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Best of Ireland 2013

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Trinity CollegeRing of KerrySt Mary's Cathedral
Trinity College
Ring of Kerry
St Mary's Cathedral
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Guest Experiences

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Trip Itinerary

  • Day 1

    DEPART CANADA

    Overnight flight to Dublin.

  • Day 2

    ARRIVE DUBLIN (2 NIGHTS)

    Spend the day relaxing or exploring this vibrant, friendly city. This evening, get to know your Travel Director and fellow travellers at a Welcome Pub Reception which includes a traditional Irish meal and drinks.


    Meal(s): (Welcome Reception)

    Hotel: Maldron Cardiff Lane (F)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 3

    DUBLIN SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME

    See Trinity College, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Phoenix Park and the stately Georgian Squares with your Local Guide. Enjoy an included visit to the Guinness Brewery for a Storehouse tour and pint-pulling demonstration. Spend the rest of the day as you please, why not explore Temple Bar or Grafton Street, famous for its street performers or consider joining an excursion to the beautiful glacial valley of Glendalough, with its medieval monastic settlement in the Wicklow Mountains National Park? This evening you might like to join an excursion to an Irish cabaret.


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)

  • Day 4

    DUBLIN - KILDARE - YOUGHAL - CORK

    Visit the Irish National Stud Farm dedicated to rearing world-class thoroughbreds since 1946 for a Unique Insight into the raising of thoroughbred champions. After a guided walk through the farm, take some time to stroll through the tranquil Japanese Gardens, regarded as the best in Europe, or visit the Horse Museum. In Kilkenny, see the imposing medieval castle and enjoy free time for lunch. Visit the historic seaport town of Youghal, once home to Sir Walter Raleigh. Dine tonight at your hotel in Cork.


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Dinner)

    Hotel: Rochestown Park (F)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 5

    CORK - BLARNEY - KILLARNEY (2 NIGHTS)

    This morning, visit Blarney Castle to kiss the Blarney Stone and acquire the ‘gift of the gab’. Travel through the colourful market town of Macroom and see the impressive Castle Arch, once the gateway to Macroom Castle it is now almost all that remains. Cross the Kerry Mountains to Killarney, your home for the next two nights.


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)

    Hotel: Muckross Park (SF)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 6

    RING OF KERRY EXCURSION

    Follow the Ring of Kerry around the Iveragh Peninsula, characterised by plunging cliffs, shimmering lakes, granite mountains and rugged coastlines. See a mystical and unspoilt region of Ireland as you wind your way through Killorglin (of Puck Fair fame), Cahirciveen, Waterville and Moll’s Gap in the Black Mountains. Join your companions this evening for a Be My Guest Dinner on a traditional Irish farm in Killarney.


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Be My Guest)

  • Day 7

    KILLARNEY - ADARE - BUNRATTY - LIMERICK

    Cross the Glanaruderry Mountains into County Limerick, visiting Adare, known as one of the prettiest villages in Ireland, en route. Your orientation of Limerick includes views of St. Mary’s Cathedral, King John’s Castle and the Treaty Stone. This afternoon, visit Bunratty Castle and explore the Folk Park, a living museum dedicated to life in Ireland during the 18th and 19th centuries.


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)

    Hotel: Radisson Blu (SF)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 8

    LIMERICK - CLIFFS OF MOHER - GALWAY - KNOCK - SLIGO (2 NIGHTS)

    Visit the magnificent Cliffs of Moher and see the history of the cliffs brought to life with a visit to the ‘Atlantic Edge’ exhibition. View the Cathedral, built on the site of the old prison, and stroll around Eyre Square during your free time in Galway. Enjoy the beautiful Irish countryside and stop to visit the National Marian Shrine in Knock, a popular place of pilgrimage, before continuing north to Sligo. Dine tonight at your hotel.


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Dinner)

    Hotel: Sligo Park (F)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 9

    COUNTY DONEGAL EXCURSION

    Today, enjoy the beautiful scenery of County Donegal.Visit Drumcliffe to see the grave of W.B. Yeats in the churchyard of St Columba’s.See the fishing village of Mullaghmore where Lord Mountbatten once lived and visit Donegal for views of the 15th century castle.


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)

  • Day 10

    SLIGO - DUBLIN

    Travel along the valley of the River Shannon back to Dublin. Spend the afternoon exploring the city or doing some last minute shopping. Tonight, join your new-found friends for a Farewell Dinner with wine at a local restaurant.


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)

    Hotel: Ballsbridge (F)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 11

    DUBLIN - CANADA

    After a hearty Irish breakfast, say farewell to your Travel Director and fellow travelers as your Irish vacation comes to an end. Transfers are available. Conditions apply.


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)

What's Included

Insider Experiences

  • Be My Guest Be taken back in time with an engaging visit to a traditional working farm. Enjoy tales from the story teller and hear wonderful Irish music while you savour the local specialities including Irish stew and soda bread.
  • Local Guide in Dublin.
  • Unique Insight Visit the Irish National Stud, home to some of Ireland’s finest thoroughbreds.
  • Unique Insight Enjoy a visit to the Guinness Brewery for a Storehouse tour and pint-pulling demonstration.
  • Hidden Treasure Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure experience, unique to your itinerary, courtesy of your expert Travel Director.

Sightseeing Highlights

  • DublinSee St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Phoenix Park, the glorious Georgian Squares, and Trinity College with your Local Guide.
  • KilkennyView Kilkenny Castle and gardens.
  • YoughalVisit this Irish Heritage Port.
  • BlarneyKiss the Blarney Stone during your visit of Blarney Castle and acquire the ‘gift of the gab’.
  • Ring of KerryEnjoy the spectacular natural beauty of County Kerry on this scenic drive.
  • AdareVisit one of the prettiest villages in Ireland.
  • LimerickView St. Mary’s Cathedral and King John’s Castle.
  • BunrattyVisit Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.
  • Cliffs of MoherView the stunning seascape from the cliffs and visit the Atlantic Edge exhibition in the eco-friendly Visitor Centre.
  • GalwayView Galway Cathedral.
  • KnockVisit the pilgrimage town of Knock.
  • DrumcliffView the burial place of the poet William Butler Yeats.
  • County DonegalScenic drive past coastal villages and castles in County Donegal.

Dining

  • 9 full breakfasts.

  • 5 evening meals including:

  • Welcome Pub Reception in Dublin, which includes a traditional Irish pub meal and welcome drinks.

  • 2 three-course dinners.

  • Be My Guest Dinner in a traditional Irish farmhouse.

  • Farewell Dinner with wine in Dublin.

Travel Highlights

  • First Class hotel accommodation featuring twin rooms and private facilities.
  • All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes included.
  • Travel by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and an on-board restroom.
  • The services of a professional Travel Director throughout your journey.
  • Audio HeadsetsProvided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences.
  • A travel wallet with your documentation.
  • Complimentary keepsake photo.

Airport Transfers

  • For full details on transfers, please click here.
Disclaimer
  • These prices are LAND-ONLY and are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
  • All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.
  • For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Conditions page. Conditions can be found in the footer under Information.
  • Early Payment Discounts are not available on all Trafalgar trips and exclusions do apply. The Early Payment Discount icon will show on the Pricing and Availability page of the itinerary if applicable.
  • It is important you book your Trafalgar trip from your own country/region. For reasons why, please click here.
Hotel Class Key
  • SF= Superior First Class, F = First Class, MF = Moderate First Class, ST = Superior Tourist, D = Deluxe and MD = Moderate Deluxe.
  • Hotels are subject to change.
Notes
  • * For single travellers purchasing the twin-share option, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms.
  • ^Twin-share option not available for trips to South America., Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey.

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