Iconic Ireland and Ashford Castle
Iconic Ireland and Ashford Castle
10 Days Starting and ending in Dublin
Visiting: Dublin, Cork, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Connemara National Park
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BRACZM19
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 54
Physical rating:
Low
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$4450
$3550 (USD)
Operator discount: -$900
-20%
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Iconic Ireland and Ashford Castle" tour, a journey through the heart of Ireland's breathtaking landscapes and historical treasures. With a Local Specialist, explore the vibrant streets of Dublin, the serene beauty of Killarney National Park, and the tranquil waters of Lough Corrib. Discover Ireland's rich history and culture with visits to the majestic Powerscourt Gardens, the historic St. Patrick's Cathedral, and the legendary Blarney Castle. Marvel at the natural wonders of the Cliffs of Moher and the scenic Ring of Kerry. Enjoy the luxury of cherry-picked hotels, including a stay at the illustrious Ashford Castle, and travel in comfort aboard a luxury air-conditioned coach. With expert guidance, all porterage and restaurant gratuities included, and a selection of meals provided, this tour promises an unforgettable Irish adventure filled with cultural insights, historical exploration, and the natural beauty of the Emerald Isle.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Hello Dublin
Location: Dublin
Accommodation: Clayton Ballsbridge
Accommodation Name: Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge
Meals Included: Dinner
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, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. 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 Dinner this evening to get to know your fellow travellers.
Day 2: Discover Diverse Dublin
Location: Dublin
Accommodation: Clayton Ballsbridge
Accommodation Name: Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 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.
Day 3 : Admire County Kilkenny And On To Cork
Location: Cork
Accommodation: Maldron Shandon
Accommodation Name: Vienna Woods Hotel
We leave the hospitality of Dublin behind for County Kilkenny, on route we stop in Waterford where we have free time for lunch, or perhaps join a walking tour with a local specialist. We continue south to the lively city of Cork, enjoying a free evening to discover its sights, sounds and flavours.
Day 4: Journey To Blarney And On To Killarney
Location: Killarney
Accommodation: Killarney Towers
Accommodation Name: Killarney Towers Hotel & Leisure Centre
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 5: A Day On The Ring Of Kerry
Location: Ring of Kerry
Accommodation: Killarney Towers
Accommodation Name: Killarney Towers Hotel & Leisure Centre
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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. Perhaps join a Local Specialist for a scenic guided walk at Torc Waterfall, strolling over wooded paths and lakeshore trails.
Day 6 : Onwards To The Cliffs Of Moher And Galway
Location: Cliffs of Moher
Accommodation: Maldron Sandy Road
Accommodation Name: Maldron Hotel Sandy Road Galway
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Begin the day enchanted by the wild landscapes, you’ll continue along the Wild Atlantic Way to Connect With Locals and meet local horticulturalist, Oonagh, who’ll teach you how to forage before our Be My Guest visit to the Barrtra Seafood restaurant. Oonagh will reveal the importance of sustainable food experiences and you’ll learn how everything on your plate has been bought locally, perhaps inspired to buy local produce when you return home.Our up-close encounter with Ireland's irresistible beauty continues, as we journey north to the towering Cliffs of Moher. Admire the dramatic cliffs that rise 200 metres 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.
Day 7 : Galway Your Way
Location: Galway
Accommodation: Maldron Sandy Road
Accommodation Name: Maldron Hotel Sandy Road Galway
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 8 : Explore Stunning Connemara And Continue To Ashford Castle
Location: Connemara National Park
Accommodation: Ashford Castle
Accommodation Name: Ashford Castle
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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).
Day 9: Return To Lively Dublin
Location: Dublin
Accommodation: Clayton Ballsbridge
Accommodation Name: Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 10: Journey Home
Location: Dublin
Meals Included: Breakfast
As the curtain falls on a memorable journey with new friends, we say a fond slán go fóill to Dublin and the 'Emerald Isle'.
What's Included
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Expert Travel Director and Professional Driver
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver to guide you through your journey.
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Cherry-Picked Hotels
Stay in cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted for a comfortable and relaxing stay.
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Porterage and Restaurant Gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are taken care of.
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Meals
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals included.
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Hotel Tips, Charges, and Local Taxes
All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are included.
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Must-See Sightseeing and Surprise Extras
Enjoy must-see sightseeing and surprise extras throughout your journey.
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Audio Headsets
Audio headsets provided for flexible sightseeing.
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Luxury Air-Conditioned Coach
Travel in comfort in a 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
Experience a ferry ride across the Shannon estuary.
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Optional Experiences and Free Time
Enjoy optional experiences and free time to explore at your own pace.
What's Not Included
Mode of Transport
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys), Ferry across the Shannon estuary
Accommodation
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Check out our Q&As
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What are the pick-up and drop-off times?
Pick-up times are at 08:30, 11:00, and 13:00, and drop-off times are at 07:00, 09:00, and 11:00.
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What type of transportation is provided on the tour?
The tour provides luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys), and a ferry across the Shannon estuary.
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What are the inclusions of the tour?
The tour inclusions are an expert Travel Director and professional Driver, cherry-picked hotels, all porterage and restaurant gratuities, meals as specified, all hotel tips, charges, and local taxes, must-see sightseeing and surprise extras, audio headsets for flexible sightseeing, luxury air-conditioned coach, ferry across the Shannon estuary, and optional experiences and free time.
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What countries are visited on this tour?
The tour visits Ireland.
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What are the highlights of the Iconic Ireland and Ashford Castle tour?
The highlights of the Iconic Ireland and Ashford Castle tour include exploring Dublin, Killarney National Park, and Lough Corrib with a Local Specialist, discovering Killarney and Galway, visiting Powerscourt Gardens, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and Trinity College in Dublin, Blarney Castle, Torc Waterfall, the Cliffs of Moher, Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory, and Kylemore Abbey, seeing Dublin's Georgian Squares and Galway Cathedral, and a scenic drive of the Ring of Kerry.
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Are meals included in the tour?
Yes, breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals are included in the tour.
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What type of accommodation is included?
The tour includes cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted for a comfortable and relaxing stay.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this Operator
Dates & Availability
Sunday - Tuesday
May 12, 2024 - May 21, 2024Sunday - Tuesday
Jun 23, 2024 - Jul 02, 2024Sunday - Tuesday
Jul 07, 2024 - Jul 16, 2024Sunday - Tuesday
Jul 21, 2024 - Jul 30, 2024Sunday - Tuesday
Sep 29, 2024 - Oct 08, 2024Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions