Iconic Ireland and Ashford Castle

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 travelers.

Meals: Welcome Reception

Hotel: Clayton Ballsbridge

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 colorful doorways in the stately Georgian Squares and stroll along the cobbled courtyard of Trinity College and 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.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Clayton Ballsbridge

Optional Experiences:

You will be offered one of the following two optional experiences depending on availability:

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: 51.00 EUR

Dublin Dinner and Irish Show - Enjoy an evening of fine food and fun as Ireland’s history unfolds with comedy, song and dance. You’ll be 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: 72.00 EUR

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 flavors. Our Stays With Stories accommodation is the historic Maldron Shandon Hotel. Originally Cork’s first general hospital opened in 1720, the building has a colorful history that has seen it survive wars, political upheaval, fire and demolition threats before it opened its doors as a grand hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Be My Guest

Hotel: Maldron Shandon

Optional Experiences:

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: 48.00 EUR

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.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Killarney Towers

Optional Experiences:

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: 67.00 EUR

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.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Killarney Towers

Optional Experiences:

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: 23.00 EUR

Our up-close encounter with Ireland's irresistible beauty is just beginning as we journey north to the towering Cliffs of Moher. Admire the dramatic cliffs that rise 200 meters above the pounding Atlantic and survey the endless ocean views in this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience that will leave you with many stories to share when you return home. Beyond the endless views and the opportunity to capture on film the colonies of curious-looking puffins that find sanctuary in its nooks and crannies, you’ll have an opportunity to visit the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience which really brings this natural phenomenon to life in an interactive way, leaving you with a deep understanding of this special place. Your next overnight stop is Galway where you can really get under the skin of this cultural capital and indulge your love for music, art and good times.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Maldron Sandy Road

Dive Into Culture at the Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory, watching master craftsmen carve Connemara crystal. Then enjoy an orientation tour of Galway with plenty of free time afterwards to explore this vibrant city on your own.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Maldron Sandy Road

Optional Experiences:

City of Tribes Walk and Dinner - Join us in the centre of Galway for a stroll with our Local Specialist who will enthral us with stories of this bustling medieval port, as we meander through the streets while taking in the main historical sights. Later we'll enjoy a meal, with a choice of classic dishes and an included drink.
Adult: 63.00 EUR

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 immortalized 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).

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Ashford Castle

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.

Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Hotel: Clayton Ballsbridge

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.

Meals: Breakfast