland that was immortalised in John Wayne's 'The Quiet Man'. We'll visit Kylemore Abbey and ramble through its exquisite Victorian walled garden. Later, board 'The Isle of Innisfree' for an exclusive cruise on shimmering Lough Corrib. Captain Patrick, Ashford Castle's 'Local Specialist', will share his local knowledge as you glide through its peaceful waters. Upon disembarking, a lone piper will escort you over the drawbridge to Ashford Castle, one of Trafalgar's 'Stays With Stories', where tonight you will dine as lords and ladies at an elegant royal dining experience (gentlemen are requested to wear a jacket).
Hotel - Ashford Castle
Included Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9
Ashford Castle – Dublin
Indulge in the sumptuous surrounds of Ashford Castle. Stroll around its exquisite estate and admire its lavish interiors before you return to Dublin. Spend the rest of the afternoon delving into the centuries-old history of the Irish capital. This evening, it's time to reminisce over shared memories at a delicious Farewell Dinner.
Hotel - Maldron Parnell Square
Included Meals - Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Day 10
Depart Dublin
As the curtain falls on a memorable journey with new friends, we say a fond slán go fóill to Dublin and the Emerald Isle. 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
DUBLIN DINNER AND CABARET
Enjoy an evening of fine food and non-stop fun as Ireland’s history unfolds in a cabaret of comedy, song and dance. The cast will have you tapping your toes and joining in the show, all in the spirit of Irish humour. And you’ll even be served an Irish coffee to round off your dinner.
Adult Price: €72.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
AVAILABLE ON DAY 2
DINNER IN DUBLIN CITY
Come to one of Dublin's most locally-loved restaurant-pubs. You'll enjoy dinner and charming hospitality that this part of the world is renowned for.
Adult Price: €49.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
AVAILABLE ON DAY 3
EVENING OF IRISH ENTERTAINMENT WITH PUB SUPPER
Tonight, we'll travel by coach to a local pub for an evening of Irish entertainment with local musicians/singers including a good hearty Pub Supper.
Adult Price: €48.00*
* 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
GAELIC ROOTS
A tour de force of traditional Irish song, music and dance, Gaelic roots showcases Ireland at its best. Using traditional instruments, Irish dance and time-honoured folk songs, this energetic show will have you tapping your feet and singing along in no time.
Adult Price: €34.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
AVAILABLE ON DAY 6
IRISH PUB CULTURE AND SONG
Tonight we'll get the chance to experience Irish hospitality in the best folk tradition. We'll enjoy a drink while talented locals sing and play traditional Irish music.
Adult Price: €28.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to cha
nge.
AVAILABLE ON DAY 6
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.