Explore your itinerary

For Canadian residents, please purchase this guided trip through our sister company, Trafalgar.

Learn about our enhanced hygiene standards and protocol here.

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.

Hotel

Clayton Ballsbridge

Meals

Welcome Reception

Highlights

Enniskerry, Dublin

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.

Meals

Breakfast

Highlights

Dublin

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.

Hotel

Maldron Shandon

Meals

Breakfast, Be My Guest

Highlights

Cork, Thomastown

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.

Hotel

Killarney Towers

Meals

Breakfast

Highlights

Killarney, Blarney

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

Highlights

Killarney

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.

Hotel

Maldron Sandy Road

Meals

Breakfast, Dinner

Highlights

Lahinch, Galway

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.

Meals

Breakfast

Highlights

Moycullen

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).

Hotel

Ashford Castle

Meals

Breakfast, Dinner

Highlights

Kylemore, Cong

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.

Hotel

Clayton Ballsbridge

Meals

Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Highlights

Dublin

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

What's Included?

  • 9 breakfasts
  • 1 lunch (Be My Guest)
  • 5 dinners
  • Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • Daily breakfast and up to half your evening meals
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • Ferry across the Shannon estuary
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • Optional Experiences and free time
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • Handcrafted Highlights
  • Explore Dublin, Killarney National Park and Lough Corrib with a Local Specialist
  • Discover Killarney and Galway
  • 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
  • See Dublin's Georgian Squares and Galway Cathedral
  • Scenic Cruise on Lough Corrib
  • Scenic Drive of the Ring of Kerry
  • Connect with Locals 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)

AIRPORT TRANSFERS

Brendan Vacations's Airport Transfers 2021-22

Ashford Castle
Clayton Ballsbridge
Killarney Towers
Maldron Sandy Road
Maldron Shandon

*Price is per person, land only and based on double occupancy. Subject to availability; varies by inclusions and travel dates. CST#2084503-20