Trafalgar 70th Birthday

Exclusive Irish Adventure for Past Guests

Céad Mile Fáilte! A hundred thousand welcomes await you in Ireland...

Travel with Gavin Tollman and Patricia Schultz, award-winning travel author of 1,000 Places to See Before You Die, to explore the lush counties, charming towns and fascinating culture of the Emerald Isle on this exclusive Trafalgar 70th Birthday Anniversary Trip. This exclusive trip begins in the picturesque city of Dublin and includes such memorable experiences as learning how to make the perfect pint of Guinness, exploring your Irish heritage and sharing the experiences of a rural farm family in County Kilkenny.

Experience unique celebration highlights such as a night at the breathtaking Ashford Castle – a luxurious and historic 13th century castle owned and operated by our sister company The Red Carnation Hotel Collection and once home to the famous Guinness family.

Your iconic journey will also take you to the lost town of Newtown Jerpoint that dates back to the 12th- century, the rugged realm of Connemara and through forty shades of green in the exquisite Ring of Kerry.

Explore Ireland from the perspective of its charming people – it’s dramatic landscapes and ancient heritage all revealed on one specially crafted itinerary designed for you, our Past Guests.

INSIDER EXPERIENCES

70th Birthday Exclusive Enjoy a VIP visit of Guinness Storehouse and learn how to make the perfect pint of Guinness
70th Birthday Exclusive Music recital in the neo-Gothic Church at Kylemore Abbey
Authentic Accommodation Built by the de Burgo family in the early 13th century, Ashford Castle is set in 350 acres, on the picturesque shores of Lough Corrib
Cultural Insight Visit a Connemara Marble factory to see how this vivid green-coloured stone has been crafted into jewellery and figurines for generations
Local Specialist For included sightseeing in Dublin, Kinsale, Killarney and Ashford Castle
Be My Guest Enjoy lunch with the family at Belmore House on a picturesque Irish farm and discover a ‘lost town’ that dates back to the 12th-century. Visit their sheep farm and see first-hand how the O’Connell family carry out their day-to-day chores.

INCLUDED SIGHTSEEING

City tour in Dublin and Kinsale
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 and Phoenix Park
Scenic cruise on Lough Corrib
Scenic drive around the Ring of Kerry

BOOK NOW FOR $2,595

Place are limited, call us at
866 513 1995

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY 10 DAYS: 23 JULY – 1 AUGUST 2017

Arrive Dublin (2 Nights) - Sunday 23 July

A warm welcome to the Emerald Isle. This afternoon, enjoy a drive south of Dublin to the picturesque Powerscourt Gardens, which first began to take shape in the 1740s. The superb blend of sweeping terraces, fine statuary and ornamental lakes together with secret hollows, rambling walks, walled gardens and over 200 variations of trees and shrubs are a delight to behold. Together, they create one of the most beautiful gardens in Ireland. Return to Dublin and later visit the poignant Glasnevin Trust for an exclusive Welcome Reception where tales of the history of this fine city are revealed. (WR)

Hotel: Clayton Ballsbridge Dublin

Dublin Sightseeing and Free Time - Monday 24 July

Join your Local Specialist this morning on a tour of charming Dublin. You'll visit St. Patrick's Cathedral, where Jonathan Swift was once Dean. Then on to admire the colourful doorways in stately Georgian Squares and stroll along the cobbled courtyard of Trinity College to see the ornate Book of Kells. The rest of the day is yours to explore at leisure. This evening, enjoy a VIP visit to the iconic Guinness Storehouse, followed by an exclusive session where you will learn how to craft the perfect pint of Guinness and later enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. (FB, VIP Dinner)

Dublin – Co. Kilkenny – Kinsale - Tuesday 25 July

Leave the city life behind as you travel to County Kilkenny. Visit Newtown Jerpoint, one of Ireland's best surviving examples of a deserted, 12th century Medieval town and reputedly the final resting place of St. Nicholas. Then join Joe and Maeve O’Connell for a delicious Be My Guest lunch at their home, Belmore House – a delightfully tranquil rural setting offering insights into how an Irish farming family lives. Continue south to picturesque Kinsale, hailed as the “Gourmet Capital of Ireland”. Enjoy a short walking tour with our Local Specialist. Your evening is free and there are a myriad of cafés, pubs, and restaurants from which to choose. (FB, BG Lunch)

Hotel: MacDonalds Kinsale Hotel and Spa

Kinsale – Blarney – Killarney (2 Nights) - Wednesday 26 July

This morning, head to Blarney Castle to kiss the fabled stone that bestows the “gift of the gab” followed by a visit to Killarney, the gateway to magnificent Killarney National Park and the enchanting Ring of Kerry. This evening celebrate with a Civic reception at Muckross House followed by a memorable dining experience at a local restaurant. (FB, D)

Ring of Kerry Excursion - Thursday 27 July

Enjoy a relaxing morning and free time in Killarney or join a Local Specialist for a leisurely guided walk at Torc Waterfall. Later take in views of the famous “forty shades of green” as you travel around the Ring of Kerry, an area which has inspired artists and poets for centuries. This evening we will enjoy a special evening at Quill’s Farmhouse on the Muckross Estate starting with a Drinks Reception and entertainment and continuing on to the Muckross Schoolhouse for a fun school lesson, dinner and Ceili. (FB)

Killarney – Cliffs of Moher – Galway – Connemara (2 Nights) - Friday 28 July

Travelling north, stop for a walk along the Cliffs of Moher, rising 700 feet above the pounding Atlantic with awe-inspiring views of the endless ocean. Next up is Galway, for an orientation including impressive Galway Cathedral. End the day in Connemara. (FB, D)

Hotel: Connemara Coast

Connemara Excursion at Kylemore Abbey - Saturday 29 July

This morning, discover the rugged realm of mountains, lakes, rivers and little towns known as the real emerald of Ireland. Stop for a visit to Kylemore Abbey with its beautiful lakeside setting, and enjoy an exclusive recital in the neo-Gothic Church with its elegant interior and rich acoustics. Kylemore Church is regarded as one of the most beautiful churches in Ireland, sometimes referred to as the Taj Mahal of Ireland and incorporating various shades of marble from the different provinces of Ireland for its pillars. Later gain a Cultural Insight at the Connemara Marble Factory, crafters of Connemara marble for generations. Return to your hotel for dinner. (FB, D)

Connemara – Ashford Castle (Cong) - Sunday 30 July

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 and into the hands of a lone piper who will escort you over the drawbridge to the breathtaking Ashford Castle. Spend the day exploring the grounds of the castle and perhaps enjoy a Bird of Prey demonstration on the front lawn. Tonight, gather in the castle's sumptuous restaurant for an elegantly royal dining experience (gentlemen are requested to wear a jacket). (FB, D) Hotel: Ashford Castle

Cong – Dublin - Monday 31 July

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and perhaps a leisurely stroll on the estate before returning to Dublin. The afternoon is free for last-minute shopping or sightseeing on your own. This evening, join us for a delicious Farewell Dinner as we say ‘slainte’ to a memorable 70th Anniversary trip. (FB, FD) Hotel: Ballsbridge Dublin

Depart Dublin - Tuesday 1 August

You will be transferred to Dublin Airport where your Trafalgar holiday must come to an end. ‘Slán go fóill’ Goodbye, until we meet again! Transfers are available. Conditions apply. (FB)

Speak to our Experts

We’re here to answer your questions and secure your space on this special trip - call us at 866 513 1995

Terms and Conditions

For the best savings and to avoid disappointment book early.
All prices are per person, twin share.
This trip will be operated in conjunction with our sister company and Celtic Specialists – Brendan Vacations.
Airport transfers: on arrival to Dublin Airport transfers will operate at 8.30am, 11am and 1pm. Guests arriving later should make their own way to the hotel. Return transfers on the last travel day will arrive at Dublin Airport at 7.30am, 9.30am and 11.30am.