Spend a night in stately Ashford Castle during this leisurely Country Explorer trip.
Explore iconic Ireland and Ashford Castle, the former famous home of earls, princes and the famous Guinness family. See Connemara's wild and windswept beauty, let the wind whip you up at the Cliffs of Moher and admire 40 shades of green circling the Ring of Kerry.
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Discover one country in depth.
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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.
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.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded 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
Admire County Kilkenny and on to 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 for lunch at their home, Belmore House. Embrace the peaceful rural setting - the perfect backdrop to Connect With Locals at a Be My Guest experience. 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. Our Stays With Stories accommodation is the historic Maldron Shandon Hotel. Originally Cork's first general hospital opened in 1720, the building has a colourful history that has seen it survive wars, political upheaval, fire and demolition threats before it opened its doors as a grand hotel.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded 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
Journey to Blarney and on to Killarney
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.
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.
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 5
A Day on the Ring of Kerry
Spend a leisurely morning exploring Killarney or join a Local Specialist for a scenic guided walk at Torc Waterfall, strolling over wooded 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.
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
Day 6
Onwards to the Cliffs of Moher and Galway
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.
Dive Into Culture at the Connemara Marble Factory, watching master craftsmen carve Connemara marble. Then enjoy an orientation tour of Galway with plenty of free time afterwards to explore this vibrant city on your own.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
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 8
Explore Stunning Connemara and Continue to 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).
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.
As the curtain falls on a memorable journey with new friends, we say a fond slán go fóill to Dublin and the 'Emerald Isle'. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded 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 4
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 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
Available on day 7
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.
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
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
Discover centuries of tumultuous history staying at the Maldron Shandon hotel, a building that has survived wars, fires and threats of demolition to become the grand hotel it is today. (Day 3)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)
Sightseeing highlights
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Explore Dublin, Killarney National Park and Loch Corrib with a Local Specialist
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Discover Killarney and Galway
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Visit Powerscourt Gardens, St. Patrick's Cathedral and Trinity College in Dublin, Blarney Castle, Torc Waterfall, the Cliffs of Moher, Connemara Marble Factory and Kylemore Abbey
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See Dublin's Georgian Squares and Galway Cathedral
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Ferry across the Shannon estuary
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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Optional Experiences and free time
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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Services of a professional Travel Director
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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Handcrafted Highlights
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LIVE, UNEDITED & INDEPENDENT TRAVELLERS REVIEWS
Iconic Ireland and Ashford Castle Trip Reviews
Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, their feedback fuels our innovation, inspiring us to improve continuously and craft Simply The Best vacations. That's why we ask each of our guests to leave a third-party verified, independent review after every trip. As testament to our commitment we have been given the Trusted Service Award from Feefo, recognising we deliver exceptional experiences as rated by real guests.
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Peter Duggan My Account Icon
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Beautiful Ireland
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5
A good taste of the Irish republic and its many sights. With an Irish Australian heritage I was more than happy to learn about the Irish history and see where some of my ancestors are from.
Trafalgar once again delivered for us. We saw some brilliant sights and did some special things. Ireland felt really comfortable and a bit like coming home. Powerscourt has wonderful gardens that remind me a bit of Versailles in France. The Irish people were lovely and we especially enjoyed Maeve O’Connell from Jerpoint. Our tour director Amy was very knowledgeable and went to extra lengths make sure we had a great experience with our driver Hugo providing the comic relief where appropriate. Ashford castle being the highlight of the tour having our own piper march us into the hotel after our boat ride. The falcon school well worth the price if you love birds. I couldn’t be happier to recommend this tour to anyone interested in a real taste of Ireland.
Amy was a excellent travel director. She is full of knowledge of Ireland, and gave it that extra little touch. I would highly recommend this tour. Great job Amy!
Wendy Walsh, the Travel Director was tremendous. Kept everything lively and was very knowledgeable on all the major topics and places and even the little hardly aware of items. Our bus driver, Kaspers, was incredibly talented.
Thought the itinerary was perfect. All the place we visited were beautiful and the knowledge and experience of the guide, Barbara made it all the more special.
Most definately. I did two trips with them consecutively Ireland and Italy and everything was just so professional. I will be using them for my next trip.
Brett Glover in Alice Springs, NT AustraliaMy Account Icon
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Amazing Castles and Kilts tour
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5
Our Tour Director Mauve did an excellent job, and the Coach Driver also was friendly and helpful. Ireland is a fantastic place of diverse scenery and many historic places. Accommodation and activities were great, especially the stay at Ashford Castle and the royal treatment we were given. Very enjoyable
We had a great time and enjoyed the planned trip and accommodation. Our Tour Director Kevin was very knowledgeable passing on information throughout the trip, nothing was too hard for him. He looked after everyone's well being. Our Coach Driver was fantastic, helping people out of and into the bus, and his driving ability was excellent. We always felt safe when on the road when he was driving. After watching the Edinburgh Tattoo on the TV for 20 years or so, it was a delight that it was included in our tour
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Trip Notes
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Room Type: Triple Rooms are not available on this trip.
Drinking Water: Tap water is safe to drink in all of the destinations on this trip. Please remember to bring a water bottle.
This trip will be operated in conjunction with our sister company and Celtic Specialists - Brendan Vacations.
Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA) as well as Panama, the Canal & Beyond (LPAN).
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.
Your selected dates have an enhanced itinerary.
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You’ll be travelling in Autumn, Winter or Spring, and this itinerary has been enhanced for you to enjoy the unique experiences these seasons offer.
